The Chambers Brothers
The Chambers Brothers are an American psychedelic soul band, best known for their eleven-minute 1968 psychedelic soul hit "Time Has Come Today". The group was part of the wave of new music that integrated American blues and gospel traditions with modern psychedelic and rock elements. Their music has been kept alive through frequent use in film soundtracks. There were four brothers, though other musicians were also in the group.
The Chambers Brothers | |
|---|---|
 The band in 1970 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Psychedelic soul[1][2] |
| Years active | 1954–1972, 1974–present |
| Labels | Reo, Vault, Columbia, Avco, Roxbury |
| Spinoffs | The Chambers Brothers Band |
| Past members | George Chambers (deceased) Joe Chambers (deceased) Lester Chambers Willie Chambers Brian Keenan (deceased) Lee Szymborski |
The Chambers Brothers are an American psychedelic soul band, best known for their eleven-minute 1968 psychedelic soul hit "Time Has Come Today". The group was part of the wave of new music that integrated American blues and gospel traditions with modern psychedelic and rock elements. Their music has been kept alive through frequent use in film soundtracks. There were four brothers, though other musicians were also in the group.
Background and early career
[edit]Originally from Carthage, Mississippi,[3] the Chambers Brothers first honed their skills as members of the choir in their Baptist church. This arrangement ended in 1952 when the eldest brother, George, was drafted into the Army. George relocated to Los Angeles after his discharge, and his brothers soon joined him. Beginning in 1954, the foursome played gospel and folk music throughout the Southern California region, but remained little known until 1965 when they began performing in New York City.[4]
Consisting of George (September 26, 1931 – October 12, 2019)[5] on washtub bass (later on Danelectro and Gibson Thunderbird bass guitar), Lester (b. April 13, 1940) on harmonica, and Willie (b. March 3, 1938) and Joe (August 22, 1942 – August 15, 2024) on guitar, the group started to venture outside the gospel circuit, playing at coffeehouses that booked folk acts. They played at places like The Ash Grove, a very popular Los Angeles folk club. It became one of their favorite haunts and brought them into contact with Hoyt Axton, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Reverend Gary Davis, and Barbara Dane.[6] When Dane spotted the brothers there, she knew they would be perfect to do the freedom songs that people wanted to hear then.[7] Dane became a great supporter, performing and recording with the brothers. Dane took them on tour with her and introduced them to Pete Seeger, who helped put the Chambers Brothers on the bill of the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.[8] The brothers were backed by Sam Lay at Newport on their first night at the festival.[9][10] George Chambers was impressed by the "big sound" of Lay and asked him to back the brothers on another set.[11] One of the songs they performed, "I Got It", appeared on the Newport Folk Festival 1965 compilation LP, which was issued on the Vanguard label.[12]
They were becoming more accepted in the folk community, but, like many on the folk circuit, were looking to electrify their music and develop more of a rock and roll sound. Joe Chambers recalled in a May 1994 Goldmine article that people at the Newport Folk Festival were breaking down fences and rushing to the stage. "Newport had never seen or heard anything like that." After the group finished and the crowd finally settled down, the MC came up and said, "Whether you know it or not, that was rock 'n' roll." That night they played at a post-concert party for festival performers and went to a recording session of the newly electrified Bob Dylan.[12] Shortly after appearing at Newport, the group released its debut album, People Get Ready.[citation needed]
During the late 1960s to early 1970s, the group was managed by Charles LaMarr aka Charles La Marr.[13][14]
Career
[edit]The Chambers Brothers had an early Drummer called Michael Konnic (aka Mike Konnic). It was around the time they appeared at the Newport festival, that they had an argument with him. For some reason he wanted to fight with them and his elder brother nearly got involved. According to Joe, he said "We love you man. We want you to play drums."[15][16]
The group recorded "Call Me" which was written by Joe Chambers and Willie Chambers. Backed with Joe Chambers' composition, "Seventeen", it was released in the US on Vault V-920 in 1965, and in the UK on Vocalion 9276.[17][18] It was produced by Cliff Goldsmith. "Call Me" was described by Way Back Attack as a "raw and rockin' soul tune...with a prominent cowbell beat!". [19] The group performed "Call Me" as well as "Don't Lose Your Cool" on Hollywood a Go Go on 26 June 1965.[20][21] In an interview on 20 January 2020, Joe and Willie Chambers talked about "Call Me" and how it got played on a radio station, one they recalled being KRLA that had the Rocket to Stardom show. They said that their song was opposite to what the station was playing. "Call Me" was a "Record of the Week there".[22] The UK release on Vocalion had a rapid review in the 30 July 1966 issue of Record Mirror, where the reviewer said that they manage a few interesting gimmicks on the song.[23] They recorded "Love Me Like The Rain" and " Pretty Girls Everywhere" which were issued on Vault V-923 the following year.[24] "Love Me Like the "Rain" was written By Brian Keenan and recorded by his group, The Losers and released as the B side of "Mersey-ssippi" on the Atco label in 1965.[25][26][27]
