Artist: Bill Champlin
Album: “No Place Left to Fall”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Chicago, Hall & Oates and Earth, Wind & Fire
Tell Me More: Bill Champlin is back.
Anyone who was concerned when the talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist left Chicago earlier this year will be pleased to know
Champlin has released his first solo effort in a decade.
Champlin, who got his start in the late 1960s as a founding member of San Francisco outfit Sons of Champlin, won his first Grammy award in 1979 for co-writing the Earth, Wind & Fire hit “After the Love is Gone.”
Champlin ascended to even bigger fame when he became a full-time member of Chicago in 1981. As a member of Chicago, Champlin played keyboards, guitar and sang, with his top-flight vocals featured on hits such as “Look Away” and “Hard Habit to Break.”
On Champlin’s 2009 album “No Place Left to Fall,” the talented singer-songwriter explores that pleasing sonic universe where classic rock ‘n’ roll, Chicago blues,‘70s funk and R&B meet. From the up-tempo groove of “Total Control” to the bluesy
“Tuggin’ On Your Sleeve” and Earth, Wind & Fire-styled soulful funk of “The Truth,” “No Place Left to Fall” is a fantastic return for the 62-year-old Oakland, California native. Fans of Chicago will love “Never Been Afraid,” which sounds like a lost classic from his former band, complete with his distinctive vocals blending with guest Peter Cetera and impressive guitar work courtesy of Toto fret wizard Steve Lukather.
Champlin reportedly recorded enough material to fill three CDs in the making of the album. Listening to the final track listing featured on the release, there is no doubt that “No Place Left to Fall” is a great-sounding album that is equaled by the strength of the material and the performances of the players. In addition to Champlin, kudos goes to drummer Billy Ward, bassist George Hawkins, Jr., lead guitarist Bruce Gaitsch and co-producer Mark Eddinger (who also performed some keyboards on the project).
Great stuff indeed.
Robert Kinsler 11/04/09
What about the packaging? “No Place Left to Fall” features a 13-song audio CD, as well as a bonus DVD with a movie featuring interviews and footage recorded during the making of the album.
listent to samples and get the mp3 version for 8.99
CD version 13.99
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