Elephant’s Memory -

Elephant’s Memory was an American soul-rock/psych band from New York that released a 1969 self-titled album on Buddah. Amid several lineup changes, the band released an album apiece through 1974 on Metromedia, Apple, and RCA Victor. In 1972, they backed John Lennon on the first half of his double-set Some Time in New York City. Carly Simon was a brief member prior to her solo career.

Members: Stan Bronstein (woodwinds, vocals), Richard Frank (drums, percussion, vocals), Michal Shapiro (vocals, 1969), R. Sussmann (keyboards, 1969), John Ward (guitar, 1969), Myron Yules (bass, trombone, piano, 1969), Chester Ayres (guitar, 1969), Carly Simon (vocals, composition, 1968), Gary Van Scyoc (bass, 1969-74), Greg Peratori (guitar, 1970), John Sachs (guitar, 1974), Chris Robison (keyboards, 1969, 1973-74), Wayne “Tex” Gabriel (guitar, 1969-73), Adam Ippolito (keyboards, vocals, 1969-73)

Background

Elephant’s Memory formed in New York City in 1967 when saxophonist–vocalist Stan Bronstein teamed with drummer Rick Frank on the Manhattan strip-club circuit. Bronstein previously played in the orchestra of Latin bandleader Tito Puente and shared big-band engagements with bassist–trombonist Myron Yules, another early member of Elephant’s Memory. The group incorporated amplified soprano saxophone and bass trombone into a rock format.

In 1968, Elephant’s Memory recruited singer Carly Simon, who previously recorded two albums with her sister Lucy as the Simon Sisters. Simon spent roughly six months with the band and left following a summer of New York club performances. Singer Martha Velez briefly occupied the vocal position before the group recruited Michal Shapiro, who began performing professionally as a child.

Shapiro inherited arrangements from the Simon period and joined a lineup with pianist–organist Richard Sussman, bassist–guitarist John Ward, and guitarist Chester Ayers. Sussman studied jazz with Bernard Peiffer and Dennis Sandole in Philadelphia and attended Swarthmore College. He moved to New York in 1967 and joined Elephant’s Memory the following year.

Bronstein and Yules maintained ties with Brooklyn-born producer Tony Visconti, who visited group rehearsals on trips from London. Visconti and his wife Siegrid contributed material to the repertoire, including “Hot Dog Man” and “Band of Love.” The group attracted a substantial New York club following, which drew the attention of producer Wes Farrell. He signed Elephant’s Memory to his production organization and spent six months on an album project. In December 1968, Farrell announced plans for an early-1969 album launch and a tour of at least fifteen cities. Buddah Records secured the recordings for the self-titled debut, with Farrell as producer.

Discography:

Elephant’s Memory (1969)
Take It to the Streets (1971)
Some Time in New York City (1972 • John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band With Elephant’s Memory Plus Invisible Strings)
Elephant’s Memory (1972)
Angels Forever (1974)

Research notes

Farrell Enjoys Indie Status: Plans Expansion Plus Big Push for the Elephant’s Memory. December 7, 1968 industry report with Farrell’s account of discovering the group at a crowded New York performance, its year of musical development, the six-month album project, and plans for a fifteen-city tour. (Record World)
Elephant’s Memory — 2004 Reissue Liner Notes. Richie Unterberger’s history incorporates first-album vocalist Michal Shapiro’s recollections of the founding members, Carly Simon, Martha Velez, personnel, arrangements, Visconti connections, and early performances. Reproduced with the album credits. (Plain and Fancy)
The Walrus and the Elephants: John Lennon’s Years of Revolution. James A. Mitchell traces the original partnership between Stan Bronstein and Rick Frank, the Manhattan strip-club connection, Bronstein’s tenure with Tito Puente, and the group’s personnel changes. (eReNow)
Richard Sussman — Biographical Profile. Details the keyboardist’s Philadelphia upbringing, studies with Bernard Peiffer and Dennis Sandole, Swarthmore attendance, 1967 move to New York, and 1968–69 membership in Elephant’s Memory. (Jazz.com)
Michal Shapiro — Music. The singer’s personal account of her early musical career, membership in Elephant’s Memory, and subsequent activities. (Michal Shapiro)
Carly Simon — Official Music Archive. Confirms the Simon Sisters releases on Kapp Records and the recorded activity that preceded Simon’s membership in Elephant’s Memory. (Carly Simon)
Elephants Memory — Crossroads of the Stepping Stones. May 31, 1969 single announcement identifies Wes Farrell as producer, Buddah 98 as the release, and “Jungle Gym at the Zoo” as the B-side. (Billboard)
Midnight Cowboy — Film Catalog. Confirms the group’s two soundtrack performances and provides composition credits for “Jungle Gym at the Zoo” and “Old Man Willow,” both produced by Wes Farrell. (American Film Institute)