AFTON First Day Summer (1977 - 2025 Crossroad Productions)

It has to be said that this Afton album, released on LP in 1977, was relatively unknown in France, perhaps because this Virginia band, with its unrestrained yet always impeccable guitar work and frequent use of backing vocals and acoustic guitars, sometimes reminds us of Poco, the Marshall Tucker Band, or Grinderswitch. And if distribution priorities must be set, the record industry often favors certain artists. It would be a shame, in any case, to miss out on this very enjoyable and well-crafted album, with compositions and performances that are every bit as good as those of the genre's leading bands. The tracks flow seamlessly, swinging convincingly, with special mention going to the piano on "Henry," certainly one of the album's standout tracks, and the saxophone on "Younger Days," a song guaranteed to get your feet tapping. Skynyrd-esque influences are evident on "Never Trust A Woman," while the punchy "On The Way" leans more towards early 38 Special. For those curious about the Southern rock and country-rock typical of those golden years, this album is absolutely essential. A great find.

Philippe Archambeau & Yves Philippot-Degand

Translation : Y. Philippot-Degand