Sanford Townsend Band - The SanfordTownsend Band

Review by Guilherme Mendes Thomaz guimendesthomaz

Album Review: The Sanford-Townsend Band – A Pop Rock Gem from 1976 Let’s talk about The Sanford-Townsend Band, a record that kinda flew under the radar but totally deserves your attention. Released in ‘76, this album is like a warm hug of pop rock goodness with just enough grit to keep it interesting. It came out in Taiwan, the US, and Japan, so yeah, these guys weren’t exactly playing small ball. Backed by labels like Warner Bros., they had some serious industry muscle behind them. First off, let me say the band's lineup reads like a who’s who of session legends. Barry Beckett on keys? Check. Roger Johnson shredding guitar? Oh yeah. And don’t even get me started on Ed Sanford and John Townsend trading vocals—it’s smooth as butter. Add in woodwinds (yes, woodwinds!) played by Otis Hale, and you’ve got a vibe that feels both retro and ahead of its time. Now, onto the tracks. There are ten songs here, and while I could ramble about all of them, two really stuck in my brain: “Smoke From A Distant Fire” and “Does It Have To Be You.” “Smoke From A Distant Fire” hits hard right away with those smoky keyboards and a groove that feels straight outta Memphis. It’s got this sultry, almost cinematic quality—like something you’d hear in a late-night diner scene in an old movie. The lyrics? Totally relatable if you’ve ever been hung up on someone who didn’t feel the same way. Plus, John Townsend’s lead vocal gives it this raw edge that makes it unforgettable. Then there’s “Does It Have To Be You,” which flips the mood completely. This one’s lighter, bouncier, and packed with harmonies so tight they could hold water. Billy Townsend and George Hawkins nail the backing vocals, giving it this lush, layered sound. It’s one of those songs where you find yourself humming along after just one listen. Honestly, it’s impossible not to smile when it comes on. Other standouts include “Squire James,” which has this quirky charm, and “Rainbows Colored In Blue,” a slower jam perfect for staring out the window during a rainy day. But honestly, the whole album flows well together—it doesn’t feel disjointed or messy at all. What surprises me most about The Sanford-Townsend Band is how fresh it still sounds today. Sure, it’s got that unmistakable ‘70s vibe, but the production (shoutout to Barry Beckett and Jerry Wexler!) keeps it crisp. Woodwinds might seem weird in a rock setting, but Otis Hale pulls it off without making it cheesy. Here’s the thing though—this isn’t some overhyped classic-rock staple. It’s more like that underrated buddy who always shows up with great stories but never brags about it. Listening to this album feels like discovering a hidden treasure chest full of gems no one told you about. So go ahead, give it a spin. Maybe grab a beer or pour yourself a cup of coffee while you do. Just don’t blame me if “Smoke From A Distant Fire” gets stuck in your head for days. Oh, and hey—if you’re reading this Ed Sanford or John Townsend, thanks for the music. Y’all nailed it.

Download Sanford Townsend Band - The SanfordTownsend Band

Artist: Sanford Townsend Band
Album: The SanfordTownsend Band

Rock

Pop Rock

1976

Rating: 3.33

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Interesting fact
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Download

Filename: sanford-townsend-band-the-sanfordtownsend-band.zip

MP3 size: 77 mb
FLAC size: 556 mb

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Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Moolah Moo Mazuma (Sin City Wahh-oo)	3:57
Smoke From A Distant Fire	3:30
Squire James	4:39
Does It Have To Be You	3:12
Shake It To The Right	4:10
Rainbows Colored In Blue	4:52
Lou	3:27
Oriental Gate (No Chance Changin' My Mind)	3:19
Sunshine In My Heart Again	2:42
In For The Night	3:50

Video

Sanford Townsend Band - Smoke From a Distant Fire

Sanford - Townsend Band - Shake It To The Right

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Catalog Numbers

WB M5 2966
P-10416W
BS 2966
MHK 7176

Labels

Warner Bros. Records
Pop

Listen online

ascolta in linea
escuchar en línea
kuunnella verkossa
online anhören
lytte på nettet
ouvir online
online luisteren
écouter en ligne
lyssna på nätet

Formats

Cassette
Album
Stereo
Vinyl
LP

Companies

Role	Company
Record Company	Warner Bros. Records Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p)	Warner Bros. Records Inc.
Copyright (c)	Warner Bros. Records Inc.
Pressed By	Capitol Records Pressing Plant, Los Angeles

Credits

Role	Credit
Backing Vocals	Billy Townsend, George Hawkins
Bass	Jerry Rightmer
Drums	Jim Varley
Guitar	Roger Johnson
Woodwind	Otis Hale
Keyboards	Barry Beckett
Vocals	Ed Sanford
Lead Vocals	John Townsend
Mastered By	JR
Percussion	Tom Roady
Producer	Barry Beckett, Jerry Wexler

Notes

Original 1976 album that produced the hit "Smoke from a Distant Fire"

Barcodes

Label Code: M5 2966
Matrix / Runout (Runout Side A, Etched): BS-1-2966-RE1-LW1 JR
Matrix / Runout (Runout Side B, Etched): BS-2-2966-RE1-LW1 JR
Matrix / Runout (Runout, Both Sides, Stamped): 1 ✲

About Sanford Townsend Band

The Sanford-Townsend Band was an American rock band from Alabama. Note: not to be confused with the duo

Name Vars

Sanford And Townsend
Sanford Townsend Band
Sanford Townsend Orch
Sanford-Townsend Band
Sanford/Townsend Band
The Sanford Townsend Band
The Sanford/Townsend Band

Members

John Townsend
Ed Sanford
Jim Varley
Roger Johnson
Otis Hale
Jerry Rightmer

en.wikipedia.org

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a fun fact: The Sanford-Townsend Band's 1976 album, *The Sanford-Townsend Band*, features the hit track "Smoke From A Distant Fire," which became their biggest success. What’s cool is that the song was co-written by John Townsend and Ed Sanford, who drew inspiration from real-life emotions and experiences. The track blended smooth pop-rock vibes with relatable lyrics, making it a staple on radio playlists for years. Even more interesting? The album saw releases in multiple countries like Taiwan, the US, and Japan, showing just how far their music reached back in the day.

Comments

yletevol

2025-03-15

THIS SONG IS ONE OF THE BEST 70s

alahlbayt

2025-03-14

I was 14 1/2 when I heard this song!

prpaulocardoso

2025-03-14

Sitting in a club in downtown Boston. 1978. Woman I was seeing played this on the jukebox, came back and sat down, looked at me. She was right. The other one's name was Ellie. Miss you, Joanna.