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Thursday, June 5, 2008

(the) Max Demian Band - Take it to the Max

Name: Max Demian Band
Album: Take it to the Max
Year: 1979
Style: Rock/Pop
Simialr Bands: Ace, The Cars, J Geils Band
"One Word" Review: "Rock-Pop-Dictionary-Definition"
Based Out Of:(recording done in NYC), Miami, Fl
Label: RCA, Victor
Take it to the Max - Cover & Sleeve
Take it to the Max - Back & Lyric Sleeve
Take it to the Max - Record
Take it to the Max (1979)


  1. Havin' Such A Good Day 3:32 [*]
  2. See Me Comin' Down 3:55 [*]
  3. Burnin' Up Inside 3:52 [*]
  4. Still Hosed 4:40 [*]
  5. High School Star 4:45 [*]/
  6. Through the Eye of a Storm 3:34 [*]
  7. Paradise 5:40 [*]
  8. Lizard Song 5:10 [*]
  9. Hear My Song 3:37 [*by request*]
Album Rating (1-10):8.5

Members & Other Bands:
Dan Howe - Guitar, Keys, Vox
Jim LeFevre - Guitar, Keys, Vox
Kirt Pennebaker - Bass, Vox (Los Malos)
Paul Rose - Vox, Lead Guitar, Writer
Peter Siegel - Drums
Artie Kornfeld - Produced
Frank D'Augusta - Produced
Michael Schanzer - Art Direction & Concept
Anthony Loew - Photography
Greg Speirs - Illustration

Unknown-ness: I had never heard of the band. From the looks of the cover, it is going to be a generic prog album. Just the artwork: the band trapped in a mystical eyeball, crying football tears in a lizard and pyramid (not to mention goal post) desert, cried for an investigation into what this band sounds like. 1979 was a good, transitional year for music of this apparent style, so I wanted to hear more. I mistakenly filed this band under Demian, as if that were the last name of the band's leader. But apparently, their band name is taken from a character in the book "Demian" by Hermann Hesse. So from the start, they are a critique of and take their energy from a literary work. This is good to know before hearing any of the songs; that they are somewhat of a concept band, or perhaps even a novelty act.

Album review: Track one, “Havin Such a Good Day,” fades into an upbeat, catchy guitar hook, supported by strong, bouncy bass. Keyboards are added to parallel the melody, and the singing sounds somewhat mechanical, like Devo at first, but that is quickly abandoned and they hit their stride, sounding like Ace, or other pub rock bands. A guitar solo enters the mix early, and it follows right along with the melody, brining it home, rather than adding anything new. It is an interesting mix, where individual instruments take there turns surfacing and playing their little sections louder than the rest. And at times I feel like the song could transition cleanly into The English Beat's "Sugar & Stress." “See Me Comin’ Down” starts off like a Cars song. Short quick guitar riffs, and two melodies soldered together with guitars. Even the vocals sound like the Cars in this song, as it is just as nasally deep and extremely catchy. It is like this is their version of “Let the Good Times Roll.” “Burnin’ Up Inside” is a smooth middle-speed rock song. Their style contains a great mix of smooth 70 pop-rock, and somewhat eccentric vocals that accompany new-wave rock. The execution of the music in this song is particularly prog at times too. There is even a brief hint of honky-tonk piano ala Werewolves of London. “Still Hosed” is a straight forward pub-rock song. Short vocal sections packaged lovingly between repetitive guitar hooks. The set up also works for the chorus as well as verse. There is a short guitar solo section toward the end to fulfill the rock song format of verse/chorus 2x, solo, verse/chorus/chorus. The rocking pace picks up right at the end in time to fade out. “High School Star” has some great staggered guitar work in the beginning, reminding me of “Jesse’s Girl.” It is also similar to the Kinks in their Celluloid Heroes era. There is a fantastic swooping bridge section that dumps you back into the catchy guitar hooks of the beginning section. The lyrics are sung in a daze, seemingly uninspired, but they add to the charm of this song. There is also a great echoey, squeaky-liquid dripping sound effect in the chorus that reminds me of some effects M.K. of the Oingo Boingo used early on.

Side two picks up the pace with “Through the Eye of a Storm:” its momentum drives right through this typical rock standard. Loud guitars, higher, somewhat shrill-like vocals, short catchy melodies, all construct the perfect power pop recipe. Track two starts out acoustically with the lengthy “Paradise.” Slowly, quietly, other instruments are introduced, including synthesized keys, which then take over by the chorus. This song, predictably, has an island rock feel to it: a sedate, laid back groove. The song’s chorus reminds me of roller skating rock that Hail Social has taken and made their own style. They add lots of synthesized elements that try to create a care free, peaceful beach, but the tone of the instruments still comes across somewhat dark. The lyrics ask if this girl will ever find paradise with the singer, and this sentiment ends the song in fade out. “Lizard Song” is a bass driven sneaky, sly song, enjoying synthesized sounds that bring up the image of a large iguana (pictured on the cover?) slinking along. The song comes across as very progressive, if just for the instrumentation and musical structure. The synthesized, harmonized vocals do not negate the prog style either. The short 9 song album finishes with a ballad: “Hear My Song.” It is slow and piano driven. Musically it evokes the image of a dark stadium full of lighter brandishing mulleted couples.

The album is actually fantastic. I did not cringe at any points on it since I did with the cover art. But the music is a perfect slice of Rock-Pop blend. The songs represent different aspects of what makes the genre good, and it exceeds at all the aspects. I don’t see a market for this music anymore, as I’ve constantly thought and said that this music cannot be reproduced authentically, as it had its time and place, and can always be enjoyed, just never recreated. It is a shame that there is nothing on-line anywhere about these guys, because I'd really like to know more...if you know more...please drop me a comment!

Stand Out Track:
See Me Comin Down

Links:
MDB - allmusic

137 comments:

  1. As co-producer of the max demian band I along with
    Artie Kornfield of woodstock fame had a great time
    making this record on a blank canvas and not having
    to conform to any demands by the record company
    to change what the band sounded like no strict
    policies from program directors either,was it a hit ?
    Frankie Daugusta

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  2. Hey, thank you very much for your comments! I do appreciate them, and yes, I believe the product was a success.

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  3. Hi, thank you for the post!

    "Hear my song" was a big (?) hit in Korea among a circle of listeners to a midnight radio program.
    Can you share this song too? It'll bring back fond memories!

    Thanks again,

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  4. Dreadco, Here you go! I hope it takes you back to where you wanna go!

    Shepard

    http://www.imeem.com/people/nX4TPXa/music/z0N8NkYF/max_demian_band_hear_my_song/

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  5. Hi Shepard,

    Thank you so much for sharing the song!

    I have played this song "in my brain" maybe hundreds of times and the song still sounds fresh and sweet. I'm having goosebumps listening to it...

    Have a great day buddy!

    Lee

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  6. Shepard, thanks a heap for posting this review. I owned the album in 79, and hadn't been able to find anything about these guys on the net.I was beginning to wonder if they ever really existed.
    As you said, the surrealistic cover was pretty out of step even for 1979. I'm not sure how I came upon album, but I remember liking it even though I was more into new Wave at the time (Blondie, Elvis Costello, The Pretenders etc.)I even saw the band in concert at Bogarts in Cincinnati with Louise Goffin - Carol King's daughter. Unfortunately I don't remember much about the show, except that I thought Max Demian could be cool if they were more new wave and updated their look.
    Do you remember another obscure band from that period called Angel City? They were kind of in the same boat as Max Demian - a rock band stuck in the New Wave Era.

