Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels – The Last Roundup (Live From The Bijou Café In Philadelphia, 3/16/73) (2xLP, RSD Black Friday 2023)

In early 1973 Gram Parsons embarked on a tour to promote his recently released first solo album, GP. Gram put together a pretty great band, including the then-unknown Emmylou Harris as his singing partner. The shows were somewhat uneven at first, but by midtour the band started to find its groove.

One show stood out to pedal steel player Neil Flanz: the third night at the Bijou Cafe in Philadelphia. Neil felt that this was the best show of the tour and requested a copy of the soundboard recording. He saved it for almost forty years, and then it was acquired by Amoeba Music for a future Gram release. It then disappeared in the Amoeba vault for another ten years before it was rediscovered when Amoeba moved to a new location in LA.

It turns out Neil was right. This is Gram and Emmylou at their finest. And it’s the next to last club date ever for Gram and the Fallen Angels. A 50-year-old soundboard cassette offers some unique challenges, but thanks to the efforts of some of the world’s best archival sound restoration engineers, the beauty and energy of Gram, Emmy and the band shine through.

For all of those who never got to experience Gram live, this is the closest we’ll ever get to being there.

*First new Gram solo material release in 40 years

*First live Gram solo club appearance ever released

*Recorded 3/16/73 Bijou Cafe Philadelphia

*Definitive 2LP performance in its original sequence

*19 Songs, Including “Sin City”, “Love Hurts” and “Drug Store Truck Drivin’ Man”

*Band includes Emmylou Harris on Vocals

*11”x17” Gram poster included

*Cover features long lost Gram and Emmylou motorcycle photo