Canaan

Description

The self-titled debut album by the British country-rock/southern-rock outfit Canaan was released in the UK on Dovetail Records in 1973. The album was recorded by Gerry Kitchingham at R.G. Jones Studios in London, England; with John Pantry producing. All songs written by Bob Fraser except “They Call Me A Rock And Roll Gipsy” written by Gus Eyre.

The Fylde Coast-based band, featuring Gus Eyre, Dave Lloyd, Bob Fraser and Dave Lewis, had got together in 1969 to play their own brand of Crosby, Stills & Nash-style music.

If you’re tired of those country rock homogenized Eagles clones that proliferated in the ’70s you need to check out the British group Canaan. These four guys bring a refreshing progressive element to the genre that is often lacking in their American counterparts. «They Call Me A Rock And Roll Gypsy» is the opening rocker that sets the stage for the spirited optimistic tone felt throughout the album. Gus Eyre’s guitar work (frequently fuzzed) really cooks – «Follow Me» and «Lonely Man» both have acid leads, while «Mr. Jones» and «Jesus Revolution» heavily utilize the reverb effect. Slide guitar can be found on the later, as well as on «Seek First The Kingdom» and «Place Of My Dreams». Harmonica graces a few songs, including «Seventeen». The seven-minute «Death Gave Way – Trilogy» closes the album with more lively guitar action. Bob Fraser’s lead vocals suit the style well, while the group harmonies often attain a Moody Blues-like depth. Producer John Pantry’s periodic organ and string synthesizer fits in perfectly. One of the top Dovetail releases. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “They Call Me A Rock And Roll Gipsy” – 3:54
A2. “Finding” – 2:37
A3. “Seek First The Kingdom” – 1:57
A4. “Follow Me” – 3:22
A5. “Mr. Jones” – 2:59
A6. “Lovely Man” – 2:48

Side Two
B1. “Jesus Revolution” – 4:22
B2. “Seventeen” – 3:02
B3. “Place Of My Dream” – 3:29
B4. “Death Gave Way – Trilogy” – 6:58

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CREDITS. Produced by John Pantry. Recorded at R.G. Jones Studios. All songs written by Bob Fraser except track A1 written by Gus Eyre.

Musicians: Bob Fraser (Vocals, Guitar), Gus Eyre (Guitar, Vocals), Dave Lewis (Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals), Dave Lloyd (Bass, Vocals). Additional musicians: John Panty (Keyboards), Mick Wade (Drums, Percussion).