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As Bill Graham began to build his musical empire, he signed many San Francisco area groups to recording or performance contracts. This news release, though undated, is probably from 1969, and announces the recording contract for Cold Blood, a major act that continues performing at the turn of the 21st century. This news release came from Graham's Millard Agency.

The Millard Agency
1545 Market Street
San Francisco, California
781-7566

COLD BLOOD

One of rock music's most exciting onstage acts is Cold Blood, San Francisco's big R&B band. With blues belter Lydia Pense as the catalyst, Cold Blood grabs hold of an audience and works with it. While Lydia jumps and shouts, stomps and pleads, the band provides solid musical backup. Trumpets and saxes combine in a strong brass section; audience feedback becomes a part of the show.

Such stage presence, rare in so young a group, is the result of two years of constant practice and steady work. Formed by leader Larry Field in 1968, Cold Blood began playing small bay area clubs and free concerts in Golden Gate Park. They auditioned at Fillmore West in 1968, won a standing ovation and were signed for an immediate weekend engagement. Since that time Cold Blood has appeared regularly at Fillmore West and at several major concerts and pop festivals.

An already established draw in Northern California, they are also beginning to develop a Los Angeles following. Of a recent appearance at Los Angeles' Rose Palace, LA Free Press reviewer Pete Senoff wrote: "The biggest surprise of the concerts was Cold Blood... they're led by a female vocalist who makes Janis Joplin, when she's functioning within the framework of a group, look quite pale. The rest of the group is solid on every instrument."

Cold Blood is one of the first rock groups to be signed by Bill Graham's Fillmore Records. Their first LP, to be produced by David Rubinson (producer for The Chambers Brothers, Taj Mahal, Mongo Santamaria), will be distributed by Atlantic Records in October.

(more)

2-2-2-2-2 of Cold Blood

Present plans also call for a single to be released at the end of September.

The group's material ranges from such blues standards as James Brown's "Cold Sweat" and Etta James' "Tell Mama" to good, original material, both blues and rock.

Members of Cold Blood are:

Larry Field, 22, from Berkeley, California
Leader and lead guitarist

Lydia Pense, 21, from Redwood City, California
Vocalist

Danny Hull, 24, from Hanford, California
Tenor saxophone and songwriter

Larry Jonutz, 22, from Fremont, California
Trumpet

Raul Matute, 23, from Redondo Beach, California
Hammond organ, piano, arranger and songwriter

Jerry Jonutz, 22, from Fremont, California
Baritone, alto and tenor saxophone

David Padron, 23, from Cutler, California
Trumpet

Rod Ellicott, 24, from San Rafael, California
Bass

Frank Davis, 23, from Fresno, California
Drums

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See: Chronology of San Francisco Rock 1965-1969