The Prime Movers (Los Angeles band)

The Prime Movers
Curt Lichter, Severs Ramsey, Gary Putman
Background information
Origin	Sierra Madre, California, United States
Genres	Rock
Years active	1983-1989
Labels	Birdcage Records, Island
Associated acts	Dread Zeppelin
Website	primemoversmusic.com
Past members	Severs Ramsey Gary Putman Curt Lichter Gary Falasco Greg Markel Rob Schilling

The Prime Movers were a rock band from The Sierra Madre, CA area known for its post-punk ethereal sound and lyrics evocative of the New West.

With titles like "On The Trail," "Last Cafe" and "Dark Western Night," The Prime Movers found themselves in the middle of a psychedelic revival in Los Angeles in the mid-1980s along with other bands such as Dream Syndicate, The Long Ryders, Rain Parade, Thin White Rope and Green On Red. Island Records signed The Prime Movers and released a five-song EP (Prime Movers) and two singles, "On The Trail" and "Dark Western Night." A song from the EP, "Strong As I Am" was selected by film-maker Michael Mann to be the featured song in his movie, Manhunter. The song was included on the Manhunter soundtrack LP as well as being released as the A-side of a single on MCA Records.

The band broke up in 1988 and the three main members, Severs Ramsey, Gary Putman and Curt Lichter morphed into Dread Zeppelin.

Created by Severs Ramsey as a vehicle to release Prime Movers' material, Indi label Birdcage Records' first release was a 7 inch vinyl 45 by The Prime Movers: "Chances" b/w "In Touch With You" in 1983. A full-length album, "Museum" followed in 1984. Produced by Wall Of Voodoo's Jim Hill, the album received glowing notices leading Cashbox Magazine to gush," “Gary Putman weaves an ethereal tapestry which blends technical wizardry with pure emotion to create one of the most stylistically unique guitar sounds ever (Did you hear that, Les Paul?).”.

The band were mainstays on the Los Angeles club circuit becoming fan favorites at the legendary Madame Wong's Chinatown, The Troubador, The Roxy, Club Lingerie and many others. The strength of their live show and the college radio support of "Museum," ultimately drew the attention of Island A&R man and former member of Fairport Convention and Matthew's Southern Comfort, Iain Matthews.

The Prime Movers signed to Island and soon began work on what was to become their eponymously named 5-song EP. The band added vocalist Gregory Markel shortly before the recording sessions began. Markel contributed a stunning voice and the idea for a new song called "Strong As I Am" that would later play a large part in The Prime Mover saga. The recording was produced by Englishman, Chris Tsangarides, best known for his work with many heavy metal acts including Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest and Black Sabbath. The EP was recorded at MCA Whitney Studios in Glendale, CA, and the sessions were engineered by MCA staffer, Doug Schwartz.