Steve M.
12-03-2003, 11:58 PM
So how many people here have heard of Family? Not many, I'm sure. Most Americans who remember them may only remember them as the band Blind Faith bassist Rick Grech used to be in. They were more than that, however. The were one of the most innovative bands of the late sixties and early seventies, wielding rhythm and blues, folk, country, and rock and roll into their unique, heavy sound.
Family featured the goatish vibarto vocals of the great Roger Chapman, a singer who makes Robert Plant sound like a crooner, the twisted guitar of Charlie Whitney, whose cocky sneer was as menacing as his playing, and the fantastic drumming of Rob Townsend, who can outplay Ginger Baker with half as many drums. Other members included bassist John Wetton (yeah, the guy from Asia), flutist-pianist-vibraphonist Poli Palmer, and blues harmonica player Jim King. They were a hit in Britain and continental Europe but never quite made it here in the U.S. But the recordings they made between 1968 and the breakup in 1973 stand as some of the greatest in rock. Among theri fans were John Lennon and Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson.
Family's two signature songs, the death rocker "The Weaver's Answer" and the nonconformist anthem "Drowned In Wine," were concert favorites, both representing some of the nastiest rock and roll ever conceived. Their two definitive albums are A Song For Me (1970) and Fearless (1971).
Intrigued? Check out STRANGE BAND: The Family Home Page (http://members.aol.com/songforme) or go to my own homepage.
Family featured the goatish vibarto vocals of the great Roger Chapman, a singer who makes Robert Plant sound like a crooner, the twisted guitar of Charlie Whitney, whose cocky sneer was as menacing as his playing, and the fantastic drumming of Rob Townsend, who can outplay Ginger Baker with half as many drums. Other members included bassist John Wetton (yeah, the guy from Asia), flutist-pianist-vibraphonist Poli Palmer, and blues harmonica player Jim King. They were a hit in Britain and continental Europe but never quite made it here in the U.S. But the recordings they made between 1968 and the breakup in 1973 stand as some of the greatest in rock. Among theri fans were John Lennon and Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson.
Family's two signature songs, the death rocker "The Weaver's Answer" and the nonconformist anthem "Drowned In Wine," were concert favorites, both representing some of the nastiest rock and roll ever conceived. Their two definitive albums are A Song For Me (1970) and Fearless (1971).
Intrigued? Check out STRANGE BAND: The Family Home Page (http://members.aol.com/songforme) or go to my own homepage.