The Chambers Brothers played at the Downtown discotheque club in New York during 1966. As reported in the 9 April 1966 issue of Cash Box, the group had been engaged for a further two weeks at the venue. They had been there for over a month, had been drawing huge crowds there.[28] The drummer for the group as reported by the 26 March 1966 issue of Cash Box was Nicky Cahn (aka Jesse Cahn) who was pictured with the group in the article. It was also noted that their forthcoming LP was People Get Ready. The group was also reported to have a large following in Boston.[29]
According to George Chambers, the group was too busy playing different instruments to do hand claps, so they had to get a drummer. They did try out a few. Then they met Brian. In their opinion he was the best around.[30]
In 1966, the group recorded "The Time Has Come Today".[31][32] The B side of the single was the 2:21 long "Dinah" which was written by G, L, J & W Chambers. It was reviewed in the 24 September 1966 issue of Cash Box where it was in the Best Bests section and given a B+ rating. The reviewer called "The Time Has Come Today" a wild hard driving funky outing.[33] Unfortunately, it was rejected by Columbia.[34][35][36]
"All Strung Out Over You"
[edit]The group recorded "All Strung Out Over You" which was composed by Rudy Clark. It was released on Columbia 4-43957 on December 19, 1966.[37][38] It was rushed out by Columbia after the label had rejected an early version of "Time Has Come Today".[34] The song was given a solid review in the 24 December 1966 issue of Cash Box where it was also a Newcomer Pick. The reviewer used terms, "soul drenched swinger and "prime dance item" to describe the song. The B side "Falling in Love" was referred to as a lowdown shouter.[39] It was reported in the 31 December 1966 issue of Record World that the Chambers Brothers, who had a professional history which ranged from church gospel singing to folk-blues, had changed direction and had a new Columbia single, "All Strung Out Over You" that was for the Rhythm and blues market.[40] A full-page ad appeared in the 14 January 1967 issue of Record World alerting the reader that "All Strung Out Over You" was Breaking out all over.[41] "All Strung Out Over You" became a regional hit for the group which gave them the opportunity to re-record "The Time Has Come Today".[32]
Further activities in 1967
[edit]Jack Devaney reported in his Cost Capers column (Record World February 25, 1967) that The Chambers Brothers were doing a return engagement at the Ash Grove that week.[42]
The Chambers Brothers recorded the Betty Mabry composition "Uptown". It was backed with Brian Keenan's "Love me Like the Rain" and released on Columbia 44296. It was one of the records in the Pick of the Week section of the 23 September issue of Cash Box. The reviewer referred to it as a "heavy rhythmic blues-rock throbber", and do good at r&b and pop outlets.[43]
"Time Has Come Today"
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The band scored its only major hit in late 1968 with "Time Has Come Today", an 11-minute opus written by Joe and Willie Chambers and highlighted by echoing vocal effects and Keenan's drumming which gave the song a psychedelic feel. "Time Has Come Today" was edited for release as a single and spent five consecutive weeks in September–October at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. In Canada it reached No. 9, the first of two songs in their top 30.[44]
Further activities in 1968
[edit]It was reported in the 19 August issue of Record World that producer Tim O'Brien, who had written and produced a charting single, "Sally Had a Party" for the group Flavor was working on a Chambers Brothers album.[45] The group recorded the album, A New Time – A New Day which was released in October 1968. It contained the songs, "I Can't Turn You Loose", "Do Your Thing", "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?", "You Got the Power to Turn Me On", "I Wish It Would Rain",[46] and the 7:26 long "A New Time - A New Day" which was written by Joe Chambers and Brian Keenan.[47] The album was received quite well, which included positive reviews from Record World[48] and Beat Instrumental.[49] It did well in the charts, making it to no. 13 in the Record World 100 Top LPs chart for the week of 30 November.[50] In Canada it got to no. 19 in the RPM Weekly Top 50 Albums chart.[51]
The group's album Groovin' Time was released in 1968. Released on Folkways FT 31008, it was reviewed in the 2 November 1968 issue of Cash Box. The reviewer said that the album was recorded before they added their fifth member. Referred to as a joyous package of plenty, the album contained "Groovin' Time", "Hooka Tooka", and "So Long Baby" etc. Strong sales were predicted.[52] The album did chart and for the week of 16 November, the album was at no. 23 in the Record World LPs Coming Up chart.[53]
The group was no. 6 in the Record World Most Promising Male Vocal Group category of 1968.[54]
It was reported in the 28 June 1969 issue of Record World that the group's manager, Charles La Marr along with Julius Chambers were in Europe setting up engagements for the Chamber's tour which was taking place in the fall.[55] Their single, "Wake Up" was at no 1 in the Record World Singles Coming Up chart.[56] Their album Feelin' the Blues which was released on Vault 128, was also reviewed in that issue. It included the tracks, "House of the Rising Sun", "Just a Closer Walk with Thee, "Undecided", and "I Got a Woman". The reviewer said that it was what "All dedicated fans will want".[57]
By December 1969, the group had released their double album, Love, Peace and Happiness which was half studio and half live. It was reviewed in the 6 December issue of Record World where the reviewer referred to it as "sizzling music".[58]
The group performed at the Whiskey A Go Go, which was filmed by Lawrence-LaMarr Productions. According to the 28 March 1970 issue of Record World, Lawrence-LaMarr Productions was a newly formed production company which was connected with their manager, Charles LaMarr. The film which was the fourth special by the production co. was to be aired on National TV.[59]
