Black Pearl

Black Pearl was formed in Boston in 1967 by combining two bands, The Tallysmen and The Barbarians, with original members B.B. Fieldings, Geoffrey Morris, Oak O'Connor, Jerry Causi, Bruce Benson, and Tom Mulcahy. The band relocated to California, with several gigs in Colorado. One particular show in Denver resulted in the band's name change. "We got a gig opening for Cream at The Family Dog in Denver. On the way to Denver we decided that we needed a new name. As the hunt for a band name always borders on the absurd and ridiculous so did ours," said Oak O'Connor. "We had many bad suggestions in the van that night (Booper suggested "The Painless Extraction") until we were driving on Pearl Street in Denver. “Pearl” No! “The Pearls!” No! “The Black Pearls!” No! “Black Pearl” Yes!

After two albums on Atlantic Records things began to dissolve. According to O'Connor, "We became divisive. We took the low road to dissolution, not handling the rapid rise to success and the life on the road." (See "Oak OConnor" under Links.)

Morris, O'Connor and Mulcahy returned to Aspen with the name of Black Pearl and invited Tom Becker to sing and play harp. Then Bobby Mason came back to Aspen having left The Happy Medium. Black Pearl was glad to have Bobby's voice and guitar to round out the new Black Pearl. Later, Bob Jones joined the band on bass, replacing Tom Mulcahy. After several fun filled years playing at the infamous Gallery at the underground base of Little Nell, it was time for a change. Bobby formed Starwood with Bob Carpenter.