After their early start with Buffalo Springfield, guitarist Richie Furay and bassist Jim Messina paired again to create the band Pogo. While that name was quickly nixed by Walt Kelly (whose cartoon possum sported that same name), Furay and Messina remained undaunted. Changing their band name ever-so-slightly, they became Poco. They called in Rusty Young, George Grantham, and Randy Meisner to round out the band.
What began in 1969 as a band strong on harmonizing remained constant over the years, despite personnel changes. Messina went off to record with Kenny Loggins. Timothy B. Schmit took over for Meisner. Paul Cotton jumped in to add his talents. And, Furay walked away after five years. People came and went, and sometimes even came back. What always remained constant were the harmonies.
Soft country rock evolved into gutsier (but still light and easy) blues rock. The blues influence became even more noticeable on their fourth album, thanks to producer Steve Cropper.
All the various contributing artists are recognized on The Essential Poco, as are 10 of their albums. What makes this disc so remarkable is that this is the perfect combination of tracks that demonstrate the growth of the band. From the beginning to the end, all that was Poco is very well represented.
In many respects, it's strange to look at the original album release dates and realize how long Poco's been a part of my life. Songs I associated with certain periods of my life have that little tag next to them, reminding me exactly how old I am. That's not necessarily a bad thing, either. Like the band, like the music, I've grown and evolved into a more mature being with greater depth (or so I like to think.) The Essential Poco serves as part of the soundtrack for much of my truly formative years and that's fine by me. Whether it's "A Good Feelin' To Know" that one of my early crushes has been given a theme song in my memory, or I remember my first real boyfriend as a moment of "Crazy Love", Poco was there. And, now, thanks to Sony, I get to relive those times with the music I loved back then.
Sorry, nobody's borrowing this CD. Nobody - I have a distant youth to reclaim. Okay, maybe if they bribe me other similar music, but I want this one back!
Article comments
1 - Walter Raab
Good to find another Poco fan - Been listening to Poco since the late 60's.
It seems a shame that everyone I talk to has never heard of 'em !
2 - Joanie
You know what's strange? I know plenty of people who are very familiar with the music, just not the name of the band.
3 - Temple Stark
A Music Editor pick of the week.
Thank you.
Go HERE to read why, for a nifty button you can put on your blog and to look at the other picks.
4 - Joanie
Thank you, Temple!
5 - pocomark
it's good to know the guys are still out touring and still sounding good. check out thier website for the latest on this great band