Family
Band members Related acts
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line up 1 (1966-67) - Roger Chapman -- vocals, harmonica, percussion - Ric Grech (RIP) -- vocals, bass, cello, backing vocals - Jim King -- vocals, sax, harmonica, keyboards, backing vocals - Harry Ovenall -- drums, percussion - John "Charley" Whitney -- lead guitar, keyboards
line up 2 (1967-69) - Roger Chapman -- vocals, harmonica, percussion - Ric Grech (RIP) -- vocals, bass, cello, backing vocals - Jim King -- vocals, sax, harmonica, keyboards, backing vocals NEW - Rob Townsend -- drums, percussion (replaced Harry Overnall) - John "Charley" Whitney -- lead guitar, keyboards
line up 3 (1969) - Roger Chapman -- vocals, harmonica, percussion - Jim King -- vocals, sax, harmonica, keyboards, backing vocals - Rob Townsend -- drums, percussion NEW - John Weider -- bass, guitar, violin, backing vocals (replaced Ric Grech) - John "Charley" Whitney -- lead guitar, keyboards
line up 4 (1969-71) - Roger Chapman -- vocals, harmonica, percussion NEW - John "Poli" Palmer -- keyboards, flute, vibe, xylophone, backing vocals - Rob Townsend -- drums, percussion - John Weider -- bass, guitar, violin, backing vocals - John "Charley" Whitney -- lead guitar, keyboards
line up 5 (1971-72) - Roger Chapman -- vocals, harmonica, percussion - John "Poli" Palmer -- keyboards, flute, vibe, xylophone, backing vocals - Rob Townsend -- drums, percussion NEW- John Wetton (RIP) -- vocals, bass, guitar (replaced John Weider) - John Whitney -- guitar, keyboards
line up 6 (1972-73) NEW - Tony Ashton (RIP 2001)-- keyboards (replaced Poli Palmer) - Roger Chapman -- vocals, harmonica, percussion NEW - Jim Cregan -- bass, guitar (replaced John Wetton) - Rob Townsend -- drums, percussion - John Whitney -- guitar, keyboards
line up 7 (2012-14) - Roger Chapman -- vocals, harmonica, percussion - Jim Cregan -- bass, guitar - John " Poli" Palmer -- keyboards, flute - Rob Townsend -- drums, percussion
backing musicians (2012-2014) - Paul Hirsh -- keyboards - John Lingwood -- drums, percussion - Nick Payne -- sax, harmonica - Gary Twigg -- bass - Geoff Whitehorn -- lead guitar, backing vocals
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- The Animals - Asia (John Wetton) - Ashton, Gardner and Dyke (Tony Ashton) - Axis Point - Blind Faith (Ric Grech) - The Blossom Toes (Jim Cregan) - The Blues Band - The Farinas (John Whitney) - Farm Dogs - Ric Grech (solo efforts) - Nicky Hopkins (solo efforts) - King Crimson (John Wetton) - Medicine Head - Mogul Thrash (John Wetton) - The Moments - The Rocking R's - Streetwalkers (Roger Chapman and John Whitney) - Stud (Jim Cregan and John Weider) - Traffic - John Wetton (solo efforts) - Wetton and Manzanera (John Wetton)
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Genre: rock Rating: 3 stars *** Tiitle: A Song for Me Company: Reprise Catalog: RS-6384 Year: 1970 Country/State: UK Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: gatefold sleeve Available: 1 Catalog ID: 2448 Price: $20.00
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"A Song
for Me" track listing: 1.) No Mule's Fool The folk-tinged 'No Mule's Fool' was one of the band's prettiest compositions. It's always reminded me of something Ronnie Laine might have done with The Faces. Wonder if Dexy's Midnight Runners heard this one ... The song was tapped as a single in a couple of European countries:
- 1969's 'No Mule's Fool' b/w 'Good Friend' (Reprise catalog number RS 27001) Neither the video, nor sound quality were great, but YouTube has a 2002 reunion performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLwsdXknmsQ 2.) Drowned In Wine 3.) Love Is a Sleeper 4.) Some Poor Soul 5.) Whee Is
(side
2)
In an effort to keep abreast of changing
musical tastes, they have banished most traces of psych influences,
moving more solidly in a progressive direction, but still with
considerable diversity, including country flavor. Their overall appeal
has begun a slow, but steady decline as well. Grades - 3 B+'s, 2 B's,
4 B-'s, and a C+, still quite consistent though. This issue came with
a lyric insert.
