The Large Flowerheads

Ice House, Bethlehem / Saturday, June 21, 2008

The Morning Call
June 28, 2008

Everyone who lived through the '60s really does remember them. About 260 survivors and a smattering of younger people celebrated the happier side of those times at last Saturday's reunion concert of the Large Flowerheads at the Ice House in Bethlehem.

The Flowerheads, who were popular in the '90s, played more than 30 songs in a two-hour set. Using vintage instruments and lights, and wearing hippie-inspired garb, the quartet came as close as humanly possible to recreating the era of four decades ago. The only thing missing was the pungent smell of special '60s smoke.

Around 30 people kept the dance area full, as the group played upbeat fare like "Wooly Bully," "Hanky Panky" and "Cherry Cherry." This was balanced by more thoughtful songs, including "Like a Rolling Stone" and "Get Together."

Highlights included drummer "Moe" Jerant's switch to the front of the stage to play guitar and expertly reproduce songs of Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin; "Dano" D'Amelio's vintage Farfisa organ on garage classics like "96 Tears," and lead guitarist Billy Trexler's work on electric sitar and other effects to re-create psychedelics such as "Incense and Peppermints."

All four are more than credible vocalists. Greg Geist stood out wonderfully, singing a variety of songs, as well as playing guitar, bass, and drums.

Singer/songwriter Roia Rafieyan opened with insightful selections that also harkened back to more hopeful and less cynical musical days.

--Review by Dave Howell
Copyright © 2008, The Morning Call
- The Morning Call

by Katie Strzeszewski 6/18/08

It's hard to think of anything related to the 60s and 70s without feeling a great sense of nostalgia. And it is that sense of nostalgia that prompted the Large Flowerheads, a '60s and '70s cover quartet, to regroup for a reunion show. Passionate about the genre and era, yet staying true to each song's original nature, the Flowerheads keep their show fun, friendly, and a trip to sing along with.


Genre: retro/'60s/'70s
Band members: Greg Geist (vocals, guitar), Dano D'Amelio (vocals, bass, farfisa organ), Billy Trexler (vocals, guitar), Moe Jerant (vocals, drums)
Influences: British Pop, American Pop, Classic Rock, Motown
Website: www.largeflowerheads.com, www.myspace.com/largeflowerheads
Upcoming Shows: June 21: Ice House, Bethlehem, 8 p.m.
If you could play any venue, where would it be?
Dano: Hollywood Bowl. The Beatles played there. It's excellent.
Moe: Fillmore East. It was THE club in its day in New York. the entire scene from New York gravitated to Fillmore East.
Billy: I'd like to play CBGBs, but that's not going to happen.
Greg: Carniegie hall. Or Shea Stadium because The Beatles played there.
If your music were to be used in any movie, what would it fit with best?
Greg: I'd like to think something like "Easy Rider".
Dano: The original version of "Bedazzled". It's a mod English movie from back in that day.
Moe: A documentary. When you do a documentary, there's a script and a definite theme and a definite direction, so you can plug stuff in and be more representative of what we do, because what we do is so diverse.
Dano: There was a '60s movie called "Psych Out".
If you could play back up for any band, or if you had to be a cover band for any band, which would you choose?
Moe: We are a tribute band, but we're not a tribute band of any particular act.
Greg: We're more of a tribute act of an era.
Moe: So we would like to be ourselves and play for ourselves.


- Metromix

by Dave Howell 6/14/08

Greg Geist puts his silver peace symbol over his new Nehru shirt. Maureen ''Moe'' Jerant says, ''I hope Billy wears the dashiki he has on his MySpace page.''

Geist and Jerrant are preparing for the reunion concert of their band, The Large Flowerheads. The Flowerheads bloomed in the early '90s in the Lehigh Valley, celebrating that era's pop music. But more specifically, they reveled in the music of 1964 to 1972, from the time of the Beatles and the British Invasion to the point where seriousness and heaviness began to replace sunshine and happiness.

