Haymarket Square originally released "Magic Lantern" in 1968. The
group was from the Chicago area and they played typical music of the
time frame comparable to Jefferson Airplane. This album was a rarity
and found mostly in bootleg versions. The original LP in mint condition
commands a price of $2000 in the collectors market.
I noticed similarities in Gloria Lambert's voice to Deborah Harry
and Grace Slick. She had a great rock voice and you can actually understand
what she is singing about. Marc Swenson is mentioned as a Dave Davies
imitator in the liner notes. He gets to move to the front of stage
on several occasions during the course of this recording. On the nine
minute "Funeral," both Swenson and drummer John Kowlaski cut it loose
on a live in concert style track with long solos. And the other half
of the rhythm section, Robert Homa, played a standup bass at all times
to hold up the bottom end.
The sound quality is first-rate. Gear Fab always does a nice job with
the remastering and original cover art. The LP is housed in a gatefold
sleeve, which is complete with psychedelic swirls behind the liner
notes, making it all very sixties, as it should be. This recording
has a nice consistency about it and serves as yet another testament
to the importance of the culture and music of the 60's.
Side One
1. Elevator (Lambert) - 7:06
2. The Train-Kept-A-Rollin' (Bradshaw/Howie/Sydney) - 7:20
3. Ahimsa (Homa/Kowalski/Swenson) - 8:14
Side Two
1. Amapola (Swenson) - 10:43
2. Phantasmagoria (Lambert) - 4:08
3. Funeral (Lambert) - 9:23
The Band:
Gloria Lambert-Vocals
Marc Swenson-Guitar, Vocal
Robert Homa-Bass, Vocal
John Kowalski-Percussion
