First things first: Musically speaking, Bill Champlin is a god among mortals. A freakishly talented monster. Though you may never have heard of him, odds are you've bought or listened to more than one album containing a Champlin vocal and/or keyboard contribution. He's best-known today as a member of Chicago — a day gig he's held down for over 20 years now — but the Sons were his first band, and since their late '90s reunion, they've been his apparent artistic focus. It may seem like an odd decision on Champlin's part — the Sons of Champlin were never all that popular, even in their heyday — but if you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. I mean, if you had to sing "Look Away" every night to a crowd of casino patrons, you'd be looking for a something else on the side too. The Sons' fanbase isn't huge, but it's passionate, and they afford Champlin the opportunity for some honest artistic expression. That's got to be worth however much money this album loses.
Now for the album itself. Champlin, for all his talent, is a bit of a weird bird; on the one hand, his music (most of the Chicago stuff excluded, of course) reveals a deep love for, and commitment to, soul and R&B. But on the other hand, he's a member of a generation of musicians who seem to believe a recording isn't complete until all the soul has been sucked right out of it. That sounds unkind, and I don't really mean for it to, but it's a recurring theme for Champlin and his peers. They're so technically advanced as musicians or vocalists that perfection is something you chip away at rather than wish for; problem is, with this type of music, perfection isn't really called for.
Article comments
1 - Jon Sobel
Nice piece! I have their "Live" CD recorded in 1998, it's excellent, too bad the new CD doesn't sound like it measures up. More and more voices from the past are turning up. Check out Helion Magister of the Great Society!
2 - Eric Olsen
I watched Champlin record vocals for "Hard Habit to Break" for Chicago with David Foster producing back in '84(!) and even ended up going over to his house up in the Hills (forgot about that until just now): super nice, down to earth guy and a great, powerful singer. Thanks Jefito
3 - Matt
This work of yours now has another venue for success - and more eyes - at the Advance.net Web sites, a place affiliated with about 12 newspapers.
One such site is here.
Also please let your contact know, if you had one, that this article, is published at one more place. That helps a lot.
Thank you.
Matt Freelove
4 - Jim Dorst
I've been a Sons, Haggerty, Champlin devotee for more years than I can believe. This review is bang-on. I am addicted - but for those who aren't the Sons just don't quite break through on this recording. Having said that -- go see them live -- they will blow you away.
Anyone who I have ever taken to see them walks out with their mouths open wondering how the hell they missed these guys.
Part of the "even-keel" sound of this album is the lack of Terry Haggerty - whose guitar always gave the band a harder/wilder edge. Tal is excellent - just different.
By the way - it does grow on you....
5 - Misha
Hi all. Roll up a pinch of funk, jazz, jam band and some R & B and you get the Sons of Champlin.
I started out with about 50 songs and pared it down to 30. One for each day of the month. Lots of interesting stuff buried within. Check 'em out while you can. These will be up only for the month of April 2007.
Sons of Champlin
Sons of Champlin - For Joy [2.2.02] emeryville - new expressions
Sons of Champlin - No Mo [1970] - san anselmo
Sons of Champlin - Miles Around You [1970] - san anselmo
Sons of Champlin - 1982 A [2.24.02] - chico - sierra nevada brewery
Sons of Champlin - Rooftop [6.27.02] - jacksonville, ore. - britt festival
Sons of Champlin - Lookout - [6.27.02] - jacksonville, ore. - britt festival
Sons of Champlin - Maybe [6.27.02] - jacksonville, ore. - britt festival
Sons of Champlin - Right On - [5.5.02] seattle - emp sky church
Sons of Champlin - Poppa Can Play - [8.31.02] - sausalito arts festival
Sons of Champlin - Star Outta You [2.2.02] emeryville - new expressions
Sons of Champlin - Bring Home The Gold [2.2.02] - emeryville
Sons of Champlin - The Swim [6.27.02] - jacksonville, ore. - britt festival
Dinner:
Sons of Champlin - You [6.27.02] - jacksonville, ore. - britt festival
Sons of Champlin - To The Sea [10.24.04] new castle - constable jack's
Sons of Champlin - Saved By The Grace Of Your Love [6.9.77] - seattle
Sons of Champlin - Time Will Bring You Love [6.27.02] - jacksonville, ore.
Sons of Champlin - Straight No Chaser [1977] - lake tahoe
Sons of Champlin - For Awhile [11.28.75] - marin civic
After Hours:
Sons of Champlin - Tobacco Road [5.18.01] - seattle, king kat theatre
Sons of Champlin - Heat Of The Night [4.30.05] sacramento
Sons of Champlin - Beggin' You Baby [1970] - san anselmo
Sons of Champlin - Real Mutha For Ya [4.30.05] - sacramento
Sons of Champlin - World In Trouble [5.5.02] - seattle - sky church
Sons of Champlin - Whose Loving You Tonight [5.5.02] - seattle
Sons of Champlin - Hey Children [6.9.77] seattle - aquarius theatre
Sons of Champlin - Welcome To The Dance [4.30.05] - sacramento
Sons of Champlin - Things Are Gettin' Better - [1.12.02] - sacramento
Sons of Champlin - Misery Isn't Free - [5.5.02] seattle - sky church
Sons of Champlin - Get High [1.12.02] - sacramento - crest theatre
Sons of Champlin - Freedom [10.9.04] new castle - constable jack's
Sons of Champlin - Follow Your Heart [1977] - norman, okla.