"Ennea" the second album by Chase, represents an ambitious attempt to build on the success of their debut but did not achieve the same level of commercial success. The album was recorded between August and December 1971 at CBS/Columbia Studios in San Francisco. The recording process was troubled, with the album going $120,000 over budget, according to Chase's attorney Alex Deveince.
The album is notable for its concept suite on side two, also titled "Ennea." This suite, inspired by Greek mythology, reflects a progressive jazz/rock style and features lyrics by Erin Adair, Bill Chase's longtime companion. The title "Ennea" is Greek for "nine," referencing the nine members of the band.
The single "So Many People," written by Paul Williams, received limited airplay in the U.S., and the album charted for only 12 weeks, peaking at #71. Despite the lower commercial impact, Ennea did have some notable moments. Part of the track "Cronus" was used as the intro music for the Polish TV show Magazyn Kryminalny 997.
Significant changes in the band's lineup occurred during the recording. Gary Smith replaced Jay Burrid on drums, and G. G. Shinn took over as lead vocalist from Terry Richards. These changes, along with high production costs, may have contributed to the album's mixed reception.
The album's opening track, "Swanee River," was originally meant to have a quasi-Allman Brothers sound but was reworked after G. G. Shinn pointed out that its chord changes resembled Stephen Foster's "Old Folks at Home." Another track, "It Won't Be Long," underwent significant rearrangement by Charlie Brent to highlight Bill Chase's trumpet solos and feature a more dynamic sound.
Some planned tracks, like "Darkest Days" and "Listen to Her Sing," were cut from the final album due to the changes in the lineup and the firing of Terry Richards.
The album cover was photographed by renowned rock photographer Jim Marshall at the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, capturing the band's image during a transformative period.
