- Chuck Trois - vocals

- The Soul Survivors (Chuck Trois)

- Chuck Trois and the Amazing Maze

Genre: rock

Rating: ** (2 stars)

Title:  Chuck Trois & the National Band

Company: A&M

Catalog: SP-4201

Year: 1969

Country/State: US

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: white label, promo copy; small promo sticker on back cover; original inner sleeve

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 8774

Price: $50.00

Singer/guitarist Chuck Trois is probably best known for his work with Philadelphia's The Soul Searchers.  An early member of the band, he was gone by the time the group enjoyed their classic hit 'Expressway To Your Heart.'  

1969's self-produced "Chuck Trois & the National Band" represents a post-Soul Searchers outing, and is modestly interesting in that it finds Trois moving away from blue-eyed soul towards something best described as David Clayton-Thomas and Blood, Sweat and Tears meet light psych.  The first side is devoted to a series of three covers; two extended Traffic covers which don't exactly benefit from the addition of horn charts, or from Trois vocal theatrics.  The third effort, a Katz-Kasenetz cover is marginally more impressive.  On contrast, the flip side featured a series of five Trois originals. What you think of these tracks is likely to depend on your feelings about horn rock.  If you don't mind BS&T-styled rock, then you'll probably be okay with material such as "Cheers To You" and "Gypsy War".  Otherwise, well you might want to pass on this LP.

"Chuck Trois & the National Band" track listing:

(side 1)

1.) 40,000 Headmen  (Steve Winwood - Jim Capaldi) - 6:19

2.) Heartless Hurdy Gurdy   (Jeff Katz - Jerry Kasenetz) - 4:30

3.) Dear Mr. Fantasy  (Jim Capaldi - Steve Winwood - Chris Wood) - 6:09

(side 2)

1.) Cheers To You   (Chuck Trois) - 2:54

2.) What Might Have Been   (Chuck Trois) - 3:44

3.) Gypsy War   (Chuck Trois) - 3:35

4.) Anyone That You Want   (Chuck Trois) - 2:44

5.) Free Thing   (Chuck Trois) - 2:51