Kopperfield-Tales Untold (1974)

Kopperfield was a short-lived band from Michigan that attempted to emulate the sounds of British progressive rock by blending them with powerful American rock. Although they never achieved commercial success, they maintained considerable popularity as an explosive live act, thanks to their performances in venues across the American Midwest between 1970 and 1975. Their initial lineup consisted of Paul Decker (keyboards and vocals), Jimmy Robinson (lead vocals), Bill Wallace (keyboards and guitar), Chuck Eagan (guitar), Tom Curtis (drums), Keith Robinson (keyboards), and Jerry Opdycke (bass). In 1974, they self-produced their only official release, "Tales Untold", a hard rock album with a significant and consistent dose of progressive elements. The keyboards, primarily the Hammond organ, along with the guitar riffs, are the highlights of this sole Kopperfield record. Their American rock influences, such as "Anatomy", are interwoven with more progressive tracks like "Moonride", or the energetic rock songs "Watching The Go By", "Brain Riot", and "Truckin' ". However, beyond these commendable compositions, the rest of their albums lacked the commercial and creative appeal needed to attract a wider audience, and so they eventually disbanded. Many years later, Kopperfield was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2020).