Here’s a rare video of a film made at Close Enough in New Hampshire of a jam session with some members of Road Apple, just before I joined them. I replaced jazz drummer Skeeter Camera who’s kicking it sweetly in this video.
The late, great Doug McClaran is playing piano and my longtime friend Casey Dennis is on the bass. Not seen here (probably making whoopee somewhere off camera), the other main Road Apples: Band founder and singer Dan Gillmor and lead guitarist/singer Frank Williams.
FULL CREDITS:
Doug McClaran, Piano, Skeeter Camera, Drums, Josh Rich, Guitar, Casey Dennis, Bass. Katie Bear on maracas. That’s Al Zansler and Joe Moore on other percussion instruments. Fourth of July, East Fairfield Vermont, 1976. Thanks Jeff Salisbury/Dave Hebert for the video, and thanks Skeeter for the music, borrowed from his incredible CD “Friends” (there was no original soundtrack to this video).
For more about Road Apple and its members, visit
Road Apple on MySpace
(Jeremy Ross’ drumming can be heard here on Space Cowboys , one of his best sessions ever)
Dan Gillmor and his project MediActive
March 10th, 2022 at 12:51 am
Jeremy-
The other day I was sorting through stuff in storage and came across Road Apple’s first vinyl album. Doug McClaran was a Middlebury classmate and a close friend. We shared houses in Lincoln, VT. I also spent time at Close Enough during their annual parties (last time around 1974-1975). Truly an epic place. Thanks to Bruce McClaury’s family.
Is there way I can forward this video to some other people from that time frame.
Thanks.
Henry O’Neill
June 29th, 2022 at 6:02 pm
I just found out about Doug McClaran after listening to an old Mary McCaslin recording. His piano was exquisite! If you don’t mind, I’d like to know a little more about his life and music. I assume he has passed, given your post.
Thank you,
Michael Bush
June 29th, 2022 at 10:15 pm
I will seee if I can find a way to forward that video. I was at Middlebury college in 1970-1972 and moved back to be the drummer for Road Apple in 1975. I am on several tracks of the second Road Apple but had to move for a job so Andy Phranear took over on drums. I’m still in touch with my high school friend and road apple bass player Casey Dennis, founder Dan Gillmor who has become an acclaimed journalist , and also with Andy. Great to hear that we shared some of those fabulous experiences together. Love to talk more.
Email me at:
Jeremyr@earthlink.net
Jeremy
November 28th, 2022 at 11:22 pm
We loved Road Apple! Burlington Vermont in Mid 70’s. Tragic about Frank Williams. We are now approaching our 70’s 🙄and still talk about Road Apple!