We’re of the opinion that yacht rock need not be a West Coast thing, nor does it need to be confined to jazz-rock hybrid grooves. “Smoke From a Distant Fire” by the Sanford-Townsend Band had the timing (released in 1977) and the heart-on-the-sleeve lyrics we’ve come to expect from the genre, so we’re giving it a pass here.
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This despite the fact the Sanford-Townsend Band could only manage that one breakout hit, and their sound was much closer to Southern soul than West Coast lounge. Here’s the story of how an annoying roommate ignited “Smoke from a Distant Fire.”
From Songwriters to Artists
Ed Sanford and John Townsend were both Alabama products, and they first connected professionally in that state as young musicians in the ’60s. By the middle of the ’70s, they had scored a publishing contract and were concentrating on working up songs for others.
They were doing well enough in that role, with several top artists recording their songs. Even though they still gigged with a band, stepping out and recording their own material wasn’t at the forefront of their career outlook. But then “Smoke From a Distant Fire” came about, and they simply couldn’t let another artist get a hold of it.
How it came about proves that even the most mundane of life experiences, such as the frustration of living with an annoying roommate, can be the source of incredible songs. In this case, the roommate belonged to Ed Sanford, who was living in Hollywood at that time.
Starting the “Fire”
One day, Townsend visited his buddy Sanford, who was in the middle of a bit of a roommate squabble. Sanford’s roommate was a guitarist named Steven Stewart. Stewart was concentrating on classical guitar, and he often stayed up all night practicing, much to the consternation of Sanford.
On this particular morning, Sanford questioned why Stewart would waste his time on such non-commercial music. Stewart countered that pop-rock music was overly simplistic, and to prove his point, picked up his instrument and began plucking out a chugging groove. Sanford jumped to his piano and played along.
Townsend began working on lyrical ideas, using a title of a poem once written by Sanford. “Smoke From a Distant Fire” was rock-solid as a song, and it improved as a recording. That’s because it was recorded at the famous Muscle Shoals Studios in Alabama under the leadership of legendary producer Jerry Wexler.
What is the Meaning of “Smoke from a Distant Fire”?
The title phrase is quite evocative, in this context referring to a girl who’s been unfaithful to the narrator and unwittingly carries that evidence in her demeanor: ‘Cause your eyes had a mist from the smoke of a distant fire. Townsend chastises her for her unfeeling ways: You left me here on your way to paradise.
Though she may try to hide her cheating ways, she inadvertently gives herself away: If things are the same, then explain why your kiss is so cold. Fed up, the narrator prepares to cut all ties: Don’t let the screen door hit you on your way out / Don’t you drown when your dreamboat runs onto the ground.
Despite being from a previously unknown act, “Smoke From a Distant Fire” rose to the Top 10 in 1977. And it sounds fresh today, with Townsend’s soulful vocals right at home in the midst of a punchy arrangement. Good thing co-writer Stewart decided to stick it to his buddies that day in the face of criticism, instead of clamming up.
Photo by GAB Archive/Redferns
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