: Along with core members Anderson, Thain, and Hartley, the recording featured "Spit" James (Ian Cruickshank) on rhythm guitar and arrangements by Henry Lowther, a stalwart of the British jazz scene.
: The song is anchored by a deep, funky groove provided by bassist Gary Thain (later of Uriah Heep ) and Keef Hartley’s metronomic, dynamic drumming. keef_hartley_band_dont_be_afraid
"Don’t Be Afraid" was chosen as the band’s inaugural US and New Zealand single, highlighting its perceived commercial potential over the more "noodly" or experimental tracks on the album. It remains a "hidden gem" for collectors of the era, frequently cited in forums like Prog Archives as a vital piece of the "proto-prog" puzzle that bridged the gap between traditional blues and the emerging jazz-fusion scene. : Along with core members Anderson, Thain, and