The Chambers Brothers
The Chambers Brothers are an American psychedelic soul band formed by four brothers from Mississippi, best known for their 1968 hit "Time Has Come Today." They blended gospel, blues, rock, funk, and psychedelia, becoming pioneers in interracial and genre-fusing music during the 1960s.
The brothers—George (born September 26, 1931; bass), Willie (born March 3, 1938; guitar), Lester (born April 13, 1940; harmonica), and Joe (born August 22, 1942; guitar)—grew up as sharecroppers' children in rural Lee County, Mississippi, singing in their Baptist church choir. After George was discharged from the Army in 1952, he moved to Los Angeles; the others joined him by 1954, where they began performing gospel and folk music locally.
They gained notice in 1965 at the Newport Folk Festival after adding white drummer Brian Keenan (born January 28, 1943), shifting to a rock-soul sound that landed gigs at venues like the Fillmore East and Apollo Theater. Signing with Columbia Records in 1966, they released their breakthrough album The Time Has Come in 1967, featuring the 11-minute title track "Time Has Come Today," which hit #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968.
Through the late 1960s and early 1970s, they issued albums like A New Generation (1968), Love, Peace and Happiness (1969), and New Generation (1970), mixing funk, gospel, and psychedelia; they were managed by Charles LaMarr and performed energetically live. Key tracks included their cover of "Shout" and originals like "Call Me." George "Pops" Chambers passed away on October 12, 2019.
The original lineup disbanded around 1972 but reformed sporadically, including a 1997 reunion at the Ash Grove and 2016 shows with nephew Jerry Warner and others. They influenced soundtracks and supported acts like Maria Muldaur, maintaining a legacy in psychedelic soul.
New Generation
Written-By – J. Chambers
3:47
A2 Young Girl
Written-By – L. Chambers, W. Chambers
3:35
A3 Funky
Written-By – L. Chambers
2:52
A4 When The Evening Comes
Written-By – C. LaMarr
6:37
A5 Practice What You Preach
Written-By – J. Chambers
3:29
B1 Reflections
Written-By – G. Chambers
5:20
B2 Pollution
Written-By – J. Chambers
1:45
B3 New Generation
Written-By – C. LaMarr, J. Chambers
11:54
B4 Going To The Mill
Written-By – C. LaMarr, J. Chambers
5:1
Label: Columbia – C 30032
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Psychedelic
Released in 1971, The Chambers Brothers' New Generation is a blended, sometimes uneven, collection of funk, rock, and soul that showcases their unique, gritty, and psychedelic-tinged sound. While often considered less consistent than their peak 1960s work, the album features standout tracks like "Funky" and "Are You Ready".
Key Tracks and Sound:-
"Funky": Widely recognized as a highlight, this track features an iconic drum intro and is notable for being sampled by A Tribe Called Quest.
"Are You Ready": An Afro-Latin percussion-based, psychedelic soul track that sets a high-energy tone.
"Going To The Mill": Showcases the group’s gospel-influenced vocal harmonies.
"When The Evening Comes" and the title track, "New Generation" : These tracks lean into the band's, at times, wandering jam-oriented style.
Critics and fans generally describe the album as a mix of gospel, rock, funk, and psychedelic soul, similar to a "perfect blend of soul and garage".
Some reviews suggest the album lacks the tight, focused songwriting of their earlier, more popular work, with a mix of styles that sometimes feels disjointed.
Despite not having a single defining hit, the album is regarded as a solid, fun experience, particularly for fans of late-60s rock, offering a "joyous package" of tunes.
New Generation is a worthy listen for those looking beyond the band's famous hits to experience their later, more funk-driven era.