By January 1971, the group's single "Funky" from their forthcoming New Generation album had been released.[60] It debuted at no. 58 in the Record World R&B Singles Chart for the week of 16 January 1971.[61] "Funky" debuted at no 149 in the Record World 101 - 150 Singles chart for the week of 30 January.[62]
The group's New Generation album was out in February and was reviewed in the 6 February issue of Record World. Released on Columbia C 30032. The songs, "Practice What You Preach", "Reflections", and "Going to the Mill" were selected as the best.[63]
Having had issues with past producers who weren't willing to listen to their ideas, the Chambers Brothers started producing their own material. According to the April 1971 issue of Hit Parader, the group had recently performed with a 22-piece orchestra at Carnegie Hall. Joe Chambers was also quoted as saying that they wanted to get into produding other acts and one of them he believed they would work with was Brooklyn Bridge.[64][14]
A Greatest Hits album was released in November 1971. It was reviewed in the 27 November 1971 issue of Cash Box. There were good sales predictions for the pop, R&B and underground markets.[65]
Brian Keenan left the band in 1971 due to major problems with the group's management.[66]
Group after Brian Keenan's departure
[edit]Later incarnations of the group would include session guitarist Steve Hunter (known for his work with Alice Cooper). An album recorded in 1972 for Columbia, Oh! My God, has remained unreleased until October 28, 2022, when it was finally made available through multiple digital platforms.[67] Although the group disbanded in 1972, they reformed and moved from Columbia to Avco Records and released Unbonded (1974) and Right Move (1975).[68]
As reported in the 11 December 1971 issue of Billboard, The Chambers Brothers had taken on Jerome Brailey as their replacement drummer. Bailey, formerly with the Five Stairsteps was to make his live first appearance with The Chambers Brothers at Chicago's Oriental Theatre for one week engagement beginning Wednesday 8 December. They had also just completed a new album with Gamble & Huff.[69][70] Also on that week, their single "Merry Christmas, Happy New Year", released on Columbia 4 -45518 was a Billboard Christmas Pick.[71] Their Greatest Hits album was also in its second charting week, moving up from no. 189 to no. 177 in the Billboard Top LPs Positions 106 -200 chart.[72] Bailey played drums on their 1975 Right Move album.[73]
During the 1970s, they had toured from time to time.[74]
By 1973, Charles LaMarr was no longer managing the group.[citation needed]
The Chambers Brothers appeared at the Botton Line club in New York. Their performance plus one by UK band, Kokomo was reviewed by David McGee in the 29 March 1975 issue of Record World. The Chambers Brothers opened with a pace that was described as "breakneck" when they did "Wild About the Lady". They Followed it up with "Pretty Girl". The reviewer said that they displayed an enthusiasm that had been lacking in some of their recent performances. They covered a range of types and kept the pace going. Other songs performed were, "Smack Dab in the Middle", "Rock 'n Roll to Satisfy My Soul", "Martha Jean" and "We'll Sing Together". The keyboard work was also noted.[75]
It was reported in the 27 March 1976 issue of Cash Box that The Chambers Brothers had signed an exclusive contract with the Wes Farrell Organization, and record for the organization's Chelsea label. The group were to start immediately with Farrell producing their recording sessions. Present at the signing and pictured in the article were, Julius Chambers, the group's managers, Joe Moreno and Gary Frischer, WFO Music Group president Steve Bedell, Wes Farrell, and Mike Frischer. Group members; Joe Chambers, Lester Chambers, Willie Chambers, George Chambers and Greg Dickerson (aka Gregg Dickerson) were also pictured.[76] It was reported by Cash Box in the magazine's 3 April 1976 issue that brothers, Lester, George, Willie and Joe and their drummer Gregg Dickerson had visited the Cash Box office the previous week. Full of energy, they were anticipating the release of their new single on the Chelsea label late that month. The music that they would be doing was a combo of funk and gospel. They were currently in the studio and had planned to go on the road back east for some gigs.[77] Also in 1976 the brothers released Recorded Live in Concert on Mars for the Roxbury label.[74]
They were signed to support Maria Muldaur on her 1980 Gospel Nights album.[68]
Lee Szymborski, an American session drummer also from Stamford, Connecticut, was hired by George Chambers to be the group's drummer, and performed live with The Chambers Brothers at the Hollywood Bowl's Fourth Annual Survival Sunday Anti-Nuclear Benefit Concert, with Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Stephen Stills, Bonnie Raitt, Graham Nash, Gary U.S. Bonds, Peter Yarrow, Kenny Rankin and others in Los Angeles on June 14, 1981. Szymborski also performed live with The Chambers Brothers and Etta James for two shows at McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA. July 16, 1981.[78][79][80][citation needed] Szymborski left The Chambers Brothers and joined the critically acclaimed Louisiana Cajun group "The Savery Brothers" and played on recording sessions with artists like Merle Haggard, Doug Kershaw, Johnny Paycheck, Asleep at the Wheel, and Juice Newton. Szymborski currently records and performs in Las Vegas, Nevada.[citation needed]
In 1997, the four original Chambers Brothers reunited, this time featuring session drummer Fabian Jolivet, to play a historic sold-out Gospel & Soul show at Santa Monica's legendary venue, The Ash Grove.