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  7. Weephole,

    The band you are talking about, Angel City, is from Australia. Angel City is their US name, as they are the Angels in their homeland. I only know this because I did happen to pick up their album "Dark Room." It was one of the first albums I reviewed:
    http://thriftstoremusic.blogspot.com/2007/12/angel-city-dark-room.html

    Check this link for the list of the bands I've reviewed and bands I plan to review:
    http://thriftstoremusic.blogspot.com/search/label/000List

    Thanks,
    Shepard

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  8. Okay, this will sound like a lie, but Jim LeFevre is my guitar teacher. He teaches in a little music shop named Lauts in Merritt Island FL.

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  9. Hello All. I'm Kirt Pennebaker and I was indeed the bassist for Max. I just found this site and am very impressed. Max has done a few reunion concerts in the Miami area over the years and we all still stay in touch. If you have any questions...please ask away.

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  10. Hi, Iam Fofi Lancha the second drummer and current drummer who did the second album. Kirt and I still hang out and play together..we still keep in touch with all of the members.You should review also "Call of The Wild" (RCA) which shows the direction were Max was heading.

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  11. Kirt, This is Elane, a blast from the past in the old South Miami days. I was tickled to see you on the U Tube concert. Of course you know that I thought you were a wonderful band and followed you all over the Miami cicuit. Some of the best days to remember. I have two grown children and 3 grandchildren. Time does not stand still, does it? Well just great to see your face after all these years. I live in the Seattle area now. Quite a difference from Miami.....Take good care.

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  12. Hello Elane! Long time, no see. Max had/has great, loyal fans. We liked to have a good time and loved playing...although 5 or 6 sets a night, six nights a week was challenging. I think if we could have put out a third album, it would have been special. Max had so much untapped potential...but such is life. All the best. Kirt

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  13. It was not an easy life for all of you, but you were young and handsome and it was all a youthful thrill. Lots of dreams, and let's face it, you were so popular for so many years. I come down to visit my brother and his wife on occasion, maybe if I'm there during the concert you do every year, I'll stop by and see that handsome face again. Elane

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  14. Hi Kirt! I still have my vinyls and great memories of "Max" Hope all is well in your world! Janine aka J9

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  15. Wow!! Hey J9! Remember the "toe nails" at the Exquire Club (the toe nails were dancing stands in front of the stage)? All is well. We all still live in South Florida...except Paul...who now lives in New Mexico. My best friend and our sound man, Clyde, passed away February 2006. We all talk about playing together again but the logistics of it all are difficult. Yes Elane, we were all very young and cocky but were very serious about our music. All the best! Kirt

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  16. Wow, how cool to hear from all of you! Jim LeFevre here from Max. It was a great run with a great band, and it seems that almost from the beginning, Max acquired friends that became, in a unique way, a real part of the band experience. It’s like we were all in it together, and in a way, grew up together during the 8+ years of Max.

    The band, I’m happy to say, is still in touch, and never a conversation goes by without remembering our friends from the extended Max family. So, if this forum gives us an opportunity to catch up and find out what has become of some of those friends, I think, well, we should plan a party!

    Okay, after 30 years we’ll have to wear nametags… Oh, and maybe masks made from old pictures - that would help… And a triple shot of tequila at the door – that would really help… Let’s see, we’ll need a band. Oh yeah, that’s us… Sounds good so far, now, if we can only find a place to rent some ‘toenails’…

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    Replies
    1. Hi guys...

      Serious Blast from the past.... I was the keyboardist for GLYDER, a band from ATL that came down to Esquire Club. We met you guys and had a great time that week. It's good to see we're still around and maintaining our faculties. At least enough to remember the good times in the 70's...

      Rock on!!!

      Delete
  17. Yes I remember the "toe nails" I wasn't "born senile" and I also remember the "sacrifices" we all made back in the day!

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  18. Oh my gawd ... talk about a huge blast from the past .... I spent the better part of my late teens and early 20s hanging out at the Esquire Club, and Johnson Street Big Daddys watching Max Demian play .... Thanks Janine for turning me on to this site .... Hey Kirt and Jim ... This is Tami ... I was there with Janine aka J9 and Betty and Heidi and the gang lots of the times. Sure is great to see you guys are still alive and kicking!!!

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  19. Hi Tami – great to hear from you! Those sure were fun times. I can picture all of you together at the Esquire… dancing… laughing… Not bad.

    And yes Janine, we do remember the ‘sacrifices’ made by you and Tami and countless others, but truth be told after all these years, it was always Myrtle who was the band’s favorite. She stuck with us through thick and thin, she never complained and she was always dressed for the occasion…

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  20. Hey Jim - Tami again!!! I'm in Portland, Oregon now - quite a world away from Florida.

    WOW ... after re-reading this a bit closer ... so sorry to hear about Clyde ... he and I had a bit of a 'special' friendship for awhile, and he was truly a really nice guy. Really sorry to hear of his passing :(

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  21. Thanks Tami. And yes, Clyde was very special to all of us. I knew Clyde before he became part of Max – almost 35 years – and in all that time (some of it spent 24/7 under very stressful conditions) never a harsh word passed between us. He was a great example of ‘how to be a better human’. We were all enriched having Clyde as a dear friend and brother. We miss him.

    As for you Tami, how cool that you’ve kept in touch with J9 over all these years! Do you ever hear from Betty – and how did you wind up in Portland?

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  22. Oh gee ... I am a bit of a gypsy .... I am trying every state LOL! J9 keeps in touch with all of us ... she's more in touch with the girls than I am, but I do know Betty is in Texas and doing well. J9 was my lil sis from our sorority, so yes, we have always stayed in touch... I love her like we were blood!

    I am so pleased to have found this site, and all of you guys again ... you were such a huge part of my formative years LOL ... where would I be without the "toenails and sacrifics" LOL

    How are you doing Jim? What's going on in your world?

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  23. Hey Tami. It's Kirt. Yes...the sacrifice ceremony was most enjoyable. With you and Elane out west, we should have our next reunion concert out there. Where are you J9? Betty "Banana?" Paul is nearby in New Mexico. Kirt

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  24. Betti actually lives near me now, I live in Flagler Beach (30min north of Daytona) and Betti is on the border of St. Augustine and Jax, We still get together, she will die about the "banana" reference! She pretty much has blocked out everything BHK (Before her Kids). I called her last nite, will give her info about this site! J9

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  25. Well J9...Betty will always be "Betty Banana" to Max. In the best way possible. We love all of you!! Kirt

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  26. “Betty Banana”… This keeps getting better and better! So Tami, I’m doing great, thanks. Still playing some but mostly teaching music for a living (that’s one of my students in an earlier entry). Now I put their CDs and pictures and newspaper articles on the studio wall – they’re starting to compete with the Max Demian memorabilia! Which, I guess, is the way it should be.

    So, Gray Demian goes West… Hummm… We could do Stravinsky. I can see it now, The Rite of Max.