Published
RS 6384 Vinyl LP (1970)
Family were always an interesting band, Chapman's voice, the use of vibes, flute, violin et all, and while this album has it's moments and some nice touches, there are no songs that comes right out of those speakers that immediately grab your attention . I enjoy segments rather than the songs as a whole. I should say that "A Song For Me," (probably the nearest we come to single land and strongest track), reminds me a little of Atomic Rooster (well a bit). Thought I'd throw that in. The 1998 issue contains two bonus tracks, the single "No Mules Fool," (3.5 stars) and its B Side, "Good Friend of Mine," (2.5 stars) the last two recordings to feature Jim King. To reap it's rewards, file under "stick with it." An album to be digested slowly, with perseverance comes the enjoyment.
Published
Il cambio di formazione avvenuto nella
band porta in dote sonorità maggiormente orientate verso il rock
progressivo.
Nonostante ciò Chapman e soci continuano a mantenersi nel solco del formato canzone (eccezion fatta per il brano che dà il nome al disco), con una serie di tracce che mescolano senza sforzo e con buon gusto folk, psichedelia, country e progressive. All'interno del panorama del rock dei primi anni '7' i Family si collocano come un gruppo sperimentatore, poco incline a seguire i dettami della moda musicale e in grado di maneggiare i vari stili allora in voga, capace di creare uno stile personale. Ritengo questo un gran merito.
Published
Family was a very strange band with a
vocalist that takes some getting used to. They play some cool prog
rock and the guitar player is very good but this may be their weakest
release. Their previous release was their best but this long play
doesn't build on it. Too bad!
Published
Stabilizing themselves as the weird
underground outfit they really have to be.
Published
Good album throughout, with the exception
of “Some Poor Soul” - but that track is followed by the highlight
“Love is a Sleeper”.
A bit weaker, when compared to
their previous 2 albums, but still no doubt a must-have
Published
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Genre: rock Rating: 3 stars *** Tiitle: Family Entertainment Company: Reprise Catalog: RS-6340 Year: 1969 Country/State: UK Grade (cover/record): VG / VG Comments: minor ring wear; promo sticker on front cover Available: 1 GEMM catalog ID: not yet listed Price: $
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"Family
Entertainment" track listing: 1.) The Weaver's Answer (Chapman/Whitney) 2.) Observations From A Hill (Chapman/Whitney) 3.) Hung Up Down (Chapman/Whitney) 4.) Summer '67 (Whitney) 5.) How-Hi-The-Li (Whitney)
(side
2) 2.) From Past Archives (Chapman/Whitney) 3.) Dim (Chapman/Whitney) 4.) Processions (Whitney) 5.) Face In The Cloud (Grech) 6.) Emotions (Chapman/Whitney)
A blues-based band with art-rock inclinations, Family was one of the more interesting groups of hippie-era Britain. Fronted by the deft and frequently excellent guitar playing of John "Charlie" Whitney and the raspy, whisky-and-cigarette voice of Roger Chapman, Family was much loved in England and Europe but barely achieved cult status in America. While bands like Jethro Tull, Ten Years After, and the Keith Emerson-led Nice (and later Emerson, Lake, and Palmer) sold lots of records, Family, which frequently toured with these bands, was left in the shadows, an odd band loved by a small but rabid group of fans. Although the band's first official release was Music in a Doll's House in 1968, the roots of the band go back as far as the early '60s, when Whitney started a rhythm & blues/soul band called the Farinas while at college. In 1966, Whitney met Roger Chapman, a prematurely balding singer who had a voice so powerful that, to quote Robert Christgau, "it could kill small game at a hundred yards," and the two began a creative partnership that would last through two bands and into the early '80s. With Whitney and Chapman leading the way, Family became whole with the addition of bassist Ric Grech, saxophonist Jim King, and drummer Rob Townsend. Within a year they were hyped as the next big thing, and under that pressure and intense British pop press scrutiny delivered their debut record in 1968, Music in a Doll's House. Doll's House is pop music redolent of the zeitgeist: Chapman's voice is rooted in the blues and R&B, but the record is loaded with strings, mellotrons, acoustic guitars, horns, essentially all the trappings of post-psychedelia and early art-rock. Almost completely ignored in the states, Doll's House was a hit in Britain and Family began a string of less art-rock, more hard rock albums that ended, as did the band, with the release of It's Only a Movie in 1973. After Family's demise, Whitney and Chapman formed the blues-rock Streetwalkers; other Family members (of which there were quite a few in the band's tempestuous eight years) such as John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia) and Jim Cregan (Rod Stewart) went off