Classic Hits Discussion: Ebony Eyes - Bob Welch

It was produced by the infamous John Carter, who also produced a lot of Steve Miller's stuff! The strings were done by Gene Page, who did a ton of Motown hits and was considered one of the best arrangers in the world. "Sentimental Lady" was originally on the FM album "Bare Trees" and Welsh ultimately recruited Buckingham, Fleetwood, and Christine McVie for the version on his "French Kiss" album.

 

I had a bad VHS copy of this years ago, nice to see a usable copy appear on YT:

 

That's Thom Mooney, former NAZZ drummer on the first Paris album. He was replaced by Hunt Sales for the second album. They were so broke when they came to LA, they were playing little clubs and theaters and opening for other acts. Bob spent his entire savings trying to keep the band afloat. I saw them a couple of times. Bob had a very interesting life to say the least...it's almost like the Kevin Bacon thing, he had links to everybody including Guns and Roses, who rehearsed in his garage before they were well known.

 

And a nice solo from Fleetwood Mac cohort Todd Sharp

 

Never say that! If you like the music you like, it's better to you, right?

What makes you think it's a wig?

Thanks! I'll pick that one up!

 

I'm fine. I think you misinterpret my mood, champ.

 

Oh, I thought you meant a CD comp by the same name.

 

Cool! Great to see that again about 37 years later! Thanks for posting!

 

I knew about "Sentimental Lady" but didn't know any of that other info. Wow! No wonder it sounds a bit like Steve Miller! And the strings are awesome - Gene Page explains that!

 

I'm surprised I don't have the single but I have French Kiss on LP and 8 track (RCA Tape Club no less I love this era of production.

 

'French Kiss' is a great overall album.

A couple of years ago I mentioned to our Host Steve, that I had been listening to it quite a bit at the time, and he said he would love to have the opportunity to remaster Bob's 'French Kiss' album. I'd buy that one in a heartbeat.

 

"Ebony Eyes" and "Sentimental Lady" were also available on a 1977 Capitol LP entitles What's In-Store For You. It's a compilation of Capitol rock tracks of the day and it has a mock radio station/DJ "broadcasting" from WCAP. It's not a great sounding album, it actually sounds like an album broadcast for the radio.

 

Hi, I too love the song but I am trying to find out the womans name that plays in the video? She was sitting down at a table, and she had dark brown, wavy hair and beautiful "ebony" eyes. I anyone can answer this question I would really be thankful.

 

I never saw a video for it, and don't want to. I don't want a video to destroy my memory associated with the song.

 

Too bad he couldn't match his 2 hits with one full, solid album like those.

 

IMO he did. French Kiss was a great album all the way thru.

"We both can't be wrong. I must be right."

The above is one of my favorite quotes from a song.

 

Agreed. "French Kiss" is a fantastic album! His second one, "Three Hearts", is pretty damn good too. After that it gets pretty wonky, though I do enjoy his "Man Overboard" album- somewhat of an attempt at new wave, imo.