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  27. It tickles me to see and hear all these stories after all these years So glad you are all still in touch. I was 19 when I met you Kirt, you were taking Music Theory class at Miami Dade Community College. What fun times, I loved them. Keep the nostalgia coming, would love if you all came to do a reunion get together Max madness concert. LOL The best, Elane

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  28. Oh Elane...what good times. Anyway...to clear a few things up. I played drums...before Jim mutated me into the bass world. Jim graduated from UM. I studied there with my bass teacher, Don Koffman. But Jim was a magical musician. He wrote a lot of songs for Max that didn't make it because they were so far ahead of their time. You all probably remember an original called "Left of Light." Anyway, let's keep this going. Maybe Max needs a dedicated website. Kirt

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  29. I think it would be fun to post recent pictures of all of us. A dedicated site would be great, Kirt. I never realized that you played drums. Do you still have Ada?

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  30. So I just came across my old scrap/photo album dedicated to "Max" Ok I had to climb over some clothing racks, pull out a container full of my second daughters early photos, take out the the five full complete photo albums of my first born's first year! and lo and behold there it was!
    Yes Tami this is the album we put together! J9

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  31. (Tami again)OK we totally need to make a facebook page, or a myspace page for Max!!!!!

    J9.... omg ... I so remember that!!!! DUDE!!!!!!! I am having such huge flashbacks... those were some of the best days of my life :)

    Kirt & Jim .... love and miss you guys bunches ... Let me know if either of you have myspace or facebook pages, and I'll totally add you both!!!! How is Paul?? And Danny????? Whatever happened to Pete????

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  32. Rebel Rebel----hey where's Tami?

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  33. Rebel Rebel .... you tore your dress..... Rebel Rebel.... your face is a mess ......


    HOT TRAMP ... I love you so ;)

    LOL

    damn ... those were the days... although I've not changed much .... I'm still much wilder than any of my friends LOL

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  34. Alas...Ada is gone. Pete left after the first album. I think the long hours and travelling started to get to him. He was living somewhere near Orlando. If anyone knows how to get in touch with Heidi...she had an awesome Max scrapbook. Kirt

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  35. I remember the Inner Circle, Brasierre, and remember the Bamboo in Homestead? I remember driving to Disney World in the middle of the night and riding the boat called "Kwango" on the Jungle Cruise. Eating Frog Legs at the restaurant by your apartment, Kirt. Did you all ever keep in touch with Victor? Elane

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  36. Hi Elane. Those were all fun places. Did you see our Kwango and the Kanebulons show at the Brasierre? Those shows were fairly bizarre and were authored by Jim. Clyde played Ka Ka the monster. I personally never saw much of Victor after the accident. He did sit-in with us a few times afterwords though. Kirt

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  37. Yes, it was bazarre, but they were youthful bazarre times, which makes them so memorable! Sure miss them, but glad I still have a great memory. LOL Elane

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  38. (Tami again) OMG The Brasserie ... and the 747 .... and Bird Road Big Daddys .......... geezzzzzz so many memories!!!!! I used to have the cutest pic of me ... I was on the floor of the stage of Bird Road Big Daddy's, Jim was on top of me, and Kirt took the pic of us LOL!!!!! Such a great pic ... too bad my ex husband was such a prick, and burned them all when we were getting divorced. Man, the stories I could tell LOL

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  39. Tami, how funny. Not really, but I can relate.
    I had great pics of me and the band at the Inner Circle. That's when Victor was also in the band. I had a great one of Kirt holding up his Ada. My ex-husband also destroyed them, in his jealousy that I had a life before him. We were all so young and darling back
    then. I searched and searched for them. I'm still hoping that I put them in a special book or something and will still come accross them, but I doubt it. Big Daddys on Bird Road, going to breakfast across the street at Denny's at 2 a.m. etc. The stories I could tell too, but I bet a lot of us feel that way.
    Elane

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  40. I meant the Big Daddys off Miracle Mile, if that's the Bird Rd one. I forget. LOL
    Elane

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  41. LOL no that was a different one! I think we made the rounds of most of the Big Daddy's lounges haha!! I heard Bird Road Big Daddy's is now a mortuary ..... that's kind of ironic lol!!
    Tami

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  42. Ode to “MAX” circa 1978 by J9

    It started at the Esquire my very first night
    I heard a Rock band that was solid and tight
    After MAX DEMIAN nothing was the same
    They put all the other rock groups I knew to shame.

    I became a follower of that very Rock Band
    To go dancing at Esquire all my nights were planned
    Again and again I heard them play and sing
    Rebel Rebel, ZZ top and their own DISCO DARLING!

    Twice they went away and twice we were Blue
    For without our MAX DEMIAN what would we do
    Come back they did, sounding better than before
    And again we all came to dance and cheer the band we adore!

    Then they really cut loose at the outdoor concert
    Where Tami and J9 wore their MAX DEMIAN T-shirt
    They got down and made it especially fun
    When they encored with the Sex pistols “Holiday in the Sun”

    They have played at 747 and now on Bird Road
    Where they once sent Pete home for not following the dress code
    And hosed they have been at both of these bars
    With equipment being damaged and trouble with their cars!

    They’re Paul, Danny, Kirt, Jim, Pete and Kenny too
    And they’re back by many fans and (hint) future stage crew
    They are MAX DEMIAN and not to far
    From each one becoming your favorite rock star

    MAX DEMIAN the band we all stand behind
    MAX DEMIAN the band that’ll blow your mind
    With Mutants, Sacrifices and Karinge Days
    We love you MAX DEMIAN now and for Always!!

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  43. OH MY GOD ... I had totally forgotten that!!!!!!!!! That's way too funny LOL!!!!!! (Tami)

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  44. You know, reading the dates you put in....make me realize that I was a Max girl quite a bit earlier; from 1974 through 1976, then got married and moved to Ft. Lauderdale. I still came down to the Esquire a few times after that. Sounds like things got a lot crazier after '76. Elane

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  45. Elane, If I remember correctly, you came down to the Bird Road Big Daddys once? Does anyone know how to contact the guy who started this blog and have him review "Call of the Wild?" That would be cool. Kirt

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  46. I would seriously love to have copies of both albums ... are they on sale anywhere on CD?? My ex asshole of a husband got rid of EVERYTHING I ever owned during our divorce, so all my fantastic music is lost and gone!!!! I had so much stuff that can never be recovered... like a tape of Johnny Depp's first gig with the Kids, and actually ... one of him with his first band, The Bad Boys when we were all down in Key Largo! Plus all my great Max stuff ... alllllll my zillions of pics .... I'm sad I have no pics of myself or any of my friends before 2000!!

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  47. PS - that was Tami ^^ up der!!!

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  48. Yes, Kirt, I belive so.....(Dear God) LOL Remember when we went to Disney World and Danny's girlfriend bought him that Razor Blade necklace at the gift shop at one of those rest stops on the turnpike? Elane

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  49. Hi,

    I'm the guy who does this blog, and let me tell you it has surely been a pleasure keeping up with all the comments. I'm so glad that you have found each other again after the years and life changes and I can only imagine how I'd feel in all of your shoes. It makes me smile.