In 2016, Willie, Joe and, occasionally, George, along with their nephew Jerry Warner on bass, Crazy Tomes on guitar, and L.A. drummer Jon McCracken, reformed as the Chambers Brothers to do shows in the Los Angeles area;[81][82] including the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live.[83]
George Chambers died on October 12, 2019, at the age of 88.[84][85]
Joe died August 15, 2024, at the age of 81.[86]
Spin offs, other projects
[edit]Willie Chambers had teamed up with Luke "Long Gone" Miles in 1962. During 1962 and 1963, Chambers performed with Miles San at Francisco's Sugar Hill club and at the Ash Grove regularly.[87] He also played guitar on Miles' Country Born album that was released in 1964.[88][89]
A group called Hog was discovered by The Chambers Brothers. The members were, Teddy Graybill (aka Teddy Gray-Bill), Paul Alagna, Gerard Kenny, John Castellano, Roger Manseur, and Dave Watkins. They were signed by Chambers manager, Charles LaMarr for Dolot, Inc. The group had already debuted at the Action House in Long Island. They had college dates ahead for them in the East Coast through March.[90]
Lester Chambers would move to New York and form a band with former Electric Flag bassist Harvey Brooks. Guitarists Willie and Joe would work as session men.[68] The brothers had also been enlisted by Levis to do some commercial work for them.[91]
George who went back to singing gospel music,[68] would later become a deacon of his church.[92]
Joe Chambers made an appearance in the video for The Angry Samoans' video of "The Time Has Come Today". In the scene, the lead singer of The Angry Samoans is about to push the nuclear button which would cause nuclear annihilation. However, the president (Played by Joe Chambers) chooses life.[93]
In 1984, an outfit called the Chambers Brothers Band was formed. It featured Willie and Joe Chambers, Chris Chambers, Duke Williams, Corey Spags and Cotton Kent.[94] Williams, Kent and Spags (aka Corey Spagnolo[95][96][97]) were from the group, Duke Williams and The Extremes.[98] They recorded three songs at Rusk Studios. They were "Here We Go", "Let's Get Funky" and "You Are My Life".[99][100] They also released a four-track 12" EP The Chambers Brothers Are Back in 1985, twith the tracks, "Ive Been Lovin' You Too Long", "Rainin' in My Heart", "Body Work Part 1" and "Body Work. Part 2".[101]
Also in the 1980s, Lester Chambers had teamed up with Harvey Brooks who was the bassist for the Electric Flag. Their band, The Chambers-Brooks Band played at the Jack's venue in Cambridge in December 1984. In addition to Chambers and Brooks, the band included keyboardist Jeff Levine in the lineup. Their performance was reviewed by Brett Milano in the 18 November 1984 issue of The Boston Globe. They didn't concentrate on their old songs. Instead, they covered James Brown's "Papa's Got a Brand-New Bag", Sam & Dave's "Soul Man" and Marvin Gaye's "Heard it Through the Grapevine". According to Milano the covers were respectfully done, but luke-warm and they sounded like a covers band. The second set was livelier and Chambers was the reason, and it was evident when he covered Otis Redding's "I've Been Loving You Too Long". Milano also said that "Uptown" and "Time" lacked the wild abandon of the originals. He still said that Chambers' vocals and the band's energy made it worth seeing.[102]
Brian Keenan who had retired to Stamford, Connecticut where he set up his own recording studio,[68] died of heart failure in 1985.[68]
In 2006, guitarist Willie Chambers sat in with a group called Vince and the Invincibles at a benefit concert for Arthur Lee of the group Love and delivered an acclaimed performance.[103][104]
In 2015, Joe Chambers appeared at venues such as Harold's Place on Pacific Ave. San Pedro as The Joe Chambers Experience.[105]
The Chambers Brothers (Possibly just Willie and Joe [citation needed]) contributed backing vocals to the song "Taking Back My Freedom", which was written by Duke Williams and Corey Spagnolo, and credited to Duke Williams & The Extremes. It was released online on 4 July 2016.[106]
Joe Chambers collaborated with Marva Holiday, recording their version of "To Love Somebody".[107][108] The song was subsequently released as "To Love Somebody 2022" and the 2015 version removed from distribution.
