The Higher They Climb- A Look Back At David Cassidy’s RCA Debut!

Hi. Even though this was technically David Cassidy’s fifth "solo" album, many consider it his first because of the circumstances surrounding it. His career to this point was orchestrated by Bell Records. Even the non-Partridge Family records had a similar thread in that they used a lot of the same musicians, songwriters and producers. Now, to my ears, the Bell period will always be the golden period. Wes Farrell’s production and arrangements, using strings and harpsichords with a pop group, were the perfect complement to David’s throaty vocals. Let’s face it, the boy had some chops. Well, when "The Partridge Family" was cancelled in 1974, so ended his contract with Bell. The end of a great era. Now a free agent for the first time in his career, David signed with RCA, who gave him complete control over his output. Cassidy could finally make the rock and roll album that he’d always wanted to. Released in 1975, this first RCA album is almost a concept album. Titled "The Higher They Climb, The Harder They Fall," it’s a tongue-in-cheek jab at his own rise and fall. Cassidy produced the album himself with the help of Bruce Johnston. In addition to Johnston, the players include Beach Boy Carl Wilson, Richie Furay, Jesse Ed Davis, Danny Kortchmar, and Jim Gordon- all session players of rock and roll legend. The Turtles’ Flo and Eddie sing backup on a couple of songs, and there’s even a comedy skit with Phil Austin of The Firesign Theatre! A fine, underappreciated album that tends to be forgotten with time. I’m sharing mp3’s of this classic album at my blog,    http://mondodaddykin.blogspot.com    Check it out! daddykin

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