to find fame and fortune elsewhere. Trivia buffs note: it was Ric Grech who was the first to leave Family in 1969 to become the least well-known member of supergroup Blind Faith. Sadly, that proved to be Grech's biggest mistake, as Blind Faith imploded in a year, and Grech (whose last notable band membership was in Traffic), long plagued by drinking problems, died of liver failure in 1990. Today Charlie Whitney plays in an extremely low-key country/blues/bluegrass band called Los Rackateeros, and Roger Chapman lives in Germany, where his solo career is flourishing. A fine, occasionally great band, Family deserved more recognition (at least in America) than they received. Something that a thoughtfully compiled CD retrospective might rectify. Family Entertainment followed on the heels of Family's Music in a Doll's House with the band's first incarnation: Roger Chapman (harmonica/tenor sax/vocals), Rick Grech (violin/cello/bass guitar/vocals), Rob Townsend (percussion/drums), John "Charlie" Whitney (guitar/pedal steel guitar/keyboards), and Jim King (harmonica/keyboards/soprano sax/tenor sax/vocals). While not totally dismissing their psychedelic leanings, much of the material bears a stronger acoustic influence, in much the same manner as Fairport Convention and Traffic were also exploring. The jazzy sitar lead of "Face in the Cloud" and the even more prominent Eastern-flavored "Summer '67" somewhat date the affair, and are contrasted by the beautifully noir and trippy "How-Hi-the-Li" (which may have been the impetus for Chicago's "Wishing You Were Here") and the upbeat "Hung Up Down," sporting Grech's unmistakable violin as it wafts over the rural and slightly surreal lyrics. These sides are set against the edgy "Weaver's Answer," which immediately establishes a broader spectrum of styles, most notably given Chapman's commanding if not slightly intimidating vocals. Whitney's blistering fretwork yields bite to the Grech-penned "Second Generation Woman," while "Emotions," another full-tilt rocker, is infused with an apparent R&B homage. Interested parties should note that Family Entertainment and Music in a Doll's House were issued in a double-disc package featuring a commendable 24-bit digital remastering rendering all other versions useless — especially the early-'90s pressing on the German Line label. Not only are both LPs included, but the 45s "Scene Through the Eye of a Lens" and "Gypsy Woman" are finally brought into the digital domain. The accompanying 40-page liner booklet is likewise a feast for the eyes.
Family was a British Progressive rock band comprising Roger Chapman on vocals, John "Charlie" Whitney on guitar, Jim King on sax and flute, Rick Grech on bass, violin and vocals and Rob Townsend on drums. While never a big success in the US, Family were quite successful in their homeland and best remembered for vocalist Chapman's "electric goat" vibrato and wild, manic Family formed in 1967 in Leicester, England, although the basis for the band actually had existed since 1962 when they were known as the Farinas and subsequently The Roaring Sixties. The original Farinas line up featured Tim Kirchin on bass and Harry Overnall on drums with Jim King and Charlie Whitney sharing vocal duties. Rick Grech replaced Kirchin on bass in 1965 and Roger Chapman joined around the same time on vocals. American producer Kim Fowley suggested the band change their name to Family based on their penchant for wearing double-breasted suits giving themselves sort of a mafia appearance--a look they soon abandoned in favor of a more hippy or bohemian image. Shortly after becoming Family, drummer Overnall quit and was replaced by Rob Townsend. Family's debut single Scene Through The Eye Of A Lens/Gypsy Woman was released by Liberty in the autumn of 1967. While the single received much praise from critics, it received very little airplay, due to its rather complex, uncommercial nature. Family's debut album Music in a Doll's House was finally released in July 1968; produced by former Traffic member Dave Mason. Mason also contributed one composition to the album Never Like This--the only song recorded by Family not written by a band member. Music In A Doll's House charted respectably in the UK and, like their debut single, received praise from the critics as well as getting considerable airplay from well-known British radio personality John Peel. The sound of this album was largely based around Roger Chapman's rather odd vocalizations, Rick Grech's classically trained violin playing and the jazzy reed and horn work of Jim King which, while very psychedelic in nature, sounded far more sophisticated and mature than a lot of other albums of the genre. Some criticised the album for being restrained in comparison to their wild live performances which had gained them a respectable cult following in their homeland. Family's 1969 follow-up Family Entertainment toned down the psychedelics of their previous offering, although it was equally eclectic and