The Charlatans: The Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City, Nevada: The Shadow Knows

As heard at The Red Dog Saloon in Virginia City, Nevada, we are proud to present The Charlatans -- MIke Wilhelm, George L.L. Hunter, Richard Olsen, Dan Hicks and Mike Ferguson -- performing "The Shadow Knows." From what we understand, the surviving members of the band don't much care for this cut, recorded for Kama Sutra records in 1966. But we do. The vocal is by Mike Ferguson. We last heard the Charlatans perform at the memorial concert for Chet Helms in Golden Gate Park a couple of years ago. We never thought that we would hear Mike Wilhelm belt out "Wabash Cannonball" again in this lifetime . . . or Richie Olsen croon "As I Go Sailing By. . . ." Or the entire band to "Alabama Bound." But you know what? They sure did. And they were AWESOME. Still one of the great "unknown" bands in the world, in our opinion.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• The Charlattans
• Mike Wilhelm
• Richard Olsen
• Dan Hicks
• Mike Ferguson
• The Shadow Knows
• Red Dog Saloon

[mrbag60]

Wasn't this song based on a comic book and radio series called "The Shadow" which ran from the 30's to the 50's and had as its punch line. "Who Knows What Evil Lurks in the Hearts of Men" Only the Shadow Knows.

[LeeVaiM]

is this their debute show where they're all tripping on acid? I hope so. haha

[trancentralovertone]

yeah

[vanhenry71]

I saw that concert and they were the band I had hoped to see and was NOT disappointed in the least!

[Behutet93]

The piano and guitar sounds like it was recorded at Chess studios. Trippy Lieber/Stoller tune. Beter than the version by the Coasters.

[Markthompson123]

hell ya nice intro

[chrisnouvelle41]

ahhhh...twelve bar blues???? rock me baby!

[musettesf]

glad you liked my Red Dog photos from June 2000! (this comment constitutes my permission :-)  )

[johnarthurknight]

Ferguson's voice is sped up on purpose.

[longlivejerryg]

those guys were awesome