Jefferson Starship - Dragon Fly

Their first was the best

When vocalist/rhythm guitarist Paul Kantner and vocalist/pianist Grace Slick finally figured out (after two years!) that Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady weren't coming back to the Jefferson Airplane, they recruited a couple of players that had played on sessions for their outside projects (lead guitarist Craiq Chaquico and Pete Sears on bass and keyboards) and the rest of the final incarnation of the Airplane (violinist Papa John Creach, drummer John Barbata, and David Freiberg on vocals, keyboards and bass) to form Jefferson Starship.

Although JS developed a bad reputation later, this first proper band release by them ranks with the very best Airplane material. It's far better than the final two Airplane studio albums (the disastrous "Bark" and "Long John Silver"), and less self-indulgent than outside projects like "Sunfighter" or "Manhole". Kantner, Slick and Freiberg had begun moving towards this sound on their "Baron Von Tollbooth and the Chrome Nun" album. Short on lengthy instrumental jamming, weird sound effects or experimentation, which made some JA fans unhappy. But we have a cohesive yet diverse collection of catchy idiosyncratic pop/rock songs, played well and tightly. New producer Larry Cox imposed more discipline on the group, without having them descend into the sappier commercial sounds which they would indulge in later.

Like all of the JS/JA albums, this is a democratic affair. Everyone except Barbata gets at least one songwriting credit. There's a lot of variety, but everyone is on the same page. Freiberg writes and sings a collaboration with Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter called "Come to Life", driven by a funky Pete Sears bassline. I think he also sings lead on Chaquico's "That's for Sure", with lyrical musings by one Jerry Gallup on birth and death. The lead vocal is a bit flat, but the playing and harmonies lift the song up.

Slick writes the lyrics and sings lead on three songs. Her solo song, "Be Young You" (the title a play on the name of her tennis instructor, Byung Yu), is the first of a series of piano ballads that she would contribute to the next few Starship albums. But none of the others would have such inscrutable lyrics. "Devils' Den", music by Creach, seems to be about political corruption, and features another cool bass line from Pete. Sears also provided the music for the lovely "Hyperdrive", a long ballad with nice keyboard textures from him and Freiberg. Slick's vocals, as they are throughout the album are very effective, but her sci-fi metaphors for aging are delivered in her most moving performance.

Paul Kantner brought in some of his best songs ever. He sings lead on the one totally outside composition, "All Fly Away", by folkie Tom Pacheco. The childlike fantasy visions fit well with Paul's own songwriting style. Paul got some lyrical help from Slick and Byung Yu for "Ride the Tiger", the album's first single. A strong rock track, Paul's second song dealing with his fascination with China ended up being one of the band's most popular songs. Finally, JA founder and vocalist Marty Balin returns after several years to write and sing the lyrics to Paul's "Caroline". This, not "Miracles", is Marty's classic rock ballad. Twelve string guitar, harpsichord, piano, mellotron, alternate with Chaquico's dynamic rock guitar, Marty's soaring lead vocal, terrific harmonies and great lyrics. Marty would never top it.

Although the album had a more commercial sound than those from the Airplane, the band's individuality was still intact, without the corny pop pandering that was coming up. Your intelligence won't be insulted if you pick this one up, but you'll still be entertained. Get it! November 10, 2008

Jefferson Starship's second album is pretty good

'Dragon Fly' is a pretty interesting album. It features an early Jefferson Starship at their finest. For all I know, this could easily be a Jefferson Airplane album. It is also significant because it reunites Paul Kantner and Grace Slick with former Jefferson Airplane vocalist and founding member, Marty Balin.

At the time this was released, in 1974, Balin wasn't an official member. He wasn't even considered a member at all. Although he did sing lead on the brilliant 'Caroline,' he would not become an official member of Jefferson Starship until early 1975.

The rest of the album is pretty good as well, although I will say now that 'Caroline' is the standout. 'Ride The Tiger' features a heavier side of Jefferson Starship, and also contains a solo from the legendary fiddler, Papa John Creach.

'Devil's Den' is the other great song here. It's not one of Jefferson Starship's best songs, but it's definitely a highlight on this album, no doubt.

Overall, if you are die-hard Jefferson Starship fan or a collector, or you are a Jefferson Airplane fan trying to start a Jefferson Starship collection, I strongly recommend this album. For casual fans, however, stick to buying the compilations, or if you want a studio album, buy 'Earth' or 'Red Octopus.'

Recommended for the Jefferson Starship collector. September 9, 2008

The music remains a solid 4 stars, just DON'T BUY THIS! (or any other SONY/BMG "Custom Marketing Group" CD...)

So, what makes this bargain not a bargain? Read on...the mastering/re-mastering is EXACTLY the same as the 1997 version (I compared both versions several times to verify the sound quality). The 1997 CD has a beautiful variation of the original inner sleeve art on the disc itself, in 2008 we get plain blue with album/group name and song titles/lengths. The 2008 case does have a clear jewel tray, but the picture underneath artistic squiggles, in variations of blue. Last, but unfortunately THE LEAST is the travesty done to the 1997 art and booklet. The 1997 version has a faithful reproduction of the original album jacket on both sides of the enclosed booklet. The back tray liner features a color reproduction of the original inner sleeve art. The booklet itself is 8 pages, 3 of which contain a helpful and informative summary of the groups origins and the album itself written by David Cohen. Song information and further well-reproduced artwork variations round out the rest. Not only does the 2008 version only have a 4 page booklet with 2 blank inside, the back of the booklet and the back liner tray only contains song tiles, times and credits. I've saved the worst for last, which is the shody reproduction of the original front cover artwork. Not only is it blurry and lacking detail compared to the 1997 version, they don't even use the original font! All in all not even worth the lower price. Sony/BMG has recently re-released what seems to be at least a hundred different older or out-of-print titles under the "Custom Marketing Group" imprinture, many that in the past had excellent booklets chock-full of informative information and photos. I can only STRONGLY recommend that if given the choice between a 2008 lower price "Custom Marketing Group CD", or the actual original it is meant to replace, don't think twice. As more and more music lovers catch on to this latest "major label" scam, the prices wanted for the superior originals are bound to skyrocket. Don't say I didn't warn you...... August 22, 2008

