Veteran TX-Based Singer-Songwriter & Musician Al Staehely (Spirit, Staehely Brothers) Releases Recently Unearthed Single “Wide Eyed and Innocent”
Veteran Singer-Songwriter and Musician Al Staehely (Spirit, Staehely Brothers)Releases Recently Unearthed Single “Wide Eyed and Innocent” (A Time Capsule of 60’s/70’s Southern California/Laurel Canyon Rock) on August 26, Along w/ Newly Recorded Version Of The TrackThe single serves as a precursor to the upcoming release of rare solo recordings from his days in Los Angeles, titled ‘Post Spirit 1974-1978 Vol. 1’ Out October 7th |
‘Wide Eyed And Innocent’ is a dreamy charming groove that is appropriately reminiscent of the subject of reminiscing. The song is also the perfect dose of nostalgia for returning us to the days of 70s Southern California rock.”- FolknRock |
While known to many as the lead vocalist, bass player, and principle songwriter on Spirit’s fifth album, 1972’s ‘Feedback’, Staehely went on to enjoy a lengthy career in bands like the Staehely Brothers, and The Nick Gravenites / John Cipollina Band, while also writing songs for the likes of Keith Moon, Bobbie Gentry, Patti Dahlstrom, Nick Gravenites, John Cipollina, Marty Balin, Peter Cox and Hodges, James & Smith and more. A segue into a successful career as a Houston, TX entertainment attorney hasn’t deterred Staehely from continuing to write and perform music regularly, which he does to this day.
The original track ‘Wide Eyed and Innocent’, an audio time capsule that captures the essence of 70’s Southern California rock, was recorded in 1978, while the re-recorded version of the song was done during sessions in Marfa, TX in 2020, offering a unique contrast between Staehely’s storied history and his exciting future.
Looking back at his early days in Malibu and Laurel Canyon, Al laughs, “We were wide eyed- but not that innocent!”
Stream “Wide Eyed and Innocent” HERE: https://ffm.to/wideeyedandinnocent.
Watch The Music Video HERE: https://youtu.be/WQ1icKi7bao
Video directed by Taylor White
“Wide Eyed and Innocent” (original)- Guitars: Steve Cropper, Snuffy Walden (solo), Al Staehely (acoustic). Drums: Gary Mallaber. Bass: Pete Sears. Keyboards: Peter Sears, Andy Kahan. Sax: Al Garth
Produced and Engineered by Austin Godsey and Alex Kazanegras
“Wide Eyed and Innocent” (new “Marfa” version): Scrappy Jud Newcomb (guitar), Fran Fran Christina (drums), Chris Maresh (bass) and Al Staehely (acoustic guitar)
Produced by Scrappy Jud Newcomb.