Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 57 - Electric Keyboards and Synth Albums that Adorn Music

Legendary Hammond Organ Players and Classic Albums – Part III
Spotlight on the Larsen-Feiten Band and Full Moon

This article, “Vagabond Synth Nerd's Journal", marks Part III of my series introducing classic albums featuring the legendary Hammond organ. In this edition, I will be focusing on the Larsen-Feiten Band. As the name suggests, the band was formed by keyboardist Neil Larsen and guitarist Buzz Feiten.
In 1972, Neil Larsen and Buzz Feiten formed a band called Full Moon and released an album, but it didn’t achieve commercial success. In 1978, keyboardist Neil Larsen recorded his solo album Jungle Fever, with guitarist Buzz Feiten participating in the project. This collaboration led to the formation of the Larsen-Feiten Band.
The band featured a powerful lineup: Neil Larsen on keyboards and vocals, Buzz Feiten on guitar and vocals, Willie Weeks on bass, Art Rodriguez on drums, and Lenny Castro on percussion. While their sound was rooted in rock, it also carried a strong soulful quality, which was likely due in large part to the presence of African American bassist Willie Weeks and percussionist Lenny Castro.
The Larsen-Feiten Band's album is also notable for its well-balanced mix of vocal tracks and instrumentals. While Neil Larsen is a pianist, it's his organ playing that truly stands out. In the songs featuring the Hammond organ, he crafts melody lines that are truly one-of-a-kind, and it’s something you won’t hear from other musicians. He’s also written many sharp, tight instrumental tracks. His ability to skillfully use the Leslie speaker’s slow and fast settings in his playing showcases his exceptional talent as an organist.

■ Recommended Album: Larsen-Feiten Band
Larsen-Feiten Band (1980)

This self-titled debut album by the Larsen-Feiten Band was released in 1980. While rooted in rock, it also blends bluesy and soulful elements along with the crossover influences that were emerging at the time.
Despite this stylistic range, the album remains remarkably well-balanced, which is thanks to the strength of the songwriting with producer Tommy LiPuma’s touch.There's something mysterious about how LiPuma’s involvement brings a certain elegance to an album.
The same could be said for Quincy Jones and Tommy LiPuma—they both have that rare ability, and in many ways, it defined their greatness.

This album isn’t just musically impressive; the artwork is also outstanding.The cover photo was taken by photographer Norman Seeff and many of the most memorable record covers in music history were shot by Seeff.
Seeff's true strength lies in his use of portraiture. While that may sound like a standard approach for a photographer, it’s far from easy. Portrait photography is one of the most challenging genres, as it captures the relationship between the photographer and the subject—in this case, the musician. A good portrait requires a kind of chemistry or connection between the photographer and subject through the lens. It also demands the ability to draw out something new in the subject.
Additionally, album covers must visually express the music's appeal. Seeff’s portraits are often said to make the music feel audible through the image, and they result in covers that make you want to pick up the record.

The cover of the Larsen-Feiten Band album is also unmistakably Seeff’s work—a high-key black-and-white image that carries his signature style. I clearly remember seeing a large promotional version of this jacket displayed above a well-known street-level record store in Aoyama at the time.

○ Album covers photographed by Norman Seeff

Recommended track: “Who’ll Be the Fool Tonight"

This is the most well-known track by the Larsen-Feiten Band. The brass ensemble adds a soulful touch to the song that elevates its energy. One particularly memorable and effective moment comes in the second chorus when organist Neil Larsen introduces an acoustic piano playing eighth-note rhythms.
I remember being astonished when I saw Neil Larsen and Bazzy Faiton perform live in the 1980s. Bazzy’s playing, combined with the delay effects, was exactly the same as it sounded on this track.

■ Recommended Album: Full Moon Full Moon (1982)

This album could be considered to be the second album by the Larsen-Feiten Band, but for some reason, the band reverted to the name Full Moon from 1972. Willie Weeks, a well-known session bassist, participated in sessions with artists such as Donny Hathaway, Eric Clapton, and Chaka Khan. His playing gives the band's sound a strong, soulful, and black feel.

Recommended track: "The Visitor"

This is a great song with a classic Larsen-Feiten style melody. Neil's organ solo is fantastic. The duo of Larsen and Feiten doesn't emphasize technicality but rather it develops rock and jazz-inspired tracks. In my opinion, this balance is what makes Larsen-Feiten Band so special.

■ Recommended Album: Casino Lights Twins

Recently, a previously unreleased track from the 1981 jazz fusion masterpiece Casino Lights was added, and the album has been re-released. Of course, the producer is Tommy LiPuma.
One of the highlights of this re-release is the inclusion of the song "The Visitor" that originally appeared on Full Moon. The guitar has shifted from Bazzy Feiten to Robben Ford, giving it a more jazz-oriented feel, and it’s a wonderful treat for Casino Lights fans.
In addition, Larry Carlton's classic track "Room 335" is performed by the Yellowjackets, providing an opportunity to reaffirm their incredible musicianship that evokes some fresh excitement. In "Room 335", Yellowjackets' Russell Ferrante takes a solo on the Fender Rhodes piano that adds another layer of depth to this performance.

Musicians, Albums, Recommended Tracks, and Keyboard Instruments Featured

• Artists: Neil Larsen, Bazzy Feiten, etc.
• Albums: Larsen Feiten Band, Full Moon, Casino Lights
• Tracks: "Who’ll Be the Fool Tonight", "The Visitor"
• Equipment Used: Hammond B-3 Organ, Fender Rhodes Electric Piano

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