Steve Miller Band
Children Of The Future

Steve Miller (1943) is an American musician with a very long and significant artistic history, but he is often identified as a commercial artist in the most derogatory sense of the term, remembered for his '70s and early '80s hits.

This review focuses on the first work of the Steve Miller Band, "Children Of The Future," released in 1968 but composed in the preceding two years. The Steve Miller Band, in fact, even though debuting with this album, already had some years of experience: they participated in the Monterey festival, accompanied Chuck Berry at the Fillmore, and contributed some tracks to the soundtrack of the film "Revolution" alongside Quicksilver M.S.

It is a band already of great experience, led by Steve, one of the most skilled guitarist-singers in the rock-blues field (no less a student of Les Paul), but it also features a certain Boz Scaggs, an incredibly talented guitarist-singer (who will also have great solo success). The other musicians are excellent accompanists, and the album benefits from the prestigious production of Glyn Johns.

But here we are with the album. The first 3 tracks, all connected without breaks (as will be the others), are an excellent introduction: the initial explosion of guitar noise and percussion should not mislead! The atmosphere indeed settles, and the three tracks develop briefly and lightly in a mix of psychedelic folk and R&B, with hints of the most joyous gospel.

The fourth and fifth tracks are the heart of the album: "In My First Mind" majestic and hypnotic is considered one of the first prog experiences in rock history. The mellotron and the Hammond develop an almost classical theme, exciting and evocative, the rhythm follows in a martial manner, and Steve's voice is touching. It is followed by a "sulfurous scale" that forms a bridge to the long finale of such expressive power as to be reminiscent of the best King Crimson and Pink Floyd.

After the last "sulfurous scale," "The Beauty Of Time Is That It's Snowing" sneaks in: it's a psycho blues echoed with snow flurries and "strange" effects that links to the final tail of "In My First Mind" developed with multiple voices and mellotron. In short, just this first side (for those with the vinyl) would be enough to make me declare a masterpiece.

But if we listen to the subsequent "Baby's Callin' Me Home," there is still more to leave you in awe. The track, composed and sung by Boz, is a very tender pop-folk with an old-fashioned flavor due to the arrangement (harpsichord and classical guitar), but in which I find a psychedelic blues soul. It could be a '60s pop classic if more people knew this album.

Without breaks comes that wild and Hendrixian "Steppin' Stone," which is Boz's other masterpiece, notable for its beautiful guitar solo. The following 2 tracks recall the initial three: a cocktail of musical styles reminiscent of the liveliest musicals. The final tracks are a good way to return home after a long journey: 2 traditional blues tracks played in the style of Canned Heat.

This masterpiece by the Steve Miller Band should absolutely not be missing from the records of those who love '60s rock.