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Album Details
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· Produced By: 707
· Running Time: 59.44
· Release Date: May 10
· Released: EU
· Genre: AOR
· WebLink: Kevin Russell
· LabelLink: MTM
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Details
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Line-Up:
Kevin Russel - Guitars, lead & Backing Vocals
Tod Howarth - Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Phil Bryant - Bass, backing Vocals
Jim McClarty - Drums
Kevin Chalfant - Lead Vocals & Backing Vocals
Info:
On a Sunday afternoon in the summer of 1976, at the Sandbox Lounge in Livonia, Michigan, Kevin Russell and Jim McClarty gathered to meet and jam. Months later Jim had settled in a ramshackle house in L.A. with three other musicians - including his longtime friend, Phil Bryant.
Kevin invited Jim to the set of a movie called "Skateboard," where he was playing a pick-up gig with a some local players - one of whom was a piano player/bassist named Duke McFadden. The three hit it off immediately. At the time, Kevin and Jim had just finished recording a demo for a heavy-metal singer and were about to play a live gig at the Starwood in Hollywood. They invited Duke to join them and the roots of 707 were formed.
Kevin, Jim and Duke started writing together as a trio. But, they were always on the lookout for a bass player. One night Kevin came to a local club gig Jim and Phil were playing together and said, "Phil, when are you going to get serious and come join us?" Phil reacted in his usual nonchalant way, "When do you want me?" And the lineup was complete.
Within months, 707 became one of the largest-drawing local acts in Hollywood, setting attendance records at the Whiskey A-Go-Go, the Troubadour and the Starwood. At a time when punk music was gaining popularity, 707 was playing melodic rock full of soaring melodies, blazing guitar solos and intricate arrangements. It wasn't long before the record companies came calling. After being courted by multiple major labels, 707 signed with Casablanca. Their first album captured the range and power of the quartet and featured the radio staple "I Could Be Good For You."
Unfortunately, once the album was released and climbing the charts, problems arose within the band. Hard decisions had to be made. Despite the fact that Duke was a strong songwriter and a primary influence in the band's sound, it was decided that he would be dismissed. It was a difficult parting of the ways, leaving Jim, Phil and Kevin to continue as a trio.
With the popularity of the band rising, they quickly regrouped with a hired keyboard player and returned to the studio. The result was “The Second Album” - titled at the last moment when the label, management and band could not agree on a final name for the album. The record was a major departure from their first outing, lacking their signature keyboard-dominant sound and emphasizing Kevin and Jim's songwriting abilities. “The Second Album” included such radio-friendly singles as "Rockin' Is Easy" and "Live With The Girl." 707 appeared on several network television programs, including The Mike Douglas Show, Midnight Special, and Solid Gold. They were a popular opening act, criss-crossing the country with acts as diverse as Molly Hatchet, Ten Years After, The Outlaws and Humble Pie. But, once returning to Los Angeles, it became clear that they needed a new start and a permanent fourth member. So, the call went out, auditions were held and Tod Howarth joined the line-up. He was a perfect fit; playing keyboards and guitar and filling out the front line with his natural talent and charisma.
Through a chance meeting between roadies at S.I.R., it was discovered that Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon was a 707 fan. That news led to management meetings and an offer to join REO for a segment of their Hi Infidelity Tour, the most successful American tour of 1981. Suddenly, the band was truly in the big time, playing sold out arenas and capacity filled stadiums. Night after night they honed their craft and impressed audiences and critics alike. The chemistry between REO and 707 was perfect and they were asked to stay on with the tour. The band quickly became one of the most respected opening acts in the business.
For their next recording the band relocated to the Bay Area of Northern California. They ensconced themselves in the Record Plant in Sausalito to write and record their third album. Produced by John Stronach, Kevin Russell and Jim McClarty, "The Bridge" was perhaps their most creative and industrious album. Unfortunately, during their touring Casablanca Records had been purchased by Polygram International and the new executives were cutting back and cleaning house. Tour support was renegotiated for the whole roster and in-store and radio support was suspended. So, as they returned to finish their contracted dates with REO, the band was also struggling with their label over issues like lack of product in stores and lack of proper support.
Finally, 707 was approached by Boardwalk Records, Neil Bogart's new venture. The people who loved the band and signed them to Casablanca had a new home and 707 quickly jumped ship. In the wake, however, "The Bridge" wound up on the shelf, tangled up in legal wrangling, never to be released. At the same time, Boardwalk and management felt that the band needed a more identifiable sound on radio. 707 had always featured multiple singers, but they were encouraged to find a lead singer who would help fans identify the band more easily. Once again, auditions ensued. George Tutko, who engineered and co-produced the fourth album, brought in a friend of his, Kevin Chalfant. It was immediately apparent that 707 had found their lead singer.
Meanwhile, the folk at Boardwalk told the band about an upcoming movie that was looking for theme music. The movie was called Megaforce. After reading the script, the band produced a series of demos for interstitial material and title music. When the producers of the film heard the quality of the material 707 submitted, they contracted the theme - Megaforce - which went on to become one the most played radio singles for the summer of '82. Consequently, the upcoming album carried the same Megaforce title.
Successful tours with REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent followed. But, the rigors of touring and recording began to take their toll. For the last tour, Phil Bryant was unavailable and was replaced by Felix Robinson, leaving only Kevin Russell and Jim McClarty from the original line-up. When they returned to San Francisco, the band was embroiled in legal problems and management entanglements. And, like so many rock'n'roll stories before them, the band folded under the weight of their own internal strife.
But, to this day, 707 continues to blare out of car radios and on CD players around the world. Their records continue to be collector favorites and their fans keep the flame alive. The bandmates from 707 continue to be friends and loved every moment of their time together.
So far the original record was available on Vinyl only. The German Label MTM CLASSIX is proud to release 707 MEGA FORCE digitally remastered on CD for the first time. The re-issue will include 5 unreleased Bonus tracks as well as a live version of MEGA FORCE.
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