complex and featured their first UK hit "The Weaver's Answer". With the UK success of Family's first two albums, they decided to try to conquer the US, although they were faced with many setbacks which all but killed any chance of a successful career in the States. Before their 1969 US tour, Ric Grech, whose violin playing had been very integral to Family's sound, unexpectedly left to join Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker in the supergroup Blind Faith and was replaced by former Eric Burdon and the Animals bassist John Weider. The biggest blow to Family's US career involved their first concert at Bill Graham's Fillmore East, sharing the bill with Ten Years After and The Nice in which Chapman, during his normal manic stage routine, loses control of his mike stand which comes within inches of Graham. This nearly gets Family pulled from the bill at the Fillmore, although they were spared as long as Chapman performed on stage with his arms pinned at his side. While Family and Graham reconciled their differences, Family's reputation in the US sadly never recovered from the incident. After the tour, Jim King was relieved of his position in the band due to "erratic behavior" and was replaced by multi-instrumentalist John "Poli" Palmer on keyboards, vibes, flute and violin. With Family's 1970 release A Song For Me, they developed a more aggressive sound, dominated by Whitney's tight guitar lines and Palmer's keyboard and vibraphone work. Family's new line-up and sound gained them an even larger European following and they played at several major rock festivals including the 1970 Isle Of Wight music festival and Holland's Kralingen Festival. Both performances were documented in the festival documentary films Message To Love and Stomping Ground. Family's follow-up album Anyway featured a side of a live performance of new material at Fairfield Hall in Croydon, England, as well as a side of new studio recordings. In 1971 Weider left to join the band Stud and was replaced by former Mogul Thrash bassist John Wetton. Much like Grech in the original line-up of the band, Wetton also shares vocal duties with Chapman. This line-up records the albums Fearless(1971) and Bandstand(1972) which were both quite successful in both the UK and the States. In mid-1972 Palmer leaves Family and is replaced by keyboardist Tony Ashton, formerly of Ashton, Gardner and Dyke and Wetton leaves to join the newly re-formed King Crimson and is replaced with bassist Jim Cregan. In 1973 Family released It's Only A Movie which would be their final album. Family gave their final concert at Leicester Polytechnic on October 13th, 1973. Roger Chapman and Charlie Whitney continued to record as the Streetwalkers which included former Jeff Beck vocalist Bob Tench.
Family started out as the Farinas, a
rhythm-and-blues band in Leicester, England, founded by John
"Charlie" Whitney and Jim King, who was the group's lead singer.
Rick Grech became the bass player in 1965, and Roger Chapman soon joined to
replace King on lead vocals. This allowed King to concentrate on the
saxophone (which was his specialty), the harmonica, and occasional piano
duties. The arrival of Chapman was a pivotal moment in the group, as he
began a songwriting and recording partnership with Whitney that would last
well into the seventies - long after Family broke up. After Music In a Doll's House, Family was quickly labelled as a
"progressive" rock band, suggesting comparisons to groups like Yes
and Genesis. Family's music was progressive in the sense that they tried to
expand the boundaries of rock and constantly sought to break new ground.
Unlike most of the "progressive," or "art rock" bands
that would sprout up in the early seventies, however, Family had no
aspirations to classicism or highbrow pretentions. Their attitude was very
much a rock and roll one, and their music remained firmly rooted in rhythm
and blues - which veteran rock critic Dave Marsh called the taproot of all
great rock.
Originally
formed in 1962 as The Farinas and then changing their name to The
Roaring Sixties, the group settled on the name Family in '67 at
the suggestion of producer/songwriter Kim Fowley. Family
remained virtually unknown in the U.S. although their wildly eclectic
progressive rock made them a hitmaker in the U.K. Traffic's Dave
Mason coproduced their debut album with Jimmy Miller. After the
release of their second album, 1969's Family Entertainment,
the group launched into a U.S. tour. Unfortunately the day before it was
to start, bassist Rick Grech quit to join Blind
Faith with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood and
Ginger Baker. Family's debut peformance at The Fillmore East
ended in a fistfight between vocalist Roger Chapman and promoter Bill
Graham. A few days later Chapman lost his voice and his visa,
and Family returned to the U.K. In '72, Family opened for Elton
John but despite FM airplay of 1971's Fearless and
1972's Band Stand, they never found a U.S. audience.
