When recounting the rich history of Chicago's weird and wonderful boundary-pushing rock bands, a special place will always be held by U.S. Maple.
Comprising drummer Pat Samson, singer Al Johnson and guitarists Mark Shippy and Todd Rittmann, the band gave the world 12 years of their own unique brand of angular, idiosyncratic rock n roll before scattering in the wind.
With SKiN GRAFT Records having last week put out a special vinyl and CD reissue of the debut U.S. Maple album Long Hair In Three Stages Todd and I discuss the early years of the band, his memories of making their first record and his move into recording and production work.
As well as continuing to carve out a unique musical path with Dead Rider, Todd Rittmann has worked on a host of other projects as a recording engineer and producer.
Below are a notable selection to check out.
Single from forthcoming LP By Cult Canyon Todd recorded/produced
New LP by Collections of Colonies of Bees just out this month
Lovely little Girls - Effusive Supreme mastered by Todd
Todd plays drums, bass and some guitars on this LP by Sacha Mullin as well as produced/recorded:
Todd recorded Chiromancer, a project featuring Charlie Werber (formerly Lovely Little Girls)
Charlier Werber new album Krater mastered by Todd (interview with Charlie coming next week)
Cheer-Accident featuring Nils Frykdahl (Sleeptime Gorilla Museum)
The one and only Ralph "soul" Jackson LP featuring Chicago soul legend Nellie "tiger"Travis. Todd recorded parts, mixed, and played drums and some guitar solos):
Closing track: "Letter To ZZ Top"
Huge thanks to Mark at SKiN GRAFT Records for everything
Buy the new edition of Long Hair In Three Stages
Follow Todd in Instagram
For all Dead Rider links and news visit Drag City
Check out my latest album Real Silence on Drama Recorder
Podcast artwork and logo: https://www.garjk.com/
Intro music: "Detachment" by Tom Osman
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