Jodi Siegel

Located right in downtown San Juan Capistrano....right by the railroad tracks...great food, full bar...patio dining with heat lamps or inside dining...see you there!

Ojai Underground Exchange is a small 50 seat listening room in the quiet town of Ojai California. Underground Exchange is an event space and dance studio.

Looking forward to playing a gig with one of my favorite Los Angeles guitar players: Joey Delgado! Joey, a founding member with his brother, of the award wining Delgado Brothers Band, is also a great songwriter , singer and entertainer. I've been a fan for many years and after talking on the phone to catch up, we decided to play a show at the Ojai Underground Exchange run by legendary musician/producer Bernie Larsen, We will play together and alone and fun will be had!! Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and $10-$15 for the live broadcast....a link will be provided soon..

This is a once a month (every third Tuesday) show that is designed as a listening room for world class songwriters, many with hit songs, long touring/recording associations with music legends ETC... to play their original music in an intimate setting. NO COVER BUT DONATIONS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURED AND GO TO THE SONGWRITERS. Project Barley serves excellent Food (Gourmet Pizza, wings, sandwiches, salads), wine, and award winning beer. Food served till 8:30pm. No reservations so arrive early to get a table. This month we are proud to present: BILL CHAMPLIN, TAMARA CHAMPLIN, JOHN TOWNSEND, JODI SIEGEL

BILL CHAMPLIN

Bill Champlin was born in Oakland, California on May 21, 1947 to a musical family. His grandparents, mother and sisters have all been singers. Bill is married to Tamara Champlin, a singer/songwriter in her own right, and is the father of three children. His youngest, Will Champlin, is building a name for himself as a prolific and distinctive singer-songwriter.

Bill’s musical career began in 1961 when he formed a band called the Opposite Six. A year later he began writing music. After forming the Sons of Champlin in 1967, he focused his songwriting talents on material for the Sons. “They were breathing fire. They were the most talented of all the San Francisco bands”, said Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. The Sons’ first album, “Loosen Up Naturally,” was released in 1969 and followed by six more albums before the Sons disbanded in 1977. Many of these have been re-released as CDs and are available for purchase.

After the breakup of the Sons, Bill moved to Los Angeles and worked as a session vocalist on numerous recordings from 1977 to 1985. The artists he worked with included Patti LaBelle, Lou Rawls, Elton John, Boz Scaggs, Donna Summer, Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Jimmy Smith, Amy Grant, Neil Diamond and Kenny Rogers. In 1978 he released his first solo album, “Single.” In 1979 he won his first Grammy award for co-writing “After the Love is Gone,” which was later recorded by Earth, Wind & Fire. During the Chicago/EWF tours in 2004 and 2005, Champlin was asked to perform this song with them, as lead singer.

The National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences awarded Bill The Most Valuable Player peer award for male background vocalists in 1980. The following year he won another Grammy for co-writing “Turn Your Love Around” for George Benson, and released his second solo album, “Runaway.”

In 1982 he joined Chicago to record “Chicago 16.” His unique and expressive voice can be heard on “Hard Habit to Break” from Chicago 17.

Bill’s 1988 recording of the song “In the Heat of the Night” was picked up as the show opener by the TV show of the same name. The following year Chicago released what turned out to be it’s biggest-selling single and their last No. 1 hit, “Look Away,” once again with Bill on lead vocal.

Bill released the critically acclaimed “No Wasted Moments” in 1990. That same year he was asked to perform two songs from “No Wasted Moments” at the Tokyo Music Festival and was presented with their Songwriter of the Year award.

Four more solo albums followed from Bill’s fertile mind: “Burn Down The Night” (1992), “Through It All” (1994), “He Started To Sing” (1995) and “Mayday” (1996). In July 1997 Chicago topped the adult contemporary chart with “Here in My Heart,” as the band once again turned to Bill for lead vocals. That same year also rendered the release of “West Coast All Stars,” an a cappella project he did with Jason Scheff of Chicago and Toto’s Bobby Kimball and Joseph Williams.

The Sons of Champlin reunited in 1997, with a loyal group of enthusiastic fans traveling great distances to see them perform. They recorded “Live At The Luther Burbank Center” in 1998, as well as “Secret” (CD and DVD) and “Hip Lil’ Dreams” in 2002.