In
'73, Family played a farewell concert tour of the U.K. which
included a final show in their hometown of Leicester. Chapman and
guitarist Charlie Whitney formed Streetwalkers which would
include future Iron
Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain (Chapman would
become highly successful in Germany with his touring group The
Shortlist), guitarist Jim Cregan went on to join Steve
Harley And Cockney Rebel, bassist John Wetton, who had
been with the group from '70 to '71, went on to join King
Crimson, Roxy
Music, Uriah
Heep and later Asia.
Original bassist Rick Grech passed on in 1990.
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Genre: rock Rating: 4 stars **** Title: Bandstand Company: United Artists Catalog: UAS-5644 Year: 1972 Country/State: Leicester UK Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: gatefold gimmick cover Available: 3 Catalog ID: 2633 Price: $15.00
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Perhaps due in part to the fact it was recorded without the normal round of personnel upheavals, 1972's "Bandstand" marked a major return to form for the band. While it may have lacked some of their more creative moves, the results made for their most consistent release, showcasing a distinctive switch towards a commercial, hard rock influenced sound. Exemplified by the lead off rocker 'Burlesque' and 'Broken Nose', Chapman's unique voice proved well matched to the genre and served as kind of a precursor to his forthcoming post-Family Streetwalkers project. His warble could still drive the uninitiated crazy (check out 'Coronation'), but for the most part he proved focused and surprisingly tuneful. (Maybe it was just me but to my ears he occasionally recalled a more greasy Bon Scott.) That said, there was little chance of confusing these guys for AC/DC. Bolstered by some pseudo-psych arrangements including backward tapes 'Bolero Babe' was a nifty atmospheric ballad, while 'Glove' and 'Ready To Go' spotlighted the band's R&B roots. Due in part to the fact it was so different from the rest of the LP and exhibited a little bit of Beatles influence, my personal favorite was the heavily orchestrated closer 'Top of the Hill'. Sporting some of their strongest melodies and nice performances from the entire line-up this was a good one. In the States the LP was essentially ignored. Always loved the gimmick album cover.
"Bandstand" track listing: 1.) Burlesque (Roger Chapman - John Whitney) - 4:04 rating: **** stars If you wanted to hear Chapman at his best and his creepiest, then the slinky rocker 'Burlesque' was a good place to start. There was just something unsettling hearing the man's trembling delivery on this one. Reprise tapped it as a single throughout the world (except seemingly the US):
- 1972's 'Burlesque' b/w 'The Rocking R's' (United Artists catalog number K14196) Surprisingly good, YouTube has a 2013 reunion performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6wdlZtevZk You Tube also as a clip of Chapman's post-Family band Streetwalkers doing the tune. If anything, it's even better than the Family version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS3mPtfWoKg 2.) Bolero Babe (Roger Chapman - John Whitney) - 4:11 rating: **** stars For a band that didn't exactly accelerate when it came to crafting memorable melodies, the lysergic-tinged 'Bolero Babe" was very much an exception to the rule. Bassist John Wetton turned in a stunning performance. 3.) Coronation (Roger Chapman - John Whitney - John Wetton - 3:49 rating: **** stars Another tune with an unexpectedly touching melody; made just a bit strange by Chapman's shaky voice. 4.) Dark Eyes (Roger Chapman - John Whitney) - 1:48 rating: **** stars Opening up with some lovely Poli Palme piano, 'Dark Eyes' found the band diving into English folk music. Shame it was such a short performance. 5.) Broken Nose (Roger Chapman - John Whitney) - 4:09 rating: **** stars 'Broken Nose' was a great performance it you wanted to hear the power Chapman and company could bring to the table. Even like the cheesy '70s synthesizer touches Poli brought to the mix.
(side
2) The Family song for folks who don't like Roger Chapman and Family. With Chapman sing with an unexpected degree of restraint (John Whitney on harmonies), to my ears 'My Friend the Sun' has always sound like a great Ronnie Laine song. English folk-rock has seldom sounded as good as this one.