''It brings back a memory that is phenomenal,'' says Jerant. ''We're playing the stuff we played as kids, rehearsing in someone's basement.''
The four-piece band plays radio hits like ''Midnight Confession'' (The Grass Roots) and ''Kind of a Drag'' (The Buckinghams). It also does extended jams on songs like ''Light My Fire,'' ''Purple Haze,'' and even Sam the Sham's ''Wooly Bully.''

''We're still contemporary. In places we still take liberties with the originals,'' says Jerant, who sings and plays drums and guitar. The new version of the band will be truer to form by sticking to songs of the '60s and early '70s, however. ''The original group included grunge,'' says Geist, singer and rhythm and bass guitarist.

The Large Flowerheads performed from 1993 to 1997, disbanding due to scheduling and time constraints. Geist, Jerant, and lead guitarist Billy Trexler were originally in the cover band Disarray (''and it was,'' remarks Geist). The ''Large Flowerheads'' title came from Ken Bussiere, bassist for the Original Sins, who saw that label on one of a rack of boxes near the group's rehearsal space, remarking that it would make a good name for a band, especially one that recalls the '60s.

A jam session at a house during last year's Musikfest led to the band's regrouping, with Dave ''Dano'' D'Amelio replacing original bassist Gina Balducci. Balducci still plays bass and in 1997 released a New Age CD, ''Waterbase.''

The reunion show at Bethlehem's Ice House has generated a lot of interest. ''People called and e-mailed, people we haven't seen for years,'' says Jerant.

Geist expects it to be a ''big family reunion,'' full of new and old fans. ''The audience always felt like they knew us. We developed a kinship among people by hanging around after gigs, and that's why it feels like a family.''

Enough time has passed for a second generation to have grown up listening to '60s-era music. ''They had no choice but to listen to it -- that's what their parents played,'' says Jerant.

Each band member has a different take on how music changed in the early '70s. ''Pop music took another direction, toward glam and glimmer, and the bohemian lifestyle was not so fashionable,'' says Jerant. Geist says there was a rise in acoustic and country-influenced acts, like Crosby, Stills, and Nash and the Eagles. Trexler just remembers the psychedelic blues he heard when he was learning to play guitar.

''Psychedelica died and prog rock took off. There was more introspection and less frivolity,'' says D'Amelio. ''Before there was less anger and more innocence and humor.''

All four band members are accomplished musicians.

Jerant is known for leading many drum circles in the Lehigh Valley.Geist and Jerant are also in the local Celtic music group Emerald City. Trexler plays with Endzone, which he says does ''all '80s music with a twist, played in the style of punk and heavy metal.''

D'Amelio plays bass and keyboards in the Flowerheads, not guitar, even though he has a collection of vintage guitars and is known as a ''go-to'' guy and repairman for them. His ''Dano'' nickname comes from the Danelectro Guitar Co.

D'Amelio has an original Farisa, a garage band staple. He says the compact organ is a ''comical version of a Hammond, with a carnival sound.''

He is calling for ''mayhem and controlled chaos'' at the reunion show. He hopes The Flowerheads will be playing festivals and private gigs in the near future; it has another date at Bethlehem's Blueberry Festival, which runs July 18-20.

Geist predicts that their reunion will generate ''an uncontrollable urge for people to get up and dance,'' and he intends to keep people on the dance floor.

Dave Howell is a freelance writer.

Jodi Duckett,

Assistant Entertainment Editor

- The Morning Call

By M. David Snyder - 11/2/09

How does a crowd of 250 dancing souls get their 1960s groove on? With an awesome show by The Large Flowerheads at a Halloween bash on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at Fearless Fire Company, Allentown.

Founded in the 1990s, the Lehigh Valley-based band has reunited, doing strictly cover tunes from 1960 to 1969. The Large Flowerheads are Maureen (“Mo”) Jerant on drums and guitar, Greg Geist on guitar and drums, Billy Trexler on lead guitar, and Dave (“Dano”) D’Amelio on keyboards, bass, and guitar.