Bill’s solo release “No Place Left To Fall” (CD and DVD), recorded at The Barber Shop Studios in Hopatcong, NJ for the Dream Makers Music label. It was first released by JVC Japan in September 2008, as well as being released for digital downloading, and later released in Europe by Zync Music in December. The U.S. release by Dream Makers came in August 2009.

On the heels of that US release and after 28 years with Chicago, Bill parted ways with the band to focus more on his solo career. “This music is callin’ me,” he said.

The two-time Grammy Award winner launched a successful West Coast tour in November 2009 with the Bill Champlin Band promoting “No Place Left To Fall.” That was followed by a Sons of Champlin tour in March 2010.

​

Next up Bill and Tamara were part of the Scandinavian tour headlined by Leon Russell that also featured Joseph Williams and Peter Friestedt. Bill teamed up with conductor Lars Erik Gudim & the Norwegian Radio Orchestra - KORK, in Oslo, Norway for a special performance that aired Dec. 27, 2011 on NRK TV in Norway. From 2014 to 2017 he performed several acoustic shows with Tamara in the US, Europe, Japan, South and Central America where they joined the Rock Pack Tour; guested with California Transit Authority featuring Danny Seraphine; and played concerts to benefit Eddie Tuduri's Rhythmic Arts Project with The Pockets. They also entertained with other indie artists for the Lone Wolf Entertainment Foundation and rejoined the re-formed Sons of Champlin for a series of shows in the Northwest.

​

In 2015 & 2020 Bill joined with Peter Friestedt and Joseph Williams to create 2 albums CWF and CWF 2 and toured Europe and Japan supporting those releases during that period.

In 2017 Bill and Tamara Champlin were a big part of the Ambrosia & Friends Tour. In 2018 he has continued touring with Rock Pack, Sons of Champlin, Danny Seraphine/CTA, guested again with Ambrosia and a summer tour occurred with Peter Friestedt & Frank Adahl in Europe. His CD with The WunderGround (that includes Champlin, Gary Falcone & Tamara Champlin) was released in April 2018 and following that there were live shows to showcase the music.

​

In January, 2021, Champlin's solo album "Livin For Love" was released by Imagen Records and featured Champlin on keys and guitars as well as players Bruce Gaitsch, Carmen Grillo, Steve Porcaro, Vinnie Colaiuta, George Hawkins Jr., Greg Mathieson, Gordon Campbell, Lenny Castro, Marc Russo, Alan Hertz, Tal Morris, Jason Scheff, Abraham Laboriel. Singers included Bill Champlin on lead and background vocals, Tamara Champlin, Gary Falcone, Jason Scheff and Andreas Carlsson. Tracks were composed by Bill Champlin, Tamara Champlin, Bruce Gaitsch, Michael Caruso, Greg Mathieson, Jason Scheff and Gary Falcone.

​

​ TAMARA CHAMPLIN

TAMARA CHAMPLIN'S (then Matoesian) early career began as a "Gilley's" dancer and singer with Becky Bauch Williams (then Conway) in the Movie "Urban Cowboy" (Paramount Pictures 1980), followed by credits on Elton John's album The Fox in 1981, and future husband Bill Champlin's album Runaway. She went on her first road trip as part of Rita Coolidge's band to South Africa also in 1981. In films, she had lead vocal acknowledgment for "Heart of Glass" (composed with Bill Champlin and Bruce Gaitsch) from Caddyshack II; sang 3 songs in the Rob Lowe Movie "Illegally Yours" where she also shared songwriting distinction with Bruce Gaitsch on "Who Wins" from that film; lastly with husband Bill Champlin and Rita Coolidge there were 2 songs performed on screen in the Jim Carrey Movie "Copper Mountain" (1983). In 1983-84 she was a regular background vocalist on Alan Thicke's Show the "Thicke of the Night" and in 1988 was part of the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary Celebration.

Writing collaborations followed including "Price of Love" (written with Jack Ponti and Vic Pepe) for the Baton Rouge Release; "If You're Not The One For Me" (written with Bruce Gaitsch), sung by Bill Champlin and Brenda Russell, from Tim Scott's "Keep This Love Alive", "Stone Cold" Released by Paul Rodgers (Queen/Bad Company) with his band the Law on their Album Laying Down The Law (1991) and was a background vocalist on Peter Cetera's Album World Falling Down.