- 1972's 'My Friend the Sun' b/w 'Glove' (United Artists catalog number K14128) - 1972's 'My Friend the Sun' b/w 'Glove' (United Artists catalog number UA-XW171W) YouTube has a clip of Chapman's post-Family Streewalkers performing the tune at a 1975 appearence on the German Rcokpalast television show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp9yaQS06rk 2.) Glove (Roger Chapman - John Whitney) - 4:53 rating: **** stars Excellent blues-rocker with John Whitney turning in what was probably the album's best guitar solo. 3.) Ready To Go (Roger Chapman - John Whitneyr) - 4:35 rating: **** stars I've ready 'Ready To Go' was intended as a slam of the music business. No idea if it's true, but had any other band recorded the rocker 'Ready To Go' it would have been a massive hit. Another should've been a hit tune ... 4.) Top of the Hill (Roger Chapman - John Whitney) - 5:41 rating: **** stars The first 90 seconds of 'Top of the Hill' were probably the most pastoral music the band ever wrote. From there the song morphed into another surprisingly melodic tune with Chapman actually keeping his voice largely under control. Nice way to end the album.
Opening for Elton John (!) the band subsequently toured the US and Canada. Just when they seemed on the cusp of making some commercial inroads, joining a long list of former members Palmer and Wetton both called it quits. They were replaced by keyboardist Tony Ashton and guitar player Jim Cregan. Wetton subsequently reappeared with King Crimson.
Only 43, a long term alcoholic, Grech died of kidney and liver failure in 1990. Ashton died of cancer in 2001.
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Genre: rock Rating: 4 stars **** Title: Anyway Company: United Artists Catalog: UAS-5627 Year: 1972 Country/State: Leicester UK Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: -- Available: 2 Catalog ID: 2634 Price: $15.00
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Family's fourth album, 1970's "Anyway" was an odd half live and half studio collection. Apparently unhappy with their prior studio set, the band reported thought a live album would be a better reflection of their true talents. Reprise marketing half agreed, allowing for a split album. Side one featured four tracks recorded at a 1970 performance at Fairfield Hills, Croyden. While the four tunes reflected new material, some of it quite impressive ('Good News Bad News'), sonically the tunes weren't all that great, suffering from a muddy, bottom heavy mix. The five studio selections were similarly inconsistent. Seemingly inspired by an earlier American tour, 'Part of the Load' was one of their best rockers. The rest of the studio tune underscored the band's penchant for eclectic moves. The anti-war statement 'Lives and Ladies') recalled something out of the English folk-rock genre. The instrumental 'Normans' offered up what sounded like a country-hoedown. And then there was the issue of Roger Chapman's voice. One of the most divisive instruments in music, you love the man, of he reminds you of a bleating sheep. You'll have to make up your own mind.
The US pressing included a sticker with the following information: "This album, released previously in England, as available now in the United States for the first time. Since it was recorded, Family has issued a new album, BANDSTAND, but while they have changed and certainly progressed in the intervening time, this album is a classic example of their unusual, imaginative style. This album also offers the only available live recordings by Family, one whole side's worth, as well as "In My Own Time" which was not included on the English version. Not only collectors and Family fans, but anyone who appreciates the unusual in rock, is sure to be grateful that ANYWAY has finally come out."
