History:

The Dean Davis Company was a folk rock group from Fort Collins, Colorado. They were led by folkie Dean Davis who was born and raised in Colorado. Davis had a strong connection to Colorado State University. He lived right next to the school, attended classes there, performed there, and even re-wrote a song, "Saint Of CSU", after the school.

The original group's lineup is unknown but they most likely formed in 1968. The origins of the group appear to have roots on Dean Davis’ one and only solo album “Maria”.  Davis recorded the folk / folk rock affair in late 1967 with the backing duo of Bob Sawyer on upright bass and Vince Haffey on drums. It’s likely the duo of Haffey and Davis co-founded The Dean Davis Company.

The company's first known lineup consisted of the aforementioned Haffey on drums and percussion, Davis on 12-string acoustic guitar and vocals, Ed Bigby on bass guitar, and Paula Streiff on vocals. This was the “core” of the group throughout most of 1968 and 1969. The group was augmented both in the studio and at live performances by adding lead guitarist Dave Bigalow and vocalist Rich Curran. 

This lineup released “IInd Time Around” in 1969. The album features all cover songs. The style of the album is an even mix of mellow and bombastic folk rock. The group featured a three-part harmony, a cavalcade of acoustic guitars, and loud drums. The album was successful enough to warrant two pressings; one had a graphic design on the front and the second had an image of the group performing for a quartet of children riding tricycles. Both back covers are identical, featuring group photos and an album description.

At some point swiftly after this release, Haffey, Bigby, and Streiff left the group. Bigby was replaced by backing vocalist Rich Curran. Curran played bass guitar in addition to his vocal duties. Pat Olson replaced Vince Haffey on drums and Susie Schilling replaced Paula Streiff. Paula Streiff finished a USO tour before departing the group permanently. Dave Bigalow seemingly stuck around on lead guitar at least during the next album’s production.

The new lineup recorded the group’s last album while they were still known as “The Dean Davis Company”. The heavily hippie influenced “Stone County Road” was released in 1970. Unlike its predecessor, the music is a bit melancholic and trippier in nature. Each member of the group gets a vocal spot and a couple original songs are performed.

Soon after this release, Susie Schilling left the group and was replaced by Joan Cress. Cress sang but could also play bass and guitar. The group continued playing shows in Colorado until they split most likely in 1971. Rich Curran toured solo for a small period before forming Rosewood with Craig Donaldson. 

Joan and Dean married at some point and relocated to Nebraska. During this period, Davis signed and assisted several groups to his ETC record label. Upon his relocation, he started to share ownership of the label with Jim Salestrom of the band Timberline. Davis released his only single "Three Hearts On The Line" as part of a trio called Petersen, Davis, Johnson. He also wrote and produced a single for the group Netha and produced a single for T&S Express. He also helped Timberline record their first album on ETC. They were eventually picked up and signed to Epic Records.

Dean and Joan Davis formed a new group with Roger Mays on electric guitars and called themselves “Winterwood”. They recorded one self-titled album in 1974. It's a blend of folk rock, folk, and country. The group was backed by members of Timberline. This recording is Davis' most obscure album. 

Dean and his wife eventually left the music industry and began a jewelry business. Davis traveled all around the globe purchasing pieces, including multiple visits to Bali, Indonesia. The two had a stand in Iowa and a business in Massachusetts. 

Reviews:

IInd Time Around (1969, ETC Enterprises)

Rating: 7/10

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I really dig this album but it really suffers from poor sequencing. Side A is much superior to Side B. I listen to both renditions of "Highway In The Wind" and "Saint Of CSU" quite frequently. Both are stunning folk rock tracks and feature great vocals and top notch musicianship (especially Haffey on those blarring drums). I also enjoy the ironically fast paced "Lazy Morning" and the extremely dark "Crucifixion". Rest of the album is middle of the road.

Stone County Road (1970, ETC Enterprises)

Rating: 8/10

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I really like this one due to it's desperate hippie appeal and rawness. Whether its the flute driven "Pirates Of Stone County Road", the acoustic take on the ultimate druggie song "White Rabbit", or the frantic freak cover of "California Dreamin'", you're bound to be reminded of the Summer of Love. 

"Tomorrow Never Comes" and "Tick Tock" are really nice cuts too. Nice acoustic rock tracks with good harmonies and groovy drumming. The only two weak tracks on this one are their cover of "The Impossible Dream" and the Haffey original "I Can't See Her In The Night". Both are just lame and don't fit. Great album though. Also features the best bass performance I've heard from an amateur recording by Rich Curran.

Winterwood (1974, ETC Enterprises)

Rating: 6/10

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This one has grown on me over time. It's a fine country folk affair with folk rock moments courtesy of Roger May's nice leslie guitar work. The opener "Winterwood" is a beautiful folk tune with nice vocals. Davis' second stab at "The Pirates Of Stone County Road" is similar to his first. Joan Cress sounds just like Susie Schilling it's uncanny! I think this one trumps the original, due to the guitar work. 

"Music Man", a rare Dean Davis original, is nice with good vocals and cool auto-biographical lyrics. "A Sittin' On A Gate" is my favorite track with more great harmonies and some more of that nifty leslie effect guitar. Rest of the material is derivite but fine. I don't like their takes on "Bumper Stickers" or "Get Together" personally.