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The Enfields

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article The Enfields, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 20258 sources
The Enfields
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1964
Headquarters
Wilmington
,
United States
ProductsGarage rock, psychedelic rock music

The Enfields were a 1960s American band from Wilmington, Delaware, known for their blend of garage rock and psychedelic sounds. Fronted by guitarist and songwriter Ted Munda, their musical approach drew heavily from the British Invasion and folk rock movements. Dominating the Wilmington music scene with several regional hits, they were unable to achieve widespread national success, largely due to ineffective management. The group disbanded in 1967. Following this, Munda went on to establish the Friends of the Family, joined the Blues Magoos, contributed compositions for Los Angeles-based publishing firms, secured a contract with Columbia Records in 1973 with Hotspur, and co-wrote "Blame It On Love" for Smokey Robinson during 1983–84 on Motown. Additionally, he has multiple unreleased albums.

History

The Enfields emerged in 1964 through the union of two Wilmington bands: the Playboys and the Touchstones.[1][2] Ted Munda and Gordon Berl originated from the Playboys, while John Bernard, Bill Gallery, Robin Eaton, and Charles Jenner came from the Touchstones, a group known for their surf rock style.[1] The lineup featured Charlie Berl on vocals, Ted Munda handling vocals and guitar, John Bernard as lead guitarist, Bill Gallery on bass, and Gordon Berl on drums; vocal harmonies were primarily provided by Munda and Berl.[3][4] Their chosen name, "The Enfields," referenced the British Invasion era and was inspired by the British rifle named after London's Borough of Enfield.[1]

In 1966, they released three singles under Richie Records. Their first single, "In the Eyes of the World," gained local popularity. This was followed by an even more successful folk rock-influenced track "She Already Has Somebody" backed with "I'm For Things You Do," both penned by Munda.[3][4][5][6] Despite strong regional acclaim, they did not break into the national charts.[1][4][2] Their subsequent release included the ballad "You Don't Have Very Far" paired with the more intense "Face to Face."[1][4][5] In 1966, Bill Gallery departed to attend college and was succeeded by John Rhoads from the Wrecking Crew on bass.[7] Early in 1967, they issued their final single "Twelve Month Coming" backed with the rocker "Time Card," which did not chart.[1][4][5] The band ultimately dissolved after Charlie Berl was drafted.[1]

After The Enfields split up, Ted Munda formed the Friends of the Family alongside John Rhoads and two former members of the Turfs: Wayne Watson and Jimmy Crawford.[1][3][4][2] This new ensemble embraced a jazzier and more progressive musical direction.[3] They recorded six demo tracks at Virtue Recording Studios in Philadelphia that attracted interest from Kama Sutra Records but did not result in a contract.[1] On July 24, 1968, Friends of the Family performed at JFK Stadium sharing the stage with The Who, The Troggs, and Pink Floyd; however, inclement weather caused an early end to the event.[1] Subsequent lineup changes saw John Rhoads replaced by Ray Andrews and keyboardist Lindsay Lee added; this formation played live shows and recorded seven previously lost songs.

Since their breakup, The Enfields’ recordings have garnered appreciation among garage rock enthusiasts and have been featured on compilations such as Classic Sounds of the 60s released by Get Hip Records.[4] Their entire catalog was compiled in The Enfields/and early Friends of the Family, an anthology issued by Distortions Records.[4][8][2][7]

Members

  • Ted Munda (guitarist, vocalist, songwriter)
  • Charles Berl (lead vocals)
  • John Bernard (guitar)
  • Bill Gallery (bass guitar, until 1966)
  • Gordon Berl (drummer)
  • John Rhoads (bass guitar, 1966–1967)

(Information updated by Ted Munda on 4/15/2017)

Discography

  • "In the Eyes of the World" backed with "In the Eyes of the World" (Richie 669, February 1966)
  • "She Already Has Somebody" backed with "I'm For Things You Do" (Richie 670, May 1966)
  • "You Don't Have to Go Far" backed with "Face to Face" (Richie 671, October 1966)
  • "Twelve Months Coming" backed with "Time Card" (Richie 675, 1967)
  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Psych. R&R (Enfields)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Patterson (Enfields)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Unterberger (Enfields)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Jason (Enfields)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Markesich (Enfields)
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Young (Enfields)
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Discogs (Enf. Anthol.)
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Unterberger (Enf. Anthol.)
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