City Cat: A Journey Through the Folk Rock Revolution

Big City Cat: My Life In Folk Rock is a captivating memoir that chronicles the extraordinary life and career of Felix Pappalardi, a bassist and record producer who played a pivotal role in the development of folk rock music. Pappalardi's journey, from his early days as a struggling musician to his later success with the legendary band Mountain, is a fascinating tale of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of music.

Big City Cat: My Life in Folk Rock

by Steve Forbert

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4665 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	268 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Early Life and Influences

Born in the Bronx in 1939, Pappalardi grew up in a musical household. His father, a violinist, and his mother, a pianist, instilled in him a love of classical music and jazz. As a teenager, Pappalardi discovered the burgeoning folk music scene in Greenwich Village and was captivated by the raw energy and poetic lyrics of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Woody Guthrie.

Influenced by the folk revival, Pappalardi began writing and performing his own songs. In 1965, he met Tim Hardin, a singer-songwriter who would become his close friend and musical collaborator. Together, they recorded several albums that showcased Pappalardi's distinctive bass playing and Hardin's hauntingly beautiful vocals.

Rise to Success with Mountain

In 1969, Pappalardi joined forces with Leslie West, a virtuoso guitarist, and Corky Laing, a powerful drummer, to form the legendary band Mountain. Their debut album, Climbing!, was an instant success, featuring the hit singles "Mississippi Queen" and "Nantucket Sleighride." Mountain's music was a fusion of folk, rock, and blues, with Pappalardi's thunderous basslines providing a solid foundation for West's soaring guitar solos.

Over the next several years, Mountain released a series of critically acclaimed albums and toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. They shared the stage with some of the biggest names in rock music, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Eric Clapton. Pappalardi's bass playing became renowned for its power, precision, and melodic sensibility.

Producer and Record Executive

In addition to his success as a musician, Pappalardi was also a highly respected producer and record executive. He produced albums for a diverse range of artists, including Cream, Janis Joplin, and Ronnie James Dio. Pappalardi's production style was characterized by its organic and live sound, capturing the raw energy of his artists' performances.

In 1974, Pappalardi founded his own record label, Cream Records. The label released several groundbreaking albums, including Mountain's last studio album, Nantucket Sleighride II. Pappalardi's vision for Cream Records was to foster a community of artists who could create music without the constraints of commercial pressure.

Legacy and Impact

Felix Pappalardi's influence on the music industry is immeasurable. His pioneering work with Mountain helped to define the genre of folk rock. His innovative bass playing style inspired countless musicians, and his production skills shaped the sound of some of the most iconic albums in rock history.

Tragically, Pappalardi's life was cut short in 1983 when he was shot and killed by his estranged wife. However, his legacy continues to live on through his music and the countless musicians he influenced. Big City Cat: My Life In Folk Rock is a fitting tribute to an artist who dedicated his life to the pursuit of musical excellence.

Big City Cat: My Life In Folk Rock is an intimate and revealing look into the life and career of Felix Pappalardi, a true pioneer in the world of music. Through his personal stories and captivating prose, Pappalardi paints a vivid picture of the folk rock revolution, the challenges he faced along the way, and the enduring power of music to connect and inspire.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of Mountain or just discovering Felix Pappalardi's work, Big City Cat is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of rock music and its enduring legacy.

Free Download your copy today and immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Felix Pappalardi, a true "big city cat" who left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Reviews

"Felix Pappalardi's Big City Cat is a must-read for anyone who loves folk rock music. It's a fascinating and inspiring story of a true musical pioneer." - Richie Havens, singer-songwriter

"Pappalardi's memoir is a raw and honest account of his life and career. It's a valuable addition to the history of rock music." - David Fricke, Rolling Stone

"Big City Cat is a captivating read that captures the spirit of the folk rock revolution. Felix Pappalardi was a true visionary who left an unforgettable legacy." - Jim DeRogatis, Chicago Sun-Times

Big City Cat: My Life in Folk Rock

by Steve Forbert

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4665 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	268 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE