History:

Absolutely Nothing was a hippie folk group originally from Yankton, South Dakota. The trio consisted of guitarists Jeff Rohr and Warren Hanson along with singer Mel Ford. Jeff Rohr and Mel Ford met in high school and later formed the trio with Hanson while at college in Minnesota. The trio often had guests Jon Lindekugel and Jeff's brother Grant play with them at shows. Lindekugel played bass while Grant played organ and piano.

Lindekugel and Hanson both contributed to recordings by fellow Minnesota group Sonfolk. Sonfolk was a gospel / folk band from the St. Paul area. Lindekugel played guitar on their first album in 1972. Hanson contributed fiddle to their second album in 1973. 

The trio most likely played campgrounds and other small venues. They appeared to be heavily inspired by Crosby, Stills and Nash along with James Taylor and Neil Young. Absolutely Nothing eventually came up with the idea of releasing a split album. One side would be a live set while the flip would consist of studio recordings. The live set features a more psychedelic folk sound. The flip is pretty tame acoustic folk rock. 

On the album, Mel Ford sang while Jeff Rohr and Warren Hanson both played acoustic guitars and sang. Lindekugel played upright bass and was also credited for french horn which is only on the organ solo section of  "Wooden Ships". Grant Rohr played mainly piano on the album with a few cuts containing his organ work. 

The album, titled "Friendship Dues" was released in a very limited quantity on Mark Records. Two original compositions were performed along with covers of CSN, Neil Young and Elton John. It's a very obscure recording as only three known copies are out there. The back cover appears to feature the musicians at a campground or commune. The cartoon on the back shows Jeff Rohr with glasses and dark hair, Warren Hanson with no glasses, and Mel Ford with light hair and glasses. 

Jeff Rohr would eventually become a reverend like his father. I believe Grant Rohr is still a classical pianist. The band didn't record any follow up. In the early 2000's, Jeff and Mel formed a cover band called Geezer in Custer, South Dakota. Mel Ford unfortunately passed away in 2006 leaving Rohr and Hanson as the surviving members.