American Flyer - Spirit Of A Woman (1977)

American Flyer was an American folk rock supergroup.

They formed in 1976 and released two successful albums on United Artists before disbanding in 1978. American Flyer was a '70s folk-rock quartet made up of former members of other groups: Craig Fuller was from Pure Prairie League, Eric Kaz had been a member of Blues Magoos, Steve Katz was in Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Doug Yule had played in the Velvet Underground. Together they charted with two albums on United Artists in the mid-'70s. Maybe there was only room for one really successful country-folk-rock group with good songs and strong harmonies in the mid-'70s, and the job had already been taken by The Eagles. Who knows? American Flyer's second and final album didn't have as many great songs as the debut, and some of them were swamped by strings, but it was a pleasant work, notably featuring a version of Eric Kaz's "I'm Blowin' Away," which Bonnie Raitt had covered a couple of years earlier.
"Spirit Of A Woman" is a wonderful album. Fuller sounds great as usual, and the music is soft country-rock played by professionals at the height of their powers. The record is reminiscent of the Eagles’ first album, though the production is not quite as slick and the songs not quite as hooky. If you like country-infused rock or pop but are tired of the overexposed Eagles or you overdosed on country rock during the alt-country craze, this is for you. The album is evocative of a time and a place Southern California in the late 1970s. But it sounds fresh, primarily because the songwriting is so good. The up-tempo “Spirit of a Woman” sounds like a great lost Poco track. Linda Ronstadt is a backup singer on the album, and I think that’s her singing harmony with Fuller on the chorus of the latter song. I think you can hear James Taylor in the background as well. There’s no filler here. The gentle country-rock vibe can get old really fast, but on this album the quality songwriting, the sweet harmonies, and the sheer craftsmanship overwhelm any impulse.


01. Spirit Of A Woman  (Eric Kaz & Craig Fuller)  - 2:31
02. Gamblin' Man  (Eric Kaz)  - 3:57
03. My Love Comes Alive  (Eric Kaz)  - 2:36
04. Victoria  (Steve Katz)  - 3:15
05. Dear Carmen  (Eric Kaz & Craig Fuller)  - 4:04
06. I'm Blowin' Away  (Eric Kaz)  - 2:31
07. Flyer (Doug Yule)  - 4:18
08. The Good Years  (Steve Katz)  - 4:15
09. Keep On Tryin'  (Eric Kaz)  - 3:14

Release: 1977

Recorded at:  Eastern Sound Studios, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Label:   United Artists Records
Genre:   Country Rock, Pop
Length:   30:40
Produced by:  American Flyer & Ken Friesen
Engineer:  Ken Friesen
Tape Operator:  Doug Neil
Strings Arranged & Conducted by:  Alan McMillan & Recorded at Electric Lady Studios, New York City, New York

Credits

Craig Fuller - Vocals
Eric Kaz - Vocals
Steve Katz - Vocals
Doug Yule - Vocals
Whitey Glan - Drums
Prakash John - Bass
Jerry Scheff - Bass
John Capek - Keyboards
Bobby Keyes - Tenor Sax
Ben Mink - Fiddle
Tracy Nelson - Backing vocals
Sylvia Tyson - Backing vocals
Linda Ronstadt - Backing vocals
J.D. Souther - Backing vocals