Unearthed: Sly & The Family Stone’s Earliest Live Recording Captures Larry Graham’s Funk Bass Roots
As part of Sly & The Family Stone, Larry Graham set a new standard for funk bass playing. His style would evolve as the years progressed in the band and then in his own group, Graham Central Station. However, fans can now hear the very beginnings of his hero’s journey in a new album that captures the Family Stone in their fledgling years.
The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral 1967 is the earliest known recording of the band, pre-dating even their studio debut. Sly & the Family Stone served as the house band at Winchester Cathedral in Redwood City, California, from December 16, 1966, to April 28, 1967. The record features their performance from the night of March 26, 1967. After they were signed to Epic later that year, band manager Rich Romanello put the tapes in storage, where they stayed until they were discovered in 2002 by Dutch twins Edwin and Arno Konings. They then enlisted Alec Palao as a co-producer.
“The Winchester Cathedral recordings showcase a one-of-a-kind outfit that was already at the peak of its powers, long before it became internationally famous,” says Palao. “Sly is fully in command, while the unique arrangements and tighter-than-tight ensemble playing point clearly to the road ahead, and the enduring influence of Sly & The Family Stone’s music.”
Check out the video for “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” which features some incredible archival footage of Graham singing and thumping on the bass. It’s some of the earliest footage of Graham’s iconic bass playing.
The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral 1967 is out now on CD, vinyl and as a digital download (Apple Music, and Amazon Music). The CD and vinyl editions include an extensive booklet featuring rare photos and exclusive interviews with the late Sly Stone and all the original band members.
The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral 1967 Track Listing:
- I Ain’t Got Nobody
- Skate Now
- Show Me
- What Is Soul?
- I Can’t Turn You Loose
- Try A Little Tenderness *
- Baby I Need Your Loving
- Pucker Up Buttercup
- Saint James Infirmary
- I Gotta Go Now (Up On The Floor) / Funky Broadway
*CD Only Bonus Track
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
Love Larry he’s Drake uncle.