Tamara Champlin's Solo CD "You Won't Get To Heaven Alive" (Europe /1991) was released in the US in 1995 (Turnip). In addition to vocal and musical performances by many of the co-writers on this CD, industry greats such as Nicky Hopkins Bill Champlin, Tris Imboden and Greg Mathieson also held contributing credits as players. "Tragic Black" (written with Michael Caruso & Cal Curtis) was Number 1 in Germany and "You Won't Get To Heaven Alive" (a collaboration with Randy Cantor & Michael Caruso) reached the top 20 in Spain

Also in 1995 she co - wrote 3 songs "Southern Serenade" (where she shared vocal credits); "God Sent Angels" (background vocals), "Someone Else" and performed a duet on a Bill Champlin/Greg Mathieson tune "Love Is Gonna find You" that were featured on Bill Champlin's "He Started To Sing". On Champlin's Live CD "Mayday" (Champlin Records - 1996), she was part of the Band that toured in Europe to promote it. The Album included their duets of "Southern Serenade" and "Love Is Gonna Find You" with Tamara performing her own "Backstreets of Paradise".

There were a series of collection releases to follow where she was a guest lead vocalist and writer: "Make You A Believer" on "World Jam Volume 1; "Express Yourself" from Rocco Prestia's Solo Release "Everybody on the Bus" both in 1999; "Talkin' To Angels" from a charity project "Wings of Light-Songs of Inspiration" Released in 2001; Janey Clewer's "Love" CD (2012) where she shared vocals on the title track (written by Janey Clewer) with Janey, Peter Cetera & Bill Champlin; "Voices in The Wind" from Frederic Slama's Release "Secrets of LA" (2013) and was was the featured vocalist on the tune "Circle of Danger" from Slama's 2014 release "LA Connection". In 2015, she released a Single "Dreamin' of Chagall" (Champlin/Caruso/Champlin) inspired by works of artist Marc Chagall.

Continuing during this time were her writing credits for other performers: "Saint Forgiveness" (Champlin/Gaitsch/Champlin) written for Bruce Gaitsch "Aphasia" Album in 1997; "Runaway Love" (Champlin/Caruso/Matkosky) recorded by both Rita Coolige on her "Thinkin' About You" Release (1998) and was a top 40 Billboard Hit for Chris Ledoux's on his "One Road Man" Release (1996). On Chicago's Christmas CD "What's It Gonna Be Santa" she and husband Bill Champlin (a 28 year member of the band) contributed a co-write that he sang "Bethlehem". Many collaborations with Michael Caruso followed: "Shoo-Rah", "I'm Not Your Lover";(Champlin/Caruso/Matkosky) recorded again, by Rita Coolige; "Louisiana Wind" written by Champlin, Caruso, Matkosky and Lecompt was featured on Mike LeCompt's "Can't Let Go"(2002); "Pretty Ugly", "Pretty When She Cries" (Champlin/Caruso) from a Perfect Day's Release "All Over Everything" (2004) and Bekka Bramlett's Hit on Music Row "What's On My Mind" (2009). Son, Will Champlin, became part of this writing team in 2004 and the trio wrote many songs that featured Will as the vocalist for his first 3 albums (2004-2009). Will Champlin later went on to be part of Heather Headley's Grammy Award Winning Album "Audience of One" and was a Season 5 finalist on "The Voice".

In addition to the Studio work there was the live show in 2010 at Cafe 316 in Monterey, Ca, where she performed her own music and was accompanied by Bill and Will Champlin. Tamara was with the sold out tour in Scandinavia that featured Leon Russell, Bill Champlin, Peter Friestedt and Joe Williams and again in 2016 as part of Champlin Williams Friestedt tour in Europe and Japan. In 2014 re-formed her own band - this time with husband Bill Champlin, Carmen Grillo, Johnny Griparic and Dave Raven entertaining at Genghis Cohen.In 2014-2017 she performed acoustically with Bill Champlin in the US, Europe, Japan, Hawaii and South America and with the Sons of Champlin that toured steadily on the West Coast.

She was involved with the group of musicians organized by Lone Wolf Entertainment in 2011, that included husband Bill and son Will that traveled to Iraq and Kuwait to entertain US forces stationed there. In 2014 Tamara and Bill Champlin were part of a performance at Riverside, Ca in support of the Lone Survivor Foundation dedicated to assisting wounded American service members and their families. Tamara was associated with Eddie Tuduri's Rhythmic Art Project that helps children with learning disabilities and in 2017 was part of their 20th Anniversary Show where she performed a duet with Michael McDonald. She has worked with and been part of concert performances for Saving K-9 Lives founded by Jasmine and Bobby Kimball.

