In his long and (not necessarily positive) storied career, Stephen Stills has constantly been overshadowed, in the press and in the court of popular opinion, by his longtime friend, band mate, and occasional sparring partner, Neil Young. While it’s certainly true that Stills has brought a lot of this on himself, it’s a shame that some very fine music has been overlooked as a result.

By 1972, Stills had already had a career that any musician would envy. Beginning with the seminal folk-rock band the Buffalo Springfield, where he sent his classic song “For What It’s Worth” to the top of the charts, and then on to Crosby, Stills, and Nash (and later Young), where he had enjoyed enormous success, Stills seemed to have a golden touch. His early solo work, including the hit “Love the One You’re With,” was very well received.

Stills’ next move was to form what by today’s standards would be a supergroup. It was an assemblage of some of the finest musicians working at the time. The band included such stalwarts as ex-Byrd and Flying Burrito Brother Chris Hillman, CSNY drummer Dallas Taylor and bass player Calvin “Fuzzy” Samuels, Blues Image percussionist Joe Lala, master steel guitar player Al Perkins, legendary fiddler Byron Berline, among others. (more…)