The Great Society – Free Advice

The Great Society (stylized as The Great! Society) are mainly remembered today for being the first band that Grace Slick was in. The band was not known for its professionalism. It reportedly took them over fifty takes to record the basic track of the featured song, “Free Advice“, irritating producer Sylvester “Sly” Stewart to no end.

The Great Society could be described as a minor brother of Jefferson Airplane. Indeed, they often shared the same gigs, played similar styles of music, and, of course, both bands featured Slick. In addition, the Society’s lead guitarist, Darby Slick, wrote “Somebody To Love“, which both bands would record.

Unfortunately, the Society wasn’t as instrumentally talented as the Airplane (although Darby Slick was an inventive guitarist), and would not share the success of the Airplane – after the departure of Grace Slick (who was the real talent in the band), the Society fell apart. However, at least for time, the Great Society was almost as popular as the Airplane, and possibly could have made it – had Grace stayed on board. Unfortunately, the departure of Signe Anderson from the Airplane sealed the fate of the Society, as Grace joined virtually the moment Anderson left.

The band was formed by brothers Darby and Jerry Slick, and Jerry’s wife Grace (born Grace Wing). The three came from wealthy Palo Alto families – Darby and Grace had known each other since childhood. Darby had musical experience playing in bands, while Jerry and Grace were novices. Darby played lead guitar, Grace played rhythm guitar and sang, and Jerry played drums.

The lineup was fleshed out with the addition of Bard Dupont on bass, and David Miner on rhythm guitar and lead vocals. Dupont was selected not because of his ability (he had never played bass before), but because of his long hair and good looks.

The band’s name came from David Freiberg, a friend of Dupont, as a mocking send-up of Lyndon B. Johnson‘s policies.

Before they had even played a gig, the Society audtioned for Tom Donahue and Bob Mitchell. The Autumn Records talent scouts were impressed. They signed the band, and took them into the studio to record a “demo album” of a dozen tracks, which would not be released for years. Donahue and Mitchell also signed the band up to play a two-week stint at Mother’s, a local club.

The band played their first gig on October 15, 1965. The next day, they opened for Jefferson Airplane at the first Family Dog event at Longshoreman’s Hall. As it happened with Jefferson Airplane, a positive review by Ralph J. Gleason caused many major record labels to become interested in the band.

The Great Society released their first single, “Someone to Love” (sic) in February of 1966, written by Darby Slick, with “Free Advice” as the B-side. The single failed to sell outside of the Bay area, but “Free Advice” is noteworthy because it was influenced by Indian music – quite groundbreaking for early 1966.

I’ll finish up the history when I review “Somebody to Love”.

The Song: Free Advice

Written by Darby Slick

Recorded in San Francisco, CA (December 1965)

Released as Northbeach single #1001 (February 1966)

Personnel:

David Miner – lead vocals, rhythm guitar

Grace Slick – lead vocals

Darby Slick – lead guitar

Bard DuPont – bass

Jerry Slick – drums

with:

Billy Preston – drums (he’s playing the drum overdubs in the left channel)

Produced by Sylvester “Sly” Stewart

This may be groundbreaking, but that sure don’t mean it’s good. The bass player just plays the same two notes throughout, the drumming and guitar playing are rudimentary as well, and no two ways about it – David Miner just can’t sing. Why they had him sing lead when Grace freakin’ Slick was in the band is a mystery to me. Her wordless vocals, influenced by scat singing and Eastern scales, are just about the only enjoyable part of the whole experience. Bleh.

Rating: C

Listen to the song here.