This page was created purely as a tribute not only to be shared and enjoyed by people who are already TOUCH fans, but also to be discovered by those who may not have been previously aware of this amazing band, the historical significance of which should not be overlooked. It should be noted that the legendary TOUCH album (sadly, the only TOUCH album ever released), produced by Gene Shiveley and released in early 1969, appeared at a time when most of the bands who have been widely credited with originating what is now generally considered "progressive" music were still in their infancy. Many of these bands have indeed acknowledged TOUCH as having been influential to them. Don Gallucci, Jeff Hawks, Bruce Hauser, John Bordonaro and Joey Newman created an ambitious, enduring and utterly unique musical achievement. The TOUCH album is a marvel of composition, arrangement, performance and production that still stands tall by any standard. Forty years later, TOUCH might STILL be ahead of their time. Then again, maybe NOW is the perfect time. Enjoy...
This is in no way an 'official' page. However, the members of TOUCH are aware of it and have expressed their approval. I'd like to gratefully acknowledge their generosity and thank them very much for providing the photos seen on the page. I cannot forward personal correspondence to TOUCH, but feel free to leave a comment for them.
I remember when I first heard "Touch" playing on the radio...KPPC Pasadena "Underground Radio" ..it was called that because it was some guys in the basement of a church on Colorado Blvd....the first FM station to play albums in it's entirety..
my buddies and I went to a local "Record shop" had to order it ...I ordered 2 copies ..one which I never opened ...it still in the original plastic and in still in the brown paper bag..
Touch music is revolutionary , never aging ..I always hear something new..a riff a voice, IT HOLDS TRUE TODAY! .. a GREAT piece ..I thank you guys for taking your talent and vision and painting on vinyl..
Thanks a ton for the add..man..i love you about ages...that you know it!!ha.. have a great rock n roll style weekend!!! love love and peace from germany!!!! andrea:-)
Today is the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing! Just weeks away from the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. 1969 was such a strange and historic year! I am so glad that you are working to keep the sounds of Touch accessible to the fans. Happy 40th to Touch!
to jeff hawks: i just listened to your interview on the dividing line and it was great to hear you talk about the band and the recording and living experience of the day. i was somewhere around the age of 13 and 14 and had been studying guitar for just a few years and this record blew me away - even considering all the fine music of the era! i am glad that you feel optimistic about putting out the record, though even more encouraging of the possibility of the whole, original band actually coming together in whatever format you choose to employ. i only hope that, should this happen, that in using modern equipment and techniques, that the origins of the music come through. furthermore, it would be truly amazing if the band could somehow create something entirely new. the real point is, that i think you dudes seriously deserve the opportunity that you didn't have after the release of that singular album. all the very best bro' ... peace, shane
Paying my respect to the fabulous Touch. These guys are timeless! Thanks for the great job, Mr. Smit! All the best to you and the Touch members! Francis
I just listened to the 'podcast'. Great hearing from Jeff. The album totally blew me away in the 60s it was and is GREAT. Hope that there is another album in the future. Jeff seems ready for it...I hope the other guys are too!
I remember how my friend came into the room and laid this album on the machine and informed me (altered state of mind notwithstanding) that I would think I was a guitar string before it was done. 40 years later I still think that and it needs no enhancement to produce the effect.
A friend turned me on to this group in 1970.. I still have the LP (it was hard to find even then). Amazing stuff, great writing and playing! I'm still surprised so few people are aware of this group. Right up there with the greatest of bands, in my opinion. Good to see this site!
Thanks for the add. Great site. I remember getting the album in '70. When i got my first 8 track in my car in '71, I couldn't find the album on tape, so i took a blank tape and the album to an electronics store and got them to run me a copy. I had to listen to it while i rode around. They said it was ahead of it's time, but it was great then and still is. God bless Howard.....Mike
When I was in high school I had friends in a band that was so competent they were doing respectable versions of songs by Yes. They also covered two songs by Touch! In my adolescent musical universe, Touch was taken for granted. The idea that music this brilliant could ever fade into obscurity never entered our minds. Well ... people were still listening to Bach and Mozart hundreds of years later. Since those idealistic days of high school, I have witnessed the burial processions of countless musical entities which died -because- they were brilliant. This site is a valiant stroke against that kind of injustice. - many, many thanks to you ...
