Review Fix Exclusive: Vanilla Fudge’s Mark Stein Talks ‘Spirit of ‘67’

Review Fix chats with Vanilla Fudge’s vocalist and keyboardist Mark Stein who discusses the legendary rock band’s newest album, “The Spirit of ’67.’ Consisting of some of the biggest hits of 1967, with the band’s signature musical improvisations, the album also features an exclusive original track.

Review Fix: How did you guys come up with the track list?

Mark Stein: Cleopatra had the idea to do an album called “Spirit of 67” and they asked us to select tunes from 1967 that were all hits. So we all picked tunes we liked.

Review Fix: Any songs to you that stick out more? Why?

Stein: Break on Through is a favorite of mine….the arrangement takes the listener on a dynamic journey through time…to a brief visit to the afterlife… Break on Through to the other side with the afterlife suite in D minor.

The Letter is cool, the grand piano intro and vocal works in a short ballad format and morphs into a Mad Dogs & Englishman pop rock feel…lotta fun to play.

Ruby Tuesday comes off like a bluesy rock movie score. Powerful vocals and overall musical performances on this one I hope would please Jagger and the Stones and look out for the surprise ending.

I Can See for Miles is one of my favorite early Who songs. It comes off with a heavy Santana/Steve Miller “Fly Like an Eagle” feel, powerful rhythms only the Fudge can create with intense vocals.

Review Fix: You guys are masters at taking songs and making them your own. How is it done? What songs are easier to remodel?

Stein: In the past, I would usually come up with arrangement concepts on the Hammond mostly; vocal ideas always came naturally as well. Vinny lent his rhythm, orchestral guitar approach that fit really well. Of course Carmine & Tim in the early days were just about as talented and powerful a rhythm section that existed, with some damn good ideas as well. Blend all the madness & you have Vanilla Fudge.

On this new project, Spirit of 67, I spent time in pre-production at home. I wrote several arrangements. The Letter, I sat down at my grand piano and a ballad idea just came. For the intro, I envisioned approaching it like Donna Summer’s Last Dance which breaks into the Joe Cocker-like feel. Then it takes you suddenly back to the ballad and fades with cool vocal enhancements.

Ruby Tuesday – I basically approached the same way. I wrote the piano piece intro with a vocal melody, totally removed from original with new chord progressions here and there while the band played it with passion & joy. I had a ball with the vocal phrasing, really happy with this one.

Break On Through (To The Other Side) started after dinner at the studio, Carmine began playing a cool rhythm with mallets while Vinny and I searched for a lick. We kept jamming till this hypnotic Arabian nights type of melody suddenly emerged while Pete Bremy held down a solid bottom end. The chord progression was a natural as we soared through the tune. The cool thing is I had written a piece that I call (the afterlife suite in D Minor) that connects halfway through the arrangement really well as I hope our fans will agree.

Review Fix: What was it like to add an original track to the album? How was that song written?

Stein: Cleopatra (Records) wanted an original tune on the album. I had written “Let’s Pray For Peace” and the band agreed to record it.

“Let’s Pray For Peace” is about a vision I had that came to me suddenly as if my supreme being was speaking through me. Constant media attention to a world that’s at odds with itself and its people inspired me to send a message… What if all of us could stop for a moment, as naive as it may sound to some, and say “who’d like to share, a little silent prayer “Let’s Pray for Peace” tonight. Might it make a difference?

Review Fix: You guys have all had success in other bands and in between stints. Why come back together again?

Stein: That’s a good question. While playing together does enhance our income, from an artistic view we do have a magic together; our fans come out to see us time and time again. I think the energy that we brew is special as well. Of all the acts we were with over the years, none can create the drama and dynamics of Vanilla Fudge.

Review Fix: While hardcore fans are thrilled you guys are back together, how do you think this album will attract new fans?

Stein: I believe that if this record is heard, it will attract new fans. I’m confident that the performances both vocally and instrumentally will garner younger ears, and the production on this effort ain’t bad either.

Review Fix: Are you excited to be performing live again?

Stein: Yes, I’m excited to be getting the band back together to play again, and looking forward to a new show which will embody new and classic arrangements we are known for.

Review Fix: How do you want this album to be remembered?

Stein: I would want the album to be remembered as well produced, and a work that reflects our early approach to rock with a natural maturity that only experience and time can bring.