Before joining Steppenwolf, John Kay led the Sparrow, a Toronto band who traveled to New York, L.A., and San Francisco in search of success and a secure record contract. Before hooking up with Kay, the Sparrow acted as Canadian pop singer Jack London's backing group, playing on several of his hits (which were only hits in their native land). They only released one official 45, although many of the tapes they cut for Columbia have appeared on various albums. Their material mixed Kay originals and blues covers of stalwarts like John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed. Considerably rootsier in orientation than Steppenwolf, the Sparrow played pedestrian blues-rock for the most part. Oddly enough, Kay was barely involved in their best -- and least typical -- tracks: the lovely psychedelic tune "Tomorrow's Ship" and the massively echoed freakout "Isn't It Strange." Written and sung by other bandmembers, these songs (which formed both sides of their lone single) reflect a trippy Californian ambience that was distinctly at odds with Kay's heavy rock leanings. ~ Richie Unterberger