​

In 2015 & 2020 Tamara was part of the CWF (Champlin, Williams, Friestedt) projects releasing 2 albums, CWF and CWF 2 and toured Europe and Japan supporting those releases during that period.

In 2018 she continued touring with Rock Pack, Sons of Champlin, guested again with Ambrosia. Bill Champlin's WunderGround (that features Bill, Tamara, Gary Falcone with Burleigh Drummond & Mary Harris (of Ambrosia) and Bill Bodine). "Bleeding Secrets" was released April 2018 . ​

In January, 2021, Tamara was on Bill Champlin's latest release "Livin For Love" on Imagen Records as both a writer and vocalist on several of the tracks. It is available in the shop @ billchamplin.com/shop

​

​

​

JOHN TOWNSEND

John Townsend is an Alabama-based blues and R&B singer and pianist who, as co-leader of the Sanford-Townsend Band, scored a Top Ten hit in 1976 with the song "Smoke from a Distant Fire." Influenced by classic soul and R&B artists like Otis Redding, Ray Charles, and Wilson Pickett, the Tuscaloosa native began playing in bands while still in high school, eventually forming a seven-piece group called the Rubber Band while attending the University of Alabama. Although their career wouldn't last long, their 1967 single "Let Love Come Between Us" would later become a hit for James & Bobby Purify. He assembled his next group, Heart (no relation to the successful '70s and '80s act of the same name), from the remains of a Montgomery-area band called the Rockin' Gibraltars, which featured keyboardist Ed Sanford. With Heart, Townsend relocated to Los Angeles, where the band scored a record deal, released a number of singles, and even did a tour opening for Jimi Hendrix. When that band eventually fizzled out, Townsend spent bounced around doing studio work and other odd jobs while trying to find a band that would stick.

The Road Leads Home He eventually found it in the early '70s when he ran into his old friend and former Heart member Ed Sanford. The two began writing songs together with the hope of scoring a publishing deal, which eventually came via Chappell Music. A record deal with Warner Bros. soon followed and the Sanford-Townsend Band headed back to their home state to record their debut album with producer Jerry Wexler at the legendary Muscle Shoals studios. Their single "Smoke from a Distant Fire" rose all the way to number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and, riding this momentum, the group spent the next several years touring the world alongside acts like Fleetwood Mac, the Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels, and many others. When they eventually disbanded, Townsend found studio work doing jingles and co-writing with the likes of Kenny Loggins, Gregg Allman, and Larry Carlton. In the early '90s he joined the Gregg Allman Band for a spell, touring with them for several years before starting the Toler/Townsend Band with Allman Brothers guitarist Dan Toler and his brother David Toler. The group was together throughout the late '90s and 2000s, eventually releasing their eponymous album in 2008. Townsend also released his first solo album, The Road Leads Home, in 2003.

JODI SIEGEL

Jodi Siegel, originally from Chicago, IL, is a singer, songwriter and guitarist. Over the years Jodi has opened for and or shared the stage with many respected musicians including: Albert King, Robben Ford, Robert Cray, J.D. Souther, David Lindley, Fred Tacket and Paul Barrere (Little Feat) and countless others. Her songs have been recorded by Maria Muldaur, Marcia Ball, Tommy Ridgley and Teresa James. She has recorded two CD'S; Stepping Stone and her latest CD, “Wild Hearts,” produced by Steve Postell (Immediate Family, David Crosby, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Iain Matthews), is filled with great songs, cool grooves, intimate, smart lyrics and some of the best of the best musicians in Los Angeles today including; Mike Finnigan (organ, piano), Hutch Hutchinson, Abe Laborial Sr., Alphonso Johnson (bass), Russ Kunkel, Michael Jerome Moore, John Ferraro, Arno Lucas (drums, percussion), Joe Sublett (Saxophone) and Maxayne Lewis and Clydene Jackson (background vocals). Each song has a soulful delivery with an undeniable down-home elegance. It has received great reviews by Patrick Simmons (Doobie Brothers), Maria Muldaur, Walter Trout, David Mansfield (T Bone Burnett), Leland Sklar, Mike Finnigan and Doug Macleod to name a few.

