Information/Write-up
Riverson was a short-lived but supremely talented psychedelic folk-rock band formed in Montréal, Québec in the early 1970s. The group brought together several accomplished musicians from the local scene, each with an impressive track record. Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Franki Hart had already made her mark with Freedom North and Life, while guitarist Rayburn Blake and bassist Brian Edwards had been core members of the internationally acclaimed progressive rock group Mashmakhan. Drummer Graham Lear, then in the early stages of his prolific career, would go on to perform with Santana, Paul Anka, REO Speedwagon, and others.
Riverson formed around 1972 and fused elements of folk, West Coast psych, and soft rock into a melodic, often introspective sound that echoed contemporaries like Fleetwood Mac, Bread, and It's a Beautiful Day. The band’s strength lay in its rich vocal harmonies, polished arrangements, and sensitive songwriting, underpinned by top-tier musicianship. Their lone self-titled album, released in 1973 on Columbia Records (ES 90136), has become a sought-after artifact of Canadian rock history.
The Riverson album is best remembered for standout tracks like "Clear Night," "Stoney Day," and "Between the Lines," each showcasing different lead vocalists and musical styles. The group split vocal duties evenly, with Hart, Blake, and Edwards each taking the spotlight on various songs. The record also includes a rare Beatles cover, "Eleanor Rigby," reimagined through a soft-rock lens.
Though Riverson disbanded shortly after the album’s release, its legacy endured thanks to strong songwriting, expert production, and the rarity of its releases. Today, the LP is considered a high-water mark of Canadian folk-psych, treasured by collectors for its pristine studio sound, textured arrangements, and the pedigree of the musicians involved.
Album Review: Riverson (Columbia, 1973)
Riverson’s 1973 self-titled debut is a hidden gem of early '70s Canadian rock—a shimmering, introspective blend of folk, psychedelia, and soft rock. Produced by the band alongside engineer Lee DeCarlo and executive producer John Williams, the album was recorded at Manta Sound in Toronto and features lush instrumentation, tight vocal harmonies, and a distinctly West Coast vibe filtered through a Québécois sensibility.
From the warm, laid-back groove of "Clear Night" to the haunting cover of "Eleanor Rigby," the album flows seamlessly across moods and textures. Brian Edwards lends a soulful edge to tracks like "Stoney Day" and "Between the Lines," while Franki Hart shines on "Can't Live Without You," adding her signature emotional intensity. Rayburn Blake’s guitar work is subtle but vital—acoustic, electric, and banjo tones weave together with finesse.
The LP's production is crisp and spacious, allowing each arrangement to breathe. It balances accessible melodies with an undercurrent of progressive flair, particularly in the use of layered guitars, unexpected chord shifts, and dynamic rhythm changes. While not overtly psychedelic, Riverson echoes the introspective aesthetics of acts like Crosby, Stills & Nash or early Jefferson Starship.
Despite critical promise, the album received limited commercial support. However, its scarcity only enhanced its mystique: original gatefold vinyl copies are now valued around USD$1,000.00 in near mint condition. Three singles were released to accompany the album: "Clear Night" b/w "Winter Garden" (Columbia C4-3077), "Eleanor Rigby" b/w "Can't Live Without You" (C4-3093), and "Sittin' - Waitin'" b/w "Chances" (C4-4003), the last featuring two non-album tracks.
In retrospect, Riverson captures a transitional moment in Canadian rock, where folk lyricism and psychedelic color met studio sophistication. It remains a high point in the careers of all involved, and a Canadian cult classic that continues to resonate with collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Franki Hart (Les Sirocco, Freedom North, Life, Lola Dutronic): piano, acoustic guitar, recorder; lead vocals (Eleanor Rigby & Can't Live Without You)
Franki Hart began her musical journey in 1967 with the folk group The Sirocco Singers in Montreal, recording and touring across Canada and the U.S. She later co-founded the rock band Freedom North, achieving a hit with "Dr. Tom" in 1970. After her tenure with Freedom North, Hart performed with the band Life and pursued solo appearances before joining forces with former Mashmakhan members to form Riverson. Post-Riverson, she continued her musical endeavors, including collaborations with Richard Citroen as the original voice of Lola Dutronic and hosting jazz jams in Toronto.
Rayburn Blake (Le Triangle, Mashmakhan, Cliff Edwards, Lisa Hartt Band, D’Arcy Draper): acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo; lead vocals (tracks 1, 6, 11)
Rayburn Blake's musical career includes his early days with Le Triangle, a Quebec-based band that released the rare French-language single “2 Miroirs.” He gained prominence as a guitarist for Mashmakhan, known for their 1970 hit "As the Years Go By." After Mashmakhan, Blake collaborated with Cliff Edwards and later joined the Lisa Hartt Band, contributing to their 1976 album Starwatcher. He has also worked with singer-songwriter D’Arcy Draper, highlighting his versatility across various musical styles.
Brian Edwards (Mashmakhan, Cliff Edwards, Lisa Hartt Band): bass; lead vocals (tracks 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10)
Brian Edwards was a founding member of Mashmakhan, contributing to their international success with "As the Years Go By" and the follow-up The Family. Following Mashmakhan's disbandment, he collaborated with Cliff Edwards and later joined the Lisa Hartt Band, appearing on Starwatcher and continuing to showcase his talents as a bassist and vocalist.
Graham Lear (Natural Gas, Truck, Gino Vannelli, Santana, REO Speedwagon, Paul Anka, Paris Black): drums
Graham Lear, born in Plymouth, England, and raised in London, Ontario, began his professional drumming career at 13. He played with Natural Gas and Truck before gaining international recognition with Gino Vannelli, performing on albums such as Storm at Sunup and The Gist of the Gemini. Lear’s dynamic drumming later led him to join Santana, contributing to albums like Moonflower and Zebop! He also toured and recorded with REO Speedwagon, Paul Anka, and Canadian R&B artist Paris Black, solidifying his reputation as one of Canada’s most versatile session and touring drummers.
-Robert Williston
Produced by Lee DeCarlo and Riverson
Engineered by Lee DeCarlo
Recorded at Manta Sound, Toronto, Ontario
Executive producer: John Williams
Management by Terry Flood
Design by Bob Lemm
Cover photography by Freeman Patterson
Inside photography by Junior Brunet
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