Hammersmith - It's For You!

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	Be a Star	03:52
	2	Barre's Bizarre	02:32
	3	Good-Bye, Good-Bye	03:45
	4	When I Was Young	05:47
	5	Breakaway	04:14

Side 2

		Track Name	Length
	1	Dancin' Fools	02:20
	2	Kickin' Back	03:35
	3	Hello, It's For You	02:54
	4	Under the Sea	05:47
	5	Mr. Las Vegas	03:44

Photos

Videos

No Video

Information/Write-up

Hammersmith was the final evolution of a long-running string of Calgary rock bands that began with Shades of Blond and morphed into 49th Parallel, Painter, and finally Hammersmith. Their sound carried forward the hard-driving melodic rock that defined their earlier incarnations, but with an increasingly heavier edge that fit them comfortably alongside other Canadian rock contemporaries like BTO and Trooper.

The roots trace back to 49th Parallel, a 1967 Calgary group who found modest chart success with singles like Twilight Woman before shifting their lineup and sound to form Painter in the early 1970s. Guitarist-producer Dan Lowe, bassist-keyboardist Royden Morice, drummer Bob "Herb" Ego, and lead vocalist Doran Beattie relocated to Seattle where they were signed to Elektra Records. The band’s 1973 self-titled Painter LP, powered by the hit West Coast Woman, earned them U.S. radio play and an extensive North American tour opening for major acts like Jethro Tull, Kiss, and Steely Dan. Painter's powerful rhythm section, Lowe's heavy guitar tone, and Beattie’s commanding vocals defined their signature sound.

By 1974, management changes and lineup shifts brought them back to Canada. With Bruce Allen (BTO’s manager) taking the helm, Lowe, Beattie, and Morice rebranded the group as Hammersmith, signing to Mercury Records. The lineup now included guitarist Jeff Boyne and drummer Jim Llewellyn. Their 1975 debut album Hammersmith featured the singles Late Night Lovin’ Man and Funky As She Goes, showcasing their blend of heavy riffs and melodic hooks. The album saw them tour extensively, including opening stints with Rod Stewart & The Faces, Kansas, Spirit, and multiple dates with Jethro Tull — with whom the band developed a close bond.

Throughout 1976, more personnel changes followed, including the addition of guitarist Craig Blair and drummer Dale Buchner. They returned to the studio for their second LP It’s For You, recorded at Sundown Recorders in Edmonton with producer Jim Gaines (who had worked with them since their Painter days). The album produced the single Dancin’ Fools, but sales failed to meet expectations and Mercury dropped the band in 1977.

Following Hammersmith’s dissolution, Lowe and Morice launched 451 Degrees, while Beattie transitioned into session work and later achieved success as a country artist. Lowe went on to invent the innovative QSound 3D audio process used by global artists like Madonna, Pink Floyd, and Sting. Several former members also contributed to notable Canadian acts: Bob Ego joined Streetheart, while Jeff Boyne and Jim Llewellyn returned to Calgary’s local scene.

Though Hammersmith’s recording career was brief, they left behind a legacy of highly polished, muscular Canadian rock that bridged the 1970s prairie hard rock scene with the emerging international success of Canadian acts during that period. Both of their albums remain cult classics, capturing the peak of mid-70s Canadian arena rock energy.
-Robert Williston

Al Lowe: lead guitar
Doran Beattie: lead vocals
Craig Blair: lead guitar, back-up vocals
Royden Morice: bass, back-up vocals, lead vocal
Dale Buchner: drums, percussion

All strings written, arranged and conducted by Royden Morice
Produced by Dan Lowe and Jim Gaines
Recorded at Sundown Recorders Ltd., Edmonton, Alberta
Mixed at Wally Heider's, San Francisco, California
Mastered by John Golden, Kendun Recorders, Burbank, California
Engineered by Russ Gaines
Engineering assisted by Barry Allen, Rick Erickson (Sundown Recorders), Chris Minto (Wally Heider's)
Technical advisor: Dick Maltby
Technical assistance: Morrie Earman

Additional Musicians:
Barry Allen: additional backup vocals
Mavis McCauley: piano (Mr. Las Vegas)
Wes Dakus: steel guitar (Mr. Las Vegas)

Cover concept by Dean Beattie
Liner photo by Kwasniewski/Star
Lettering by Joe Kotleba

Management: Bruce Allen, Vancouver, B.C.
Road management: Gary Bouchaert (Fats)
Equipment: Grant Lowe, Drew Beattie

Comments