The Mugwumps - The Mugwumps

The Mugwumps, of course, were the New York-based folk-pop outfit that boasted Denny Doherty and Cass Elliot of the Mamas and the Papas, Jim Hendricks, and Zal Yanovsky, later of the Lovin' Spoonful. This reissue includes notes by Richard Campbell that feature exclusive quotes from Denny, Cass, and Jim as well as Jerry Yester and John Sebastian. A historic album...a 'Collectors' Choice Music' exclusive! Album Description

A bit of history

I remember buying this album on vinyl out of the $1.00 cut-out bin at Woolworths 5&10 in 68-69, taking it home, and being amazed by it's complexity and simplicty at the same time. Cass Elliot's voice was one of a kind, and it shines through on this recording. You can hear the early version of the harmonies that were the backbone of the Mamas and Papas magic sound. It's definately a great addition to a collection of Beatles era rock and roll. October 25, 2008

a must have for mamas and papas fans

have had the lp for yrs. glad finally able to obtain on cd. if you are a fan of mamas and papas, this is a must have for your collection.
too bad so few songs were recorded. the vocals of denny and cass
are outstanding. the sound quality of the cd is excellent. this group,
perhaps, a little before their time. catchy songs and good harmony.
cass has a beautiful voice and her vocals on this cd are rich and
very powerful. October 11, 2008

Pre- Mamas & Papas Folk/Rock from 1964!

The Mugwumps consisted of CASS ELLIOT, DENNY DOHERTY, JAMES HENDRICKS and ZAL YANOVSKY, and were together for several months in 1964. These recordings are the only recordings done for Warner Brothers Records in just a couple of days in the summer of 1964. It's an important key in the evolution of not only The Mamas & The Papas , but also of folk/rock. You can hear the blend of Cass & Denny most clearly on the song " EVERYBODY'S BEEN TALKIN' " - a sublime folk/rock song that is the most similar link to the sound of The Mamas & The Papas , and written by Cass & James Hendricks.

The songs range from covers of R&B songs like The Coasters' " SEARCHIN' " with all 4 members singing, and the rousing " SO FINE " where you can clearly hear the power of Cass Elliot & containing a great guitar solo from Zal, and a harmonica solo [ possibly from an uncredited John Sebastian , who was a friend to all the members as well ]. The Beatles' are clearly an influence and it was that influence on Cass & the rest of the group to go electric after singing folk music in various folk groups like The Big 3 and The Halifax Three. " DO YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN " is a rousing rock number, " HERE IT IS ANOTHER DAY " is another beautiful Elliot/Hendricks folk/rock ballad, and songs like " I'LL REMEMBER TONIGHT " and " DO WHAT THEY DON'T SAY " are more pop influenced songs with horns added too. I've listened to this album for over 30 years, and the release of it on CD at last is definitely merited.

The fact that THE MUGWUMPS laid down these tracks for a proposed album in 1964 is certainly crucial in the overall history of the Mamas & Papas & The Lovin' Spoonful. One single was originally released in 1964 - " I'LL REMEMBER TONIGHT "/ " I DON'T WANNA KNOW " and when both groups were big sensations, this album was released in 1967, and tagged " AN HISTORIC RECORDING " even then. The songs & the music are thoroughly enjoyable. The seeds of folk/rock and The Mamas & Papas are here, and for any fan of 60's music, this contains some great tunes and harmonies. The Mugwumps are pointing the way to the wave of American rock groups that emerged and made history months later in 1965. An important , but also great to listen to album! November 16, 2007

CASS' VOICE

I have really enjoyed this CD...been hoping it was going to be made ever since I was able to buy it on vinyl several years ago. Great harmonies!
If you are a Cass Elliot fan this is a must recording to have as Cass really shines on most of these songs. Awesome voice that left us much to soon.
Roger July 27, 2007

Mugwumps - self-titled (Collector's Choice)

First off, I wanted to mention this is not the same band of the same name that shows up playing a club in the 'Riot On Sunset Strip' movie. It's the sole album CD reissue of a band that I wasn't even aware of until here recently. It's a 1967 effort that featured the line up of Mama Cass and Denny Doherty (of the Mamas & The Papas), Zal Yanovsky (Lovin' Spoonful) and James Hendrix (Big Three)-the only current living member of this four piece. This self-titled archive recording is better than what I had expected. Some really nicely done folk pop to grace your home entertainment center with to be had here. Tracks I liked the most were "Searchin'", "I'll Remember Tonight", the uplifting "You Know What I Mean" and "Do What They Don't Say". Should appeal to most if not all true oldie fans. Basically, if you're over the age of 45 or even 50, you should get plenty of satisfaction from this CD in years to come. Recommended. June 10, 2007

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