THIS FORUM IS EXCLUSIVELY FOR BC SOLO/SONS DISCUSSION

[ronnig]

Oh, good... I'm glad you've decided to stick around. This forum appears to be populated with real "music heads" and I've truly been having a blast. I know I can speak for everyone here when I tell you what a pleasure it's been discussing music with you. Glad you've decided to allow that to continue...

Heh heh--- Oh goodie! Bill's stickin' around and I get to be a "music head"!! My kids are gonna love that: "Our mom, the music-head!"
I love it! You guys just made my day!

[dustylover]

I'm sure the Sons of Champlin material is available just about anywhere, even if you have to order it from your record store. I'm not really into online payments, but I'm sure the material can be had just about anywhere.

That being said, I can understand why Bill would be leery of answering any questions Chicago-related. That's because of the same old-same old questions keep coming back like a broken record, like "When are you guys going to do all-original material done by the band itself instead of outside writers". When you are in a band, sometimes, you have to tow the company line.

Unfortunattely, some people just don't know when to quit when it comes to asking the kinds of questions like the ones above. Bill was very gracious in answering my questions concerning the use of computerized keyboards and the future of computers in music, and the use of them by both he and Robert Lamm. That was not a Chicago question, but an overall music question.

By the way, Rona, isn't the Sons of Champlin material available from this website? If not, it's something you and Bill should consider. At least that will take the excuse away that someone does not have access to the material.

[dustylover]

Can we still talk about musicians we like or Bill may like? He has added so much insight to his knowledge of other artists, many of which he has either met or performed with. His comments on Dusty Springfield were priceless for me, and I have shared this with my fellow Dusty fans. His comments on other artists he appreciates are also priceless.

[sunny2ok]

I'm sure the Sons of Champlin material is available just about anywhere, even if you have to order it from your record store. I'm not really into online payments, but I'm sure the material can be had just about anywhere.

By the way, Rona, isn't the Sons of Champlin material available from this website? If not, it's something you and Bill should consider. At least that will take the excuse away that someone does not have access to the material.

Yes, you can find Sons of Champlin CD's, as well as Bill's solo CD's, at various places, including some local stores, several online stores, or having your local record store order them.

I realize I've already posted this, but you can order from the Official Sons of Champlin On-Line Store. And although it's not listed as an option anymore, I'm pretty sure you could arrange to order by mail if you have a problem with online payments, by clicking on the "contact us" link and asking about that option.

There is a section accessible from the main page of this site with Sons of Champlin content, as well as a couple of links to the Sons web site, including one to the CD page, where you can listen. There are links there you can click to order too.

The best reason for ordering from here is that the middle man is cut out, with more of the profit going to those who make the music. Some of the reissued CD's give nothing to the band members, songwriters, etc. So, this helps support the music.

It took a while for the Sons online store to be set up. I remember ordering a few things by mail in the past. However, since it's already in place, wouldn't be a bit redundant to replicate that effort on this web site, in addition to not being cost effective?

BTW, since I'm not Rona, I can't speak for her. But, why would you want there to be another online store, if you have a problem with online payments?

Just curious...
~ Sharon ~

[rmarix]

Thanks for posting the info, Sharon!

Dusty - As Sharon stated, on Bill's website, there is a Sons of Champlin section that leads you to the Sons website and where to find their CDs. Check them out sometime - there's good stuff there!

[sunny2ok]

Thanks for posting the info, Sharon!

Hi Rona,

You're more than welcome.

And thank you for the wonderful job on the web site and forum.

Luv ya,
Sharon

[Oregon KC]

I wanted to order on the Sons website but it didn't seem to have enough security for that kind of info, so I mailed them a check-a money order would also do. My stuff shipped really quickly. I've done that several times, and been happy...ears and all! kc

[riothamus]

One of my alltime faves of Bill's is Sara. Can someone instruct me of any versions other than the Runanway one we love so well?

