Ron Morgan Tribute
The re-release of WCPAEB Part One has caused some confusion because there was a subsequent release titled; WCPAEB "Volume One" that the Harris Brothers recorded before the Part One LP was in 1966. In my opinion, this was a ploy to cash in on the popularity of Part One, the following (2) albums on this site, Volume Two and Volume Three; that were recorded in succession. The point to this is, if you have listened to Volume One in comparison to these (3) Albums showcased on this site, you would hear without any doubt the contribution Ron Morgan had made.
My part in this is mostly personal and I am not going to try to offer redundant information that's already on the Web about this Band. But rather to "clear some air" and give Tribute to my Brother the late Ron Morgan; Lead/Rhythm Guitarist/ Songwriter/Arranger, appearing on this Album and the Two Volumes to follow. In addition to my motives; is to finally tell some of Ron's part the most truthful way as memory allows, to convey what Ron expressed to me and/or what I had witnessed. I closely shared his life with him and in music... Ron's story must be told.
After viewing many postings/ comments on websites, forums, articles/ interviews about the WCPAEB recordings & Ron Morgan; I see instances/examples of a member of WCPAEB trying to recall, "I think it was Ron Morgan" yet could remember what he did with clarity and obviously avoided acknowledging Rons' contributions all together. It is too easy (if not suspicious) for Ron's former band mates to take questionable credit while stating contradictions or being in error of the date Ron left us by sixteen years; Ron's younger Sister was killed in a horrific car accident in 1973. Some of us feel that if Ron were with us today, he would speak up about some contradictions and shallow comments over the years. First perhaps, the comment a band member made; in an interview he wasn't sure who Ron was but said, "Ron wouldn't get out of bed to catch a flight, he had no sense of responsibility". Certainly this is negative and so contrary to what Ron contributed, why make such a statement? How would their music have turned out without him? Ron said it was difficult to catch a flight out to L.A., knowing what he was going in to. Ron's guitar work shows sophistication, while accompaniments of other instruments and/or vocals either complimented his musical approach, or rendered the end result to a lesser standard, regardless of anyones' talent.
Ron was a "true to his school" very talented Musical Artist, who never sold out to any trends when it came to music. Rather than talk about it, Ron preferred to feel the music with a soaring passion deep within his soul, searching the right moment to be unleashed and take flight. You would find Ron, always experimenting with arrangements as to go somewhere, but where?... Ron was too musically free to be concerned. His unique effect laden guitar work could astound you by its intensity and then turn into the sweetest melody that could really grab you inside. Ron lit many a Fire; inspiring players that were struggling with their instruments, to suddenly be set free and follow his lead with effortless skill. No doubt, there will be some that will read this and understand that last statement... completely. Ron could create this electrical atmosphere of spontaneity a Musician may or may not have experienced. Usually, this cannot be forcefully captured, happens unexpectedly and can come rarely. A musically induced trance if you will; as on many occasions we would sit, listen and talk about such Albums as "Electric Ladyland", believing it was Jimi Hendrix's musical statement of that very experience. Obvious to those of us who witnessed it, Ron definitely had harnessed a very creative spark between himself and his instrument. He was quite humble at times, but could be childishly happy when he made his magic work with his musical imagination... declaring his musical statement. How unfortunate we never got to hear and/or experience enough of Ron's incredible talent, during his short forty four years on this Rock.
Ron was sometimes greatly misunderstood in his motives and he really disliked being patronized. He didn't want the "image" to take control of him, as it did with the late Tommy Bolin and many other great players. That self destruct induced mechanism, from the pressures of having to prove how freaking good one may be. Ron truly hated it and being a little too stoned on occasions, was falsely noted as having episodes of "stage fright" in Jimmy Greenspoon's book. Ron's musical direction was very contrary to Three Dog Nights direction. Rons preference to recording rather than live performance is only one example of why he didn't stay with Three Dog Night. Ron was then developing into a very versatile, progressive and experimental hard rocking Guitarist. I remember TDN opening for Electric Flag at Hollywoods' top bill venue The Kaleidoscope; the audience was a blues/rock crowd and seemed not fond of a polished three Singer sound. Shortly after, Ron returned home with a binding contract before he was to go into the studio with Three Dog Night; a Family Lawyer advised Ron not to sign, which he did not. So this and what was in his heart, Ron really walked away from the Dogs before they actually replaced him and even after their success, he never mentioned any regret for leaving (more on the final tribute page).
Ron never seemed unreasonable, just true to his mission. Early in his career, Ron walked away from an offer to join Paul Revere & the Raiders before Doug Heath joined; They practically begged him. Ron thought the "Minuteman" garb was silly, quite uncomfortably warm and The Raiders to Ron was a "commercially driven hype machine". Later in the early 70's, Ron declined Tommy Bolin's request to join him in L.A. for one of his solo mid-seventy albums. Being I was a High School friend of Tommy's girlfriend Karen, she asked me to relay this invitation to Ron from Tommy; but I can't recall what album ( possibly Teaser or Private Eyes). Although Ron revered Tommy as an awesome Guitar Player/ Songwriter; Ron commented, "two powerful lead guitar egos might clutter things up". Ron at that time had fallen onto some hard financial times as well and didn't seem to light up to an excursion to LA for a session. Ron and Tommy jammed together in Tommy's Boulder Colorado based "Zephyr" band. Ron & Tommy on the same stage, was almost scary.
Ron was always reaching for the music he felt inside and would get annoyed feeling he must serve his music colleague's expectations rather than getting into his musical zone... his musical best. This may have been the "Giant Killer", considering how close Ron really came to being a commercial success. Yet in retrospect, The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, Three Dog Night, The Electric Prunes and all the other short lived projects; indicates much success in itself. Ron's inspiring guitar abilities, energy and musical accomplishments, surely deserve overdue credit from those of us who benefited from him.
Thank you my Brother for the Electric, for the Fire... Robert Morgan
1906
Help, I'm A Rock
Leiyla
High Coin
Top Of Page I Contact
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