    That said, I saw your comment Kirt, and I'd love to check out your second album "Call of the Wild," as I really enjoyed the first one. My theme to this blog is: albums I find but have never heard of (ones that strike me as interesting) & I then review them. Reviewing your second album would be a departure from my self-created theme, since I now know much more about the band. But if there is interest, I'd be glad to do it.

    As there is interest in the album, I think I will rip the album to MP3's (as I recorded it from record to CD) and upload the tracks to a site called grooveshark.com...there is no registration needed to listen to any of their uploaded tracks and they stream songs for free. I'll post another comment after I do this if there are no objections...

    Thanks!
    Shepard

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  50. Hey Shepard. I was wondering how to get in touch with you. Glad you returned and thanks for an honest review of our first album. I would enjoy to see what you think of "Call of the Wild," as you'll notice quite a few changes in not only the sound but the writing and arrangements. The sound is more polished and we worked hard on the vocals and arrangements. Thanks so much for doing this, as it has brought many of us back together. J9, Tami and Elane were not only loyal fans but like family to Max. Best regards. Kirt

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  51. All the tracks have been uploaded! Enjoy:

    Havin' Such A Good Day
    http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Havin_Such_A_Good_Day/22972710

    See Me Comin' Down
    http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/See_Me_Comin_Down/22972698

    Burnin' Up Inside
    http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Burnin_Up_Inside/22972712

    Still Hosed
    http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Still_Hosed/22972699

    High School Star
    http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/High_School_Star/22972703

    Through the Eye of a Storm
    http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Through_The_Eye_of_a_Storm/22972706

    Paradise
    http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Paradise/22972707

    Lizard Song
    http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/The_Lizard_Song/22972705

    Hear My Song
    http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Hear_My_Song/22972702

    Thanks for all your interest,
    Shepard

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  52. I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Going to Westport fishing village tomorrow for Pirate Days. It's small town stuff. LOL Beautiful beachs and sunshine. Of course the water is frigid. Elane

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  53. One more thing before I go for the weekend; Thank you Shepard for this review and site I feel lucky to have found. I just listened to all of the cuts fom "Take it to the Max" and it transfers me back to such a special and memorable time in my youth. Very, very special to me. Again, thank you. Elane

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  54. (Tami again) BOY ... did that take me on a long memory walk ... I could almost picture the toenails of the Esquire Club listening to those!!!

    I too, am very glad to have found this site, and get to relive some of my very best years!!!! Thanks again J9 for hookin' a sista up!! xo

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  55. I think I figured out the signing up thing .... I'm blonde ... it takes awhile lol

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  56. Yes, Major Thanks to Shepard for all the work! I hope you feel some sincere gratification seeing all of this spin off. Great stuff. For those who don’t know, this whole Max Demian thing was the ‘brain child’ of Kirt. He’s also the one who called everyone in the band (three times a week) to get Gray Demian I & II rolling. Thanks Kirt, what a ride!

    As for Pete, I talked to him just before GD I. He was involved with a courier service in Orlando and has a son who has become a successful musician (whatever that is…). I also talked to Victor Thoen (keyboards) before GD I, and again about 2 years ago. He is in North Miami and is still very much Victor. Victor never ceased to amaze and inspire me. I know we all wish him well. If there is a GD III, it would be cool if they could be there. Let the mutations begin!!!

    Meanwhile, you girls are taking me to Flashback City! What great times… Hey, whatever you all do, don’t change!!! BTW, Tami, I think that was my twin brother Guido at the Big Daddy’s that night… Thanks for posting your poem J9 – most excellent. So, now I’m feeling inspired and think I’ll have to write something… Let’s see…

    There once was a band from Miami
    Who knew Elane, J9 and Tami
    They went on a break
    And, ah… Oops, sorry, gotta go, I think that’s Kirt calling about GD III…

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  57. "Dancing Days are Here Again" Throws me right back to 19 and living to dance to Max. Elane

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  58. funny I just heard that song today, ditto-j9

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  59. Happy Fourth of July to my Max Demian Friends and Family. Enjoy all of your wives, children and grandchildren. Love, Elane

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  60. So Jim, tell me about Gray Demian I + II. I had not heard about it. Let's get some dialog going again. Elane

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  61. Okay Elans, here goes. (PartI)

    Snapshots of Gray Demian: The band converges on Miami; it’s been 20 years. Kirt has arranged a performance for us at a club in Cutler Ridge. We begin Day 1 at a full-blown rehearsal studio in North Miami provided by Fofi (Thanks Fofi!). We get right down to business (typical Max) and work 8-10 hours a day for the next week. Our days end with dinner, a pitcher and war stories. I look around the table – it is Max on the road again. Cool.

    I am staying at Clyde’s. In the mornings, he is already up with homemade Cuban coffee to get things started. Maria makes us always welcome – she is truly a Max soul mate. (For GD II, we actually rehearse in the Pinder living room!) Clyde remembers the Bee Spit (Renshenfengwangjiang) I turned him on to about 30 years before and takes me to Cuban drug store to make sure I have some. He drives us everywhere – what a guy! We swing by his workplace for a walk-thru. Everyone is genuinely glad to see him. Clyde emits an aura of contagious calm and confidence. He is a loved man. Then one night we have dinner at a place a little nicer than usual. Whispers in the restaurant abound: “Hey! It’s Fofi!” “Look, look, Fofi!” I am with a celebrity. I now feel cocky. Back at Clyde’s place, I practice for another two hours with the Overtown dog pawing at my leg reminding me I have an audience. I consider a kidnapping scheme…

    Later in the week the old crew shows up. John (Enne) and Barry (Ebs) check out the gear and arrange a PA (Thanks guys!). By Day 5, Paul breaks out the New-Skin for his fingers. I’m eyeing the bottle... The band is coming together and the anticipation is growing.

    Showtime: The house band finishes their first set. We are scheduled to cover the second set and then turn it back over. We have the pleasure of seeing many old friends - really great. Then it’s our turn. There is a flurry of activity and then there we are, on a stage again after 20 years, waiting for a count-off. Without telling anyone, Paul starts off with – you guessed it – Rebel, Rebel. I have to grin. I look around, and the rest of the band has the same grin – the kind that won’t come off with a crowbar. In that moment, this was all worth it. We never get off the stage and finish out the night.