Located right in downtown San Juan Capistrano....right by the railroad tracks...great food, full bar...patio dining with heat lamps or inside dining...see you there!

Ojai Underground Exchange is a small 50 seat listening room in the quiet town of Ojai California. Underground Exchange is an event space and dance studio.

Looking forward to playing a gig with one of my favorite Los Angeles guitar players: Joey Delgado! Joey, a founding member with his brother, of the award wining Delgado Brothers Band, is also a great songwriter , singer and entertainer. I've been a fan for many years and after talking on the phone to catch up, we decided to play a show at the Ojai Underground Exchange run by legendary musician/producer Bernie Larsen, We will play together and alone and fun will be had!! Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and $10-$15 for the live broadcast....a link will be provided soon..

This is a once a month (every third Tuesday) show that is designed as a listening room for world class songwriters, many with hit songs, long touring/recording associations with music legends ETC... to play their original music in an intimate setting. NO COVER BUT DONATIONS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURED AND GO TO THE SONGWRITERS. Project Barley serves excellent Food (Gourmet Pizza, wings, sandwiches, salads), wine, and award winning beer. Food served till 8:30pm. No reservations so arrive early to get a table. This month we are proud to present: BILL CHAMPLIN, TAMARA CHAMPLIN, JOHN TOWNSEND, JODI SIEGEL

BILL CHAMPLIN

Bill Champlin was born in Oakland, California on May 21, 1947 to a musical family. His grandparents, mother and sisters have all been singers. Bill is married to Tamara Champlin, a singer/songwriter in her own right, and is the father of three children. His youngest, Will Champlin, is building a name for himself as a prolific and distinctive singer-songwriter.

Bill’s musical career began in 1961 when he formed a band called the Opposite Six. A year later he began writing music. After forming the Sons of Champlin in 1967, he focused his songwriting talents on material for the Sons. “They were breathing fire. They were the most talented of all the San Francisco bands”, said Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. The Sons’ first album, “Loosen Up Naturally,” was released in 1969 and followed by six more albums before the Sons disbanded in 1977. Many of these have been re-released as CDs and are available for purchase.

After the breakup of the Sons, Bill moved to Los Angeles and worked as a session vocalist on numerous recordings from 1977 to 1985. The artists he worked with included Patti LaBelle, Lou Rawls, Elton John, Boz Scaggs, Donna Summer, Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Jimmy Smith, Amy Grant, Neil Diamond and Kenny Rogers. In 1978 he released his first solo album, “Single.” In 1979 he won his first Grammy award for co-writing “After the Love is Gone,” which was later recorded by Earth, Wind & Fire. During the Chicago/EWF tours in 2004 and 2005, Champlin was asked to perform this song with them, as lead singer.

The National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences awarded Bill The Most Valuable Player peer award for male background vocalists in 1980. The following year he won another Grammy for co-writing “Turn Your Love Around” for George Benson, and released his second solo album, “Runaway.”

In 1982 he joined Chicago to record “Chicago 16.” His unique and expressive voice can be heard on “Hard Habit to Break” from Chicago 17.

Bill’s 1988 recording of the song “In the Heat of the Night” was picked up as the show opener by the TV show of the same name. The following year Chicago released what turned out to be it’s biggest-selling single and their last No. 1 hit, “Look Away,” once again with Bill on lead vocal.

Bill released the critically acclaimed “No Wasted Moments” in 1990. That same year he was asked to perform two songs from “No Wasted Moments” at the Tokyo Music Festival and was presented with their Songwriter of the Year award.

Four more solo albums followed from Bill’s fertile mind: “Burn Down The Night” (1992), “Through It All” (1994), “He Started To Sing” (1995) and “Mayday” (1996). In July 1997 Chicago topped the adult contemporary chart with “Here in My Heart,” as the band once again turned to Bill for lead vocals. That same year also rendered the release of “West Coast All Stars,” an a cappella project he did with Jason Scheff of Chicago and Toto’s Bobby Kimball and Joseph Williams.

The Sons of Champlin reunited in 1997, with a loyal group of enthusiastic fans traveling great distances to see them perform. They recorded “Live At The Luther Burbank Center” in 1998, as well as “Secret” (CD and DVD) and “Hip Lil’ Dreams” in 2002.

