Take Me to Heart

The Zoo Crew is spinning the vibrant track Take Me to Heart by Quarterflash, from their 1983 album Take Another Picture, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, which climbed to No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcases the band’s signature blend of rock and pop, driven by Rindy Ross’s dynamic vocals and her unforgettable saxophone riffs. One piece of trivia that stands out is the song’s infectious energy, which made it a staple in early ’80s radio. In a 1982 interview, Rindy Ross shared that she saw the saxophone as an extension of her voice, allowing her to convey emotions that words alone couldn’t capture, a technique that shines through in the soulful sax solo of Take Me to Heart. Fans on social media, particularly in posts found on Quarterflash’s Facebook page, often reminisce about how the song’s upbeat tempo and heartfelt lyrics captured the spirit of their youth, with one fan commenting that it was their go-to track for road trips in the ’80s.

Another interesting story comes from the band’s live performances of Take Me to Heart. According to a fan post on the Quarterflash Fans Facebook group, the band played this song during a memorable 1984 concert at South Padre Island, where they opened for Jefferson Starship. The fan noted that Quarterflash nearly stole the show with their high-energy delivery, and Rindy’s sax playing had the crowd on their feet. The song’s music video, a product of the early MTV era, also adds a quirky piece of trivia: it features a mix of random imagery, from jugglers to a sax solo in the rain, reflecting the experimental visual style of the time. While no specific interviews about Take Me to Heart are widely documented, Marv Ross, the band’s guitarist and songwriter, has mentioned in discussions on their X account that the album Take Another Picture was a chance to explore a more polished sound after their debut, which is evident in the track’s tight production and catchy hooks.

Quarterflash began their journey in Portland, Oregon, in 1980, born from the merger of two local bands, Seafood Mama and Pilot. Rindy Ross, the lead vocalist and saxophonist, and her husband, Marv Ross, the guitarist and primary songwriter, were the heart of the group. Before forming Quarterflash, they played in Seafood Mama, a band that gained a strong local following in Portland’s bars and clubs. Their early single, Harden My Heart, released under Seafood Mama in 1980 on Whitefire Records, became a regional hit and caught the attention of Geffen Records. After signing with Geffen, the band rebranded as Quarterflash—a name inspired by an Australian slang phrase, “a quarter flash, three quarters foolish,” found in a book at producer John Boylan’s house. Their self-titled debut album in 1981, featuring a re-recorded Harden My Heart, went platinum, selling over two million copies and establishing them as a major act in the early ’80s rock scene. Rindy’s unique combination of powerful vocals and saxophone, paired with Marv’s songwriting, set them apart in a male-dominated industry.

The band’s official website, quarterflash.net, offers a deep dive into their discography and current projects, including updates on Rindy and Marv’s work with The Trail Band, a historic music ensemble they founded in 1991. Fans can stay connected through Quarterflash’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, where they share nostalgic posts, concert throwbacks, and occasional updates about new music. Their X account is active with fan interactions and reflections on their career. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, the Quarterflash Fans Facebook group is a lively community where fans share memories, rare photos, and discussions about the band’s music. While no other prominent fan websites are currently active, the Facebook group remains a central hub for Quarterflash enthusiasts to celebrate tracks like Take Me to Heart and keep the band’s legacy alive.