Terry Rae Interview Page 3 of 6 Back to Faces 7

! M.L : Tell us about the experience with the Strawberry Alarm Clock. Terry: I was still thinking of a "commercial" way of making it. so when I was approached to play as the new "Strawberry Alarm Clock " I jumped right in. We played concerts and did local TV shows". That project was to be short-lived due to a law suit from the original guys in SAC. We recorded "In Relation" and about eight other songs as the "Strawberry SAC" I was told that the album was later released as the Crystal Circus ( IL s been reissued on Akarma'ed.). I don't think they even mentioned my name on the thing! Terry had never met his neighbor, Sterling Storm before. but he was walking down his street singing and playing guitar one day and they stopped to talk.... Terry: This turned out to be the beginning of a wild ride that would last for the next few years. The Group was "SPACE" and it was a total trip. John Anderson (lead guitar), Erick Geise (bass). We used to sneak into the SAC rehearsal room and just play and play! After awhile we could totally improvise a "stream of consciousness" style of music that was very unique. We experienced the 60s Love-ins and played from the parks in Long Beach. to the "Sky River Festival" in Washington State with the Youngbloods. We also played at the "Temple of the Rainbow" on Sunset Blvd. in Silverlake with a group called "Messiah". This period was pure "Andy Warhol" Lots of mind expanding days and nights with Space. Can you dig-it baby? M.L. What was the deal with The Strawberryjam? Terry: My friend Don Adey, who also played the clubs on the Strip with a band called "Churchill Downs" had met up with a guitar player! singer named Paul Downing. Paul had the opportunity to know John Phillips of the "Mamas and Papas". John told Paul to put something together and he would record the material. After joining with Tim Smyser. we became the "Strawberry Jam" band. John put us on his own Dunhill / Warlock record label. One day we ended up in a large office in Hollywood with Lou Adler and Terry Melcher. Both shook their heads saying, "Yes, You guys are going to be BIG, maybe the next Beatles! M.L : Well...it could happen! Terry: Sure, But when they got us a house in Topanga Canyon and gave us the use of an E-Type Jaguar, and Mini cooper to get around in. we started to believe it WAS going to happen. M.L. : Where did you record then? Terry: We recorded in John Phillips own hidden studio within his Bel-Air mansion. His house was the meeting place of all the stars in Hollywood it seemed. Jack Nicholson. Warren Beatty, Mia Farrow were always around and ready to party. We could just walk into the Whisky without paying and watch groups like "the McCoys" or" Procal Harem". We were spoiled big time. Go to Page 4