Orpheus (band)
Orpheus is an American rock band originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, that enjoyed popularity in the 1960s and early 1970s, featuring lead singer/songwriter Bruce Arnold. The
original band members, including Stephen Martin, Jack McKennes, Eric "Snake" Gulliksen, and Harry Sandler, along with Robert Emmet Dunlap and Kathi Taylor, also performed for many years in New England as Orpheus Reborn.
History
Orpheus is an American rock band best known for its string of soft rock hits during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band was formed in 1967 by Bruce Arnold and Jack McKennes, evolving from their earlier folk duo, The Villagers. Orpheus signed with MGM Records and was associated with the ‘Bosstown Sound’ marketing campaign. Orpheus toured with major acts such as Cream, The Who, and Janis Joplin. They had two charted Billboard Hot 100 singles, "Can't Find the Time" was released on MGM Records and reached #80 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles in 1969. “Brown Arms in Houston,” released on MGM Records, charted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles, reaching #91. The song also charted in Canada, peaking at #81 on the RPM Top 100 Singles chart in 1969.The band’s most notable hit, "Can't Find the Time" became a national success in 1969 and was later was covered by Hootie & the Blowfish for the 2000 film Me, Myself & Irene. Orpheus released several albums under MGM Records, including Orpheus, Ascending, and Joyful, each featuring lush orchestrations and introspective lyrics that set them apart from their contemporaries in the Boston music scene.
Though the group disbanded in December 1969, Arnold reformed Orpheus in 1971 with a new lineup, releasing a self-titled album that year. Over the years, Orpheus has experienced several revivals, performing under names like Orpheus Reborn and continuing to tour and record into the 2010s.
Musical style
Orpheus's music blends elements of pop, jazz, and classical music, with smooth vocal harmonies and richly orchestrated arrangements. Their sound has been described as psychedelic pop, sunshine pop, AM pop, baroque pop, and soft rock. Critics have noted the band’s melodic sophistication and introspective lyrics as defining features of their work, especially in comparison to other acts associated with the Bosstown Sound movement.Discography
Studio albums
| Title | Year | Label | Notes | Ref. |
| Orpheus | 1968 | MGM Records | Debut album | |
| Ascending | 1968 | MGM Records | Second studio album | |
| Joyful | 1969 | MGM Records | Third studio album | |
| Orpheus | 1971 | Bell Records | Fourth studio album; same title as debut | |
| Orpheus Again | 2010 | BAM | Reunion album |
Compilation albums
| Title | Year | Label | Notes | Ref. |
| The Best of Orpheus | 1995 | Ace Big Beat | Compilation album | |
| The Very Best of Orpheus | 2001 | Not specified | Compilation album | |
| The Complete Orpheus | 2001 | Not specified | Compilation album |
Charted singles
| Song | Year | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | U.S. Cash Box Top 100 | Canada RPM Top Singles |
| "Can't Find the Time" | 1969 | 80 | 72 | 63 |
| "Brown Arms in Houston" | 1969 | 97 | 88 | 81 |
- Can't Find the Time )
- Brown Arms in Houston )
Television appearances
- "Can't Find the Time"
- WABC interview clip
- "It's What's Happening, Baby!"
Reunion and later activity
Orpheus Reborn
In the 2000s, Bruce Arnold formed Orpheus Reborn, a revival of the original group. The lineup included:- Bruce Arnold – vocals, guitar
- Robert Emmet Dunlap – bass, vocals
- Steve Kawalek – drums
- Kathi Taylor – vocals
- Bernardo Baglioni – guitar
- Jim Scott – keyboards
Orpheus Again
In 2010, a new version of the group released the album Orpheus Again. This project featured:- Bruce Arnold – vocals, guitar, songwriting
- Bernardo Baglioni – guitar, co-producer
- Robert Emmet Dunlap – bass, vocals
- Kathi Taylor – vocals
- Tom Major – drums
- Jimmy "Jay" Rossi – keyboards, arrangements
- Bill Mason – saxophone
- Jeff Stout – trumpet