The Small Faces
By Heidi Lee
(SugarBuzz Michigan)
SugarBuzz Magazine
In delving into the whole 60’s British music phenomenon, there’s one band that can simply not be overlooked. Few bands personified the notion of mod-music and style than The Small Faces.
Led by the soul shredding vocals of Steve Marriott, The Small Faces had their roots planted firmly in the soul and R&B that inspired the sound of the time. Although their time together as a band was short (1965-1969), their impact in music will never be forgotten.
The Small Faces cannot be mentioned without first thinking of the powerhouse that was Steve Marriott. He got his start in show business as a child, performing in the theatre staple of the time, “Oliver!” and then on a few television shows and movies here and there. Getting together in 1965 with bassist/singer Ronnie Lane, their first organist Jimmy Winston (who would later be replaced by Ian McLagan), and drummer Kenny Jones, there was only one name that could be dreamed up when referring to these guys and their diminutive stature…The Small Faces. But, their sound was anything but feeble.
According to those who have had the pleasure of seeing them live, their shows were full of power and aggression. They were not only vocally strong, but musically beyond capable to bring a house full of Mods frenzied and to their feet. Their first released singles like, “What’cha Gonna Do About It” and “I’ve Got Mine” mixed with R&B standards like Sam Cooke’s “Shake” proved popular live, but it wasn’t until 1966 when “Sha-La-La-La-Lee” was released that they were established as true chart hit-makers in England.
Decca Records soon had the boys in the studio and The Small Faces self titled debut was released in May of 1966. Despite the commercial sound of songs like “Sha-La-La-Lee”, it also featured the aggressive R&B sound they had become so well known for. It is interesting to note that the album also included a Steve Marriott/Ronnie Lane penned tune entitled “You Need Loving”, which Led Zeppelin later took to form the basis of their hit “Whole Lotta Love”.
The Small Faces continued to release singles until Decca put out an album called “From the Beginning” right around the same time in 1967 that the band parted ways with the label. “From the Beginning” showcased many of those singles that made them one of Britain’s top bands. Songs like “All or Nothing”, “That Man”, and “My Mind’s Eye” showed the group headed in a more mature direction with introspective lyrics and more psychedelic groove.
Signing to Immediate records in 1967 appeared to be one of the catalysts for the band to head to a more creative direction. The first album produced at Immediate was released as “There Are But Four Small Faces” in the States and featured the international hit, “Itchycoo Park”, but was released in the UK as another self titled album with a different track listing. The more experimental sounds of that album paved the way for one of the most well regarded Brit albums of the 60’s, the legendary “Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake”.
However, like it seems with a lot of great bands, management and label problems overshadowed much of their accomplishments. While The Small Faces were more than capable of making fabulous music, they were really the only moneymakers on the Immediate label, which was failing rapidly. Singles were being put out that Marriott and band did not approve of, and it was in early 1969 that the band as it had been known was over. Steve Marriott left out of frustration and original The Small Faces were no more.
The rest of the band, plus new guitarist Ron Wood and a new singer with extraordinary pipes, Rod Stewart, made one album under the old name with Warner Bros. before moving simply to The Faces.
Steve Marriott went on to form the successful 70’s band, Humble Pie with Peter Frampton. Humble Pie enjoyed international success, the kind of success in America that the Small Faces never had the opportunity to take part in while they were together. Marriott would also go on to release solo efforts over the years until sadly, he died in a house fire in 1991.
The Faces lasted until the mid-70’s, and each of the original Small Faces continued in music after they disbanded. Kenny Jones played with The Who, Ian McLagan is now a solo artist, and Ronnie Lane released some solo albums and a collaboration with Pete Townshend before his death from multiple sclerosis in 1997.
Truly, The Small Faces were the Mod beacon carriers of the 60’s. No other band was as completely consumed by the culture or sound. While many in America tend to think of their one US hit, “Itchycoo Park” when they are mentioned, The Small Faces contributed so much more to the music scene in general. Often imitated, The Small Faces were a true original.
Thanks to the release of many compilations and an anthology, anyone can experience their greatness nearly forty years later. Personally, I recommend picking up “Autumn Stone” or even the “The Ultimate Collection” if you are thinking of discovering the Small Faces for yourself. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. If hearing a masterful tune like “Tin Soldier” doesn’t get you moving, check your pulse.
Links:
Small Faces – Room For Ravers:
http://makingtime.co.uk/rfr/index1.htm
Small Faces Wikipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Small_Faces
Hannah’s Small Faces site:
http://www.freewebs.com/smallfaces/
Official Steve Marriott site:
http://www.stevemarriott.co.uk/
Ronnie Lane “Tell Everyone”:
http://www.angelfire.com/home/telleveryone/
Ian McLagan: