RARE Fruupp MODERN MASQUERADES 1975 Dawn UK LP MINT

$

50

Fruupp "Modern Masquerades" original U. K. 33 1/3 rpm Long-playing (LP) phonograph record, Dawn Records DNLS 3070, with album cover, and four-page art/photo/lyrics booklet. This stereo record has white with pale blue labels, with red-and-pink Dawn logo, blue Dawn, and black print text. Both labels are clean, with no writing on either side. This was the fourth, and final LP released by Fruupp, a fabulous progressive rock concept album. Fruupp originally featured Vincent McCusker (lead guitars and vocals), Stephen Houston (keyboards, oboe, and vocals), Peter Farrelly (bass guitar and lead vocals), and Martin Foye (drums, percussion, and vocals). Stephen Houston left prior to this album, and was replaced by John Mason (keyboards, vibes, and vocals). "Modern Masquerades" was recorded at Basing Street Studios, London, England, in August and September of 1975. "Modern Masquerades" was released in the United Kingdom, in December of 1975. The songs on the album are (Side One) "Misty Morning Way", "Masquerading With Dawn", "Gormenghast", (Side Two) "Mystery Might", "Why", "Janet Planet", and "Sheba's Song". The lyrics to all songs are printed on page three of a four-page booklet; there is artwork is on the front of the booklet, an excellent photograph of the four members of Fruupp on page two, and credits on the back of the booklet. "Gormenghast" and "Sheba's Song" were composed by John Mason (lyrics of "Sheba's Song" by Paul Charles). All other songs were composed by Vincent McCusker. The record was produced by Ian McDonald. Arranged by Fruupp. Engineered by Chris Kimsey. Art direction by Martin Cropper at Design Machine. Photos by Martyn Goddard. Coordination by Paul Charles. A story entitled "A Theme for Young Masqueraders", written by Paul Charles, is printed on the back of the album cover. This astounding phonograph record has never been played, and is in mint condition. The phonograph record comes in a white paper sleeve, made in England. The four-page art/photo/lyrics booklet is in mint condition. The album cover is in near mint condition. The record, sleeve, art/photo/lyrics booklet, and album cover come in a clear protective sleeve. This is the nicest copy of this record that you could find. Shipping: USA Media Mail $3.95, Priority Mail: Eastern USA $6.95, Central USA $7.45, Western USA $7.95; International Air Mail: Canada $7.95, Mexico $8.95, Europe $13.95, South America $14.95, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or Russia $15.95. Florida residents add seven percent sales tax to the winning bid. Insurance is buyer optional. The winning bidder MUST contact me within three days of the close of the auction. Payment is expected within ten days of the close of the auction (extra time allowed to International customers mailing payment). Please ask any questions you may have before bidding. By bidding in my auction, you have read the terms of the auction, and you are agreeing to those terms. You are responsible for your bid, and for making payment promptly, should you win. Feel free to e-mail me at MistyMtRoc@aol.com for any questions on this item, or for any recording that you are looking for. Thanks for viewing my auctions. Claude

Fruupp

Fruupp was formed in the early months of 1971, the brainchild of Vince McCusker, a native of Maghera County, Derry, Northern Ireland. McCusker had played in Irish bands for years, the most notable being Blues by Five, a cover band for ballroom audiences. McCusker recruited Stephen Houston from the Ulster Youth Orchestra, Peter Farrelly (then working as an artist/sign-writer), and Martin Foye, formerly with Fosset's Circus Band. Fruupp's debut gig was June 23, 1971 at the Ulster Hall, Belfast, supporting Rory Gallagher and others. A few days latter they hopped the Belfast/Hesham ferry and played their first English date at Mr. Smiths, Manchester, on July 2, 1971. Paul Charles (the band's long-time and trusted coordinator and today, Fruupp's archivist) opines: "Vince's idea in going straight to England was a simple one; he wasn't sure this new 'Progressive' music the band played would go down well in the ballrooms. In those days the showbands and the ballrooms ruled the Irish music scene." After cycling through a vocalist, one Miles "Tinhead" McKee, Peter Farrelly stepped to the mike as lead vocalist, and the band embarked upon a grueling schedule, playing "anywhere and everywhere they could set up their equipment". Paul Charles amuses: "Fruupp gigged and gigged and then did some more gigs. I think it was about an average of 230 shows per year, give or take a Red Lion, Leytonstone, or two." Their break came when the head of Dawn Records, Robin Blanchflower, heard the band, took a fancy to Decision, and signed up the foursome on the spot. From London they headed to a residential studio in the wilds of Kent, called Escape, and proceeded to craft their debut album, "Future Legends", recorded in July of 1973 and released on October 5, 1973. In rapid-fire succession, they released two other gems, "Seven Secrets" (April 1974) and "The Prince of Heaven's Eyes" (August 1974). The group seemingly hit big-time when Melody Maker featured the Fruupp Files in March, 1974. Stephen Houston left the band in late 1974, in the wake of Heaven's release, because, in the words of Paul Charles, he "found religion". Houston was replaced on keyboards by John Mason, who based on the very artful "Modern Masquerades" and live recordings, stepped in very nicely. Still, Houston's musical sensibilities, hauntingly angelic vocals, and gift of engagement and story telling could not be replaced. The heart-and-soul of the band had left. Fruupp's "last puff", in the words of Paul Charles, was at the Roundhouse, London, September 1976. In a salute to the music of 1976, Smiley Bolger declared that the "Northern classic/jazz rockers" had "gone under". R.I.P. … Rob Cervero.