Different Style. Different Sound.

Gandalf were an American psychedelic rock band formed in 1965 in New York. Originally called the Rahgoos, the group consisted of guitarist Peter Sando, bassist Bob Muller, keyboardist Frank Hubach and drummer Davy Bauer. All were very talented musicians who wanted to immerse themselves within the creativity that was projected through music during their time. After playing basement, bars, and small time gigs they finally landed a contract with Capitol Records in 1967.

Producers Koppelman & Rubin were not happy with the band's name, and suggested that it should be changed to the Knockrockers. However Peter Sando commented that they "hated that and bantered about various names". Despite being against the band's will, and losing local fan recognition, Davy suggested the name "Gandalf and The Wizards", which ended up sticking as "Gandalf". It might confuse some listeners as they might mix up the fictional wizard rather than the actual band. They recorded their first and only LP the same year. The record includes covers of Time Hardin, Eden Abhez and Bonner and Gordon(the writers of "Happy Together") and two songs composed by the band's guitarist Peter Sando. But Capitol spurned them and only released the LP in 1969 with the wrong record inside the sleeve. The copies were recalled and damaged the band's career. Capitol didn't promote the record which made the sales worse. Over the years the album's reputation grew and it was re-released by Sundazed records in 2002.

Although they were a short lived band and only produced about recorded and produced about ten songs, they were still able to make their mark on the 60’s era. In my opinion, I love these small time bands that are, for the most part, quite unknown by the general public. They produce music that is very different, it is refreshing to hear in such a similar sounding world.