I am not asking for boots or live transgressions, but thought there might be some legit versions out there omewhere. As you know, different times mean different takes with Bill. I heard him do it at the Roxy and almost wet my trousers. Whadda song!

I also wonder if Bill has any comment about the history of the tune. How did it come about?

Dave

[riothamus]

The topics were announced. Free speech means the ability to limit subjects in one's own forum, Mac. This is not a public place. Freedom is freedom in both directions when it is private space.

Dave

[Trem Reekem]

Well said Sharon!

[sunny2ok]

Well said Sharon!

Thanks, Trem.

One of my alltime faves of Bill's is Sara. Can someone instruct me of any versions other than the Runanway one we love so well?

The only other version of "Sarah" that I'm aware of is the acoustic version by Bill and Bruce Gaitsch on "Thoughtscape Sounds '97 CD Sampler". This is the same CD that has "Leap of Faith" on it, along with some great stuff from Bruce Gaitsch, Carman Grillo, Tom Saviano, Kerry Livgren, Janey Clewer, and Fee Waybill. (It also features Jason Scheff, Karla Bonoff, and Donna Delory doing vocals on Bruce's cuts.)

In the liner notes under the heading "Bill Champlin"... it states: ' I would like to thank Bill for giving us the previously unreleased track, "Leap of Faith". He and Bruce Gaitsch were also kind enough to re-record an acoustic version of "Sarah" for exclusive use on this compilation.'

I had to get it out and give it a listen. It is gorgeous, with just accoustic guitar, Bill's lead vocal and many stacked harmony vocals. It's sounds like all of the vocals are Bill's... and there's got to be at least 5, 6, or possibly more harmony parts. Incredible!!!

Okay, Bill... Can you tell us exactly how many harmony parts are there?

My ears are not well enough trained to tell. <VBG>

Luv ya,
Sharon

[Hold On]

Bill's solo work and his Sons work would be great for movies I think. Danny Elfman from Ooingo Bongo has made a fortune in the that arena. Also, does Bill have any plans to record any movie or tv theme songs, like In The Heat the Night?

Kevin in Seattle

[riothamus]

Lots of Sons or Champs fans I have met came to it via Chicago. When something has press, more people notice it. I figure however the word gets out, the music gets heard and that's good.

I'm glad gossip has been excluded here, though. It's hard to escape it anywhere.

Dave

[Scooter]

I had a ex partner once. I really don't want to discuss that part of my life. It was fun and profitable while it lasted, but its over, and it didn't break up nicely, and I had some contractual obligations not to speak ill of the rest of the guys.

My mother always said, if can't say anything nice about someone, don't say anything at all. So I politely keep my mouth shut. I certainly do understand not wanting to talk about former partners, either for politeness sake or for legal reasons.

As for Chicago I personally never liked the band--but, so I can be polite--its not that I disliked their music, its just that Chicago as a band never hit a chord with me, not ever, and I don't own a single Album of theirs. I do rememeber tripping to 25 or 6 to 4, in the late 60's, but thats really the extent of my Chicgo world.

Now for my favorite Chicago bands, let me add my playlist:

Paul Butterfield Blues Band--One of the Greatest Bands Ever!

Buckinghams--It was hit facory with William Guercio (the same producer that brought us the first 10 Chicago Albums). Little known fact that Marty Grebb played bass for them.

Illinois Speed Press--Their 2nd Album, Kal David stepped out. I am a big Kal David fan. The guy can sing his balls off, and is a good songwriter and a very good guitarist.

Blood Sweat and Tears. With Al Kooper, they were the best. Without Al Kooper, they became a commerical success.

New Colony Six. A Chicago garage band makes good.

Muddy Waters. The King of Chicago Blues.

[annmargrit]

I just ordered Mayday from an independant dealer on Amazon. And it's still sealed from the factory even tho it's out of print now. Maybe I'm lucky?