The Third Power from Troy, Michigan & Weed with Ken Hensley of Uriah Heap
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The Third Power=Believe 1970 full album play
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv63wmaC5Yc
"The Third Power" formed in 1967 near Detroit in Farmington Hills, MI by "Drew Abbot" (Guitar, Vocals), "Jim Craig" - (Drums, Vocals) and "Jem Targal" - (Bass guitar, Vocals) after playing around for several years in various bands.
Quickly emerged as a favorite on the local club circuit thanks to their bone-rattling sound. "Third Power" arrived with one of the most descriptive epithets a Power Rock Trio ever possessed.
Their heavy attack fast made them favorites at the "Grande Ballroom", "Eastown Theater" and just about every other concert venue in the area.
In 1970 "The 3rd Power" recorded the album "Believe" was recorded for the "Vanguard Records".
But "The 3rd Power - Believe" was deemed too heavy for the label's direction and lacked the support that could have made it more of a hit.
This decision by "Vanguard Records" to drop "the Third Power" from their roster almost immediately after "Believe"'s release made it an instant collectable.
Despite production and support by the legendary "Sam Charters", Vanguard's utter lack of comprehension of the work (they didn't really know what to do with the band and dropped them after hearing the recording), poor distribution and non-existent promotion erased any chance the record had to stand on its considerable merit.
"Jem Targal" had the vocal chords for serious Rock singing and "Drew Abbot"'s supercharged guitar work ranked with the best in the city.
In the early '70s "Drew Abbot" performed as an opener with various "Motown Records" session bands.
Having been managed by "Punch Andrews", "Drew Abbot" knew "Bob Seger"; in fact, "Third Power" had often opened for "Bob Seger".
In 1972 when "Bob Seger" decided he wanted to give up guitar playing responsibilities, "Drew Abbot" was asked to join "Bob Seger"'s band.
When "Punch Andrews" and "Bob Seger" decided to create a new image for "Bob Seger" by starting the "Silver Bullet Band" in 1974, "Drew Abbot" was the only member asked to stay on.
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WEED-Weed 1971
Weed (Ken Hensley) -- Weed (1971 Full Album)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAfgGgwdaNc
1971 was one year very full of work for Mr. Hensley... Not only two unforgettable masterworks with Uriah Heep, but also, after "Salisbury" and before "Look at Yourself", he was member of this strange band, Weed, that involved Ken and guys from German Band Virus. They made one album with the same name, registered during some sessions in the Windrose Studios in Hamburg. Even if all six tracks were officially composed by the concert promoter Bobo Albes, for me the Hensley's hand is present in the songs writing, and every Heep maniac here can judge it listening to this heavy progressive lost gem. Ken Hensley is also the lead singer in this work, and his characteristic voice give one irresistible early Heep touch to this album. Enjoy. -abominogjnr.blogspot
