Album Information:

About Spirit:

Spirit was an American rock band that was formed in 1967 in Los Angeles, California. Known for their unique blend of rock, jazz, and psychedelic music, Spirit consisted of five members: Randy California (guitar/vocals), Jay Ferguson (keyboards/vocals), John Locke (keyboards), Mark Andes (bass/vocals), and Ed Cassidy (drums).

Randy California, born Randy Craig Wolfe, was the founder of the band and its most prominent member. He was a talented guitarist and songwriter who had previously played with Jimi Hendrix in his pre-Experience days. California's distinctive playing style combined elements of blues, rock, and Indian classical music, making him one of the most innovative guitarists of his generation.

Jay Ferguson was the lead vocalist and main songwriter for Spirit. He had a knack for writing catchy, radio-friendly songs with complex arrangements and was responsible for many of the band's biggest hits, such as 'I Got a Line On You,' 'Nature's Way,' and '1984.'

John Locke was the band's other keyboardist, and his contributions were crucial to Spirit's sound. He was classically trained and brought a sophisticated, orchestral approach to the band's music.

Mark Andes was the bassist and provided the band's solid rhythmic foundation. He had previously played with several other prominent bands, including Buffalo Springfield, and his experience and talent helped elevate Spirit's music to new heights.

Ed Cassidy was the band's drummer, and he was known for his powerful, propulsive playing style. He was also the oldest member of the band, having been born in 1923, and his experience as a jazz drummer was a significant influence on Spirit's music.

Spirit released their eponymous debut album in 1968, which was a critical and commercial success. The album featured several classic tracks, including 'Fresh Garbage' and 'Mechanical World.' The band's follow-up album, 1969's 'The Family That Plays Together,' was even more successful, thanks to the hit single 'I Got a Line On You.'

Over the next few years, Spirit continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including 'Clear Spirit' (1969), 'Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus' (1970), and 'Feedback' (1972). However, the band's popularity began to wane in the mid-1970s, and they disbanded in 1973.

Despite their relatively brief career, Spirit had a significant impact on rock music and influenced many other artists. They were known for pushing the boundaries of what was considered rock music, blending different genres and experimenting with unconventional song structures. California's innovative guitar playing and Ferguson's catchy songwriting made them one of the most exciting and original bands of their time. Today, Spirit's music continues to be celebrated by fans of rock, jazz, and psychedelic music alike.

About the album The Family That Plays Together:

The Family That Plays Together is the second studio album by the American psychedelic rock band Spirit, released in December 1968. The album is a diverse and eclectic collection of songs that showcases the band's range of musical influences, drawing on everything from folk and blues to jazz and rock.

The album opens with 'I Got a Line on You,' a hard-driving rock anthem with a catchy guitar riff and powerful vocals from lead singer Jay Ferguson. The song was a hit single and has become one of Spirit's most popular and enduring songs.

From there, the album takes a more mellow turn with tracks like 'It Shall Be' and 'Poor Richard,' which feature gentle acoustic guitar and airy vocal harmonies that lend them a folk-rock feel.

The band's jazz influences come to the forefront on tracks like 'Jewish' and 'Aren't You Glad,' which feature intricate instrumentation, complex melodies and rhythms, and improvisational solos.

Other notable tracks on the album include the epic instrumental 'Taurus,' which showcases the band's virtuosity and creativity, and the bluesy 'Drunkard,' which features gritty, soulful vocals from Ferguson.

The Family That Plays Together was well-received critically and commercially, becoming Spirit's breakthrough album and earning them a loyal following. It remains a classic of the psychedelic rock genre, showcasing the band's musical versatility and innovation.

Members:

Jay Ferguson (vocals, keyboards, percussion, guitar) - Born in Burbank, California in 1947, Ferguson started playing music in his early years and formed his first band The Red Roosters in high school. He later joined the band Spirit in 1967 and became one of the key members of the group. After Spirit disbanded in 1973, Ferguson released several successful solo albums and wrote the theme song for the TV show 'The Office'. He continues to perform and record music today.

Randy California (guitar, vocals) - Born Randy Craig Wolfe in Los Angeles, California in 1951, California started playing guitar at a young age and joined Spirit in 1967. He played a major role in the band's sound and was known for his unique style of guitar playing. Tragically, he drowned while trying to save his son from a riptide in 1997.

Ed Cassidy (drums, percussion) - Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1923, Cassidy was a veteran jazz musician before joining Spirit in 1967. He was known for his unique drumming style, often playing with his hands instead of drumsticks. Cassidy continued to play music until his death in 2012 at the age of 89.

