Cosmic Travellers

This Los Angeles–based group was active in the early 1970s and blended psychedelic blues rock with elements of Southern rock, drawing inspiration from artists such as Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead. The band was known for extended improvisations, dual‑guitar interplay, and a loose, exploratory live sound typical of West Coast acid‑rock jam bands. The group consisted of studio and touring musicians including: Drake Levin — guitarist, formerly of Paul Revere & the Raiders, Joel Christie — vocals/bass, previously with Orange Colored Sky, Jimmy McGhee — lead guitar, Dale “Mule” Loyola — drums, also known for work with Hook. The musicians were primarily based in Los Angeles but came together for a one‑off performance in Hawaii while Levin and Christie were vacationing there. The band’s best‑known work is a live recording from Hawaii in 1972, captured during a large outdoor festival that featured several notable acts, including Little Feat, and reportedly drew an audience of around 55,000 people. The group was assembled specifically for this event, and the recording was released afterward due to the strong audience response. The performance featured long, high‑energy jams combining original material with cover interpretations. The sound has been compared to a mixture of Quicksilver Messenger Service and Sly & the Family Stone, with an emphasis on extended guitar improvisation. The album became a sought‑after item among collectors, especially due to its striking cover art and the poster included with later reissues.
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Live at Diamond Head – 1972 Full Album

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