Pepper Fog
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History
Pepper Fog was a Twin Cities-based rock band of the late 60's and early 70's. Like many up-and-coming acts of the era, Pepper Fog relied in part on covering so-called Underground FM hits. Their repertoire included versions of Jeff Beck's "Situation" (from Rough and Ready), the Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women" (two reditions are on record: Let It Bleed, Hot Rocks) and Spirit's "Fresh Garbage" (from Spirit's eponymous first album). The group established itself regionally, toured nationally, and returned to the Twin Cities only to disband.
The group was comprised of four school chums. Guitar player and occasional singer Dale Strength used a finger picking style and distinctive leads reminiscent of guitar wizard Mark Knoffler. His brother Bob was the quartet's drummer and backup singer. Gregg Inhofer, an incessant bubble gum chewer in granny glasses, played keyboards, and second guitar. Gregg and Dale were Pepper Fog's primary vocalists. Pepper Fog's bass player was rail thin, raven-haired Ron Merchant who also occasionally sang lead and backup. The four remained a tight music outfit for the duration of their three-year run.
Pepper Fog didn't just practice, they worked. They developed a devoted following. Pepper Fog met with an especially warm reception whenever the group mounted the stage in Mankato, a university town 80 miles south of Minneapolis and the boyhood community of Sound 80 producer Dale Menton.
After two Midwest tours opening for the Animals, and a tour out west ending in Utah opening for the Zombies, Pepper Fog became a staple at the Labor Temple concerts in Minneapolis and opened for Johnnie Winter and the Velvet Underground among many other national acts. Their first released recording was on the "Gathering at the Depot" album: an original song, Celebration, containing their signature jazz breaks and full vocal harmony. The Depot was the original rock club in what is now First Avenue.
Original music was always the driving source of Pepper Fog's essence. They combined heavy guitar licks with quick piano jazz breaks ("I'm Leaving", "New Song") and weren't afraid to take their audience on journeys across time signatures, esoteric lyrics and full four-part vocal harmonies ("Time Is Just a Word", "Hotcha!"). They also wrote straightforward emotional songs such as "I'm Coming Home" about time on the road and the wave-your-lighter-in-the-air "Please Let The Sunshine".
With heavy influences of King Crimson and John Mclaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra, Pepper Fog started writing and playing songs with not just time signature or jazz breaks, but with time signature / jazz overlays. Each of the players (including the addition of a fifth member, Pat Mackin, on sax) playing a different musical line in a different time signature at the same time.
However, it was harder for the core Pepper Fog fan to relate to the new direction. Eventually a decision was made to disband for a year. The year turned into 30 years, while each member pursued music in their own way.
Bassist Ron Merchant went on to join another regional rock group, Lightning, with Mick Stanhope, Ronn Roberts, Dan Berneice and Russ Paul, then formed a group with Copperhead (Minnesoda) members, Chuck Dahle and Johnnie Elms. Adding a horn section, Ron's new group, Freefall, played clubs and events well into the 80's.
Three other members (Dale, Bob and Gregg) got their big break in late 1974 when, curiously enough, they were tapped to back country western pop star Olivia Newton John. Near the end of a television appearance with her the new band, called This Oneness, got to do a number of its own, sans Olivia, who graciously introduced them to America.
Three of Pepper Fog's songs ("Time is Just a Word", Please Let the Sun Shine" and "Surprize") were later recorded by Gregg and Dale's new group.
The original four members reunited in 2004 for a concert at the Historic Paramount Theatre in Austin, Minnesota. Since then they have released a CD of the concert and played occasional gigs at the Minnesota Music Cafe in Saint Paul and Famous Dave's in Minneapolis.
Members
- Dale Strength: Guitar, Vocal.
- Greg Inhofer: Piano, Guitar, Vocal.
- Bob Strength: Drums, Vocal.
- Ron Merchant: Bass, Vocal.
- Pat Mackin: Sax
Discography
"Back and Live" recorded August 12, 2004, in concert at the Historic Paramount Theatre, Austin, Minnesota.
Contains the following original songs by Pepper Fog: I'm Coming Home, Greyhound Tour, Time is Just a Word, Celebration, Let Me Go, I'm Leaving, Please Let the Sun Shine.
Covers of Funk #49, White Room, Sunshine of Your Love, I Feel Fine, Foxy Lady, Manic Depression, Fresh Garbage, Bluebird, Going Down.
Audio
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