John Parker Compton

In California by name, in California by nature. You’ll struggle to find 14 songs more drenched in lazy West Coast sunshine than Compton and Batteau’s only album (recorded in 1971 before promptly falling into the abyss of wonderful, overlooked recordings). Fans of Gene Clark, John Phillips, Fraser & Debolt and the like will be well served here, with many of the tracks leaning towards the cowboy balladry these artists share. Completing the line-up with the likes of Randy Meisner (The Eagles, Poco) and Jim Messina (Loggins and Messina, Buffalo Springfield) ‘In California' understandably has an additional proto-yacht rock feel, evoking ‘Late For The Sky’ era Jackson Browne - though it’s the more up-tempo offerings that really showcase the duo’s ability to write a tune.

The acoustic, folk-influenced group Appaloosa was the project of violinist Robin Batteau and guitarist/songwriter/singer John Parker Compton. Their lone release, 1969's APPALOOSA, bears the heavy scent of the '60s coffeehouse scene, with overtones of jazz (there's some nice saxophone work here) and Renaissance minstrel sounds (a la Steeleye Span) threaded through literate, melancholic singer-songwriter fare. The combination works nicely, and makes for a nice listen that will especially appeal to fans of '60s folk. …a Collectors Choice Music exclusive!