Bill’s solo release “No Place Left To Fall” (CD and DVD), recorded at The Barber Shop Studios in Hopatcong, NJ for the Dream Makers Music label. It was first released by JVC Japan in September 2008, as well as being released for digital downloading, and later released in Europe by Zync Music in December. The U.S. release by Dream Makers came in August 2009.

On the heels of that US release and after 28 years with Chicago, Bill parted ways with the band to focus more on his solo career. “This music is callin’ me,” he said.

The two-time Grammy Award winner launched a successful West Coast tour in November 2009 with the Bill Champlin Band promoting “No Place Left To Fall.” That was followed by a Sons of Champlin tour in March 2010.

​

Next up Bill and Tamara were part of the Scandinavian tour headlined by Leon Russell that also featured Joseph Williams and Peter Friestedt. Bill teamed up with conductor Lars Erik Gudim & the Norwegian Radio Orchestra - KORK, in Oslo, Norway for a special performance that aired Dec. 27, 2011 on NRK TV in Norway. From 2014 to 2017 he performed several acoustic shows with Tamara in the US, Europe, Japan, South and Central America where they joined the Rock Pack Tour; guested with California Transit Authority featuring Danny Seraphine; and played concerts to benefit Eddie Tuduri's Rhythmic Arts Project with The Pockets. They also entertained with other indie artists for the Lone Wolf Entertainment Foundation and rejoined the re-formed Sons of Champlin for a series of shows in the Northwest.

​

In 2015 & 2020 Bill joined with Peter Friestedt and Joseph Williams to create 2 albums CWF and CWF 2 and toured Europe and Japan supporting those releases during that period.

In 2017 Bill and Tamara Champlin were a big part of the Ambrosia & Friends Tour. In 2018 he has continued touring with Rock Pack, Sons of Champlin, Danny Seraphine/CTA, guested again with Ambrosia and a summer tour occurred with Peter Friestedt & Frank Adahl in Europe. His CD with The WunderGround (that includes Champlin, Gary Falcone & Tamara Champlin) was released in April 2018 and following that there were live shows to showcase the music.

​

In January, 2021, Champlin's solo album "Livin For Love" was released by Imagen Records and featured Champlin on keys and guitars as well as players Bruce Gaitsch, Carmen Grillo, Steve Porcaro, Vinnie Colaiuta, George Hawkins Jr., Greg Mathieson, Gordon Campbell, Lenny Castro, Marc Russo, Alan Hertz, Tal Morris, Jason Scheff, Abraham Laboriel. Singers included Bill Champlin on lead and background vocals, Tamara Champlin, Gary Falcone, Jason Scheff and Andreas Carlsson. Tracks were composed by Bill Champlin, Tamara Champlin, Bruce Gaitsch, Michael Caruso, Greg Mathieson, Jason Scheff and Gary Falcone.

​

​ TAMARA CHAMPLIN

TAMARA CHAMPLIN'S (then Matoesian) early career began as a "Gilley's" dancer and singer with Becky Bauch Williams (then Conway) in the Movie "Urban Cowboy" (Paramount Pictures 1980), followed by credits on Elton John's album The Fox in 1981, and future husband Bill Champlin's album Runaway. She went on her first road trip as part of Rita Coolidge's band to South Africa also in 1981. In films, she had lead vocal acknowledgment for "Heart of Glass" (composed with Bill Champlin and Bruce Gaitsch) from Caddyshack II; sang 3 songs in the Rob Lowe Movie "Illegally Yours" where she also shared songwriting distinction with Bruce Gaitsch on "Who Wins" from that film; lastly with husband Bill Champlin and Rita Coolidge there were 2 songs performed on screen in the Jim Carrey Movie "Copper Mountain" (1983). In 1983-84 she was a regular background vocalist on Alan Thicke's Show the "Thicke of the Night" and in 1988 was part of the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary Celebration.

Writing collaborations followed including "Price of Love" (written with Jack Ponti and Vic Pepe) for the Baton Rouge Release; "If You're Not The One For Me" (written with Bruce Gaitsch), sung by Bill Champlin and Brenda Russell, from Tim Scott's "Keep This Love Alive", "Stone Cold" Released by Paul Rodgers (Queen/Bad Company) with his band the Law on their Album Laying Down The Law (1991) and was a background vocalist on Peter Cetera's Album World Falling Down.

