• released July 3, 1975
• Universal Dynamics USR-7806
• out of print

This trio, later to become the nucleus of Laurasia, made this, their first LP, in a 24 hour period after a grueling winter drive to Kansas City from their base in New England. Already their new, eclectic vision of a novel fusion of folk and jazz was taking shape, especially in John Houshmand's early compositions and the group's intricate arrangements.

The master tapes of this hard-to-find LP disappeared during the 70's, so this recording was never released on CD.

An interesting side note: Immediately after making this recording, the trio added singer Galen Brandt to the lineup and changed the group name from "Noonan, Levi & Houshmand" to "East River," effectively swapping the title and artist name for this recording, which was already on the way to the manufacturer. The group did the same thing after releasing "Laurasia" by "East River Consort" in 1978.

• Patrick Noonan (acoustic guitar, pedal steel guitar)
• Jonathan Levi (violin)
• John Houshmand (12-string acoustic guitar)

• Selections from the Wasteland (KCFR Public Radio, Univ. of Denver) August, 1976: "An intriguing first album by a trio including acoustic guitarists Pat Noonan and John Houshmand and violinist extraordinaire, Jon Levi. At times incorporating jazz, classical and international folk overtones, the disc is best left without any musical label attached to it. With the exception of their compelling version of Gershwin's 'Summertime,' the group's tunes are originals, and indeed are original sounding, with the most notable including Epic I and the two instrumentals, Brent and East River."

Have YOU heard Noonan, Levi & Houshmand? If you've got some comments that we can add to this section - just a few words, or a full review - please send them to:

Cover Art by Evie Cohen

Photos by Rod Albert

Recorded at Cavern Recording Studio, Independence, Missouri

Produced by Fred Putman

Sound Engineer - John Pearson