FACES - THE FIRST STEP - With RON WOOD ROD STEWART GATEFOLD 12" Vinyl LP Album

"The First Step" was the first album by the British group Faces, released in early 1970, a few months after they had formed from the ashes of the Small Faces (from which Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones and Ian McLagan hailed) and the Jeff Beck Group (from which Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood hailed.)

 

Photo of the FACES band-members on the front cover

Album Description:

In the vibrant and transformative era of the 1970s, a remarkable musical venture emerged from the remnants of two influential British bands. "The First Step" marked the debut album of Faces, a group comprising members from the Small Faces (Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Ian McLagan) and the Jeff Beck Group (Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood). Released in early 1970, this gatefold 12" LP vinyl album served as a testament to the band's artistic prowess, showcasing their unique blend of rock, soul, and blues.

The track-listing of "The First Step" demonstrated the diverse range of musical influences and songwriting contributions within the band. Opening with "Wicked Messenger", a cover of Bob Dylan's composition, Faces immediately established their rebellious spirit and their intent to embark on a musical odyssey. The album continued with "Devotion", a captivating track penned by Ronnie Lane, characterized by its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics. The collaborative efforts of Lane and Ronnie Wood produced "Shake Shudder Shiver", a lively composition that showcased their ability to merge rock and roll with a touch of folk sensibility.

As the album progressed, Faces delved into deeper introspection with songs like "Stone" and "Nobody Knows". Ronnie Lane's evocative songwriting resonated with introspective themes, while Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood contributed their own compositions, such as the captivating "Around The Plynth" and the infectious "Pineapple and the Monkey". The album's versatility was further demonstrated by the energetic and uplifting track "Flying", a collaborative effort that exemplified the band's dynamic chemistry.

Noteworthy among the album's offerings was "Looking Out The Window", a composition by Kenney Jones and Ian McLagan. This track showcased Faces' ability to combine compelling storytelling with impeccable musicianship, highlighted by McLagan's soulful piano melodies and Jones' masterful drumming. The album concluded with "Three Button Hand Me Down", a song co-written by McLagan and Stewart, which encapsulated the band's raw energy and their inclination for captivating storytelling.

The gatefold 12" LP vinyl format of "The First Step" added an extra dimension to the album's experience. The gatefold cover, adorned with a captivating portrait of the band members, drew listeners into the world of Faces, inviting them to explore the music within. Inside, the gatefold unfolded to reveal additional photographs and liner notes, providing a glimpse into the band's artistic process and the collaborative nature of their work. This tactile and visual element enhanced the album's appeal, creating an immersive experience for fans and collectors.

Although "The First Step" did not achieve overwhelming commercial success at the time of its release, it laid the foundation for the band's subsequent achievements. Faces would go on to release critically acclaimed albums such as "Long Player" and "A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse", solidifying their place in rock history. The album marked the beginning of a fruitful journey for the band, setting the stage for their energetic live performances and their legacy as one of the era's most influential rock acts.

Music Genre:

Rock 

Album Production Information:

The album: "FACES - The First Step Ron Wood Rod Stewart" was produced by: The Faces

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Martin Birch

Martin Birch's: The man behind the soundboard, shaping iconic rock and metal anthems. His journey from sound engineer to legendary producer is a testament to passion and innovation. Read on his career

Record Label & Catalognr:

Solid Green Colour Warner Bros Records 46053
Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with photos on the inside cover pages

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram  

Year & Country:

1970 Made in France
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: FACES - The First Step Ron Wood Rod Stewart
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Kenney Jones: drums
  • Ronnie Lane: bass, rhythm guitar, lead and harmony vocal
  • Ian McLagan: piano, organ, harmony vocal
  • Rod Stewart: lead and harmony vocal, banjo
  • Ronnie Wood: lead and rhythm guitars, harmonica, harmony vocal

     

    Ron Wood (Full-name: Ronald David Wood) an English guitarist and bassist, and member of the Rolling Stones, one of the most influential and successful rock and roll bands in history. Wood was born in Hillington, England, in 1947 and began his career as a guitarist in several blues and rock and roll bands. He joined the Rolling Stones in 1975 as a guitarist and has been a member of the band ever since.

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     Wood is known for his versatile guitar playing style, which is characterized by its bluesy sound and ability to play in a variety of musical styles. He has been praised for his ability to add unique elements to the band's sound and for his ability to complement the other musicians in the band. He is also known for his energetic and flamboyant stage presence, which has helped to make the Rolling Stones one of the greatest and most enduring live bands in the world.

     In addition to his work with the Rolling Stones, Wood has also pursued a successful solo career, releasing several critically acclaimed solo albums, including "I've Got My Own Album to Do" and "Gimme Some Neck." He has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including Rod Stewart, Jeff Beck, and The Faces. Despite his success, Wood remains a humble and unassuming person who is widely respected and admired by fans and musicians alike.

     Ronald David Wood was born in Hillingdon, Greater London, England, United Kingdom on 1/6/1947.

     His partner is Katia Ivanova. He married Krissy Findlay in 1971. He married Jo Karslake in 1985. On 21 December 2012, he married Sally Humphreys. He was 24 years old when he married Krissy Findlay. He was 38 years old when he married Jo Karslake. He was 65 years old when he married Sally Humphreys. He got divorced from Katia Ivanova in 2008. He got divorced from Krissy Findlay in 1978. He got divorced from Jo Karslake in 2009. He has one son with Krissy Findlay: Jesse Wood. He has two children with Sally Humphreys: Alice Rose Wood 30 May 2016, Gracie Jane Wood 30 May 2016. He has three children with Jo Karslake: Jamie Wood, Tyrone Wood, Leah Wood.

     His partner Krissy Findlay died on 2005.

Complete Track-listing of the album "FACES - The First Step Ron Wood Rod Stewart"

The detailed tracklist of this record "FACES - The First Step Ron Wood Rod Stewart" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. "Wicked Messenger" (Bob Dylan) - 4:05
  2. "Devotion" (Ronnie Lane) - 4:54
  3. "Shake Shudder Shiver" (Lane, Ronnie Wood) - 3:14
  4. "Stone" (Lane) - 5:38
  5. "Around The Plynth" (Rod Stewart, Wood) - 5:56
  6. "Flying" (Lane, Stewart, Wood) - 4:15
  7. "Pineapple and the Monkey" (Wood) - 4:23
  8. "Nobody Knows" (Lane, Wood) - 4:05
  9. "Looking Out The Window" (Kenney Jones, Ian McLagan) - 4:59
  10. "Three Button Hand Me Down" (McLagan, Stewart) - 5:44