Sly and the Family Stone Announce New Live Album: A Look Back at Their Early Years
Sly and the Family Stone, pioneers of funk and soul music, have announced the release of a new live album titled The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral 1967. This highly anticipated album is set to be released on July 18, 2023, via High Moon Records. It serves as a unique opportunity for fans to experience one of the band’s earliest performances, recorded at a time when they were still establishing their groundbreaking sound.
Capturing a Moment in Time
The First Family was recorded at the iconic Winchester Cathedral in Redwood City, California, where the band performed as the house band between December 1966 and April 1967. The concert, recorded on March 26, 1967, features live renditions that predate the release of their influential album Stand!, which would come out two years later. The recordings were initially made by the band’s first manager, Rich Romanello, and lay undiscovered for years until Dutch archivists Edwin and Arno Konings found the reels in 2002. Co-producer Alec Palao later meticulously restored the recordings.
Deluxe Release Features
The album will be available in digital format as well as on LP and CD. Fans can expect a deluxe release that includes a booklet filled with liner notes by producer Alec Palao, interviews with Sly Stone and original band members, and exclusive photographs from that era. As part of the promotion, a live version of “I Gotta Go Now (Up on the Floor) / Funky Broadway” has been shared for streaming, giving listeners a taste of what they can expect from the full album.
Moreover, a special bonus track—a performance of Otis Redding’s iconic “Try a Little Tenderness” from the same set—will be available exclusively on the CD version of the album.
A Legacy of Innovation
Sly and the Family Stone would go on to sign with Epic Records later in 1967 and release their debut album, A Whole New Thing, contributing to the cultural landscape with hits like Dance to the Music and Life. Their sound melded rock, funk, and soul in ways that had a lasting influence on music genres to follow.
The upcoming release follows their 2015 project Live at the Fillmore East October 4th & 5th 1968, which provided a glimpse into the band’s electrifying stage presence during a pivotal point in their career. Such releases reinforce the group’s significance within the pantheon of rock and funk music.
The Context of Their Impact
As a band that embraced multiculturalism and challenged social norms of their time, Sly and the Family Stone’s work transcended mere entertainment; it served as a commentary on the civil rights movement and the youth culture of the 1960s. The release of The First Family not only highlights their early artistry but also reignites discussions about their impact on music and culture.
While some critics may contend that the band’s later work overshadowed their earlier performances, this live album has the potential to shed light on their initial struggle for recognition and the organic emergence of their celebrated sound.
Conclusion: A Must-Listen for Fans and Newcomers Alike
The release of The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral 1967 promises to be a significant addition to the legacy of Sly and the Family Stone. It provides both fans and newcomers an opportunity to connect with the roots of a transformative band in music history. As more listeners discover the soulful rhythms and rich history encapsulated in this upcoming live album, Sly and the Family Stone’s pioneering spirit continues to resonate through generations.
For those interested in listening to the live rendition of “I Gotta Go Now (Up on the Floor) / Funky Broadway,” it is available on streaming platforms, with a link to access it found within the album announcement.