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  62. Somewhere in the Gray Demian saga we are playing Fernstock. We have been able to see old friends, including Kenny Wynn from my high school band, The Novas (Kirt played drums on occasion with The Novas). We go on early in the day as Danny (Butter) has a gig later that night in the Grove. Again, there is a flurry of activity and we are rushing to get on stage. There is so much humidity (Fernstock is a stage set in the middle of a fern farm…) that my glasses (yes, trifocals) fog up and I can’t see my hands – or anything else! Then it happens: our amps, gundo typical Max amps, are drawing their power through Walgreen’s style extension cords. They fail. The amps stop. They cool down. We start. They fail. The amps stop. Anyhow, you get the picture. {This is better than our first album tour in Savannah. It was St. Patrick’s Day and we were the last band on, so everyone was well into the land of dyed-green beer. RCA had just helped us up our amp ante so we were more ferocious than ever – for the first 8 bars. We drew so many amps of power in those first few seconds that we blew their municipal-strength breakers. It only took a few seconds before the green beer started flying… at us!}

    After Fernstock, we go to Gek (Keg South) for some spiked pitchers and funky food, and then to Dan’s gig. Dan’s band, C.O. Jones, has, perhaps with some appropriate reservation, invited us to play. We watch their set. Danny is covering the entire horn section parts of a Steely Dan number on the keys(!). Meanwhile, off stage, Kirt is educating the band: Tequila first, then a Guinness. We all dutifully comply… okay, a few times. I look back at the stage. Danny has a solo. He is rockin’. Now he’s working his way off the keys, onto the floor (still playing). Now he’s lying on the floor, looking up at the bottom of his keyboards and playing upside-down and backwards. He’s still rockin’! Now he has successfully worked his way back to a standing position and in the process, never missed a note!!! There is a place for people like that! (A bigger stage…) So now it’s our turn. The band gives way, eyeing us. I think they know what’s coming. They’re right. We are loud. Very loud. People move to the back of the club. Some leave. Too bad. All the pressure’s off and the band is just smokin’! We’re having a blast! Dan is under the keys again, I’m sliding across the dance floor on my knees, Fofi wears a manic grin, attacking his cymbals like an axe murderer, Kirt has tears streaming down his face from laughing, Paul legitimizes it all, singing a great song and trying his best not to laugh while the circus whirls around him…

    We go to leave but don’t get far before Paul says, “Stop!” Not used to this level of imbibing he does a feet-out-and-spread-‘em on the West wall of the Coconut Grove Playhouse. Someone snaps a picture.

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  63. Wonderful, Jim. You made me feel like I was there sharing in the fun and excitment. Good for you all, keeping in touch over the years and still making great music. Do you still write together? How often do you get together?
    What does the future hold for you as a band. I know you must all have other work/professions. What do you all do now? Elane

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  64. Well put Jim ... you paint a very vivid picture ... I feel like I am there in the moment!

    Ditto to all of Elane's questions ... tell all1!!

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  65. Kirt, how are you doing these days? Elane

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  66. I'm doing great! Retired from one "real" job and sort-of working on another. Over the past 20 years, I lived all over the world...and managed to find places to play. I played blues for around three years while living in North Carolina...the closest thing I could find to rock. It's good to be back in South Florida.

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  67. Isn't it amazing where life can take you? I have lived in this area for 18 years. Did you live in Germany? I was born in Munich. I was there last in 1984. I miss swimming, but would miss the trees, mountains, and lay of the land more. It was quite the culture shock from South Florida. It is very different here.
    Did you have any more children, grandchildren?
    Elane

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  68. Is North Carolina not into rock? LOL Did you enjoy the blues. It is very popular here. How often do the Max boys get together now? Do you write music together or are you all pretty solo now? Elane

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  69. Wow! Memories.....Janine and I are looking at old Max Demian pictures. I miss the olden days. The days when all I had to do is worry about what I was gonna wear to The Esquire Club that night and how long it took me to do my hair before we went out. I wish they had flat irons back then. Oh by the way, this is Betti Banana!!!!

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  70. Well, after a few weeks of no more comments, I am wondering if everyone is dropping communication on this site. What a shame, if so. I so enjoy hearing about everyone's life escapades. Kirt, what took all over the world?
    Did you go solo, or play with others? Where did you live? I hope life is treating you well. Will you do Fernstock again? I'd like to know when and if I can afford to go then, I'd love to see you all perform and have some laughs, beers and what the heck, shots.....LOL
    Do you have a facebook, or my space? It would be fun to look at pictures of family etc. I know it was a long time ago, but isnt' it funny how meaningful life is when you are experiencing new things in your youth and what an impact it makes on your life and memories?
    We just went through 104 degrees and most people do not have air conditioning here, because the heat doesn't last too long. If you haven't been out west, you would probably love it for a visit. It truly is beautiful here. Looking forward to hearing back. Lanie
    (My best friends call me that now).

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  71. Still here. Just got back from a cruise. No...I don't have Facebook...or any of that other stuff. I have no idea whether Max will do anything else in the future. As you all know...life gets complicated. I do know that all the guys are monitoring this site though. Fofi and I got together last weekend and sat out by his pool and listened to Hendrix and Jeff Beck.

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  72. Hey I'm still here too ... just been busy ...that life stuff gets in the way of play sometimes! I'm at the airport right now, headed to AZ for a few days ... hope everyone's doing well....

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  73. WOW, I remember Max Damian very well, I worked out at the local gym in Perrine Florida with bassist Kirt. Back then they usually filled the local Big Daddys on Bird Road on the weekend. Kirt do you remember going out to my camaro on your break? They were great live, their record came out and they had a party at Big Daddys that night. I bought the record, sounded flat. oh well.

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  74. ...And who might you be? I did work out in a gym in Perrine...and I agree...the mix on the first album leaved alot to be desired. RCA sent us all home during the mix.

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  75. He's mo mo the doe doe obviously. Elane

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  76. Sorry, but no one should have to be put on the defensive here. This is a tribute site for appreciation of a Band, Music and a Time that meant and means a lot to many. Elane

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  77. No offense taken. I'd just like to know who I spent time with on a break...in a Camaro (one of my favorite cars)...at the Big Daddy's. Just curious.

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  78. Good, can't have our Kirtly feeling defensive. Smooches! E

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  79. Elane, what can I say, your comments speak much about you.
    Back to Kirt. Yes Kirt you worked out at the little gym in perrine, remember the crowd? I had shoulder length curly hair, big arms. We worked out together a bit, we did back alot. Deadlifts...the paramedic owned the place, it was a riot at times.
    I used to take a red head girl to Big Daddys on Bird Road, your band was awesome there. A great live band, no doubt!!! I was there for the record party as well. I own the album!!! I think I bought it at Spec's on US1. Didnt you see Santana when you were recording the album, in NY?
    I think you might have been in the navy, but could be wrong.
    Anyway, as I remember the album was release, your band was on SHE I believe and the lead singer did the artwork. Its been a long time dude. As I remember, it didnt do justice to your live performance...what the heck. I was just surprised to see this website.

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  80. Mo,just wanted to keep things on the positive side....like you, I enjoyed Max's live performances for years. And.....well, sorry if I offended you. The comment I made really speaks nothing of the person I am.....you would just love me. LOL Elane

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  81. Mo, The gym was Iron Man. The clientele at the gym was weird...at times. Remember the veterinarian, who wore a speedo and no shoes? He had a nickname...like Happy...or something. Anyway...back to your comments. I did hang out with Santana's drummer at Studio 54. Paul (our guitarist and lead singer) did not do the artwork. I was in the Navy. And again...the albums did not capture our live sound. You said you used to bring a redhead to Big Daddy's. Was it Elane? All the best. Kirt

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  82. Kirt, the vet was Lucky, if you recall he competed and there was no doubt that he used his supplies if you catch what I am saying. Oh, the gym was full of nuts, funny guys. There were these two football players that left college, one day they were throwing 10 pound plates at their cars!
    Max packed that Big Daddys alright, I cant remember the girls name, lol, after all this time. I was back in Flordia about a year ago, too crowded for me. I didnt go see if the gym is still there, alot has changed since Anddrew hit.
    So, Kirt. What happenned after the album...in a nutshell. BTW, I am retired and live in Arizona now, still lifting.