Summer of Soul
[edit]In 2021, the Chambers Brothers appeared in the Questlove music documentary Summer of Soul,[109] about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.[110]
Members
[edit]In the earlier part of the 1960s, prior to Brian Keenan, The Chambers Brothers had a drummer called Mike Konnic. It appears that they had some friction with him.[15][16] According to the book, Blues Records, A Complete Guide to 20 Years of Recorded Blues, By Mike Leadbitter and Neil Slaven, Mike Konnic played on the recordings, "Yes, Yes, Yes", "Tore Up Over You", "Reconsider Baby", You've Got Me Running", "People Get Ready" etc. that appear on the Vault 9003 (People Get Ready) album that was released in 1966.[111][15]
According to Jesse Cahn, he started playing drums with them after Newport.[112]
In 1970, there was some confusion whether The Chambers Brothers were still with their label, Columbia. The source was an article in the March 28, 1970 issue of Record World. Apparently, singer Judd Hamilton was at a party for an American International Records signing and there was confusion about the Chambers Brothers signing to the label and whether or not Hamilton was a member of the group. The next issue of Record World, (April 4) clarified that The Chambers Brothers were not with the American International label and were still with Columbia Records. It also stated that Hamilton was not a member of The Chambers Brothers.[59][113]
There was another error, this time by Cashbox magazine, in the April 18 issue. Cliff Chambers who had his own label Cyclone Records and composed “Finders Keepers” and “Somebody Ought to Write a Book” was credited with being a member of The Chambers Brothers while he was signing a contract with Kent Records.[114] The error was picked up and Cashbox wrote in the May 9 issue (Cliff Chambers Not Ex-Chambers) that the group's manager, Charles H. LaMarr said that Cliff Chambers was never a member of the group and that the Chambers' included Joseph Chambers, George Chambers, Willie Chambers and Brian Keenan.[115]
- Jerome Brailey came on board as the new drummer in or around late 1971.[116]
John Castellano joined the band as a guitarist, touring with them during 1971 and 1972. This came about as a result of the brothers finding out that Castellano's mother made the clothes that Jimi Hendrix wore. They headed out to Bath Avenue, in Brooklyn to have the clothes fitted and heard Castellano playing on guitar. Eventually Castellano came on board.[117]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- The Time Has Come (1967)[118] – US Pop Albums No. 4, US Black Albums No. 6, Canada No. 11[119][120]
- A New Time – A New Day (1968)[121] – US Pop Albums No. 16, US Black Albums No. 24[119]
- Feelin' the Blues (7/1969)[122]
- New Generation (1971)[123] – US Pop Albums No. 145, US Black Albums No. 36[119]
- Unbonded (1974)[124] – US Pop Albums No. 144[119]
- Right Move (1975)[125]
Live albums
[edit]- People Get Ready (1966)
- Now! (1967)
- Shout (1968)
- Love, Peace and Happiness/Live at Bill Graham's Fillmore East (1969)[126] – US Pop Albums No. 58, US Black Albums No. 17[119]
- Live in Concert on Mars (1976)
- Live Fillmore West 65 (2004)[127]
- Live (2005)[128]
Unreleased album
[edit]- Oh, My God! (1972)[129] – released on multiple digital platforms on October 28, 2022
Compilations
[edit]- Groovin' Time (1968)[130]
- Chambers Brothers' Greatest Hits [Double Album] (1970) – US Pop Albums No. 193[119]
- Greatest Hits (1971)[131] – US Pop Albums No. 166[119]
- The Best of the Chambers Brothers [Double Album] (1973)
- The Time Has Come / A New Time – A New Day [2 on 1 Album] (1975)[132]
- Greatest Hits (1988)
- Goin Uptown (1995)
- Time Has Come: Best of The Chambers Brothers (1996)
- Time (1998)
- Now/People Get Ready [2 on 1 CD] (1999)
Collaborations
[edit]- Barbara Dane and The Chambers Brothers (1966)[133][134]
- Mike Bloomfield: From His Head to His Heart to His Hands (incl. Tombstone Blues - Alternate Chambers Brothers Version, with Bob Dylan)
- The Four Sides of Buzzy Linhart – Buzzy Linhart (1982, EP)[135]
Charted singles
[edit]| Year | Title | Chart positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [136] |
US R&B [137] |
CAN [138][139] | ||
| 1967 | "Uptown" | 126 | — | — |
| 1968 | "Time Has Come Today" | 11 | — | 9 |
| "I Can't Turn You Loose" | 37 | — | 29 | |
| "Shout! – Part 1" | 83 | — | — | |
| 1969 | "Are You Ready" | 113 | — | — |
| "Wake Up" | 92 | — | — | |
| 1970 | "Love, Peace and Happiness" | 96 | — | — |
| "Let's Do It (Do It Together)" | 103 | — | — | |
| 1971 | "Funky" | 96 | 40 | — |
| 1974 | "Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go" | 106 | 76 | — |
| "—" denotes the single failed to chart | ||||
Further reading
[edit]- Cash Box, October 8, 1966 - Page 49 TALENT ON STAGE, Chambers Brothers
References
[edit]- ^ Ankeny, Jason. "The Chambers Brothers". Allmusic.
- ^ Sodomsky, Sam (October 14, 2019). "The Chambers Brothers' George Chambers Dead at 88". Pitchfork.
- ^ Dane, Barbara (1965). "The Chamber Brothers Do That Real Thing" (PDF). Folkway Records.
- ^ allmusic The Chambers Brothers biography
- ^ "George 'Pops' Chambers, of Chambers Brothers, Dies". Bestclassicbands.com. July 30, 2015. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
- ^ Reed, James. "In song and struggle, Barbara Dane a singular voice". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
- ^ Classic Rock, August 02, 2022 - The Chambers Brothers and the acid classic that psychedelicised black American folk music By Jo Kendall
- ^ Luhrssen, David; Larson, Michael (February 24, 2017). Encyclopedia of Classic Rock. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-4408-3514-8.
