QuarterFlash – From Oregon with Love
QuarterFlash – From Oregon with Love. Sometimes I kick off my shoes and take it easy and not think about anything particular. And invariably during these times of solace, a song drifts into my mind. Listening to it, those unique vocals, and laid-back style brings into mind a band that deserved more than it did. Let’s remember Quarterflash – From Oregon with Love.
Thapson
Origins
The core of the band out Oregon is the husband-wife team of Marv and Rindy Ross. He plays the guitar, but she, as the voice of the band, is unique for also playing the saxophone. Incidentally, when was the last time you saw a band with a saxophone player? Very few of late, I’m sure. Rindy, also has this unmistakable vocal style which is instrumental in defining Quarterflash.
Before I jump the gun, the couple were backed up by four other members including: Jack Charles (guitar), Brian David Williams (percussion), Rich Gooch (bass), and Rick DiGiallonardo (keyboard). I need to mention that or it’s too easy to overlook these other important elements that made the band sound the way it did.
And this formation, in 1980, was the amalgamation of sorts of two other previous bands from that region.
Initial Success
Their first song is never released as a Quarterflash offering. Because, when they record it in 1980, they don’t have a formal name and are not well known except locally. The first hit song was “Harden My Heart” which is likely their biggest hit and put them on the Rock music landscape. This song got much local airplay and then caught on nationally. They signed up formally and adopted the name “Quarterflash” taken from an accidental discovery of the Australian slang used to refer to immigrants (not derogatory).
Because of this success, they decided to re-record the song and release it on their self-titled album in 1981. After that, the world took notice and things only looked good for them. But despite their successes, they did not last as long as I would have preferred them to.
Checking Out Their Hits
I’m not much into talking about artists than actually listening to them. So, let’s go give a spin to some of their major hits and find out the mystery song that specifically caught my ear – and eye I may add.
Because I could talk about the music all day long, but unless you hear it and see the artist performing (as we are a visual species) you’ll likely not be able to appreciate them as much.
“Harden My Heart” (1981)
As I said earlier, this one was released when the there was no Quarterflash, as at the time they were called “Seafood Mama.” It was likely re-recorded and released on their first self-titled album in 1981. This was the dawn of the music video and a rather dramatic video with special effects and pyrotechnics is used. Likely Quarterflash’s only hit which reached the top ten.
QuarterflashVEVO / YouTube.com
“Find Another Fool” (1981)
Off of the same album, here’s another cool number which shows why Quarterflash skyrocketed to fame. Once again, those vocals, and the saxophone/guitar interplay does wonders.
ClassicVideos80s / YouTube.com
“Night Shift” (1982)
The song “Night Shift” was used for the 1982 movie, of the same name, directed by Ron Howard. It was likely Ron’s first break in directing a Hollywood movie. While it is most appreciated by fans of 80s movies and icons from that era, the song comes off as a haunting melody to workers of the night shift. And since Quarterflash were a big discovery then, it was only natural that Ron Howard chose them for the theme song.
Brandon Hixson / YouTube.com
“Take Another Picture” (1983)
Off of their second album with the same name, this song demonstrates how Quarterflash’s music was emblematic of the times. Clean rock beats with interesting lyrics. Just listening to it brings back that period to mind to anyone who was around then.
QuarterflashVEVO / YouTube.com
“Take Me to Heart” (1983)
Remember what I said about the song that always seems to come to my mind when I want to space out and recall simpler times. Well, this one is it. This is actually the first time I heard Quarterflash and it led me to discover their music in my own way. I remember being impressed by Rindy’s vocals, sax playing, and the overall music production. Once again, the video is so typically early 80s reflecting the dawn of the MTV era. Although I didn’t see it on MTV first. Wonderful song, wonderful memories.
Brandon Hixson / YouTube.com
“Walking on Ice” (1985)
In 1985, Quarterflash released their third album, “Back in Blue.” Their music seemingly evolved along with the trends of that period. A lot more synthesizer stuff on this catchy beat. Not as famous as their other hits, but it seems to have aged well as a sample of their music from that era. While it reflects many changes, one thing hasn’t – and that’s the cool saxophone riff at the end.
QuarterflashVEVO / YouTube.com
“Back in Blue” was Quarterflash’s last big album. For some reason, they seemed to fade away from the charts altogether. Who knows why that happened? I can’t answer that question as I’m not a music expert. Just a connoisseur.
Strange Disappearance from the Charts
They did make a comeback of sorts in 1991 with yet another album which didn’t do much on the charts. Which is unfortunate because I think it’s actually quite good. The album in question: “Girl in The Wind.”
Quarterflash itself has gone through many changes, although the Rindy and Marv still form the core of the group. As far as I’m concerned they’ve done their part to add to the soundtrack of our lives. My mission is to celebrate the not so remembered artists of our lives, not the big names everyone talks about all the time. By remembering them, and some of their music, I think I’ve done my part to remind how great Quarterflash actually were in their heyday.
Feel free to share your memories or opinions using the link below. I’ll return to celebrate another artist in the near future.
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