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  83. Lucky...that was it! He died...I think in a fire at his ranch. Not sure. Mo...I'm still trying to place you. Did you wear glasses and compete a few times? Sorry...my memory ain't what it used to be. Anyway...one of the guys at the gym put big buffalo horns on the front of his beat up old car and used to ram into things. Probably the roids. That gym was a trip. I'm still lifting...from the waist down. I had shoulder surgery a few weeks ago and am in physical therapy...probably because of all the lifting. Going lighter these days. After the first album, we did another at RCA studios in NY. It was called Call of the Wild...good stuff and sounded at lot better than the first album...I thought. RCA never promoed it and used it as a tax write-off. We threw in the towel after that and we all went our separate ways. I went back to school and finally got my degree. Max has had two fairly recent reunion concerts...both in the Miami area. Kirt

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  84. Kirt, It has been a very long time and I dont expect you to remember me, I still dont believe I found this site! I think that car was an old station wagon, crazy guys there.
    My email is mo.mizzle@gmail.com
    If you email me I will send you a pic from a long time ago...

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  85. Kirt, I'm sorry to hear about your shoulder surgery. I have a torn rotator cuff and have put off surgery for quite some time. I work out several times a week, but use little to no weight, depending on the exercise. I just do a lot of reps instead. I like the long, lean look for me. No bulk up. I wish you a good recovery. Elane

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  86. PS No, it wasn't me that Mo took to the Big Daddy's I feel terrible about saying anything to Mo's first comments. I hope no one thinks ill of me for opening my mouth. It was silly. Best to all. Elane

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  87. I can't believe I found this site. Hi guys! Hope you all are well. Have been reading all these posts. Very interesting reading...I remember some of it. Jim is that really you? Your writing sounds different to me. Forgot what a great writer Jim is(was). I think most of the girls blogging here may not have known Jim had a girlfriend (Marguerite) he was living with at the time he played Esquire Club, Bird Road Big Daddy's, Brasserie, etc. BTW I plan to be at Fernstock 09 so would love to catch up w/you all (Kirt, Fofi, Dan & Jim if you can get down there). I'm actually flying in for this (originally thought Max was going to perform). Although I know you won't be performing, maybe you can go anyway. I'll be there hanging out and checking out the So Fla music. I'm easy to recognize, I look the same! All the best, Marguerite

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  88. Welcome Marguerite – No, that’s not really me. It’s my twin brother Guido. He also used to sit in with Max. You know, at the Esquire Club, Bird Road Big Daddy's, Brasserie, etc. It wasn’t me. Really… BTW everyone, Marguerite has found an ingenious solution to the economic downturn. She was recently laid off by her long-term employer. So what does she do? She goes on an extended vacation to Europe. Europe!!! Excuse me. I have to go talk to my boss…

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  89. I have a good idea. Become guest musicians on LiveatDarylshouse.com. Make a big comeback. How fun would that be.

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  90. That's livefromDarylshouse.com

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  91. Random that I was cleaning out a closet and found my old Max Damien album...Jim and I were friends way back in 1980!!! He bought an old VW van from the VW/BMW dealership I worked at. I'm glad he is doing well.

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  92. Yes, thank you. He is glad he is doing well as well. He didn’t forget you. He even found you when he was on the road in G’ville and invited you to come hear him play. He waited and waited but you never showed up. He became very sad and went into therapy. That was around 1985. There were the Harmonic treatments and the Nubian slave ring thing, but that’s all in the past now because we’re all here to help him…Let me write…No! My turn…Get back! All of you!!!... Anyhow, how are you?

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  93. BTW Andrea, my, ah, friends and I stayed in the VW van as long as we could until, you know, the clinic closed down. We never gave up hope that you would find us. So now that you have, can you help us get a new van?

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  94. Jim you are still so funny, what a great sense of humor....Marg.... here. Fofi, Kirt, and Dan I hope you can make it to Fernstock would love to see you. If not if any of you are playing locally, pls let me know. Would love to chat about the S Fla live music scene (on behalf of some musical friends of mine). Will arrive Miami 11/11 evening. Thx!!!!

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  95. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy!
    I'm thinking of you. Elane

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  96. Hi Shep, I was wondering if you have the album cuts from "Call of the Wild"? I just finished listening to "Take it to the Max" again, but haven't heard the songs off of Call of the Wild. Would you be able to down load-load, as well? If so, thank you. Elane

    It's so funny, but rememberances come to me daily of Max Demian just turning on the radio and hearing all of the great songs that they also played that were not their originals, but they sounded exact if not better. It truly would be wonderful to get a reunion together, bring your families and just share some good music, stories and what's going on in life today. Even though we may be fans from the past, I know that I've thought of you often over the years, even after 35 years, and many of us think of you all fondly. Our youthful formative years. LOL. If I don't hear back all of you have a wonderful holiday season, Merry Christmas and any other holiday you celebrate. Shep, let me know if you can load the Call of the Wild Songs". Thanks, Elane

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  97. Elane,

    No I do not have Call of the wild. Even though I liked what I heard from the first album, I only find these albums that I review by chance at cheap record bins and thrift stores, and by that chance, I have not happened across their second album. I too would love to hear it, though. There are a couple copies of the vinyl (and 8-track too!) on ebay for about $5 (minus the shipping), but until I find it in a bin somewhere I will not be able to hear it.

    P.S. sorry I have not had a chance to check back at the comment thread in such a long time, perhaps you've found it by other means?

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  98. Thank you Shep. I appreciate that you answered me. This was a lot of fun while it lasted....to go back in time for a while. You have a Very Happy New Year. Best Wishes, Elane

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  99. Hey Shepard! I know we would all enjoy your review of ‘Call of the Wild’. If you’re up for it, send me your physical address and I’ll send you the vinyl - quango.says@gmail.com

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  100. O Jimsky, thank you. Elane

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  101. Pronounced Jimski Elane

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  102. Good news to those of Max Land. Shepard has received Call of the Wild and has kindly offered to review the album and post the songs as MP3s! So, many thanks – again – to Shepard!

    I think it’s fair to say that Call of the Wild represents a maturing of the Max Band. There was a confidence in our identity and abilities. We were now seasoned and self-assured, and with that our future lay before us. But, like de Soto, the ships were already burning in the harbor – only we didn’t know it. Nevertheless, we had a blast doing Call of the Wild. Some of what was going on made me laugh until my sides hurt for days! Recording sessions would sometimes go on for 20+ hours and our engineer (Pat “Mad Dog” Martin) whom I won’t name, would frequently fall asleep on the couch in the front of the control room. We were doing Born Senile and needed some snoring sounds on one of the breaks, so we tried recording each other snoring but it just didn’t work – and then we heard it… We looked at each other, peeked over the mixing board, and there was Mad Dog, sawing away! We quietly scrambled into action wiring a $3,000 microphone to a boom and oh so carefully inched it up to Mad Dog’s nose while Al Garrison (the producer) started the 24-track spinning. Voila! Mad Dog and his Magic Saw captured for posterity and immortalized on Call of the Wild!

