Lothar & The Hand People
Although this splendidly-named quintet became fixtures of New York's underground circuit, they were formed in Denver, Colorado, USA in 1965. College drop-out John Arthur Emelin (vocals/theremin) was initially joined by Richard Lewis (rhythm guitar), Russell 'Rusty' Ford (bass) and Tom Lyle (drums), before William C. Wright (lead guitar) completed the line-up. Lewis and Wright were later replaced by Kim King (guitar) and Paul Conly (keyboards). Much attention to the group was given due to Emelin's use of the Theremin, an instrument capable of eerie electronic 'cries' similar to those used in horror movies and previously heard on the Beach Boy's Good Vibrations. Lothar & The Hand People headed east at the behest of the Lovin' Spoonful whom they supported on a provincial tour. The new arrivals quickly secured a recording deal, but the apathy which greeted their first three singles delayed a debut album. PRESENTING LOTHAR AND THE HAND PEOPLE was not issued until late 1968, although its simple, folksy atmosphere recalled a more innocent era. The album was produced by Robert Margouleff who went on to form the experimental Tonto's Expanding Headband. A second collection, SPACE HYMN, followed within a matter of months and showed a group embracing synthesized technology. The set maintained a love of melody, but despite positive reviews, the album was not a commercial success and Lothar & The Hand People broke up in 1971.