fantastic album

Wow! No one has written a review for the SBME SPECIAL MKTS label of Jefferson Starship's "Dragon Fly", so here's what you can expect. There are absolutely NO notes or any kind of additional information whatsoever about the band members. No pictures, no information, no song titles, NOTHING but a blank white empty piece of cardboard. That explains why the price for these discs are so cheap.

However, what the liner notes lacks in information, the disc itself makes up for in *excellent* sound quality. The sound of the music is VERY clean, crisp, and I think it's about as perfect as you can possibly expect. I figured since many people are selling the disc for a cheap price, there HAS to be something wrong with this version. Such as lackluster sound quality. Never fear- apparently these SBME SPECIAL MKTS discs are totally worth owning for the amazing sound alone. Just don't expect to see any kind of band photos or booklets or a written history of the band or any kind of information like that.

NOW, with that out of the way, let's talk about the actual music. Jefferson Starship's debut is surprisingly underrated. I thought more people would have reviewed the album than what we have so far. To me that's kind of disappointing because the music this band was making on this album was unique. Sure, it's basically a continuation of Jefferson Airplane with an updated 70's sound and without the hard rock punch that made the Airplane so memorable. But the quality of the songwriting has remained.

You have Grace Slick's amazing vocal style where she can allow her voice to soar and elevate to new heights, and the guy lead singer who has TONS of emotion packed in his vocal style. "Caroline" is a good example of that. The best song on the album that features a verse melody similar to "Miracles". His ability to sing meaningful vocal melodies is really unbelievable. Looking back, he's probably in the top 10 greatest singers of the 70's. What a perfect voice.

You have a guitarist who has some of the best solos I've ever heard (seriously, I mean that). Some moments remind me of Jeff Beck from the Blow By Blow album. Some of the funky guitar playing on Dragon Fly is similar to a couple songs from that Beck album.

"Hyperdrive" sounds like the bands approach of trying space rock and it works really well, especially Grace's vocals that totally amaze me. It's almost like post-psychedelic space rock, and the lyrics are really adventurous too "That's for Sure" is the most underrated song on the album because of the emotional vocals that dominate it. "Be Young You" may be one of Grace Slick's finest moments as a lead singer. Not many people can sing like she did back in the 60's and 70's. "Come to Life" has a looping guitar riff that rules a lot. Just a perfect album really.

I love every single song. I can't believe some people only listen to the album for a couple songs. I listen to it for EVERY song. A must own album. Not as good as Red Octopus, but a close second. April 1, 2008

Watch this album "Come To Life" with a fresh CD copy!

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various music supplies and recordings from the 60's and 70's.

1974 saw the release of "Dragon Fly" and it was obvious that the plane would now fly in another direction. The project obviously without Hot Tuna's Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady did encompass original Airplane members Paul Kantner and Marty Balin along with Grace Slick who was present for the entire journey excluding the debut record. An additional dose of J.A. flavor is sprinkled with Papa John Creach (An Airplaner since 10/5/70), David Freiberg (Joined the Airplane after the start of the 1972 tour), and John Barbata (Became part of the fold during 7/72).

Craig Chaquico (guitar) known by the band for his work on Jack Traylor's (Long time friend of Paul) 1973 Steelwind album and Pete Sears (bass and keyboards) friend of the band since his appearance on the 1971 Papa John Creach self-titled LP were never asked to emulate Jorma and Jack. There mission was to play in a new unit with a much different vision.

The idea of a different vision would alienate some of the older Airplane fans but the door would be open to create their own niche.

"Ride The Tiger" to this day remains as one of the finest Jefferson Starship compositions in any of their terrific incarnations. The riff is memorable from the initial listen and the words a powerhouse.

"Be Young You" could stop a herd in their tracks. Grace's inflection and vocal style make everything in the outside world superfluous for 3:46.

"Caroline" demonstrates that in any era Marty Balin's ability to take a ballad to escalating heights can never be questioned. It gave the band what they needed the radio exposure for the hit oriented crowd to go with the airplay of "Ride The Tiger" for the Album Rock segment.

"Come To Life" is a tune I specifically asked Craig about in "Take Me To A Circus Tent." The sound of his guitar is perfect. He told me that between John Barbata (Drums) and Jorma's brother Peter (Guitar) they had instilled upon him the importance of the right equipment for the specific song. He had met Peter in a previous session. To this day "Come To Life" is one of the most underrated tunes the band would ever pen.

"Hyperdrive" with the longest playing time of any of the eight tracks closes the album. The tune written by Sears and Slick takes us in every direction for nearly eight minutes. Grace's vocals resonate with passion and the band jelled as if they had done this for decades. It's a tune people listen to over and over to soak up every nuance they could fine.

There could be only one Airplane but the Jefferson Starship has flown a different fight path and has done it well. Paul Kantner can be proud to carry the torch for the 40th Anniversary of the Summer Of Love!


Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

July 11, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...