Now!

by The Chambers Brothers

Overview

This nine-song, 41-minute album, originally released on the Vault label, was recorded live at performances at the Unicorn in Boston and the Ash Grove in Los Angeles. The shows, from 1965, pre-dated the Chambers Brothers' signing to Columbia by more than a year, and capture the group just coming up as a major discotheque attraction, still retaining elements of their gospel roots on songs such as "Baby Don't Cry" and even "High Heel Sneakers." The set includes a some basic rock & roll, "Long Tall Sally" and "Bonie Maronie," both highly animated in the playing as well as the singing, and stirring despite some moments of sloppiness, such as wrong notes, etc., but there's also some slow blues ("It's Groovin' Time," "C.C. Rider") present, which gives the group a chance to stretch out. The closing number, "So Fine," is about as perfect a song as the group generated during the early part of their history, showcasing their fine harmony singing, bluesy guitar work, and a rock steady beat in a performance that soars and surges for six solid minutes. This is one of the better-sounding live rock or soul documents of its period, captured in decent fidelity right down to the twisting guitar part in "Long Tall Sally" and about half of the vocals up fairly close as well. The band's sound is divided between the two channels, drums one on side, bass on the other, and the voices split between the two. The One Way Records reissue has no extra notes or bonus tracks, but does feature excellent sound which, coupled with a low price, makes it almost irresistible. ~ Bruce Eder

Product Details

Release Date:	01/19/2024
Label:	Good Time
UPC:	0730167345323
Rank:	33471

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Chambers Brothers   Primary Artist
Lester Chambers   Vocals,Harmonica
George Chambers   Bass
Willie Chambers   Guitar,Vocals
Joe Chambers   Guitar,Vocals

Technical Credits

Gordon Anderson   Reissue Producer
James Brown   Composer
Larry Williams   Composer
Curtis Mayfield   Composer
Enotris Johnson   Composer
Jeff Lynne   Composer
Johnny Terry   Composer
Joseph Chambers   Composer
Ralph Kaffel   Cover Design
Richard Delvy   Re-Recording Supervisor
O'Kelly Isley   Composer
Mike Stoller   Composer
Dave Schultz   Mastering
George Hocutt   Liner Notes
Jimmie Davis   Composer
Curtis Ousley   Composer
John Hurt   Composer
Willie Dixon   Composer
Richard Penniman   Composer
Robert "Bumps" Blackwell   Composer
C. Perry   Composer
Sir Mack Rice   Composer
Ray Charles   Composer
Chuck Willis   Composer
Bill Inglot   Mastering
Jimmy Reed   Composer
Richie Unterberger   Liner Notes
Big Joe Williams   Composer