"Anyway" track listing: 1.) Good News Bad News (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 8:06 rating: **** stars If you've ever wondered what one of those English folk-rock bands would have sounded like if they'd decided to record a hard rock tune, then 'Good News Bad News' might be the place to check it out. Clocking in at over eight minutes it was way too long, but the good news lay in the fact, for the most part, Roger Chapman mellowed out his strident vocals and the song gave John Palmer the opportunity to pound away on the xylophone and lead guitarist John Whitney plenty of time to show off his chops. Neither the sound or video quality are great but YouTube has a clip of a very stoned looking Chapman and the band performing an abbreviated version of the tune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVreMCXLxqY 2.) Willow Tree (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 4:40 rating: *** stars Geez, where in the work did this one come from? I certainly never expected to hear Chapman and company taking on a jazzy ballad - seriously. Not exactly my choice in genres, but give them credit for expanding their musical horizons. 3.) Holding the Compass (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 4:28 rating: *** stars Introduced by Chapman as a new song, powered by John Whitney's nifty guitar work, 'Holding the Compass' was a surprisingly tuneful slice of English folk-rock. Chapman's jittery voice meant it was going to be one of those tracks you loved, or just detested. Not much middle ground on this one. YouTube has a clip of the band performing the song for French television. This version is quite a bit more rock oriented that the album version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdMaIhajOXY YouTube also has a clip of the band performing the song for the German Beat club television program. This version goes back to the folkier arrangement and is interesting give drummer Townshend's not in the line-up; John Palmer picking up percussion duties. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrII0Oq72Pk 4.) Strange Band (John Whitney - Roger Chapman - Williamson) - 3:35 rating: ** stars Autobiographical title ??? Weird jazzy jam tune that sounded pretty discordant to my ears. I'm at a lost as to why it was released as a single throughout Europe:
- 1970's 'Strange Band' and 'Hung Up Down' b/w 'The Weavers Answer' (Reprise catalog number RS 27009) YouTube has another Rockpalast performance of the song at: hThettps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC4G5DWc8Mo
(side 2) 1.) In My Own Time (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 3:30 rating: **** stars With Chapman braying in his finest form, you just had to marvel at how this one was tapped as an English single (it hit # 4). There's simply no way an American label would have even thought about it as a 45. The strange thing is my American ears initially agreed. It sure didn't sound very commercial, but over the years I've come to appreciate the fact it was so unique. For some reason United Artists marketing managers decided to add the song to the US release "Anyway" track listing.
- 1971's 'In My Time' b/w 'Seasons' (Reprise catalog number K 14090 YouTube has a 1971 Top of the Pops performance of the song at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AEFJmhigdI 2.) Part of the Load (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 4:38 rating: **** stars Apparently inspired by their previous US tour, 'Part of the Load' had a fairly conventional "life's-tough-on-the-road" lyric, but the combination of John "Poli" Palmer's jazz keyboards, John Whitney's fuzz guitar, and John Weider's slinky bass line made this one of the album highlights. YouTube has a promotional video for the song at:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r310cwVwnM 3.) Anyway (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 3:30 rating: *** stars Loved the Whitney's strumming acoustic guitars and the Celtic and African percussion. 4.) Normans (instrumental) (John Palmer - John Whiteny - John Weider) - 2;25 rating: ** stars 'Normans' was a strange, quasi-country hoedowni flavored instrumental. In order to accommodate the addition of the English single 'In My Own Time', the US album featured an edited version of the song.. 5.) Lives and Ladies (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 6:28 rating: *** stars With a rather blatant anti-war lyric, 'Lives and Ladies' found the band straddling the musical line between delicate English folk and Whitney-powered blues-rock instrumental section ... Geez, no wonder these guys had a hard time holding onto an audience.
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Genre: rock Rating: 4 stars **** Title: Fearless Company: United Artists Catalog: UAS-5627 Year: 1971 Country/State: Leicester UK Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: gimmick sleeve; original custom, lyric inner sleeve Available: 2 Catalog ID: 3240 Price: $20.00
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Co-produced by George Chkiantz and Family, 1971's "Fearless" was recorded with the band till recovering from their second North American tour. It also marked a new line-up with original bassist John Weider (off to form Stud) being replaced by former Mogul Thrush multi-instrumentalist John Wetton. Powered by Roger Chapman's unique voice, I wouldn't argue the album marked a major change in the sound, but at the same time, there was something different - something more open and commercial (I'm using the word in a broad sense), than on their previous four studio albums. That made this set a good starting point for anyone interested in checking the band out. Anchored by three of the band's prettiest melodies ('Between Blue and Me', 'Larf and Sing', and 'Spanish Tide') the album was highly diverse, including stabs at everything from a Faces-styled bar rocker ('Sat'd'y Barfly'), to a catchy jazz-rock instrumental ('Crinkly Grin'), and even an acoustic blues tune ('Children'). Chapman remained a unique singer and while there was no way he was going to appeal to all listeners, with the exception of the rocker 'Blind', his vocal excesses were kept in check this time around, possibly making the set a little more palatable to casual listeners.
The album hit # 14 on the UK charts; making Family's first appearance on the US charts where the set peaked at # 177.
