FRIENDS of the FAMILY
Using Bert Jansch's first album as our teacher and muse... JoZeph Roberts and I learned to play guitar together in the mid 1960's …. and so began our attempt at global conquest!! …. We didn't manage that, but we sure as hell, learned a lot of stuff!!
Writing our own material from the off …. Friends of the Family hit the burgeoning folk club scene!! … At the time there was quite a bit of snobbery and prejudice against singer/songwriters, but thanks to many, many hours of rehearsal … our close harmony sound made something of a name for itself in the North West, and we enjoyed some great gigs and memorable radio broadcasts …. We provided support for Richard Thompson, John Martyn and Long John Baldry, amongst others.
Jo achieved some success later on, playing and writing for the Out …. the single 'Who is Innocent' was a highlight.
For some years JoZeph has organised and compered the Chorlton Folk Club …. it's the kind of place that Friends of the Family would love to have played …. His voice is the best I have ever sung with …. it still resonates with power, and he still writes top songs
JoZeph and I are still great friends ….. even though he's a blue!!
“A bit like the Everly Brothers on Acid”
— Agraman ... writing in City Life
