Sable And Pearl

Welcome back, Zoo Freaks, to THE ZOO, where your favorite hippie DJs, the Zoo Crew, are spinning the grooviest tracks! Right now, we’re diving into the heavy vibes of Bloodrock’s “Sable And Pearl” from their iconic album Bloodrock 2. This tune, with its raw energy and poetic lyrics, captures a wanderer’s soul yearning for love beyond material riches. The lyrics, like “I’ve drank the wine of kings and dressed in sable and pearl / But all I’ve done was nothing new,” speak to a quest for deeper connection, wrapped in that classic early ’70s hard rock sound. Fun fact: producer Terry Knight pushed lead singer Jim Rutledge to deliver the chorus in a heavier, almost theatrical style, which some fans love and others find a bit over-the-top. According to a fan post on the Mark Prindle review site, guitarist Lee Pickens warned the band against mellowing their sound, but “Sable And Pearl” still carries a softer, introspective edge compared to their hit “D.O.A.” The song’s vibe feels like a road trip through the mountains, perfect for our free-spirited Zoo Freaks!

Now, let’s talk about how Bloodrock got their start. Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, the band began in 1963 as The Naturals, a group of young musicians including Jim Rutledge on drums and vocals, Nick Taylor on guitar, Ed Grundy on bass, and Dean Parks on guitar. They cut their teeth playing local gigs and battles of the bands, even opening for big names like The Beach Boys and Paul Revere & The Raiders. In 1965, they released their first single, “Hey Girl,” under the Rebel label. By 1966, they rebranded as Crowd + 1, signing with Capitol Records and dropping singles like “Mary Ann Regrets.” Despite regional buzz, Capitol dropped them when the singles didn’t chart, and Parks left for a session musician career. In 1969, Grand Funk Railroad’s manager Terry Knight discovered them, renaming them Bloodrock—a nod to their gritty, visceral rock sound. Knight signed them to Capitol, and their debut album, Bloodrock, hit in 1970, followed by the gold-certified Bloodrock 2. With influences from Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and blues legends like Freddie King, Bloodrock carved a unique space in the hard rock scene, amplified by their loud, electrifying live shows.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Bloodrock’s legacy, the band doesn’t have an active official website, but you can dig into their history on fan-driven platforms. Check out the Discogs page for their full discography and rare vinyl finds. On social media, there’s no official Facebook or Instagram for Bloodrock, as the band disbanded in the mid-’70s, but fans keep the spirit alive. The Bloodrock Fans Facebook group is a great spot to share memories and discuss their music. On X, search for #Bloodrock to find posts from fans reminiscing about tracks like “Sable And Pearl.” For more trivia, the Geezerology blog offers a deep dive into their catalog, and the Texas State Historical Association page chronicles their Texas roots. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks, and stay tuned for more vibes from the Zoo Crew!