    Fofi added a whole new dimension to Max and our life in New York during Call of the Wild. He also taught us about stink bombs. For those of you who don’t know, stink bombs are very small glass vials filled with a highly concentrated liquid that smells like… well, let’s just say, really, really bad. I even heard that one day, Fofi and some other Max members went to see a rival band and tossed a few stink bombs on the dance floor in front of the band and waited for someone to step on them while dancing. I, of course, wouldn’t know, but I heard the dance floor cleared immediately and the hapless band suffered mightily through the rest of the set. Anyhow, back to New York and the Chelsea Hotel.

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  103. It was a Saturday night. We actually had a break in our recording schedule so I got shaved, showered and had on my best, Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes, ready for a rare night out in New York. I heard a knock on the door. When I opened it, there was Fofi with a bucket of water – in which he had emptied the contents of not one, but two stink bombs! Well, he got me square. Instantly all my clothes REEKED – I thought I was going to yack right there in the doorway! I made it to the shower – clothes and all – and spent the rest of my big night out cleaning and washing. Even the towels I used to mop up the floor should have, by law, gone to a toxic waste dump.

    The next day Fofi and Paul (who were rooming together) tried to go out but someone had epoxyed their door shut. I think Paul tried to blame it on me, but I’m sure I didn’t know anything about it. The day after that, I was walking up the stairs when suddenly Fofi and Paul leapt out from a hidden stairwell, yelled something indecipherable, and proceeded to pelt me with eggs (which years later still mark the walls of the 8th floor…). The day after that, someone went to Paul and Fofi’s room and poured lighter fluid under their door and into their room – and then lit it! A few minutes later they received an anonymous phone call, “Ah, your room’s on fire.” “No, it’s not.” “Ah, yes it is.” “Ah, not.” “The door. Better hurry.” A pause… “Holly #%@&!!! The room’s on fire!” And so it went…

    So, such was the life of Max. My best to everyone who shared and took part in it, and again, thanks to Shepard for MP3ing Call of the Wild – now we can all have a listen. Just, ah, remember to watch out if you see Fofi coming!

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  104. Wait! What was that I was saying about Max maturing???

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  105. the six years I will always remember. Max in the beginning rehearsing at my house with Paul,Kirt,Victor and Alan. The nights at The Esquire Club,Bamboo Inn,Brasserie,The Other Place,The Inner Circle,Big Daddy's.Road trip to Cali with Steve and Diana.Mr.Lucky's,Germany and Iran with Jeanie who almost got kicked off the train in Potsdam,recording at the Hit Factory and the Chelsea Hotel with Sid and Nancy, the tour starting at Fat Cats and ending on a football field somewhere in Orlando and then doing something really stupid and quitting the band.

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  106. Speaking about Max being mature… and Pete. We were on tour supporting Take It To The Max (AKA) somewhere… Anyhow, the van I was in got to the hotel a little ahead of schedule. I go in and the clerk gives me the key to Pete’s room by mistake. We’d been on the road for several hours and I hadn’t had a chance for, ah, my morning constitutional… So I go in Pete’s room. Everything is nice and neat. Clean. Even the toilet has one of those sanitary bands around the lid. Well, nature was calling so I carefully slipped the band off and took care of business. I remember looking in and thinking, “This thing needs a leash!” Anyhow, without flushing, I replaced the sanitary band exactly where it had been and headed back to the lobby. I managed to ‘remedy’ the mistake, swap keys and get to my room before Pete arrived. I later heard he made a heated complaint to the management about the condition of his room. I think they forgot to put a mint under his pillow or something.

    Good to hear from you Pete! And, ah, sorry about that. I’ll never do it again. Promise…

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  107. we stayed in so many hotels I don't know how you remembered that. I just remember having to look up every time I got in an elevator to make sure I wasn't about to get dripped on. Sorry to hear about Clyde, he was an amazing person and a good friend and I will always have the picture of him and his big cigar in my head.

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  108. Hello, I never met Fofi since he came into the band at a later date. I looked up your web site Fofi and was so impressed. It said that you went to Miami Dade Community College in 1973. I was working there then, we wrote scripts for the BBC. But anyway, that is around the time 1974 that I met Kirt taking classes in Music Theory. Did you meet Kirt at that time already? When did you start drumming with Max? Elane

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  109. So I have begun a rudimentary version of the Call of the Wild review/post. But I figured I'd get it out in its early stage, as I have posted the most important part: on-line listenable files of all 10 tracks. Here is the under construction link:

    http://thriftstoremusic.blogspot.com/2010/01/max-demian-call-of-wild.html

    Enjoy!
    Shepard

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  110. Saw the Max Damien Band open for Rick Derringer in Gainesville, Fl probably about '79 - '80. Came to see Derringer but was pleasently suprised by Max. So much so, I picked up the Take It To th Max album which I still have today. Always wondered if you guys did anything more. Just listened to Call of the Wild that Shepard posted. Thanks so much! Plan to listen some more although recording is a bit saturated. I also plan to check out more of this site - really cool.

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  111. Wow! I haven't been here in a while. Way to go Jim...and Shep. I hope Call Of The Wild makes it in to one of Shep's favorites. We worked hard on that one. Hey Pete! If no one knows...Pete and I started Max. We held serious auditions at his house and really wanted to make it in the music industry. We had been through some interesting bands before and both had the same ideas on what we wanted in a band. I really hated to see Pete go...a fantastic rock drummer and the only drummer I remember in those days to play double bass drums. Pete...remember when we took your entire kit out in your back yard and spray painted it black? Now that's rock and roll!

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  112. That was an old Japanese set that was given to me by a family friend and I kept adding to it. I sold it when I bought my Ludwig vistalite set from Ace Music. It was originally black pearl and I ripped it all off one day. Does anyone remember a bass player named Ann Holloway? Just wondering what happened to her.

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  113. Last I heard Ann had become a studio producer.

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  114. Hi all my Max friends. What's new in projects for you now? I enjoy so much to hear about your youthful adventures. (and the not so youthful ones) Pete I'm sorry you left the band, but I'm sure you had your reasons. Are any of you going to play at Fernstock this year? Together or with other bands filling in?
    Just can't let you go......Elane

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  115. Another Fernstock would be fun...but the logistics are daunting. Danny and Fofi are playing in other bands and so scheduling around Fernstock has been difficult in the past...and getting Paul to come in from New Mexico is another hurdle. Kirt

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  116. I'm sorry to hear that. One year I would love to come if you all get together again. Even if you fill in just for fun with others, let me know, Kirt. Elane

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  117. This is for my special Max friend. They remind me of you. You know who you are......

    FROM THE BEGINNING - EMERSON, LAKE AND PALMER

    There might have been things I missed
    But don't be unkind
    It don't mean I'm blind
    Perhaps there's a thing or two

    I think of lying in bed
    I shouldn't have said
    But there it is

    You see it's all clear
    You were meant to be here
    From the beginning

    Maybe I might have changed
    And not been so cruel
    Not been such a fool
    Whatever was done is done
    I just can't recall
    It doesn't matter at all

    You see it's all clear
    You were meant to be here
    From the beginning



    Hall & Oates
    Had I Known You Better Then

    Were you ever so in love
    you couldn't wait to get to sleep and dream
    about the one you wish was there beside you
    In the past few days I've grown
    to love your giggles on the phone
    and how we hug so nicely

    Chorus:
    And from the first time that I saw you
    has I known you better then
    I would've said those three old words
    And from the first time I saw you
    had I known you better then

    Now I'm gonna move away
    another town another crazy day
    ooh I want to stay and maybe hang around you
    Call it luck
    call it fate
    call it a shame that we have met so late
    and loved so lightly

    Chorus:
    And from the first time that I saw you
    had I known you better then
    I would've said those three old words
    And from the first time that I saw you
    had I known you better then.

