Rat Race Choir - Dancin' Flame

[skullfoot]

Used to watch RRC in high school, and was just stunned at their quality of music.This brings back those Long Island memories. This is one of the best bands in the world.

[glassslide]

Brings back some great memories--- very fortunate to have been able to see these guys during this period---they were smoking! Music still stands up. Great post.

[mangothefish]

Some serious fusion here. Love the Jan Hammer licks

[cobey24]

I remember their visits to Poughkeepsie! Very good band. Talented guys who may have never got the respect they deserved! Shame,,,Id pay to see them again!

[sdgulls]

Wow! Brings back memories. I used to follow these guys around a lot. The Chance and Good Times Cafe (Poughkeepsie), Gemini II (Yorktown), The Gate (New Windsor), The Fore N Aft (Brewster), some place in Fishkill whose name escapes me, etc. I remember handing Mark my empty beer bottle when they would do the swirly, psychedelic part of "Whole Lotta Love." "Pythagoras" and "Dancin' Flame" are my two favorite all-time songs. Thanks NyLawDog.

[halkvideos]

Long island at Speaks evey weekend with twisted sister and winger

[vivamusone]

GREAT SOUND ! I sure wish I could have seen this band live. I miss music like this. Houston Tx.

[tdm1995]

A Choir Reunion is long overdue.

Tommy #1 fan '78-81 but think the 1st time I saw the choir was '75 in Rhienbeck? and Larry was on the keys doin that crazy keyboard dance.. Yes - the RRC reunion should be Dave, Mark, Steve, Larry and the olde roadies need to move the sheeeeeit. And I shall stroll my wee little wheelchair up to the dancing flame.

tommy POK

[tdm1995]

OH and if someone could post an RRC version of either (a) that Todd 7 Rays or (b) that Jack Bruce "Something to Live for", that would be some sheeit right there. Uh huh.

tommy POK

[tripleeff]

tommy,when i first started working for rrc they did'nt know what a wheel was! if us old roadies have to move the sheeeeeit we may have to borrow your wheels! only kidding, don't get mad, i'd like to see em get together one more time....frank

[JAD22]

Thanks NYLawDog. I was Dave's roadie from 78 to 79. Not only was RRC the best tri-state band but probably the hardest working band too! We played 6 nights most weeks, only off on mondays! What a great time in my life. Met so many great people. Keep the vids coming, Please! Thanks, Jimmy D.

[johnniesam7]

oh yeah..when it was real..thanks great post..

[barbararosephd]

WOW! I'm sitting here w/ the biggest smile on my face. I remember when they created this. (Always performed it at SPEAKS.) Doesn't Mark Hit look like Jimmy Page here? I always thought so. Miss Dave a lot - we were great friends. THAN

[jevanmanny]

Thanks NyLawDog. I watched and Loved RRC in the early 80's - mostly at Gemini II Rock Ballroom, Yorktown Heights. It is a real trip to see these vids. We are passing the links to the old gang all over the country. Absolutely amazing. For all - Keep your eyes open for Torque and the "Rock that Cares" tour.

[SFALLOY]

Awesome! I remember this like it was yesterday. I always thought they were one of the best of the TriState Area bands back then. Great musicianship and lots of balls to the songs.

[robrush54]

Ah yes! Takes me back to '73,'74. The ForeNAft in Brewster NY every Saturday. Hitt with his ES-355. I remember the Who's Bell Boy with the bassist wearing a baseball uniform! Great cover and original band.

[FishingDudeGA]

I gotta come on this one and say thanks for the memory of this incredible, diffucult, well played song. Sorry there were a few skips in it, I have a direct recording of this one and it's an amazing feat of musical genius from each band member. Gordon does a fine keyboard part here, not unlike Larry McGowan did, just one year before this date.

Thanks NYLawDog, this is incredible video out of this music era... !!

[philnix2007]

I only wish the video guy knew the songs like I do. All Mark's solo's the camera goes somewhere else..!! I guess I can't complain, I never thought this part of my childhood would be on You Tube..!!

Phil Nix

[philnix2007]

Thanks for the great clips..It'a always difficult to explain what the music scene was like around here back then for people who weren't around Westchester (my wife). Now I can show her why I always talk about these guys. As a young guitarist from Mamaroneck High(1977), I loved these guys and Mark Hitt was my hero. As a professional I got to know him and gained even more respect for the talent RRC showed every Tuesday night at Glen Island Casino in New Rochelle.

Thanks NyLawDog,

Phil Nix

[NyLawDog]

You're welcome Phil

[kensen10]

Like the others, this is great! I saw Rat Race from 1971 to about 1980... Mostly Long Island, but even in Florida, the Fore n'Afts, the OBI's, Leone's in Deer Park, Glen Island Casino, etc.... Do you have any of the Zeppelin? What is, Whole Lotta Love, Kashmir? Even - My Sharona? Why don't they put out a quality DVD? You know there are a bunch of us out there that would buy it? they were always something to look up to...Thanks NYLawDog....