- ^ Getty Images - Chamber Brothers At Newport, NEWPORT, RI - JULY 1965: R and B and soul music group the Chamber Brothers (l - r Joe Chambers, Lester Chambers, Willie Chambers, drummer Sam Lay, George Chambers)
- ^ Blues Legacy: Tradition and Innovation in Chicago, by David Whiteis. 2019. ISBN 9780252051746. Sam Lay, (next page) ... Sam also backed the Chambers Brothers on the first night of the festival,
- ^ Guitar King: Michael Bloomfield's Life in the Blues, By David Dann · 2019 - ISBN 9781477318775 - Page 182
- ^ a b Richie Unterberger.com Liner Notes for The Chambers Brothers' Shout! By Richie Unterberger
- ^ Record World, December 28, 1968 - Page 25, No. 1 Most Promising Male Vocal Group (Record World 1968 Annual Awards)
- ^ a b Hit Parader, April 1971 - Page 56 CHAMBERS BROS. (continued from page 45)
- ^ a b c Blues Records
A Complete Guide to 20 Years of Recorded Blues, By Mike Leadbitter and Neil Slaven, 1968 - ISBN 0-8256-0110-X - Page 47 CHAMBERS BROTHERS - ^ a b NAMM - Willie and Joe Chambers Full Interview January 20, 2020, Time 26:55
- ^ 45Cat - The Chambers Brothers - Discography, USA, Call Me
- ^ Tales From the Woods, Issue No. 43/44 - July/August 2004 - Page 23 SOUL/R&B released in the UK
- ^ Way Back Attack - THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS Time Has Come Today
- ^ Funky 16 Corners, September 13, 2016 - The Chambers Brothers – Call Me
- ^ Gazzarri Dancers - featuring the 1964-66 HOLLYWOOD A GO-GO dancers, EPISODE LIST, EPISODE 27 HOLLYWOOD A GO-GO SYND.EP. 21, JUNE 26, 1965, CHAMBERS BROTHERS - "Call Me"
- ^ NAMM - Willie and Joe Chambers Full Interview January 20, 2020, Time 13:00
- ^ Record Mirror, July 30, 1966 - Page 9 singles reviewed by Norman Jopling and Peter Jones, rapid reviews
- ^ 45Cat - The Chambers Brothers - Discography, USA, Love Me Like The Rain
- ^ Richie Unterberger - LINER NOTES FOR THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS' SHOUT! By Richie Unterberger
- ^ 45Cat - The Losers (USA) - Discography
- ^ augmentknowledge channel, May 10, 2023 - THE LOSERS "MERSEY-SSIPPI"
- ^ Cash Box, April 9, 1966 - Page 26 RECORD RAMBLINGS, NEW YORK:
- ^ Cash Box, March 26, 1966 - Page 15 Cash Box RECOD RAMBLINGS, NEW YORK
- ^ Hit Parader Magazine, August 1969 - Page 37 The Story Of THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS, GEORGE E. CHAMBERS
- ^ 45Cat - The Chambers Brothers, A: Time Has Come Today, B: Dinah
- ^ a b 98.7 WFGR, June 7, 2012 - “Time Has Come Today” by the Chambers Brothers – Classic Hit or Miss - Matt Hendricks
- ^ Cash Box, September 24, 1966 - Cash Box RECORD REVIEWS, Best Bets, CHAMBERS BROTHERS (Columbia 43816)
- ^ a b Way Back Attack - THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS, Time Has Come Today
- ^ Lyrics.com - Time Has Come Today (Single Version One- Rejected Version)
- ^ The Grand 98.7 - “Time Has Come Today” by the Chambers Brothers – Classic Hit or Miss/ - Matt Hendricks
- ^ Catalog of Copyright Entries: Third series - Music, Current and Renewal Registrations, January-June, 1967 A Page 12
- ^ 45Cat - The Chambers Brothers - Discography, The Chambers Brothers, A: All Strung Out Over You, B: Falling In Love
- ^ Cash Box, December 24, 1966 - Page 84 RECORD REVIEWS, Newcomer Picks, ALL STRUNG OUT OVER YOU (2:20) (T.M., BMI—Clark)
- ^ Record World, December 31, 1966 - Page 29 New Chambers Bag
- ^ Record World, January 14, 1967 - Page 7 "All Strung Out Over You" Breaking out all over! The contagious new hit single by The Chambers Brothers!
- ^ Record World, February 25, 1967 - Page 38 Coast Capers By JACK DEVANEY
- ^ Cash Box, September 23, 1967 - Page 26 Cash Box RECORD REVIEWS, Pick of the Week, UPTOWN (2:35) (Mabry, BMI—Mabry)
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - October 7, 1968" (PDF).
- ^ Record World, August 10, 1968 - Page 20 O'Brien Named Col A&Rer
- ^ Ultratop - he Chambers Brothers – A New Time - A New Day
- ^ Ultratop - The Chambers Brothers – A New Time - A New Day, Song
- ^ Record World, October 12, 1968 - Page 12 record world ALBUM REVIEWS, A NEW TIME -A NEW DAY, THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS - Columbia CS 9671.
- ^ Beat Instrumental, March 1969 - Page 40 L. P. REVIEWS, I NEW TIME - A NEW DAY, CHAMBERS BROTHERS DIRECTION 8-63451
- ^ Record World, November 30, 1968 - Page 30 100 TOP LP'S Week of November 30, 1968, This Wk. Nov. 30 13, Last Wk. Nov. 23 18, A TIME-A NEW DAY, Wks. on Chart 7.