I’ve seen the Flowerheads many times, and their fan roster continues to grow. Compared to other venues where the band has played, the fire company’s Starlight Ballroom provided plenty of room for grooving. Tables near the dance floor were reserved for groups of at least 10. Although I arrived alone and didn’t have a reserved seat, my table was within view of the band.

A few people started to get restless because the show started 30 minutes late. But all were quelled by the opening number--the appropriately spooky-fun theme from “The Munsters” TV show blending into ? [Question Mark] and The Mysterians’ “96 Tears” as sung by Geist.

Next was “Quinn the Eskimo [The Mighty Quinn],” a song written by Bob Dylan and popularized by Manfred Mann. Jerant’s muffled vocal microphone made it hard to hear what she was singing, let alone saying. My table mates made note of the problem, and the band took it under consideration for the second set. Geist growled in a passionate take on Tom Jones’ “Delilah,” perhaps as a nod to his wife, who had dealt with a bout of swine flu the previous week.

Trexler took over vocal duties on The Rolling Stones’ “Mother’s Little Helper,” and the sound levels grew hard on the ears. A few audience members plugged their ears with fingers, but the mood was far from down. As Trexler sang the line, “What a drag it is getting old,” a man in the audience shouted, “”Like hell it is--it just keeps getting better!”

Then the groove bounced back to Geist rocking The Youngbloods’ “Get Together” and segueing into The Soul Survivors’ “Expressway to Your Heart.”

It’s impressive when band members can flawlessly play various instruments, as Jerant and Geist did when they switched places, him moving to drums and her to guitar. Jerant then sang a medley of Dusty Springfield tunes, including “I Only Want to be With You” and “Son of a Preacher Man.”

The gig moved back into Halloween-theme territory with Bobby (“Boris”) Pickett’s classic “Monster Mash” and Trexler shredding on guitar. Jerant announced that the gig was being recorded for a future CD, enticing the crowd to go crazy. When D’Amelio’s wife, Linda, took the stage as a go-go dancer, Jerant told the crowd that they were welcome to dance on stage but that the singing should be left to the band.

A guy dressed as the old dancing dude from the Great Adventure amusement park TV ads broke into an impressive dance, and Geist slammed into The Buckinghams’ “Kind of a Drag.”

The vocals changed over to D’Amelio for a riveting version of The Doors’ “Light My Fire,” and Trexler’s fingers were possessed by Jimi Hendrix on a rocking take on “Fire.” Set one ended with Jerant singing Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love” and Geist doing a medley of tunes by The Animals, including “Don’t Let Me be Misunderstood,” to which the crowd sang along.

At 9:50 p.m., the band had played for 90 minutes and took a short break. A few older audience members headed home for the night, but the crowd didn’t seem to thin. By the time set two began, the microphone and sound mix were perfect.

A couple was dancing onstage, when the pair’s female jumped off, glanced my way, pushed her guy to the side, and made me her dance partner for the next four songs. It’s not that often that I experience these types of moments, so I went with it, stumble foot and all. She was a bit more than tipsy and, at times, wanted to dance intimately. I obliged tastefully, hoping that her guy wasn’t planning to knock my block off. As he never cut in, I began to figure that they were simply friends.

A bit past 11 p.m., the set was coming to an end with Jerant singing Dusty Springfield’s “Spooky” and segueing into Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit.” The crowd refused to let up, and the band kicked into an encore with Geist singing Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone,” the tune’s chorus becoming a group sing-along. At song’s end, I let out a loud “Yeah, The Large Flowerheads Rock!” in the hope that my outburst will serve to close out the live recording.

I recommend that everyone take a groovy trip back to the ’60s with The Large Flowerheads. To learn more about the band and view the schedule of upcoming gigs, visit www.TheLargeFlowerheads.com.
- Lehigh Valley Source

by Jack Fichter, April 2010

WILDWOOD - If you remember the Strawberry Alarm Clock, Shindig!, mod clothes and flower power, then you can connect with The Large Flowerheads, a band from Bethlehem, Pa.

