The Boston Tea Party - The Boston Tea Party (1968 us, fine psychedelic rock, 2010 edition)

A new historical fact has come to up teachers of history, writers of textbooks and unshakeable New England traditionalists: The Boston Tea Party didn't take place in Boston. At least not in the musical sense.

The Boston Tea Party actually happened in beautiful downtown Burbank when five young guys got together in 1963 to strike out for their own brand of musical independence. Truly revolutionary in spirit, the group is unique in that it has no "leader." Each o the members, all accomplished musicians, contributes his share of musical ideas.

The result of this communal effort is an infinite variety of messages mwith more precise musicianship, more exciting performances, than might have happened under the tutelage of a single drivinq force. Richard DePerna, Bass Guitarist and arranger, insists that the group's in-person sound be as excellent as their recorded perfomances. Mike Stevens, Lead guitarist, writes much of the material which is original, topical and abundant in richly poetic imagery.

Organist Robert DePerna and Drummer Dave Novogroski are responible for holding together The Boston Tea Party's tight ensemble sound. Travis Fields, Lead Singer - who also writes material for the group - has that rare gift of addressing the listener in a very personal way. He cares. As does every member of the group.

Visually, The Boston Tea Party is a knock-out in costumes of the 1775 era. But the gimmicks end. After all is said and done, it's the music - a pure, unique, accomplished sound- of The Boston Tea Party that counts.