Treefrog (2)

Tree Frog first hatched in 1969 when a few childhood friends from Wichita formed a band after joining a Kansas University fraternity. They took the name from a Zap Comics character named the Checkered Demon, who always chugged Tree Frog beer. The five-piece act started primarily as a cover band but then began to develop a distinctive sound that fit in with other country-influenced acts – such as The Eagles and Pure Prairie League – that thrived on FM radio during the mid-’70s. The core membership of Elder, Piller, Fey and violinist/guitarist Scott Piper was solidified when drummer Gary Durrett (formerly of The Blue Things) happened upon the outfit performing at the old Mad Hatter bar and was promptly recruited to join. Fortunately, Tree Frog’s sound and consistent work ethic caught the ear of several industry figures. In 1973 they cut a demo in Nashville, only to have producer Bob Milsap insist on hiring session players to replace the musicians on the recording.