Sons of Champlin live CD
By Tim Wood
Reunions of
popular rock bands are nothing new. In recent years, hot 1970s bands such
as the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac have reunited or have had original members
return to their respective lineups.
These reunions
have resulted in lucrative tours and new recordings, which makes one wonder
if the motivation for the reunion was music or money.
Another 1970s
band reunited recently, but there will be no stadium tour or high-dollar
gimmicks.
The Sons of
Champlin came back together in 1997, 20 years after they broke up. If
the name doesn't ring a bell, then you probably weren't a young, idealistic
resident of the San Francisco/Oakland area in the late 1960s and early
1970s.
The music scene
in that era generated some legendary bands - Jefferson Airplane (later
Jefferson Starship) and Quicksilver Messenger Service. Those bands managed
to break through on a national level, with hit singles and hot selling
albums. Thus, their names are familiar to most music fans of the era.
But the Sons,
despite making some of the most innovative music of the era, never got
national recognition. They did record several albums on a major label,
but most are out of print, including a 1992 greatest hits compilation.
One member
of the Sons did gain some national notoriety. Lead singer, organist and
guitarist Bill Champlin went into studio work after the Sons broke up,
and also managed to win a Grammy as a co-writer on George Benson's hit
"After the Love Has Gone." He also sang the theme song for the television
show "In the Heat of the Night."
But he may
be best known for his work with legendary rock band Chicago, whom he joined
in 1980, just in time to help the band make a major comeback. He has been
the lead singer on several of the band's hits, such as 1988's blockbuster
"Look Away" and other songs, such as "Hard Habit to Break" and "You're
Not Alone."
The versatile
Champlin sounds at home on this live recording done Jan. 24, 1998 at the
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, Calif. He plays a mean
Hammond B-3 organ and also performs on guitar.
But it's his
gruff, soulful vocals that dominate this album. The Sons provide tight,
energetic backing, and some individual band members get their turn in
the spotlight as well.
Beginning with
the opening notes of Fat City, the band lays down a great groove, highlighted
by a strong horn section and soloists. Champlin gets a few turns on the
B-3, but guitarist Terry Haggerty, vibes player Geoff Palmer, saxophonist
Tom Saviano and brass player Mic Gillette (from the Tower of Power horn
section) also get their turn to burn.
One song that
is a contrast from the others is "Time Will Bring You Love," a slower-paced
song accompanied by acoustic guitars. Champlin's vocals are outstanding
on this song, which is the closest thing to a radio-friendly song on the
album.
More typical
of the album, though, is a 15-minute version of "Freedom" and a laid back
take on "Tobacco Road."
The band invites
the audience for a singalong on "Get High." Coincidentally or not, the
band's publishing is handled by "Stay High Music."
It's up to
the listener to determine if the references are to highs induced by illegal
substances. But if you're looking for a natural high, pick up a copy of
this album. It's ballsy, bluesy music made by veterans who know how to
wail.
The CD is on
the Grateful Dead label and is distributed by BMG/Arista