The Small Faces

The Small Faces were a British rock music band that emerged in the 1960s, known for their unique blend of mod style, psychedelic rock, and British Invasion sound, which drew inspiration from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. The band's music was characterized by the powerful vocals of Steve Marriott and the soulful melodies of Ronnie Lane, with Kenney Jones on drums and Jimmy Winston on keyboards. The Small Faces were a key part of the British Invasion of the US music scene, alongside bands like The Kinks, The Animals, and The Yardbirds. They were also associated with the London music scene, which included venues like the Marquee Club and the Flamingo Club.

History

The Small Faces formed in London in 1965, with Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane meeting through their shared love of American blues and R&B music, influenced by artists like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Bo Diddley. The band's early years were marked by a series of lineup changes, with Jimmy Winston leaving the band in 1966 and being replaced by Ian McLagan. This lineup change had a significant impact on the band's sound, with Ian McLagan's keyboard playing adding a new dimension to their music, as seen in songs like Tin Soldier, which featured a distinctive Hammond organ riff. The Small Faces were signed to Decca Records and released their debut single, Whatcha Gonna Do About It, in 1965, which was a hit in the UK Singles Chart, reaching the top 20 and establishing the band as a major force in the British music scene. They went on to release several successful singles, including All or Nothing and My Mind's Eye, which showcased their ability to craft catchy, pop-infused rock songs.

Members

The Small Faces had a number of lineup changes throughout their career, with the most well-known members being Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Ian McLagan. Steve Marriott was the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, which drew comparisons to Robert Plant and Mick Jagger. Ronnie Lane was the band's bassist and vocalist, and was also a key songwriter for the band, contributing to songs like Itchycoo Park and Lazy Sunday. Kenney Jones was the band's drummer, and went on to play with The Faces and The Who after leaving The Small Faces, performing at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and Wembley Stadium. Ian McLagan was the band's keyboardist, and was known for his distinctive playing style, which added a unique texture to the band's sound, as seen in songs like Tin Soldier and Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake.

Music Style and Influences

The Small Faces were known for their eclectic music style, which drew on a range of influences, including blues, R&B, psychedelic rock, and British folk music. They were influenced by a number of artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, as well as American soul and R&B artists like Ray Charles and Sam Cooke. The band's music was characterized by Steve Marriott's powerful vocals, Ronnie Lane's soulful melodies, and Ian McLagan's distinctive keyboard playing, which created a unique sound that set them apart from other bands of the time, such as The Kinks and The Animals. The Small Faces were also associated with the mod scene, and their music reflected the style and attitude of this movement, with songs like Whatcha Gonna Do About It and All or Nothing capturing the energy and spirit of the mod era.

Discography

The Small Faces released a number of albums and singles throughout their career, including Small Faces (1966), From the Beginning (1967), and Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake (1968). Their most successful single was All or Nothing, which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in 1966, and they also had hits with My Mind's Eye and Itchycoo Park. The band's music was released on a number of labels, including Decca Records and Immediate Records, and they worked with producers like Don Arden and Andrew Loog Oldham. The Small Faces' discography includes a range of classic albums and singles, and their music continues to be popular to this day, with songs like Lazy Sunday and Tin Soldier remaining fan favorites.

Legacy and Impact

The Small Faces had a significant impact on the development of rock music and British pop music, and their influence can be heard in a number of later bands, including The Faces, The Who, and Oasis. The band's music was also an important part of the British Invasion of the US music scene, and they played a key role in shaping the sound of 1960s rock music. The Small Faces were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, and their music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world, with songs like Itchycoo Park and All or Nothing remaining classics of the 1960s rock music era. The band's legacy can also be seen in the work of later artists, such as Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher, who have cited The Small Faces as an influence on their music, and have covered their songs in live performances at venues like Glastonbury Festival and Isle of Wight Festival.