Gandalf - Gandalf

For those who cherish the often-overlooked gems of the psychedelic era, Jackpot Records presents a re-release that stands as a monumental addition to the genre: Gandalf's 1969 self-titled album. This reissue, crafted with care and precision from the original master tapes in collaboration with band member Peter Sando, is set to captivate a new generation of listeners.

Gandalf's self-titled album is a beautifully crafted, haunting psych-pop record that will appeal to fans of The Left Banke, Kaleidoscope, The Millennium, and The Zombies. Recorded at Century Sound in Manhattan with Grammy-winning producer Brooks Arthur – known for engineering iconic tracks like Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” – the album showcases a production style that was both innovative and spontaneous. The arrangements were conceived on the spot in the studio, creating an organic and uniquely immersive sound.

The album’s sound is characterized by its haunting vocals, which were recorded directly from the band’s PA system using a Binson Echorec, an echo unit later famously utilized by Pink Floyd. This method lent a distinct echo and depth to the vocals, contributing to the album's ethereal quality. 

As Peter Sando encourages in the liner notes, "Put the needle in the groove, sit back, and take the trip with Gandalf." This album is not just a listen but an experience, inviting the listener to embark on a sonic journey through the beautifully eerie and psychedelic world that Gandalf created.

This reissue of Gandalf's 1969 self-titled album by Jackpot Records is a proud moment, offering a well-deserved spotlight to an unfairly unheralded band. It’s a perfect chance for new listeners to discover and for long-time fans to revisit a psych-pop masterpiece that encapsulates the innovative spirit of its time.