Monday February 21, 2022 “Thunder Island” Jay Ferguson
Not sure about you but I am pretty much finished with this winter stuff, cold temperatures, wind, snow and dark skies, so I am ready for some warm sand, margaritas and beach time…so let’s go to the islands this week. First stop will be “Thunder Island” with Jay Ferguson.
Jay Ferguson was an original member of the '60s band Spirit, which included lead singer Randy Wolfe who had a previous gig with a then unknown guitarist who offered Wolfe a spot in the band he was forming. Because there was another Randy in the group he nicknamed Wolfe, Randy California to distinguish him from Randy Texas. That band was Jimmy James & the Blue Flames fronted by their leader Jimi Hendrix.
But back to “Thunder Island”. When Spirit broke up Jay Ferguson formed the band Jo Jo Gunne with his Spirit bandmate Mark Andes. Jo Jo Gunne would have a minor hit with “Run, Run, Run” and when that band broke up Andes would go on to join the bands Firefall and Heart.
Ferguson released his first solo album All Alone in the End Zone in 1976, followed by Thunder Island which includes today’s song, in 1978.
On today’s track, Ferguson collaborated with his old friend Joe Walsh, who played all the slide guitar parts on the track. Prior to that “Thunder Island” association Ferguson contributed piano and vocals to Joe Walsh's 1975 live recording of You Can't Argue with a Sick Mind, just before Walsh became an Eagle that same year.
Ferguson has written music for over 15 feature films and for many TV shows. His most recognizable composition as a TV and film scorer may be the theme to the NBC-TV version of The Office, which won him the 2007 Emmy for Best Score for a Comedy Television Program. In The Office, he also was featured in the show as the guitarist in Kevin's band "Scrantonicity."
Stay safe and well…and keep the sunblock handy because we are heading to the (musical) beach this week.