Mark Andes (bass, vocals) - Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1948, Andes was a founding member of the band Spirit but left in 1969 to join the popular band Jo Jo Gunne. He later went on to play with other notable bands such as Heart and Firefall.

John Locke (keyboards) - Born in Los Angeles, California in 1943, Locke was a classically trained pianist who joined Spirit in 1967. He played a significant role in the band's sound and continued to play music until his death in 2006 at the age of 62.

Matt Andes (guitar) - Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1951, Matt Andes is the younger brother of Mark Andes. He joined Spirit in 1973 and played on their final two albums before the band disbanded later that year. He went on to play with other bands such as Jo Jo Gunne and solo artist Dan Fogelberg.

Track List for The Family That Plays Together:

1. 'I Got a Line on You' (2:39) - This track is the most well-known song on the album and has a catchy guitar riff with lead singer Jay Ferguson's vocals carrying the melody. The lyrics are about the pursuit of love and the sense of urgency that comes with it.

2. 'It Shall Be' (3:24) - This track is a psychedelic rock song featuring a guitar solo and echoed vocals. The lyrics are about the inevitability of change and the acceptance of it.

3. 'Poor Richard' (2:31) - This track is an upbeat rock song about the historical figure, Benjamin Franklin. The lyrics reference Franklin's inventions and his role in the American Revolution.

4. 'Silky Sam' (4:56) - This track is a blues-inspired rock song featuring a harmonica solo and soulful vocals. The lyrics are about a smooth-talking man who seduces women but ultimately meets his demise.

5. 'The Drunkard' (2:30) - This track is a bluesy ballad with stripped-down instrumentation and poignant lyrics about a man struggling with alcoholism.

6. 'Darlin' If' (3:32) - This track is a slower, introspective ballad with beautiful vocal harmonies and acoustic guitar. The lyrics are about a person reflecting on lost love and the regrets that accompany it.

7. 'All the Same' (4:09) - This track is a soulful rock song with a bouncy rhythm and soaring vocals. The lyrics are about the struggles of everyday life and the need to keep pushing forward.

8. 'Jewish' (3:23) - This track is an instrumental piece that fuses rock and jazz influences with an intense guitar solo and groovy bassline.

9. 'Dream Within a Dream' (3:17) - This track is a dreamy psychedelic folk song with acoustic guitar and ethereal vocals. The lyrics are inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe and explore the idea of reality being an illusion.

10. 'She Smiles' (2:37) - This track is a charming folk-inspired ballad with gentle acoustic guitar and sweet harmonies. The lyrics are about a woman's captivating smile and the effect it has on the narrator.

Overall, The Family That Plays Together showcases Spirit's versatility as a band, incorporating elements of rock, blues, folk, and jazz into their sound. The strong songwriting and catchy melodies make this album a classic of 60s psychedelic rock.

Discography for Spirit:

Here is a complete discography for Spirit in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:

1. Spirit (1968)
2. The Family That Plays Together (1968)
3. Clear (1969)
4. Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus (1970)
5. Feedback (1972)
6. Spirit of '76 (1975)
7. Son of Spirit (1975)
8. Farther Along (1976)
9. Future Games (1977)
10. Live Spirit (1978)
11. Potatoland (1981)
12. The Thirteenth Dream (1984)
13. Rapture in the Chambers (1984)
14. Tent of Miracles (1990)
15. California Blues: Redux (1996)
16. Blues from the Soul (1997)

Singles and other releases:

1. 'Mechanical World' / 'Uncle Jack' (1968)
2. 'I Got a Line on You' / 'She Smiles' (1968)
3. 'Dark Eyed Woman' / 'Apple Orchard' (1969)
4. '1984' / 'Sweet Stella Baby' (1970)
5. 'Animal Zoo' / 'Red Light Roll On' (1970)
6. 'Morning Will Come' / 'Trancas Fog-Out' (1970)
7. 'Fresh Garbage' / 'I'm Truckin' (1970)
8. 'Why Can't I Be Free' / 'Free Spirit' (1970)
9. 'Clear' / 'Darkness' (1970)
10. 'Mr. Skin' / 'Space Child' (1973)
11. 'Nature's Way' / 'Animal Zoo' (1976)
12. '1984' / 'Ghosts in My House' (1977)

Note: This discography includes all major releases by the artist Spirit, but some smaller or regional releases may not be listed.