"Fearless" track listing: 1.) Between Blue and Me (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 4:59 rating: **** stars Roger Chapman's voice has always been an acquired taste and I typically have to get myself in the right mood before playing a Family album. The funny thing is I can remember the first time I heard 'Between Blue and Me' and wondering if I'd really put on a Family album. One of the prettiest ballads the group ever performed, Chapman started out singing without his usual wobbly phrasing ... his trademarked vocals kicked in as the song picked up speed and energy, but the first minute was totally unexpected. I seem to remember reading somewhere the song was intended as a tribute to guitarist John "Charley" Whitney's parents. Neither the sound, or video quality are very good, but YouTube has a 1971 performance on the English The Old Grey Whistle Test Series television show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nob52_oaTcI YouTube also has a December, 2016 performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLXdOBILHj8 Yeah, time had taken a bit of a toll on the survivors. 2.) Sat'd'y Barfly (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 4:02 rating: **** stars Powered by John "Poli" Palmer's barrelhouse piano, 'Sat'd'y Barfly' sounded like Family was trying to out-drink Rod Stewart and The Faces. It made for an awesome bar band track ... Easy to picture these guys getting trashed in a corner pub and how many can you think of that feature a funky tuba solo ? Reflecting surprisingly daring tastes, the track was tapped as a French single:
- 1971's 'Sat'd'y Barfly' b/w 'Spanish Tide' (Reprise catalog number 14 143) 3.) Larf and Sing (Poli Palmer) - 2:45 rating: **** stars For folks who doubted Family found actually write and perform a song with a decent melody, I'd suggest checking out the breezy 'Larf and Song'. Keyboardist Palmer wrote it and handled the lead vocals. Worth hearing if only for Whitney's beautiful solo, the stunning a capella chorus, and (for a 50 something year old), the thought provoking lyrics "Life begins to write a book across my face; the stories that are me, the views I hold. Out years on earth begin to turn into a race and I resign myself to growing old ..." The song was released as a single in the UK and the US:
UK release: - 1971's 'Larf and Sing' b/w 'Children' (Reprise catalog number SAM 1) US release: - 1971's 'Larf and Sing' b/w 'Between Blue and Me' (United Artists catalog number 50882) 4.) Spanish Tide (John Whitney - Roger Chapman)- 4:00 rating: **** stars 'Spanish Tide' was another atypical performance in that it featured a beautiful melody showcasing Whitney's acoustic guitar and Palmer on harpsichord. The combination of Chapman and bassist John Wetton on lead vocals was also surprisingly strong. YouTube has another The Old Grey Whistles Test Series television show performance, though it appears they were lip-synching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnwVbQPJcck (in spite of the sound, no acoustic guitars apparent). 5.) Save Some for Thee (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 3:45 rating: **** stars 'Save Some for Thee' featured an even more mainstream and radio-friendly melody and structure (complete with horn charts). It made for such an attractive composiiton that you could even overlook Chapman's voice.
(side 2) 1.) Take Your Partners (John Whitney - Roger Chapman - Poli Palmer) - 6:25 rating: *** stars Maybe I'm being pompous and taking myself too seriously, but 'Take Your Partners' sure sounded quite progressive to my ears - the band members taking the opportunity to stretch out in what was almost a jam situation. It was also one of the tracks where newcomer Wetton seemed to have a real influence on the rest of the group. Initially it wasn't one of the songs that had the biggest impact on me, but the tune had some fantastic lead guitar and grew on me over time. 2.) Children (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 2:20 rating: *** stars Modestly interesting to hear Chapman taking on a slice of acoustic blues ... 'Children' made it clear he could sing without that weird warble in his delivery. 3.) Crinkly Grin (instrumental) (Poli Palmer) - 1:05 rating: *** stars Hearing the jazz-rock instrumental 'Crinkly Grin' I'm always surprised to remember Palmer was also an accomplished vibraphone player. Shame this one wasn't a bit longer. 4.) Blind (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 4:02 rating: **** stars Geez, hearing Chapman power up the vocal chords was simultaneously impressive and scary. Every time I hear the blazing 'Blind' I find myself hoping he doesn't blow out his voice box. Always wondered about the weird sound effect that opened the song and reappeared throughout the tune - it sounded like someone playing glasses with a wet finger. Elsewhere what I thought were bagpipes were apparently Wetton on violin. Cool rocker. 5.) Burning Bridges (John Whitney - Roger Chapman - Poli Palmer) - 4:00 rating: **** stars With a modest raga-flavor and a dark and ominous lyric, 'Burning Bridges' sounded like something that might have been recorded in the mid-'60s. Always loved Whitney's killer mandolin performance on this one.
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