Real Soul Brothers

The Chambers Brothers: New Generation and When The Evening Comes
From: New Generation [Columbia, 1970]

Some monstrous tracks for you today with the psychedelic funk of The Chambers Brothers. By some bizarre, almost unheard of, occurrence in the world of soul the Chambers Brothers were actual real siblings, growing up performing gospel and folk songs in the fifties and early sixties. However, the addition of drummer Brian Keenan propelled them into the funk spotlight and also rectified the name anomaly.

The New Generation is one of the most out there of all the brothers late sixties/early seventies releases, featuring extended jams and lots and lots of fuzzy guitar. These days the album is most famous for featuring the ATCQ sampled Funky but you can pick this up on numerous compilations so I thought I'd focus on two of the lesser known tracks (that's right, I'm fronting with my rares snobbery).

The title song is an absolute behemoth of a composition which I give to you today in it's full 12 minute version. Alto vocals kick off the song over stuttering bongos before the beat kicks in and what a beat - I dare you not to want to get up and dance. One of the most spasm friendly beginnings to a song ever, I want to hear this played in a club and i want to go absolutely mental to it on the dancefloor. The band literally throw everything at this extended jam as the tempo builds and builds before a mere two minutes in the track turns into a blues/psych/funk roller, distorted guitars playing over the ever more hectic drums as the vocals swerve in and out of the mix. There are few songs that can leave you feeling exhausted without ever leaving your seat but this is undoubtedly one of them.

When The Evening Comes is the band's grandiose ballad. Starting proceedings with an understated intro of sunny guitar, the track takes a turn towards the mournful as deep gravelly vocals, strings and horns join the mix. From the first violin you can tell this is an epic ballad as the theme slowly repeats louder and louder, giving the song a late period Rotary Connection feel. I truly adore the way the track builds layer upon layer upon layer as the music swells and swells to the climax, Barry-esque strings and gospel choir shimmering in the background as everything but the kitchen sink is thrown in the mix. Stunning.

New Generation is currently out of print but you can pick up a best of album pretty cheap from the usual outlets. While it may not feature all the great songs it should pass the time till someone wakes up and reissues this beast.