Family

Description

Family is an album by the American singer and songwriter Jim Valley with Steve Schurr, released on Light Records in 1971. The album was recorded by Angel Balestier with Bill Cole producing. All songs written by Jim Valley except track B2 written by Steve Schurr as well as “Oil in My Lamp”, a traditional hymn.

Featuring Jim Valley with Steve Schurr on guitars and vocals, backed by Larry Muhoberac and Clark Gassman on keyboards, and a rhythm section consisting of Max Bennett on bass and John Guerin on drums. Additional accompaniment by Riley Wildflower.

Overlooked gem on the Light label from a guy who’d paid some dues in the music business, including a stint in Paul Revere & The Raiders. Valley plays guitar and sings, as does his friend Steve Schurr. Together they sound like true artists at heart. Side one rocks softly, laid-back vocals carried by a folky heartland Dylan/Band kind of sound aided by bass, drums, organ and piano. Side two is purely acoustic and very tranquil, sometimes with birds chirping in the background. Closes with a rousing folk-jamming cover of «Give Me Oil In My Lamp». Some of the other titles written by Valley include «Timothy James Banana», «Railroad Worker», «Sweet Jesus», «Sing Children Sing», «Road Of Life», and «She Walks In Beauty». Nice relaxed feel with no strings, horns, or overblown arrangements. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Timothy James Banana” – 1:10
A2. “All Is Well” – 3:40
A3. “It’s So Simple” – 3:15
A4. “Railroad Worker” – 3:32
A5. “Savior” – 2:26
A6. “Sweet Jesus” – 3:12

Side Two
B1. “Sing Children Sing” – 2:43
B2. “Come As You Are” – 3:07
B3. “Road Of Life” – 2:35
B4. “Sharon” – 1:50
B5. “Family” – 1:10
B6. “She Walks In Beauty” – 2:15
B7. “Give Me Oil In My Lamp” – 2:21

Note: “Companion Choral book containing the Jim Valley songs heard in this album. Available at your nearest music store or from Lexicon Music, Inc. Waco, Texas. (#37530)”

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