    Of course the accompanying music is so special.

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  118. Looks like someone still has a crush. How cute after all these years. Elane

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  119. Jasper Fernfeather ring a bell?

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  120. Elane Barnard8/5/10, 8:51 PM

    I don't know if anyone checks on this site anymore,but I thought I would look, been a long time. I see Shep posted the songs from "Call of the Wild" which I had not heard. It was fun to listen to. I really enjoyed hearing all of your voices and musio. Thanks for sharing, Shep. Hope you boys (men) geez, are all doing great and happy in your current lives. Best wishes to you all and thank you for the wonderful memories. Take good care. Elane from the Old South Florida days.

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  121. Elane Barnard8/5/10, 8:54 PM

    I was just reading the above comment about "Jasper Fernfeather". How funny a name. But I once bought a Betta Chinese Fighting fish and it was Kirt that came up with name to call it. Jasper Fernfeather. Where did you every come up with that, Kirt.

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  122. Hey All...it's Kirt. Hope all is well. Jasper Fernfeather...yes...that sounds like a Max name for something. I talked to Paul a few days ago...and he is ready for another reunion! Jeez...it's about time. I guess the Max saga continues. Mas tequila!

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  123. I admit, I have not been on this webpage in a long time. however it was another joy to see It is such an important topic and ignored by so many, even professionals. I thank you to help making people more aware of possible issues. Great stuff as usual.

    Bands

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  124. Alright, a Max reunion. WooHoo! Keep the news posted, Kirt. I'll bring my vodka, dry vermouth and olives. What fun that would be to see everyone! Elane

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  125. OMG I used to dance on the toes of the stage. Bev the tall blonde...(I think I hogged the stage, sorry) I loved this band and I went all the time. I lived right down the street from the Esquire Club. Somebody take a video f the reunion and put it on YouTube for me.

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  126. Any upcoming plans for your Max reunion? Some of us are anxiously awaiting.

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  127. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the Max Demian Men and their families and fans, as well. E

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  128. Reunion???????

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  129. kirt if you are still out there, was a fan in the Esquire days , I used my sisters ID to get in. loved all the contest, best butt, banana eating, etc. wasnt Danny in your band to? went on to be in Zimmeron? you guys need a face book people are asking about the band like crazy. didnt you become a police officer or detective? Pati

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  130. hello everybody,i was a good friend of jack and robert leiberman from charleston from the late 70's -early 80's i only heard of the passing of jack a few years ago.we worked together at fox music house,charleston on the sound system.

    bruce

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  131. I thought you might like to know that we lived next door to this band when they lived in Saga Bay. I was thirteen years old at the time and they were working on the Take It To The Max album. That was back in the good old daze of rock groups living together in houses. It felt like we were living next door to rock stars. We all thought that as soon as the album came out they would be rich and famous! Oh well, music is a tough business.

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  132. Sorry to learn about Clyde. I was your Tour Director or brother in arms for the first tour, from Fat Cats to Buffalo to NYC throughout Ohio to Atlanta and eventually back to Miami and every hour in between every show. Washington DC (had to suggest to Metro Police alternative solution to impounding the truck) to St. Louis (interceded bar fights) and sat in on countless boring radio interviews with you guys and disingenuous interviewers watching you guys roll your eyes, but you guys did answer the questions (who was your inspiration, what is different, how do you..) Jim, you were the RenShenFengWangJang guy - - thanks for that! I loved it when Artie would show up and hang with us....I ended up calling the lights for most of the shows and had a lot of fun....but it was a lot of work! We did not miss a single show. Bad power, lot of travel....we got everywhere we needed to, when we needed to be there, all safe and sound. I should have stayed in music but got a job with an intel distributor called Arrow Electronics and then got in to selling semiconductors, lasers and fiber optics where I am today...but you guys were the circus I ran away from college and joined. I was a prolific college promoter and worked as a Production Engineering Intern at WPIX-FM in New York and attended a record company party where I met Larry who hired me to work for him and Mr. Blando....The Entertainment Company (Koppelman-Bandier) and RCA Records!

    I have vivid recollection of running in to GE Smith on the road a lot, he was guitar player for Desmond Child & Rouge and I knew him from Connecticut's Scratch Band where I saw him play every month and booked him at Quinnipiac College (yes, the home of the now well known Quinnipiac Poll)....I think the band would have found bigger success staying together. The band made good music . I came from booking concerts at Quinnipiac College (which included Roger McGuinn and Elvis Costello on My Aim Is True tour and many others) to hoping for much more with Max but the business and a band full of a lot of unique personal agendas and pressures must have been too much - - you were all great guys but life happens! Still not too late! We all just watched 121212 concert at The Garden....Danny, Jim, Paul, Kirt I always thought you guys would try something acoustic - - I heard off stage practice and it was very good! The reviews in this thread and site are the most comprehensive and thoughtful i have seen and is a great insight to where the band was at that time. I was involved in just 1 hectic, dense year of yours - - and that was all I needed to exit that business!! Glad you all found some happiness in making, performing and teaching music! Lot more than most! Thank you for the great memories...

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  133. Hi! A buddy of mine just turned me onto you guys! Great first album! "Take it To the Max" has been on constant rotation several days now. While the music on the record is great, the mastering is really bad. What happened there? I did transfer the LP to CD and tweaked the EQ a bit, well a lot, to get it to sound right. The second album is currently on its way, can't wait to hear it! Hey, are there any live recordings of you guys out there anywhere? If there are would you be able to hook me up?
    Thanks!
    Brian

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  134. Charlie Martin7/24/13, 3:49 PM

    Interesting to find this site. I lived most of my life in South Florida, moved to Virginia in 2005. My wife and I were huge fans of Max Demain band and we used to hang out at the Esquire club quite frequently as young adults. Those were some great times. Actually we were very close friends with Taryn who eventually married the lead guitarist Paul. I've often wondered what happened to the members of the band and it was great to find the utube video of them performing in the RedLands.

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  135. Hello everyone. I thought I should check in. This thread is...I don't know how to put it into words...overwhelming? I loved every minute of my time with Max and our "family." We worked very hard and were serious about our music...and music in general. All the guys pushed each other musically to the...well...the max! Sure, we had a good time when we were done at the end of the night but the music was priority. I want to once again thank all our loyal "family" and the other members of Max (we still all stay in touch) and the other bands we used to get inspiration from (Wolfgang among others). Will Max ever play one more reunion gig? I don't know...but I'm always game. All the best - Kirt

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  136. hi Max Demian members! I am Aaron McCaslin from RetrospectRecords.com and we would LOVE to re-issue the MD albums plus any other additional material you may have. Please get in touch -- we are THE label that is FOR musicians run BY musicians and you will get the best deal on the planet! Recordjnky@aol.com thanks alot!!

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