Terry Haggerty – Family
Revisiting songs from guitarist Terry Haggerty, a veteran musician from San Francisco’s Sons of Champlin (1969-1977). The original band closed up shop in 1979 & have since reactivated with new members. This LP retains the hip R&B feel of the band spread over 5 distinctive vocalists (Phil Perry, Mike Duke, Cliff Payne, Bill Champlin & Terry) with 3 instrumentals.
Vintage tracks from the past & some newer ones, the Haggerty boys, brothers Terry (lead guitar/bass/vocals) & Tim (keys/bass), with nephew Aaron (drums), revive & reinvent Sons of Champlin tunes in a modern showcase. Heavy stuff is rendered as a tender ballad, “oldies” return with a hint of rap while a near-gospel piece is laced with reggae & the R&R flavors are still in place. Terry re-imagines his tunes on Family (Drops Sept 4/Little Village/54:00) produced by Terry & Tim.
The songs are well-played, with the vocals engaging in places as displayed on “One Fine Day” (not The Chiffons song). It’s sung with soulful gusto by Phil Perry & the overall impression is shy of over-produced with a dramatic challenge toward Earth, Wind & Fire. Not lacking soul though, plenty of that. However, the real focus is Terry, & on the instrumental “Wish You Were Here” (not the Pink Floyd song), his subtle lead guitar is warm, precise & purifying. This is the kind of playing that even Jerry Garcia admired from Terry. Too much faux orchestration overpowers hearing the distinctive guitar playing. At times it even borders on the expertise of some of the progressive/fusion guitarists with fiery sizzle.
Digging into the soulfully penetrating & funky sweep of “Who Can You Trust,” Terry’s vocals cruise along the fringes of Eugene McDaniel’s 1971 LP effort “Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse” with its varied strange excursions. Terry’s lead guitar is on point; a low-mixed Steve Cropper-type predatory picking follows the vocal narrative (not as deep as Eugene) with well-expressed optimistic lyrics. Terry’s voice isn’t as aggressive as McDaniel’s but in that neighborhood. It’s an absorbing style that continues with Mike Duke’s vocal on “Big Eyes, Big Mouth.”
Sung by Cliff Payne, “Dogs Are Us” is a slight R&B departure ala Angelo Bond (“Bondage” LP). Terry’s lead guitar punctuates nicely & it has brass-flavoring. The 2nd instrumental, “Latin Hags,” has zephyrous overtones with well-balanced notes as Terry picks his way like a well-seasoned jazz player. He could have played for Steely Dan. The melody deserves a more beauteous title.
“New Frontiers” sparkles with the jazz-rock exuberance of Passport, Happy The Man & Brand X in spots. An excellent intro to the Terry Haggerty soundscapes sans the dated soulful formula. “New Frontiers” is exceptional. Wonderful groove. Jerry Garcia would’ve told Terry to do another few minutes.
Highlights – “Wish You Were Here,” “Who Can You Trust,” “Dogs Are Us,” “Latin Hags,” “Greater Plan,” “Big Eyes, Big Mouth” & “New Frontiers.”
Add’l musicians – David Aguilar (guitar/slide guitar).
CD @ Apple + https://shop.portmerch.com/collections/little-village-foundation