Pucka Italy
2003
Family Entertainment
About This Album
This 2003 CD reissue of Family Entertainment (1969) boasts the original incarnation of Family featuring 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). By contrast to their debut LP Music in a Doll's House (1968), Entertainment (1968) settles into a stronger central blues base that continues to branch into a British sense of psychedelic folk reminiscent of their earlier effort. This is set apart by the grittier "Second Generation Woman," which is easily one of Family's heavier pieces. While arguably the least representative of their overall approach, the tune became a prime showcase for the concert stage. "Weaver's Answer" is another edgier rocker, sporting some of the band's best work, ranging from King's earthy sax solo to Whitney's equally pungent electric leads. This balances the more organic "Observations From a Hill" and the Eastern-flavored instrumental "Summer '67." The latter could have been influenced by the likes of George Harrison's "Within You, Without You.
Track List (try tracks 2,4 and 5)

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