’Tell Me Love’/’You Move Me’ (Columbia 4-43952) April 1967
The Gentle Soul | Tell Me Love | (Columbia) 1967 | Pamela Pollard and Rick Stanley had been playing clubs together on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip for about a year before Byrds producer Terry Melcher got them into the studio.
First to record Pamela Pollard’s ’You Move Me’ in September 1966 followed by a session in January 1967 to lay down the Rick Stanley original ’Tell Me Love’.
The name of the group came about when Riley Wyldflower was smoking joints in their Hollywood apartment and blowing the hash smoke into the face of their cat. Riley said the cat didn’t mind because he was a gentle soul – hence The Gentle Soul.
The Gentle Soul | Tell Me Love | (Columbia) 1967
This debut 45 by The Gentle Soul is not on their studio album from mid 1968 and as such is a recommended single to track down. But not only for that reason! ’Tell Me More’ is quite simply ’blissful’ with it’s ornate production by Melcher and beautiful arrangement by Jack Nitzsche, the song really soars with layers of perfect harmonies and baroque psych touches – GLORIOUS.
At this point in time, The Gentle Soul were a four piece including guitarist Riley Wyldflower who would go on to release an obscure 45 ’The Smog Song’/’Electric California’ on Beacon Records.
I have since obtained a copy of this rare 45. ’The Smog Song’ is hippie blues.
Drummer Sandy Konikoff played in several Buffalo, NY groups before linking up with The Gentle Soul including The Ravens and The Hawks who backed Bob Dylan during Feb/March 1966.
THE GENTLE SOUL – Bio
They began happening in Los Angeles when Rick Stanley and Pamela Polland were performing as a singing duo. First, rhythm guitarist Riley Wyldflower joined the pair, who were then working at the Golden Bear, and then drummer Sandy Konikoff completed what is now known as The Gentle Soul.
The name of the group was not idly chosen; they feel that they are peaceful people. “We are completely happy because the group is built on love and we want to spread love through music. We have no insecurities.”
Pamela grew up in Hollywood. She is 5’3″ tall, has green eyes and light brown hair; she is twenty-two years old. Before The Gentle Soul happened, Pamela performed folk music in Southern California with groups such as The All Time Good Time Every Time Singers. She also wrote songs and attended UCLA.
Rick Stanley, lead guitar, performed as a single in the Southern California area after leaving the Navy and his home town, Boston, and before meeting Pamela. He is 5’10” tall, has brown eyes and brown hair and is twenty-five.
Riley Wyldflower, rhythm guitar, was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He studied at Santa Monica City College, California, and led his own band before meeting and joining Pamela and Rick. Riley is 6’4″ tall, with hazel eyes and brown hair. He is twenty years old.
Sandy Konikoff, drums, was the last to join The Gentle Soul. Originally from Buffalo and Toronto, Sandy has played with a number of groups, and toured for a year as drummer with Bob Dylan’s band. Twenty-three years old, he has brown eyes and black hair.
Leave a Reply