They may be one of the most authentic 1960s cover bands on earth with their four piece Ludwig drum set, Rickenbacker guitar, Farfisa organ and an electric sitar. They look 1960s and they sure do sound like that era.
They do justice to the British invasion, Motown hits and especially anything psychedelic.

The Large Flowerheads, named for a carton of artificial flowers they spotted in a borrowed rehearsal space in a warehouse, are returning for a second year to the Sensational Sixties weekend as part of a day of concerts at Fox Park April 24 before the main event across the street with Paul Revere and the Raiders.

Large Flowerhead’s drummer Maureen “Moe” Jerant sings tunes ranging from Linda Ronstadt to Martha Reeves. She is a powerhouse of drummer perhaps closer in style to the Rolling Stone’s Charlie Watts than Karen Carpenter.
She refers to Large Flowerheads’ bass player Dano D’Amelio as the “King of 60’s Music." Rhythm guitarist Greg Geist and lead guitarist Billy Trexler round out the Flowerheads with more of a rock edge than pop.

The band has an entire decade of tunes to pick from with an eye for rarities. Jerant said the band has added some interesting new songs this year: Neil Young’s “Helpless,” The Rolling Stones’ “Mothers Little Helper” and “Paint It Black,” replete with sitar riffs, “Can’t Explain” from The Who, a Johnny Rivers’ version of “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” and a bunch of tunes from The Animals.
Other rarities in the Large Flowerheads’ set list, Manfred Mann’s “Quinn the Eskimo,” and Jerry and The Pacemakers’ “Ferry Across the Mersey.”

Jerant, who has played Yamaha Drums for years, said the band members suggested she get a vintage Ludwig kit for its appearance. She said she was afraid she would destroy an older drum set with all their travels but settled on a new vintage series from Ludwig in a “mod orange finish.”

The band's members play multiple instruments, which allows Jerant to come out from behind the drums and sing some leads and play guitar. Jerant takes lead vocals on “Those Were the Days” a hit for Mary Hopkins on the Beatles’ Apple Records in its earliest days.

“There is an amazing passion in each of us to play and we all could play other music and play it well, but I think what really comes through for this band is our passion for just playing,” said Jerant.

She said she doesn't perceive the Flowerheads as a cover band playing 60's material.

“I really feel these guys dig around in their musical toolbox and really pull out the essence of the era and the passion of the music…” said Jerant.

Comment:

Fri, 04/09/2010 - 2:52pm - Posted by: tfordLiving near the Lehigh Valley, I've been fortunate to experience the Flowerheads multiple times.

It is IMPOSSIBLE not to have a blast at their shows. Everything, from the tune selections, to the arrangements, to the overall vibe is just spot-on designed for fun!
- Cape May County Herald

By Jack Fichter 4/15/09

There is no shortage of tribute bands imitating the Beatles, Rolling Stones or KISS, but the Large Flowerheads have chosen to honor an entire decade: the 1960s.

They look like the 60s with their Paisley shirts and Nehru jackets and they sound enough like the bands of that era to be the real thing. The Large Flowerheads will headline an outdoor show on Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood starting at noon April 26 as part of the Sensational Sixties Weekend.

The band's drummer, Maureen “Moe” Jerant said the Flowerheads began playing in the early 90s when they combined grunge with 60's tunes. The band split up for 13 years and then reformed and went straight 60's hits.

All four of the band's members can sing lead vocals. Jerant calls bass player/organist Dano D'Amelio “the king of 60's music.” He has a collection of vintage guitars and plays a Farfisa organ that has the right sound for many 60's songs.

Rhythm guitarist Greg Geist owns a Rickenbacher, associated with the “jangly” guitar sound of the 60's.

Lead guitarist Billy Trexler plays an electric sitar on some songs. Jerant said D'Amelio likes to create 60's hits note for note while Trexler follows original solos from records but does his own guitar solo in the middle and then returns to the original solo.

