"Bill Champlin" Image courtesy of Bobby Gladd
This past Monday night I headed over to Palms to catch Santa Fe And The Fat City Horns for what their band leader Jerry Lopez calls a “Healing”. I was already excited as I was aware that Bill Champlin was “Sittin In” with the band, along with his wife Tamara and their son Will. I arrived early so that I could sit in my favorite area (first in line). Once seated, I chatted with a few folks until the show started, anticipation building.
The opening had the horn section (by themselves) laying down a very funky groove, which segway’s into one of my favorites (again an instrumental) “South American Sojourn”. From that moment, I knew that this was going to be a special night. Before Bill came out, the band played five more songs some of which are on their current CD’s and, a couple I’m sure are destined for a future CD. My favorite is a song penned by Jamie Hosmer (keyboards and vocals) titled “Take Me Home”.
"Bill Champlin With Jerry Lopez" Photo Courtesy of Bobby Gladd
Ok, so the band gets the crowd fired up, and now Bill Champlin is introduced. Bill has been one of my favorites for a long time (yes I am Sons Of Champlin fan, and yes you can hear Bill’s voice on many songs played by us, as he’s a guest vocalist on many projects). Bill sits down at the B3 and announces that they are “Going to play a medley of his hit”. Well the hit is actually two Grammy Award winning songs (penned by Bill) “Turn Your Love Around”, and “After The Love Is Gone”. The arrangement’s are a bit different than their commercial versions (hits by George Benson and Earth Wind and Fire) and with Bill’s soulful voice, are gems in their own right.
For the next few songs Tamara Champlin came up and sang a duet will Bill, and sang one of her own songs “Back Streets Of Paradise”. If you have not heard Tamara sing, I must tell you, she has a great voice. Very bluesy and soulful, and although I don’t like to compare people, her voice kind of reminds me of Lydia Pense.
"Tamara Champlin" Photo Courtesy of Bobby Gladd
Towards the end of the show Will Champlin came up to lend his musical talents to the last few songs. Will is quite an accomplished key board player, and vocalist as well. He sang lead on one of his songs “Rainin Sunshine”. Wow yet another Champlin that can sing their ass off. I must tell you I often have doubts about where music is going these day’s, but to see someone of Will’s talent, I known there is still hope for good music to be played by young artists.
"Will Champlin" Photo Courtesy of Bobby Gladd
The show ended with Santa Fe’s version of “Livin For The City” with everyone taking lead vocals during the song. At the end, the house went wild. What an amazing overall performance.
"The Champlins" Photo Courtesy of Tammy Schleppegrell
"The Finale" Photo Courtesy of Tammy Schleppegrell
Here are some take away’s from the show:
- Santa Fe always amazes me. Jerry makes sure that everyone gets some of the spotlight both instrumentally and vocally.
- Bill Champlin was laying down some pretty cool guitar grooves, which amazed me as I have always focused on his singing and keyboard playing.
- Tamara Champlin, please get out and buy some of her music, you will not be disappointed.
- Will Champlin I will say it again, you (and I’m sure there are some others out there) are the future of real musicianship.
- This show was recorded on Video, for a Internet video broadcast at a later date. I will let everyone know as soon as I find out when that is.
Lastly, I don’t normally do reviews, as I am not very good at it, but this performance inspired me.
For more on Bill Champlin go to: www.billchamplin.net
Tamara Champlin: www.reverbnation.com/tamarachamplin
Will Champlin: www.willchamplin.com
Santa Fe And The Fat City Horns: www.santafeband.com
For More of Bobby G’s photos: www.santafeandthefatcityhorns.blogspot.com
