Woman (Live 1979)

The Zoo Crew is spinning a killer track tonight for all you Zoo Freaks out there, and it’s none other than Woman (Live 1979) by Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush from their album Tales Of The Unexpected. This live cut is a blazing showcase of Frank Marino’s guitar prowess, recorded during the band’s 1979 tour and released on the album that mixes studio and live performances. One juicy bit of trivia comes from fan discussions on sites like Rate Your Music, where listeners praise Woman as a phenomenal hard blues rock anthem, with Marino’s searing solos stealing the show. It’s a track that captures the raw energy of their live shows, with fans noting it as a precursor to the band’s next album, What’s Next, which cranked up the intensity even more.

Diving into the song’s vibe, Woman is part of the live side of Tales Of The Unexpected, recorded and mixed at Tempo Studios in Montreal. According to Discogs, the live tracks, including Woman, were mastered at Sterling Sound in New York, giving them that crisp, powerful sound that hits you right in the chest. Fans on It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine have shared stories about how Marino’s music, including tracks like this one, was a lifeline for some, with one listener crediting his songs for helping them through PTSD. The song’s blistering guitar work and tight rhythm section, driven by Paul Harwood on bass and Jim Ayoub on drums, make it a standout for anyone who loves that gritty, Hendrix-inspired sound.

Let’s talk about how Frank Marino got his start, because this guy’s story is wild. Born Francesco Antonio Marino on November 20, 1954, in Montreal, Canada, he was banging on drums by age five and picked up the guitar around 13 or 14, as noted on his Wikipedia page. By 16, he was already recording his first album with Mahogany Rush, making him one of the youngest cats in the late ‘60s/early ‘70s psychedelic scene. Marino’s early days were shaped by his love for Jimi Hendrix, though he’s always pushed back against being called a clone, emphasizing his unique style in interviews like one with It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine. He formed Mahogany Rush as a way to express the psychedelic visions from his youth, describing the band name as a reflection of his acid trip experiences, not just a group but a whole musical concept.

Marino’s career took off in the 1970s, with Mahogany Rush hitting big stages like California Jam II alongside bands like Aerosmith. His reputation as a guitar virtuoso grew, even if some critics didn’t give him the props he deserved. He kept the band going through the ‘80s and ‘90s, opened his own Starbase Studio in Montreal in 1990, and later found a massive online fanbase, as he told Guitar Player in 2005. Though he retired in 2021 due to health issues, his legacy lives on through fans on sites like Mahogany Rush Live, a fan site packed with tour history and rare tidbits. You can connect with the community on the Mahogany Rush fan Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can geek out over Marino’s epic discography.

For more on Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush, check out their official website at mahoganyrush.com. You can also follow along on their Facebook page for updates and throwback posts. While their Instagram isn’t super active, it’s got some cool visuals from their glory days. On X, you’ll find fans and the occasional post about Marino’s influence, keeping the vibe alive. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up Woman (Live 1979), let those solos rip, and keep rockin’ with the Zoo Crew!