GOD DO I REALLY HAVE TO READ ALL THIS CRAP?...
OR, A HISTORY OF WHITE ELEPHANT
This site celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the self titled album "White Elephant" released in 1988. only 8 years from a time when we were anticipating a Beatles reunion, 1988 was an interesing year in music considering the decade was considered dead music-wise for quite some time. Keith Richards released his first solo LP that made it to the radio, and The Traveling Wilburys released an LP that is still today growing as far as being legendary. a very small blip in the radar of Rock and Roll included the release of a cassette from a band in North Carolina that had been performing since 1984, and recording in one respect or another since 1982. White Elephant, a band that always included the brothers Leslie and George Davidson, gathered over 20 musicians and singers (usually 4-6 at a time) over a short period of time to record songs almost monthly. not having a complete touring band in the beginning, musicians were found anyway possible. when the 2 brothers moved their recording from Pazula Studios in Linconton NC to Centipede Studios in Charlotte NC, the musicians that became available were of a much of a professional type. when "Streets Living Theater" disbanded, they picked up the bass player and drummer, and even later the lead singer as a background singer in "Where's the Revolution". in 1986, during the final mix of the first version of "Got to Get Myself Together", Mitch Cooper of Third Lock Records happened into the studio and offered "White Elephant" a track on the compilation "Statements" which included bands from around the world. later there would be a "Statements Volume 2" and "Statements Volume 3", all "Statements Volumes" including "White Elephant" tracks. working with Third Lock Records, a plan was laid out to release 10 "White Elephant" songs recorded over the past few years, and to tour regionally with a permanent band line-up. although there had been shows since 1984, this was the only time "White Elephant" would have the opportunity to tour with a fresh album in hand. the line-up, as it had since 1984 continued to change even with the release of all 3 "Statements" CDs and "White Elephant". into the 1990s the band toured regionaly, and with the new millinium the touring slowed...and ceased. Mitch Cooper's band, "The Inn" from Charlotte continued to include "White Elephant" songs not only on their playlist, but recorded and released them.
as for myself, Leslie (writer/guitarist/backing vocalist), I had many opportunties during the down times between regional White Elephant tours. a number of bands in the Charlotte area realized that by inviting me into their band I added not only more icing to the cake, but even an additional ingredient that would change each band I joined. I toured with The Inn on 2 seperate occasions, a year each which took us up to Chicago's Peacefest where I met very profesional stage crew members that are now in the Charlotte area to join the few we have here. and I also spent about 5 years touring with The Ravelers, a band I am very honered to have been asked to join. again I added my spice to an already regional respected band. I played with a number of other bands, but these 2 were the highlights of my non-White Elephant years. and both bands released projects with myself as lead and rhythum guitarist as well as lead vocals. but, these are other bands and this site is for White Elephant. so, if your interested, you can find these other bands on myspace as well. just take a look at my top friends here on myspace.
the self titled cassette/album "White Elephant" included 10 songs. additional songs and remakes of existing songs have been recorded. if the project is released on CD it will include at least 7 additional cuts.
so now again, personally I face the musical unknown again. to other bands I'm currently associated with, you know I give you as much support as if I was in the band myself. and I will find my way.
thank you,
Leslie
Lesorge Music
White Elephant
