History:

Clayton F. Moore was a keyboardist and vocalist from Ontario, Canada. Originally, Moore was the organ player in the rock outfit Windsor Tunnel. The group toured parts of southern Canada and Michigan. After the group collapsed and broke up following an unsuccessful pop record, Moore most likely opened up Avatar Acoustic Labs with Gunars Ticmanis in 1971 or 1972. The studio was based in Ontario and most likely was located in Moore’s basement. Moore continued performing live on the lounge scene during this period. 

The studio and its label only cataloged three releases. One of the three releases was Moore’s only solo album: “Live From My Basement”. It was released in 1973 and features his former bandmate from Windsor Tunnel, Danny Thibodeau, on Acoustic Guitars. He was credited as contributing  “Fret Boards”. The album featured all cover tracks, most originating from The Humblebums. It’s unknown what happened after this album was released. Moore is still alive and well and is active on YouTube where he posted all of his songs. 

Review:

Live From My Basement (Avatar 1973)

Rating: 5/10

This is such a weird and entertaining album. Truly a “real people” affair. Lo-fi and every track is untitled on the album. Thanks to whoever on Discogs figured out each track title. The album is filled with strange electric piano (sounds like a harpsichord but it’s obviously a RMI Electric Piano), low in the mix acoustic guitar, keyboard bass, and a revolting drum machine (thank god it’s only present on a cover of “Mr. Bojangles”). The opening cover of “Rick Rack” is super odd but really cool. The dark take on “Wooden Ships” is neat too. My favorite besides “Rick Rack” is his take on “Cry, Sing, and Laugh”. I don’t know why, but it reminds me of “Telephone Conversation” by Lou Reed and David Bowie.