Norton Buffalo

[Jim R]

This may be a bit of a longshot. I'm looking for a CD by Norton Buffalo, which contains two of his Capitol LP's from the late 1970's- LOVIN' IN THE VALLEY OF THE MOON, and DESERT HORIZON.

The CD was produced in the UK some years ago. I passed it up at a local shop soon after it came out (kind of pricey at the time, at around $24), and haven't seen it since. If anybody can hook me up with a used copy or a burn (or point me to where I can buy it myself), I would be much obliged.

Edited September 12, 2007 by Jim R

[Tjazz]

Is it really OOP?

Amoeba doesn't have it?

I remember seeing it around alot. There was a CD store in Eugene, OR, that had it. What about Tower? Great stuff. I probably have some extra LPs.

C D World

3215 W 11th Ave

Eugene, OR 97402

(541) 683-6902

Looks like there are some CDs available from Amazon:

Amazon

Edited July 15, 2004 by Tjazz

[Jim R]

Thanks Tjazz. I think it's OOP, at least the original CD issue out of the UK. I did some extensive online searches recently, and all the links I found were to "out of stock" item pages. The one at Amazon is a private seller with a dubious record (I don't know much about that Amazon merchant system, but it looks like the seller in quetion has the equivalent of an 80% positive feedback rating), and theirs is very expensive. Board member Chaney did find me another potential source for a CD that's much cheaper, which I'll be investigating. Seems odd if this is a new domestic release, though, because Norton isn't even selling any CD version on his own website.

BTW, I still have one of the LP's, and all of the music which I put on cassette 25 years ago. I just want the CD for the cleaner sound (and so I won't have to fool around with burning a CD from my analog recordings).

Amoeba is a good suggestion, but I don't get up to SF or Berkeley for CD shopping much anymore.

[Jim R]

Well, I contacted the source that Chaney alerted me to, but alas, they don't actually have it. They apparently used to get it directly from Norton, but they contacted him and he said it's OOP (I've known that for a long time).

So... if anybody else has any leads (or has the CD), please let me know. I got an offer for a burn of both LP's, but I'd like to see if I can track down the digital transfer before I go that route.

Thanks

In the meantime, I'll keep checking eBay...

[Jim R]

Up for the weekend crowd...

[Jim R]

Up for another try...

As I say, I have all of the music in analog form, but I'd still like to find the (Edsel) CD...

[Jim R]

The following is an even bigger longshot, but since there's nothing to lose...

While doing some Googling today, I came across a link to this page from the Austin City Limits webpages at PBS: http://www.pbs.org/klru/austin/artists/program249.html

I remember watching this broadcast in 1979, but I haven't seen it since. Anybody know anybody who collected old A.C.L. tapes? B-) Video OR just audio would be great...

[Jim R]

I was just watching a Norton Buffalo / Roy Rogers video at YouTube (

), and thought I'd up this thread. Still looking for that Austin Ciy Limits video...

[Tjazz]

Did you see what his website mentioned?

(below)

Thanks to Terri Baker, an agreement was signed with Capitol/EMI Records allowing me to re-release my first two Capitol LPs. I now have to find the right label to re-release them later this year, the 30th anniversary of the release of my first Album. (Lovin' In The Valley Of The Moon was first released in June 1977) We will keep you informed here on this page regarding which label it will be coming out on and the timing of that release. Thanks for your patience!!!

I assume they mean CD, instead of LP. (???)

Norton Buffalo

[Jim R]

Yeah, that announcement was made months ago. Thanks for the reminder... not sure how long it's going to take for the CD to appear. I hope it gets some distribution/attention... it's fantastic music.

I still want that Austin City Limits video, if anyone comes across it.

[Jim R]

I'm looking for help of a slightly different kind now. If you're even slightly a fan of Norton Buffalo (or even if you're not, but want to help out), please read on...

I had written to the people at Austin City Limits a long time ago, in hopes that I could get some info on the aforementioned NB & The Stampede show from 1979. I figured since they were still documenting the show on their website, maybe there was some chance they might air it again, or be able to refer me to someone who might have a copy on tape. At any rate, they never responded to me. For some reason, I decided to try again the other day, and this time I got a response.

The response came from Michael Toland, the national productions manager at PBS affiliate KLRU-TV in Austin. Mr. Toland informed me that the videotape of the Stampede show is not only still intact, but has been transferred to a hardier digital tape format. Although there are no current plans in the works for it, I think it's absolutely fantastic that the tape has been preserved. Michael went on to mention that ACL's distribution partner, New West Records (http://newwestrecords.com/) , is putting out some DVD's of ACL shows in a line called "Live From Austin, TX" (http://livefromaustintx.com/). He encouraged me to contact them (mailto: clare@newwestrecords.com) to recommend the Stampede show be added to their line of releases.

I just wrote the following message to NWR...

I'm writing with regard to an inquiry I recently made to the people at Austin City Limits concerning a wonderful old show documented on their website. The show was by Norton Buffalo and the Stampede: http://www.pbs.org/klru/austin/artists/program249.html. I've been a viewer and fan of A.C.L. since the very beginning, and this 1979 show was always a long-lost favorite of mine (I had seen the band perform live here in the Bay Area, and have remained a big fan of Norton Buffalo to this day). My inquiry was answered by Mr. Michael Toland of KLRU-TV in Austin. Mr Toland recommened that I contact you to request that this show be considered for the "Live From Austin, TX" line of DVD's. He also stated that the original Norton Buffalo videotape has already been transferred to digital tape.

If you'll indulge me, I just want to add a little background. Although Norton Buffalo is now world-famous and renowned as one of the great harmonica virtuosos of all time, this wonderful band The Stampede was unfortunately rather short-lived. They did release two LP's on the Capitol label in the late 1970's, but the members would eventually go in different directions. The Stampede was a marvleous group of musicians, one of those great eclectic bands of the 70's era which incorporated a melting pot of american musical styles and instrumentation, and fantastic musicianship. This video captured them at their peak, with Norton's great stage presence leading the way. The songs were imaginative, engaging and sometimes funny, and Norton's unique vocals were as appealing as his harmonica playing. A treasure like this really deserves to see the light of day again.

I figured I'd post this here for any NB fans out there who may want to consider joining the effort to save this show from oblivion. Thanks.

Edited September 11, 2007 by Jim R

[Tjazz]

I've email New West about ACL shows that were of interest to me on DVD.

I listed Norton Buffalo too. (never got a reply)

Let me know if you ever find the Norton Buffalo video.

[Jim R]

I was listening to a local radio show yesterday, and heard some bad news. Norton has been diagnosed with lung cancer, and it has apparently spread to his brain also.

Aside from being a fantastic musician, Norton is a fantastic human being. Please keep him in your thoughts during this difficult time. If anybody wishes to send him a message, there is a fan club link on his website. He reads these messages, and under normal circumstances, he has always answered thoughtfully. I don't know whether he'll be able to respond under the present circumstances, but I know that he and his wife Lisa will appreciate the support.