- ^ RPM Music Television Radio Film Records Theatre Weekly, Volume 10 No, 15 Week of December 9th. 1968 - Page 14 TOP 50 ALBUMS, 20 19 A NEW TIME -A NEW DAY
- ^ Cash Box, November 2, 1968 - Page 34 Album Reviews, Pop Best Bets, GROOVIN' TIME-Original Chambers Bros. - Folkways FT 31008
- ^ Record World, November 16, 1968 - Page 43 LP'S COMING UP, 23. GROOVIN' TIME
- ^ Record World, December 28, 1968 - Page 8 record world annual, Most Promising Male Vocal Group, 6. CHAMBERS BROTHERS - (Columbia)
- ^ Record World, June 28, 1969 - Page 51 Setting Chambers Tour
- ^ Record World, June 28, 1969 - Page 28 record world Singles Coming Up, 1. WAKE Up
- ^ Record World, June 28, 1969 - Page 12 record world Album Reviews, FEELIN' THE BLUES, THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS-Vault 128
- ^ Record World, December 6, 1969 - Page 22 record world PICK HITS Album Reviews, LOVE, PEACE AND HAPPINESS, THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS-Columbia KGP 20.
- ^ a b Record World, March 28, 1970 - Page 36 Chambers Diversify
- ^ Record World, January 16, 1971 - Page 9 Funky.
- ^ Record World, January 16, 1971 - Page 34 THE R&B SINGLES CHART JANUARY 16, 1971, THIS WK. 58, LAST WK. -
- ^ Record World, January 30, 1971 - Page 31 THE 101 - 150 SINGLES CHART JANUARY 30, 1971, THIS WK. 149, LAST WK. -
- ^ Record World, February 6, 1971 - Page 20 RECORD WORLD ALBUM PRODUCT, NEW GENERATION THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS Columbia C 30032.
- ^ Hit Parader, April 1971 - Page 45 THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS and NEW GENERATION (continued on page 56)
- ^ Cash Box, November 27, 1971 - Page 38 cashbox/album reviews, Pop Picks, THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS' GREATEST HITS-Columbia C30871
- ^ Drummer Cafe - Brian Keenan
- ^ "The Chambers Brothers – Oh My God (2022, File)". Discogs.
- ^ a b c d e f Classic Bands.com The Chambers Brothers
- ^ Time and Date - Calendar for Year 1971 (United States), December
- ^ Billboard, December 11, 1971 - Page 20 Talent, From The Music Capitals of the World, NEW YORK
- ^ Billboard, December 11, 1971 - Page 64 CHRISTMAS PICKS
- ^ Billboard, December 11, 1971 - Page 10 Billboard TOP LPS POSITIONS 106 -200, THIS WEEK 177, LAST WEEK 189, Weeks on Chart 2
- ^ Discogs - The Chambers Brothers – Right Move, Credits
- ^ a b Classic Rock History - Top 10 Songs From The Chambers Brothers - Millie Zeiler Ready or Not
- ^ Record World, March 29, 1975 - Page 44 CLUB REVIEW, Funky Sounds From the Bottom Line - David McGee
- ^ Cash Box, March 27, 1976 - Page 40 cash box/ news, Chambers Bros. To Farrell Org.
- ^ Cash Box, April 3, 1976 - Page 49 R&B
- ^ Bruce base Wiki
- ^ Suburban West Today July 18 through July 22, 1981
- ^ Cleveland Plain Dealer
- ^ "Improv - Where Comedy Begins". Improv.com. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
- ^ "The Chambers Brothers Rocked The House". Ashgrovemusic.net. April 13, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
- ^ "An Evening With The Chambers Brothers". Grammymuseum.org. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
- ^ Brenner, Eric (October 12, 2019). "Breaking News: George Chambers of The Chambers Brothers Dead at 88". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
- ^ Chicago Tribune, Oct 14, 2019 - Chambers Brothers member George Chambers, who scored a hit with ‘Time Has Come Today,’ dies at 88 By Chris Willman
- ^ "Joe Chambers of The Chambers Brothers Passes Away, As Announced by His Brother, Lester Chambers". Rock Cellar. August 16, 2024. Archived from the original on August 16, 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ Big Road Blues, September 9, 2012 - Big Road Blues Show 9/9/12: I Walked All The Way From Fifth Street To Watts – Out West Blues Pt. 1, country born LONG GONE MILES
- ^ Wirz.de - Luke Long Gone Miles, Discography, Long Gone Miles: Country Born
- ^ Down Beat, December 17, 1964 - Page 34 BLUES 'N' FOLK By PETE WELDING, Luke (Long Gone) Miles, Country Born (World-Pacific 1820)
- ^ Record World, March 7, 1970 - Page 38 Hog Signed By Chambers' Mgr.
