The Sons have cancelled all shows for 2011 and are not accepting dates at this time. Stay tuned and stay high.
Blurb from Bill
Hey everybody, you've probably noticed that we're canceling the March and June/July Sons' gigs. It was a decision that we had to make for various reasons, mostly economic. We're finding it impossible to make it happen in the current economy. As we all know, it's affecting just about every business out there in the arts, business, real estate, etc. The level that the Sons are at is just shrinking away.
There will be music coming from all the band members in different venues, but the Sons of Champlin band is something I just can't cut down to a trio and tapes, or sequences. It's been one of the most real and vital parts of my musical world for almost my whole life, so I can't cut it down to just make the rent. I'm sure that down the line we'll look at doing it again, but right now we have to put the band in what we refer to as "Alpha State", for the time being.
I'm sorry that the venues were expecting us in March, but we just can't afford to play. My most sincere apologies go out to them. Simple economics has taken its toll. Anyway, I'll miss the hang with those friends who come out to see the Sons, but it's just not in the cards right now. I'll most likely try to keep performing at some level with a smaller band as a solo artist, or with Tamara and maybe even Will. I'm sure you'll hear about it if and when that's ready to go.
I'm sorry about this, a lot, but I have to face the same reality as does everyone else in the US right now. When the economic downturn hit the US a few years ago I thought to myself, "Wow, the rest of the country is finally catching up with the music business!" You could say that we led the charge. Anyway, we love you guys and hopefully we'll see you at a gig of some kind somewhere. Be good, bill champlin
Left to Right - Jeff Lewis, Doug Rowan, Geoff Palmer, Tamara Champlin, Bill Champlin, Will Champlin, James Preston, Carmen Grillo, and Curtis Ohlson
The Sons of Champlin Now!
The Sons of Champlin, led by Bill Champlin, former member of the American iconic band “Chicago” are always musically evolving. The Sons started in Marin County in 1965 and have stayed true to their musical roots since then. The music of the band is R & B and rock based with lyrical content that connects the audience with the band. The reason for the longevity of the band playing together for all of these years become obvious within the first few notes of the first song and becomes clearer over the next couple of hours. While the band has revolved around Bill’s singing and song writing, he distributes the spotlight throughout the performance to showcase the individual abilities of band mates. There is now a triple threat with the addition of Tamara Champlin and Will Champlin to the band.
As front man, Hammond organist, guitarist and lead singer, Bill Champlin was a member of “Chicago” (singer of ‘Hard Habit to Break’, ‘Look Away’ and ‘I Don’t Want to Live Without Your Love’ to name a few). Bill is also a two time Grammy winning song writer of ‘After the Love Is Gone’ by Earth, Wind and Fire and ‘Turn Your Love Around’ by George Benson. Bill said this year of the band, “The Sons have been a band that seems to connect with its audience on so many levels, lyrically and musically, that it’s fun to go to and either listen or dance or just to connect with friends who you know will be there. I’ve been involved in a lot of musical performance styles over the years but The Sons seem to affect the audience in a “we’re all together” kind of way rather than a “dig what I can do” way. It’s not that the music is simple, it isn’t, or that it’s performed differently than other bands, it just touches people on different levels. I’ve found myself drawn to The Sons for the “all together” feeling everyone comes away with.
The addition of Tamara Champlin’s vocals and songwriting has brought even more depth to the band. Her credits run deeply from singing with Rita Coolidge to movie scores to fronting her own band to songwriting.
Will Champlin, Bill and Tamara’s son, sings, plays keyboards and guitar. Will is an amazing talent who has already co-written a Grammy winning song, ‘Ordinary Me’ on the 2009 Gospel Album of the Year for Heather Headley. Will brought with him several great songs to the band including ‘Pocket Call’, ‘California’ and ‘The Drum’.
Geoff Palmer’s expertise with vibes and keyboards brings The Sons sound all the way back to when he joined the band in 1967. Geoff is a musician’s musican and his contribution to the band has been ever present.
Jim Preston has held the drum seat since 1972. Jim’s playing and singing is unmatched and makes him a sought after session player. He has played with Moby Grape, Maria Muldaur, Dr. John and Norton Buffalo. Jim is the drummer on Sheryl Crow’s Hallmark Christmas Album featuring Booker T.
On lead guitar and vocals is Carmen Grillo who played with Tower of Power from 1988 until 1997. Carmen owns and operates Big Surprise Music studio in Los Angeles.
Jeff Lewis is on trumpet. Jeff has played and recorded with Kenny Loggins, Diana Krall, BB King, Huey Lewis and the News, The Temptations, Conjunto Cespedes and Pete Escovedo to name a few.
Doug Rowan is a San Francisco based saxophonist with the band. Some of his current projects include playing with the Realistic Orchestra, Contemporary Jazz Orchestra and Steve Lucky and the Rumba Kings.
Curtis Ohlson was influenced by touring for many years as the bass player for Ray Charles and Buddy Rich. Curtis then went to work with numerous successful artists including: Branford Marsalis, Shelia E., Bob Weir, Pee Wee Ellis and Pete Escovedo.
The Sons of Champlin boast a career that spans more than four decades with over 12 albums to their credit. They are much more than a heritage or nostalgia act and have garnered a solid fan base that has loved and followed them for years. Always musically growing and keeping the audience moving to the soulful, funky groove of their music The Sons are as vibrant as ever and look forward to seeing you.
Bill Champlin: No Place Left To Fall Available NOW!
BC Official Press Release: Chicago and Bill Champlin Part Ways
Sheryl Crow's "Home for Christmas" CD re-released on A&M Records, with James Preston on drums, is available this Christmas at Target and other retailers worldwide! Check it out!
James is featured playing drums and singing background vocals on this recording produced by Bill Bottrell (Michael Jackson, Sheryl Crow). Other artists featured are Booker T., David Hayes, Roger Fritz, Mic Gillette and Johnnie Bamont.
Bill Champlin Interview
Bill was interviewed in September of 2007 by Joel Selvin on KSAN Radio, 107.7 FM. He talks of his life with the Sons and solo.
Click here to stream the interview |
