Is there any song that sums up the late ?70s music scene like 'Smoke from a Distant Fire'? It had the blue-eyed soul crossed with high-gloss L.A. production sound of the Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins and other superstars ... more »of the era, with the kind of hook only real pros could create. For, as is often the case with so-called "one-hit wonders," Ed Sanford and John Townsend had spent years in the music business before hitting it big with this album. Indeed, the sound of this record was no accident; the duo had worked with both Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins (who repays the favor with a great vocal on 'Oriental Gate') before cutting this 1977 release. And talk about music biz connections?the album was produced by the great Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett! So, it?s no surprise this one is a hot item for ?70s pop collectors?a 'Collectors? Choice Music' exclusive!« less
Is there any song that sums up the late ?70s music scene like 'Smoke from a Distant Fire'? It had the blue-eyed soul crossed with high-gloss L.A. production sound of the Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins and other superstars of the era, with the kind of hook only real pros could create. For, as is often the case with so-called "one-hit wonders," Ed Sanford and John Townsend had spent years in the music business before hitting it big with this album. Indeed, the sound of this record was no accident; the duo had worked with both Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins (who repays the favor with a great vocal on 'Oriental Gate') before cutting this 1977 release. And talk about music biz connections?the album was produced by the great Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett! So, it?s no surprise this one is a hot item for ?70s pop collectors?a 'Collectors? Choice Music' exclusive!
"I think I first heard "Smoke From A Distant Fire" about a year ago on the radio. When I did, I LOVED it. And not just the sound. I loved the story and concept, too. A cheating woman getting busted and sent packing? Sure beats the stereotypical "cheating man" songs I usually hear.
Anyway, I finally found out the name of the performer, but was surprised that I couldn't find any of their albums anywhere; music stores, online stores, etc. I finally caught it as a "Pre-order" item on Amazon and had to wait about a month for it. And was it ever worth the wait!!!
I finally received it about a month ago and have not gotten tired of it yet. And not just "Smoke From A Distant Fire". I'm talking about the ENTIRE CD. And that's unusual for me because I'll usually buy an album for one song and EVENTUALLY get into the rest of them; sometimes years afterward. This time, I took to ALL OF THEM like old friends.
If you like Hall & Oates, you'll love these songs. I say that because in some songs, John Townsend hits notes that sound like Daryl Hall; specifically in "Lou". The only difference is, there is more of a southern-flavor to these songs (not country...southern).
Also, if you like Kenny Loggins, you'll also love this CD, too. He shares a lead with Townsend on "Oriental Gate" that is CLASSIC Loggins; not to mention the backing vocals he did on "Does It Have To Be You".
I have this album saved to Media Player at work and on my home computer with the CD living in my car. As I said, I have not become tired of listening to it yet. I think mostly because they are all well told stories that display not only the range of the singer, but also of the songwriters.
From the betrayal of "Smoke From A Distant Fire", to temptation and straight-up lust in "Oriental Gate (No Chance of Changing My Mind)", to lost love in "Does It Have To Be You", to found love in "In For The Night", to life-goes-on-quit-feeling-sorry-for-yourself in both "Sunshine In My Heart Again" & "Rainbows Colored In Blue". There are also tales of the wicked city "Moolah Moo Mazuma (Sin City Wahoo)", a gothic ghost story called "Squire James", and a get up and dance number called "Shake It To The Right".
I'm just trying to exercise some patience to catch "Duo Glide" at a below import price. But I'm not sure if I can hold out much longer. Because if these guys could do a GREAT job like this, I can only imagine what their later efforts were like!"
A Special Album
T. Graham | Reno, NV United States | 11/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had this album back in the days of vinyl and had to buy the CD. It's as good as I remember blending jazz with rock for their unique sound."
Sanford & Townsend, "Smoke from a Distant Fire" album
Anne Casebeer | Middle of the USA | 09/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This title song for this album may have been a one hit wonder, but what fabulous music it is in its entirety. I wore out two cassettes a number of years ago, and was having trouble finding it on disc. The vocals are rivaled by the lyrics, the harmony as good as the accompanyment. What a bluesy, jazzy, sexy, sound! I'm so glad I found a copy."
"Distant" Close to Perfect
G. T. Arkhew | New York | 07/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sometimes a sound is so unique, it never gets the recognition it deserves. Sanford-Townsend had that kind of sound. Think of Blood, Sweat & Tears if they had a soul (or kept AL Kooper), or the Beatles if they sent away for rhythm & blues/jazz sensibilities. If you don't love the Smoke from a Distant Fire track, you may have missed what music was about from 1969 to 1979. Oriental Gate and Rainbows Covered in Blue still groove in a new millenium. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame needs a place for MOMENTS like Smoke From A Distant Fire."
Even better than I remember
D. Rhodes | New Jersey | 10/16/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sanford and Townsend blew me away thirty years ago with this album. Their performance at the Bottom Line in NYC was even better. Their voice, harmonies, and music are simply incredible. Since my turntable went kaput, I've been unable to enjoy this incredible album. Squire James has become a staple in my household for Halloween music. Now we can enjoy those days all over again. Just sit back, kick back, and get ready to rock n' roll with rock n' soul music!"