And speaking of The Charlatans, these three posters by Rick Griffin stand out for me for the way they show the name of the headline group running across the set when placed together. Serial prints weren’t unusual among the San Francisco artists but this is the only example I’ve seen that works in this manner. The posters were promoting three concert sessions at the Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, from May to July 1967. The photography by Herb Greene adds to the attraction of this series; the combination of lighting, sepia tint, and the group’s apparel gives a more convincingly antique effect than similar attempts by other bands. For a taste of The Charlatans’ music, Alabama Bound is featured on my fourth psychedelic mix.
Previously on { feuilleton }
• The Seed
• Art that transcends
• Fillmore sealife
• San Francisco angels
• Family Dog postcards
The great Mike Wilhelm is to the left of the photo. Back in the 70’s he played an astonishing, unannounced solo set supporting the Flamin’ Groovies at Eric’s in Liverpool. I remember the moment the penny dropped amongst some members of the audience when they realised the man playing these dark folk ballads on stage was the guy from The Charlatans.