Big Foot – "Big Foot" (Full album) (1968)
The 1968 self-titled debut by *Big Foot* is a fascinating "lost" gem from the late-60s Los Angeles scene. While often overlooked in mainstream retrospectives, it has become a staple for crate-diggers and fans of the "brass rock" movement that eventually gave rise to bands like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
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*Album Overview: Big Foot – *Big Foot (1968)**
*Label:* Winro Records
*Producer:* Don Randi (of the legendary "Wrecking Crew")
*Genre:* Brass Rock / Psych-Soul / Sunshine Pop
*The Background*
Formed in Los Angeles in 1967, the band was a collection of high-caliber musicians. Lead guitarist *Art Munson* had already cut his teeth as a touring musician for The Righteous Brothers, while other members (Virgil Beckham, Gerard Belisle, Spencer Earnshaw, and David Garland) were veterans of the Orange County "Soul Brothers" circuit.
Under the guidance of producer **Don Randi**, the album captures a very specific moment in music history: the point where the raw energy of garage rock met the sophisticated arrangements of the L.A. session scene.
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*The Sound*
The album is defined by its *interplay between fuzzy psychedelic guitars and sharp, punchy horn arrangements.* It’s less "jam-heavy" than the jazz-fusion that would follow in the 70s, opting instead for tight, 3-minute pop structures with soulful vocal harmonies.
*Track Highlights*
*"Colors":* The album’s standout track. It features a quintessential 60s "sunshine" melody but is grounded by a driving bassline and brass stabs that feel remarkably modern for 1968.
*"California Lights":* A moody, atmospheric track that leans into the psychedelic side of the band. It showcases David Garland’s organ work and provides a more contemplative contrast to the album's funkier moments.
*"I Keep Holding On":* A blue-eyed soul anthem that highlights the band's ability to compete with the radio hits of the era. It’s catchy, polished, and features Munson’s crisp guitar work.
*"Teen Thigh" (or "Teen High"):* A grit-flecked rocker that showcases the band's "Sunset Strip" origins, leaning more into the garage-rock side of their identity.
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*The Verdict*
**Big Foot** is an album that feels like a sun-drenched afternoon on the 1968 Sunset Strip. It doesn't quite have the experimental depth of Frank Zappa or the raw danger of The Doors, but it occupies a delightful middle ground: *highly professional soul-rock with a kaleidoscopic, psychedelic finish.*
It remains a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of American brass rock or the "Wrecking Crew" era of L.A. production.
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A1 I Keep Holding On
Written-By, Composed By – Art Munson, Gerard Belisle
A2 Colors
Written-By, Composed By – Art Munson
A3 Sarah Lee
Composed By – David Garland (3)
Written-By – Virgil Beckham
A4 When Will It Hit Me
Written-By, Composed By – Art Munson, David Garland (3), Gerard Belisle, Spencer Earnshaw*, Virgil Beckham
A5 Living Again
Written-By, Composed By – Art Munson, David Garland (3), Gerard Belisle, Virgil Beckham
B1 Take Me
Composed By – Art Munson
Written-By – Gerard Belisle
B2 California Lights
Written-By, Composed By – Art Munson
B3 Bring Another Day
Written-By, Composed By – Virgil Beckham
B4 Teen High
Written-By, Composed By – Art Munson, Spencer Earnshaw*
B5 Music Maker
Written-By, Composed By – Art Munson, Gerard Belisle
B6 Let It Flow
Written-By, Composed By – Art Munson, David Garland (3), Gerard Belisle
Drums – Spencer (Ernie) Earnshaw*
Vocals, Bass – Virgil Beckham
Vocals, Guitar – Art Munson
Vocals, Organ, Trumpet, Saxophone – David Garland (3)
Vocals, Trumpet, Trombone – Gerard Belisle
Label: Winro Records (2) – ST - W - 1004
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: Jazz, Rock, Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Classic Rock, Jazz-Rock, Soul
#bigfootband #jazzrock #classicrock
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