- ^ Men's Wear, Volume 184, Fairchild Publications, 1981 - Page 17 TIME HAS COME TODAY
- ^ Rolling Stone, October 14, 2019 - George Chambers, of Psych-Soul Pioneers the Chambers Brothers, Dead at 88<nr> Group best known for 1968 hit "Time Has Come Today" By Jon Blistein
- ^ Musician, No. 62 December 1983 - Page 86 HOW TO MAKE A GREAT ROCK VIDEO FOR UNDER $10,000 BY JOCK BAIRD
- ^ Discogs - The Chambers Brothers Band – The Chambers Brothers Are Back, Back cover
- ^ Bucks County Courier Times, 24 Dec 1976 - Page 13
- ^ Bandcamp - music community ATLANTIC CITY GAMBLER by Duke Williams & The Extremes, Recorded at Criteria Sound Studios - Miami, FLA
- ^ Flickr - Duke Williams and The Extremes 1980
- ^ Cash Box, January 19, 1974 - Page 20 cash Box talent on stage, Mountain Duke Wiliams & The Extremes
- ^ Unheard80s.com - The Chambers Brothers
- ^ unheard80s channel, Dec 12, 2012 - "Here We Go" by the Chambers Brothers (Short Sample)
- ^ Discogs - The Chambers Brothers Band – The Chambers Brothers Are Back
- ^ The Boston Globe, Tuesday November 18, 1984 - Page 25 Nostalgia trip worth taking
THE CHAMBERS-BROOKS BAND - Featuring Lester Chambers and Harvey Brooks, at Jacks in
Cambridge. Friday Night - By Brett Milano Special to the Globe - ^ Mojo Music Review of the June 28, 2006 Arthur Lee Benefit Concert at the Whisky a Go Go
- ^ love.torbenskott.dk Whiskey-A-Go-Go, L.A., US June 28, 2006
- ^ Randon Lengths News, 01/08/2015 - Freda Rente’: The Compassionate Outsider
- ^ Bandcamp - TAKING BACK MY FREEDOM by Duke Williams & The Extremes
- ^ Nashville Music Guide, December 14, 2019 - R&B Legend Marva Holiday Featuring Joseph Chambers Release “To Love Somebody” - Sherryl Craig
- ^ Vinyl Chapters, December 4, 2019 - Marva Holiday feat Joseph Chambers: To Love Somebody – Single Review by Jamie Parmenter
- ^ npr, July 5, 2021 - Questlove Unearths The Long-Forgotten 'Summer Of Soul'[1]
- ^ Greene, Bryan (June 2017). "This Green and Pleasant Land". Poverty and Race Research Action Council.
- ^ Both Sides Now Publications - Vault Album Discography By Patrice Eyries, Mike Callahan, Randy Watts, and David Edwards
- ^ Mojo, June 2023 - Page 42 MOJO EYEWITNESS, THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS TIME HAS OME TODAY - INTERVIEWS By Lois Wilson, Jesse Cahn
- ^ Record World, April 4, 1970 - Page 36 Chambers on Col
- ^ Cash Box, April 18, 1970 - Page 35 CHAMBER MUSIC
- ^ Cashbox, May 9, 1970 - Page 9 Cliff Chambers Not Ex-Chambers
- ^ Billboard, December 11, 1971 - Page 20 Talent, From The Music Capitals of the World, NEW YORK
- ^ New York Times, May 8, 2015 - CHARACTER STUDY, At Castellano's House of Music, Instruments to Sell and Stories to Hear By Corey Kilgannon
- ^ Discogs Chambers Brothers, The - The Time Has Come
- ^ a b c d e f g "The Chambers Brothers: Billboard Albums". AllMusic. Archived from the original on January 26, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
- ^ "RPM Top 50 Albums - December 2, 1968".
- ^ Discogs Chambers Brothers, The - A New Time - A New Day
- ^ Billboard Billboard New Releases July 1969
- ^ Discogs Chambers Brothers, The - New Generation
- ^ Discogs Chambers Brothers, The - Unbonded
- ^ Discogs Chambers Brothers, The - Right Move
- ^ Discogs Chambers Brothers, The - Love, Peace And Happiness / Live At Bill Graham's Fillmore East
- ^ Allmusic Live Fillmore West 65
- ^ Allmusic Live
- ^ Allmusic Oh My God!
- ^ Smithsonian Folkways Groovin' Time
- ^ Discogs Chambers Brothers, The - The Chambers Brothers' Greatest Hits
- ^ Discogs Chambers Brothers, The - The Time Has Come / A New Time - A New Day
- ^ "Barbara Dane discography". Wirz.de. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
- ^ "Barbara Dane and the Chambers Brothers". Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
- ^ The Four Sides of Buzzy Linhart at AllMusic. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
- ^ "The Chamber Brothers: Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
- ^ "The Chamber Brothers: Top Hip-Hop/R&B Songs". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - October 7, 1968" (PDF).
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - January 6, 1969" (PDF).
External links
[edit]- Classic Bands Profile
- The Chambers Brothers discography at Discogs
- The Chambers Brothers at IMDb
- Willie Chambers Interview at NAMM Oral History Library (2020)
- Joe Chambers Interview at NAMM Oral History Library (2020)
- Lester Chambers Interview at NAMM Oral History Library (2016)
- Joe and Willie Chambers Full Interview at NAMM Oral History Library (March 3, 2020)
- Unheard80s channel, Dec 12, 2012 - "Here We Go" by the Chambers Brothers (Short Sample) (audio)
Reviews
[edit]- The Time Has Come Today, review by Paul Hollingsworth
- Chambers Brothers' Time Has Come Today Once Again
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