In 1982, drummer Artimus Pyle inked a five-year, seven-album deal with MCA, marking a significant milestone in what had been a whirlwind career to that point. From struggling in lesser-known bands to surviving Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane crash in 1977, Pyle's life took unexpected turns. The Artimus Pyle Band's debut album, A.P.B., didn't meet commercial expectations, setting the stage for the recording of their sophomore release, Nightcaller, in 1983.
MCA Records, Carousel Records - MCA-39003
1983
Although not from Columbus, his father's career took the family to Columbus when Pyle was a teen. After graduating from Eastmoor High School in 1966, Pyle joined the Marines. He was honorably discharged in 1971 and returned to Columbus after his father died in a plane accident. Playing drums remained Pyle's passion and he connected with Columbus musicians John Boerstler and Darryll Otis Smith in the band Next Voice in 1973. Pyle’s first recording experience came with Next Voice when they went to New York to lay down some tracks at Dick Charles Studios. Check out the rocker “Flyin’ Hopes” from that session to hear how much potential that band had.
Nightcaller marked a new chapter for the band, now simply known as A.P.B. (“All Points Bulletin or Artimus Pyle Band, whichever floats your boat.”). Recorded at the Creative Arts Studio in Spartanburg, SC, with producer Howard Steele, the album introduced Russ (Rusty) Milner and vocalist Karen Blackmon (Caldwell). Milner and Blackmon's songwriting contributions infused a fresh sound without veering too far from the band's initial direction.
The album kicks off with the catchy "Red Hot Light," the only single released to radio. Despite not becoming the hoped-for hit, it found its way to the Lynyrd Skynyrd Solo Flytes compilation in 1999. As Blackmon takes the lead vocals on several tracks, including a couple of duets with the late Darryll Smith on “You And Me” and Smith's composition “Charley’s Gone,” Nightcaller showcases a diverse range of musical elements. Session saxman Jerry Peterson is featured with a solo on the Boerstler-Smith co-write “Another Lover” which ends side one. It’s a remarkably catchy tune featuring a Boerstler guitar solo and keyboards providing a steel drum sound.
The rocking "Tight Spot" on side two provides a glimpse into the challenges of life on the road. I gotta say, Darryll O. Smith has a great set of pipes and is one of the great unheralded vocalists from Columbus who should be remembered. The title track's atmospheric blend of guitars and sax gives it a distinct sound, fitting for an '80s pop rock album released on the cusp of the Miami Vice era.
Notable contributions from session musicians David Paich and Steve Porcaro, riding high on the peak of Toto’s popularity at the time, give tracks like “Take A Picture” a sound that was cutting edge at the time, making Nightcaller appeal more to a pop audience.
Despite not conforming to Southern rock expectations, Nightcaller stands as a successful '80s pop rock album. Regrettably, the band didn't get a chance to fulfill the MCA contract, making Nightcaller the last album for the original A.P.B. incarnation.
What sets Artimus Pyle apart is his eclectic taste, drawing inspiration from drumming legends like Gene Krupa and Joe Morello, as well as rock icons Keith Moon and Charlie Watts and listening to Weather Report. Pyle's integrity shone through as he reunited with his talented friends back in Columbus and led the band democratically, not pandering to Skynyrd fans or exploiting the band's name for commercial success (although venues didn't necessarily have any qualms doing so, to Pyle's chagrin).
A.P.B. wouldn't release another album until 2000's Live From Planet Earth. In 2023, Pyle paid tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd with Anthems, featuring guests like Warren Haynes and Dolly Parton. Dolly's rendition of "Free Bird" marked a poignant reunion with Artimus and former Skynyrd bandmate Gary Rossington shortly before his passing in 2023.
After A.P.B., Darryll O. Smith continued singing with Columbus bands like the Velvet King Snakes and the Columbus Jets. John Boerstler, an active guitarist in multiple Columbus bands, remains a cherished figure in the local music scene and one of my favorite guitarists. Rusty Milner joined The Marshall Tucker Band, who would record and release their 1990 album Southern Spirit with Columbus' Sispapa Record Co.
Artimus Pyle's journey, from the highs of rock stardom, to the psychological torment of surviving a plane crash; from starting over again with A.P.B., to a new high point with the release of Anthems, encapsulates the spirit of a musician who stayed true to his roots and left an indelible mark on the music world.
Tracklist
Written-By – Jimmie Mack
Written-By – K. Blackmon, R. Milner
Written-By – K. Blackmon, S. Brewington
A4 You And Me
Written-By – R. Milner
Written-By – D. Smith, J. Boerstler
B1 Tight Spot
Written-By – D. Smith, S. Brewington
B2 Nightcaller
Written-By – Sue Shifrin, Susan Pomerantz
B3 Only Child
Written-By – R. Milner
Written-By – D. Smith
Companies, etc.
Copyright © – MCA Records, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – MCA Records, Inc.
Produced For – Carolina Springs Productions
Recorded At – Creative Arts Studios
Recorded At – Bijou Studios
Mixed At – Bijou Studios
Mastered At – Precision Lacquer
Published By – Crown Publishing Co.
Published By – Irving Music, Inc.
Published By – Owl & Six Slies, Inc.
Published By – Pomer Rants Music
Published By – Sookloozy Music
Credits
Arranged By – A.P.B, Howard Steele
Percussion, Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals – John Boerstler
Lead Vocals – Karen Blackmon
Bass – Steve Brewington
Guitar, Keyboards – Russ Milner
Drums, Percussion – Artimus Pyle
Lead Vocals, Percussion – Darryll O. Smith
Producer – Howard "Buck" Steele
Executive-Producer – Leon Tsilis
Guest, Saxophone – Jerry Peterson
Guest, Synthesizer – Billy DeMartino, David Paich, Steve Porcaro
Engineer – Randy Merryman
Additional Recording, Mixed By – Howard Steele
Additional Recording Engineer – Rick Barcellona
Mastered By – Stephen Marcussen
Album Concept – Jeff Strange, John Boerstler
Art Direction, Design – Kathe Schreyer
Front Cover Photography – Aaron Rapoport
Back Cover Photography – Alan Messer
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