Wednesday 10 September 2014

Corky Laing Interview - "When the Americans landed on the moon, I landed on the Mountain seat"

Corky Laing
The hard rock band "Mountain" came to rise in the late 60's from Long Island, New York. Guitarist Leslie West had some success with another local band "The Vagrants" but soon he left to start his own project. They were playing locally around the area when they were spotted by producer Felix Pappalardi who had worked with the supergroup Cream. Leslie made a solo album produced by Felix called Mountain which had a reference to Leslies stature. This outfit played Woodstock in 1969. Shortly after that drummer Corky Laing and bassist/singer Felix Pappalardi joined the band. The classic "Climbing" album was recorded and featured the mega FM radio heavy hit "Mississippi Queen". This line up toured and made many records until the tragic death of Felix. Corky Laing and Leslie West continued to collaborate off and on until today. I caught up with legendary hard rock drummer Corky Laing.

Corky Laing Interview

C.L. - Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello?

R.V.B. – Hello - Mr. Corky?

C.L. – Yes - Mr. Corky here. Who's this?

R.V.B. - This is Rob calling from long Island

C.L. - Rob, how you doing?

R.V.B. - I'm doing pretty good. How you doing?

C.L. - Everything's good. You staying warm? You staying cool? What's the deal?

R.V.B. - Ah well, I was hot about ten minutes ago but now I'm cool. I'm in the air conditioning. How about yourself?

C.L. - I'm fine. It's very lovely out here. Where are you on Long Island?

R.V.B. - I'm in Coram which is just south of Port Jeff.


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