Monocled Alchemist

CARNIVAL CONNECTION – ”Poster Man” / ”Alfred Appleby” (Capitol P 2244) Aug 1968 

Carnival Connection | Poster Man | (Capitol) 1968 | Carnival Connection from Montreal, Canada released this delightful pop psych 45 in the Summer of 1968. It didn’t make any great waves and barely dented the charts. Indeed the band remain largely unknown outside of their Canadian base.

The band started life in the Merseybeat era of ’64 plying their trade as J.B and the Playboys but decided to change their name sometime in 1966 to The Jaybees. This was because people were confusing them for hit band Gary Lewis and the Playboys.

They then changed their name for a third time to Peter and the Pipers before settling for Carnival Connection in mid ’68. 

’Poster Man’ is classic paisley pop and was written and produced by ex Changin’ Times member Artie Kornfield at Capitol’s New York City studios.

The flip ’Alfred Appleby’ is an English styled pop psych ditty and is not as immediate as ’Poster Man’ and is very much of the time.

Reader comment:
I think some of the members became the group The Freedom North.

Carnival Connection turns in an interesting tribute to the purveyor of psychedelic posters, who brings happiness to so many, offbeat sound could also bring happiness to many, especially producer Artie Kornfeld. Flip: “Alfred Appleby” (Cash Box, 03/08/68)

Line-up:
Bill Hill (lead guitar)
Allan Nicholls (vocals)
Jean-Pierre Lauzon (guitar)
Nicky Katsos (drums)
Pete Carson (bass)