Mashmakhan The Family 1971 Canada, Psychedelic Folk Rock, Proto Prog

Mashmakhan - The Family 1971 (Canada, Psychedelic Folk-Rock, Proto-Prog)

The second album from underground Canadian rockers Mashmakhan -- with Pierre Senecal (vocals/keyboards/sax/woodwinds), Rayburn Blake (guitar), Brian Edwards (bass) and Gerry Mercer (drums) -- would likewise be their final offering. The Family (1971) is a noticeably more cohesive collection, and a thematic return to the rural introspection that had influenced much of their self-titled debut. The opening pairing of "Children of the Sun" and the title track "The Family" continue in the progressive rock leanings established on their earlier effort, with Senecal's deft and ethereal flute instantly evoking Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. Blake's delicate fretwork had the combo's affective vocal harmonies highlight "The Family" and "Come Again" -- both of which are inspired by the likes of Crosby, Stills & Nash, America and the Eagles. The childlike narrative "Prince" hearkens back to "As the Years Go By" -- Mashmakhan's only hit below the 49th Parallel -- with striking resemblances to the famous children's parable of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. The aforementioned "Come Again" provides a slinky syncopation, allowing the quartet to once again show off their considerable acoustic chops as well as Senecal's similarly substantial song writing. "Children Laughing" is simply outstanding, combining an intricate melodic touch with one of the band's finest and catchiest arrangements. Blake's "Couldn't Find the Sun" is a funky groover with a propelling rhythm that is just this side of a bubblegum rock hoedown -- that is, if such actually existed. Yet, it remains the perfect sort of freewheelin' affair that would appeal to the unfettered nature of Mashmakhan's audience. "Start All Over" is a soulful excursion, bopping along behind a quirky pace that lies somewhere between Ringo Starr's "I'm the Greatest" and "Wasted Union Blues" from It's a Beautiful Day. The finale "Mr. Tree" -- which is left off of the two-fer compilation Mashmakhan/The Family (1999) -- is a further recommended selection that, perhaps more so than most of the other material on The Family, displays their ability to jam and improvise. This primary trait was rarely explored or exploited on either of Mashmakhan's LPs, but was an integral part of their live performances.


LP The Family (1971)

All tracks written by Pierre Senecal except where noted.


1. Children Of The Sun - 0:00

2. The Family - 3:34

3. The Prince - 8:48

4. Come Again (Rayburn Blake) - 14:06

5. Children Laughing - 18:46

6. Couldn't Find The Sun (Rayburn Blake) - 22:25

7. Start All Over - 25:10


Personnel:

Pierre Senecal - piano, organ, saxophone, flute, vocals, arranger
Rayburn Blake - guitar, vocals
Brian Edwards - bass, vocals
Gerald "Jerry" Mercer - drums
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Warner Vincent - horn and string arrangements

David Briggs - producer