OriginBoston, Massachusetts, United States Associated actsThe Continentals
The Joyful Noise Past membersHarry Palmer
John Mazzarelli
Butch Webster
Joey Scott
Jimmy Altieri
Robert Tamagni
Wally Magee MembersJohn Mazzarelli, Butch Webster, Joey Scott, Harry Palmer, Jimmy Altieri AlbumsTrilogy for the Masses, Time Changes, Time Changes - A New Musical GenresPsychedelic rock, Progressive rock SimilarBeacon Street Union, Bill Szymczyk, Bob Thiele, Ultimate Spinach, R Stevie Moore
Ford Theatre was an American psychedelic rock band from Boston, Massachusetts that were active in between 1966 and 1971. Their sound was similar to other Boston based psychedelic rock bands of the era, but more genuine.
The band formed from the members of The Continentals (Jimmy Altieri, John Mazzarelli, Robert Tamagni, and Butch Webster) who then recruited Harry Palmer and Joe Scott. Although they existed during the period, the group disassociates itself with the Bosstown Sound, the term used to describe the Boston sound.
Ford Theatre was one of the most promising bands of the 60's that were influenced by the bands such as The Kingsmen, The Beatles and The Byrds, although they recorded only 2 albums, both under the ABC Records label. The band's first album Trilogy for the Masses was produced by Bob Thiele in 1968. The album's band tracks were done at Fleetwood Studios in Revere, Massachusetts and the vocals were at Capitol Studios in New York City. And a year later their second album Time Changes was produced by Bill Szymczyk who later went on to produce The Eagles. The second album was done at the Hit Factory in New York City.
After 1969, the band disappeared from records and their memory was overshadowed by the more successful bands of the '70s. In a recent interview Jimmy Altieri stated that after the release of Time Changes, the band didn't manage to get a new deal for a third album that was already partially recorded and the members decided to disband Ford Theatre in 1971.
Band members
Harry Palmer - guitar
John Mazzarelli - keyboards, vocals
Butch Webster - lead guitar
Joey Scott - lead vocals
Jimmy Altieri - bass, vocals
Robert Tamagni drums, vocals
Singles
"From a Back Door Window" b/w "Theme for the Masses" (ABC 11118) 1968
"I've Got the Fever" b/w "Jefferson Airplane" (ABC 11227) 1969
"Time Changes" b/w "Wake Up in the Morning" (Columbia(EMI) 1C006-90288) 1969
"At the Station" b/w "Wake Up in the Morning" (Stateside 5C 006-90 589) 1969
Albums
Trilogy for the Masses (ABC ABCS-658) 1968
Time Changes (ABC ABCS 681) 1969
Songs
Theme for the MassesTrilogy for the Masses · 1968 Postlude - Looking BackTrilogy for the Masses · 1968 I've Got the FeverTime Changes · 1969