The Family

Recorded in January 1978 at Studio Katy in Brussels for Baltimore, with Creed Taylor producing and David Matthews arranging and playing piano. Simone interpreted John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins' song with guitarists Eric Gale and Jerry Friedman, with orchestral and backing-vocal overdubs added in New York. The track formed part of Simone's return to album recording after an almost four-year gap. Robert Christgau singled out The Family as an inspired choice of material in his contemporary review. Its prominent guitars and ensemble arrangement document Simone's collaboration with Creed Taylor on her sole CTI album. Later reassessments of Baltimore have highlighted the track's rhythmic treatment and her distinctive interpretation.