Tamara Champlin's Solo CD "You Won't Get To Heaven Alive" (Europe /1991) was released in the US in 1995 (Turnip). In addition to vocal and musical performances by many of the co-writers on this CD, industry greats such as Nicky Hopkins Bill Champlin, Tris Imboden and Greg Mathieson also held contributing credits as players. "Tragic Black" (written with Michael Caruso & Cal Curtis) was Number 1 in Germany and "You Won't Get To Heaven Alive" (a collaboration with Randy Cantor & Michael Caruso) reached the top 20 in Spain

Also in 1995 she co - wrote 3 songs "Southern Serenade" (where she shared vocal credits); "God Sent Angels" (background vocals), "Someone Else" and performed a duet on a Bill Champlin/Greg Mathieson tune "Love Is Gonna find You" that were featured on Bill Champlin's "He Started To Sing". On Champlin's Live CD "Mayday" (Champlin Records - 1996), she was part of the Band that toured in Europe to promote it. The Album included their duets of "Southern Serenade" and "Love Is Gonna Find You" with Tamara performing her own "Backstreets of Paradise".

There were a series of collection releases to follow where she was a guest lead vocalist and writer: "Make You A Believer" on "World Jam Volume 1; "Express Yourself" from Rocco Prestia's Solo Release "Everybody on the Bus" both in 1999; "Talkin' To Angels" from a charity project "Wings of Light-Songs of Inspiration" Released in 2001; Janey Clewer's "Love" CD (2012) where she shared vocals on the title track (written by Janey Clewer) with Janey, Peter Cetera & Bill Champlin; "Voices in The Wind" from Frederic Slama's Release "Secrets of LA" (2013) and was was the featured vocalist on the tune "Circle of Danger" from Slama's 2014 release "LA Connection". In 2015, she released a Single "Dreamin' of Chagall" (Champlin/Caruso/Champlin) inspired by works of artist Marc Chagall.

Continuing during this time were her writing credits for other performers: "Saint Forgiveness" (Champlin/Gaitsch/Champlin) written for Bruce Gaitsch "Aphasia" Album in 1997; "Runaway Love" (Champlin/Caruso/Matkosky) recorded by both Rita Coolige on her "Thinkin' About You" Release (1998) and was a top 40 Billboard Hit for Chris Ledoux's on his "One Road Man" Release (1996). On Chicago's Christmas CD "What's It Gonna Be Santa" she and husband Bill Champlin (a 28 year member of the band) contributed a co-write that he sang "Bethlehem". Many collaborations with Michael Caruso followed: "Shoo-Rah", "I'm Not Your Lover";(Champlin/Caruso/Matkosky) recorded again, by Rita Coolige; "Louisiana Wind" written by Champlin, Caruso, Matkosky and Lecompt was featured on Mike LeCompt's "Can't Let Go"(2002); "Pretty Ugly", "Pretty When She Cries" (Champlin/Caruso) from a Perfect Day's Release "All Over Everything" (2004) and Bekka Bramlett's Hit on Music Row "What's On My Mind" (2009). Son, Will Champlin, became part of this writing team in 2004 and the trio wrote many songs that featured Will as the vocalist for his first 3 albums (2004-2009). Will Champlin later went on to be part of Heather Headley's Grammy Award Winning Album "Audience of One" and was a Season 5 finalist on "The Voice".

In addition to the Studio work there was the live show in 2010 at Cafe 316 in Monterey, Ca, where she performed her own music and was accompanied by Bill and Will Champlin. Tamara was with the sold out tour in Scandinavia that featured Leon Russell, Bill Champlin, Peter Friestedt and Joe Williams and again in 2016 as part of Champlin Williams Friestedt tour in Europe and Japan. In 2014 re-formed her own band - this time with husband Bill Champlin, Carmen Grillo, Johnny Griparic and Dave Raven entertaining at Genghis Cohen.In 2014-2017 she performed acoustically with Bill Champlin in the US, Europe, Japan, Hawaii and South America and with the Sons of Champlin that toured steadily on the West Coast.