“We've got 10 years to pull from,” said Jerant, noting they get the most requests for songs from 1965 to 1967. Their set list includes “Not Your Steppin' Stone,” “96 Tears,” “Time Won't Let Me,” “Wooly Bully,” “Hanky Panky” and “Hang On Sloopy.”

Jerant has been told she does a pretty good Grace Slick while singing Jefferson Airplane's “White Rabbit.”

The members of the Large Flowerheads, which are based in Bethlehem, Pa., are about 10 years younger than the musicians they emulate.

“There is an amazing passion in each of us to play and we all could play other music and play it well, but I think what really comes through for this band is our passion for just playing,” said Jerant
- Cape May County Herald

"Thanks for a great show - you guys had a GREAT crowd and a great show."
- Patrick Brogan, director of Performing Arts, ArtsQuest/Musikfest

"The Large Flowerheads did a fantastic, amazing job. Total pros and so good."
- Jesse Lundy, Talent Buyer, Point Entertainment

"It is IMPOSSIBLE not to have a blast at their shows. Everything, from the tune selections, to the arrangements, to the overall vibe is just spot-on designed for fun!" - Tom Ford, Fan

"The crowd just loved you guys...that music is just super fun!" - Lisa Koza

"I could not believe how utterly fabulous your group is! We were both in awe at the quality of continuous performance with no let up. We went home exhausted!!"
- Carole Freeman

"The Large Flowerheads concert - FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC! Individually and collectively, a wonderful work of performance art! I loved it....thank you for an evening of truly fine entertainment."
- James D. Craig


“Highlights included drummer ‘Moe’ Jerant's switch to the front of the stage to play guitar and expertly reproduce songs of Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin; ‘Dano’ D'Amelio's vintage Farfisa organ on garage classics like ‘96 Tears,’ and lead guitarist Billy Trexler's work on electric sitar and other effects to re-create psychedelics such as ‘Incense and Peppermints. All four are more than credible vocalists. Greg Geist stood out wonderfully, singing a variety of songs, as well as playing guitar, bass, and drums.”
- Dave Howell – The Morning Call

".... it was a BLAST!!!!!....You are an extremely talented group of individuals!"
- Joan Kelly

".. Brought back the good ole days! ...You are a talented bunch, not to mention the great voices...keep up the good work man! ~PEACE~!"
- Diane

- Testimonials

In the short amount of time the Large Flowerheads have been together, they have erupted and taken the region by storm. Their renditions and compositions of the classics that made the 60’s great are their forte. They perform these timeless classics with a sense of perfection rarely heard in a cover band.

Maureen “Moe” Jerant on percussions, “Dano” Dave D’Amelio tickles the keys, Greg Geist and Bill Trexler strum the strings. They have put together 2 live CD’s that were recorded live at The Puck in Doylestown.

Their repertoire includes numbers from The Box Tops, Buckinghams, ? and The Mysterians, Neil Diamond, Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds, Strawberry Alarm Clock, The Rolling Stones, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Tommy James & The Shondells, Eric Burdon & The Animals, The Doors, Cream, Procol Harem, Bob Dylan, Jefferson Airplane, The Human Beinz, and The Hollies.

On these 2 CD’s are some medleys that all very well put together and performed. “The Letter/Incense & Peppermints”, “Cherry Cherry/Judy In Disguise” and “Wholly Bully/Hanky Panky/Hang On Sloopy/Draggin The Line” are the best of the lot. They also do some nice renditions of The Monkee’s that include “Daydream Believer” and “I’m Not Your Steppin Stone”.

All in all, if you are a fan of the 60’s and love these classics like I do, these CD’s (that look like an old 45 RPM record) are a must if you are one of the many “Baby Boomers” or some of our younger friends who enjoy singing along and doing air guitar and drumming.

Also check out the retro artwork and cover photos! - Michael McKenna