Toolman
Simple Man, Simple Dream
Bob Messenger is great, simply put. It's funny because he's the only one other than Tony that I recognize when I see him. He and the other band guys (let me see if I've got it: Tony Peluso, Gary Sims, Danny Woodhams, Joe Osborn, Hal Blaine) are really the unsung heroes of the Carpenters' studio albums. I wish I could've met them in person, too, just to say "thank you for contributing your wonderful sound".
One more -- Doug Strawn. If you mean members of their "Carpenters" traveling band, I don't think Joe belongs in this lineup, nor Hal. Cubby O'Brien would, having been on the road with them and on the "A Kind of Hush" album ("Goofus"). You're right, they were great. I thought Doug was quite a good lead singer, too, evident when he did a few numbers with Karen early on.