She was involved with the group of musicians organized by Lone Wolf Entertainment in 2011, that included husband Bill and son Will that traveled to Iraq and Kuwait to entertain US forces stationed there. In 2014 Tamara and Bill Champlin were part of a performance at Riverside, Ca in support of the Lone Survivor Foundation dedicated to assisting wounded American service members and their families. Tamara was associated with Eddie Tuduri's Rhythmic Art Project that helps children with learning disabilities and in 2017 was part of their 20th Anniversary Show where she performed a duet with Michael McDonald. She has worked with and been part of concert performances for Saving K-9 Lives founded by Jasmine and Bobby Kimball.

​

In 2015 & 2020 Tamara was part of the CWF (Champlin, Williams, Friestedt) projects releasing 2 albums, CWF and CWF 2 and toured Europe and Japan supporting those releases during that period.

In 2018 she continued touring with Rock Pack, Sons of Champlin, guested again with Ambrosia. Bill Champlin's WunderGround (that features Bill, Tamara, Gary Falcone with Burleigh Drummond & Mary Harris (of Ambrosia) and Bill Bodine). "Bleeding Secrets" was released April 2018 . ​

In January, 2021, Tamara was on Bill Champlin's latest release "Livin For Love" on Imagen Records as both a writer and vocalist on several of the tracks. It is available in the shop @ billchamplin.com/shop

​

​

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JOHN TOWNSEND

John Townsend is an Alabama-based blues and R&B singer and pianist who, as co-leader of the Sanford-Townsend Band, scored a Top Ten hit in 1976 with the song "Smoke from a Distant Fire." Influenced by classic soul and R&B artists like Otis Redding, Ray Charles, and Wilson Pickett, the Tuscaloosa native began playing in bands while still in high school, eventually forming a seven-piece group called the Rubber Band while attending the University of Alabama. Although their career wouldn't last long, their 1967 single "Let Love Come Between Us" would later become a hit for James & Bobby Purify. He assembled his next group, Heart (no relation to the successful '70s and '80s act of the same name), from the remains of a Montgomery-area band called the Rockin' Gibraltars, which featured keyboardist Ed Sanford. With Heart, Townsend relocated to Los Angeles, where the band scored a record deal, released a number of singles, and even did a tour opening for Jimi Hendrix. When that band eventually fizzled out, Townsend spent bounced around doing studio work and other odd jobs while trying to find a band that would stick.

The Road Leads Home He eventually found it in the early '70s when he ran into his old friend and former Heart member Ed Sanford. The two began writing songs together with the hope of scoring a publishing deal, which eventually came via Chappell Music. A record deal with Warner Bros. soon followed and the Sanford-Townsend Band headed back to their home state to record their debut album with producer Jerry Wexler at the legendary Muscle Shoals studios. Their single "Smoke from a Distant Fire" rose all the way to number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and, riding this momentum, the group spent the next several years touring the world alongside acts like Fleetwood Mac, the Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels, and many others. When they eventually disbanded, Townsend found studio work doing jingles and co-writing with the likes of Kenny Loggins, Gregg Allman, and Larry Carlton. In the early '90s he joined the Gregg Allman Band for a spell, touring with them for several years before starting the Toler/Townsend Band with Allman Brothers guitarist Dan Toler and his brother David Toler. The group was together throughout the late '90s and 2000s, eventually releasing their eponymous album in 2008. Townsend also released his first solo album, The Road Leads Home, in 2003.

JODI SIEGEL

Jodi Siegel, originally from Chicago, IL, is a singer, songwriter and guitarist. Over the years Jodi has opened for and or shared the stage with many respected musicians including: Albert King, Robben Ford, Robert Cray, J.D. Souther, David Lindley, Fred Tacket and Paul Barrere (Little Feat) and countless others. Her songs have been recorded by Maria Muldaur, Marcia Ball, Tommy Ridgley and Teresa James. She has recorded two CD'S; Stepping Stone and her latest CD, “Wild Hearts,” produced by Steve Postell (Immediate Family, David Crosby, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Iain Matthews), is filled with great songs, cool grooves, intimate, smart lyrics and some of the best of the best musicians in Los Angeles today including; Mike Finnigan (organ, piano), Hutch Hutchinson, Abe Laborial Sr., Alphonso Johnson (bass), Russ Kunkel, Michael Jerome Moore, John Ferraro, Arno Lucas (drums, percussion), Joe Sublett (Saxophone) and Maxayne Lewis and Clydene Jackson (background vocals). Each song has a soulful delivery with an undeniable down-home elegance. It has received great reviews by Patrick Simmons (Doobie Brothers), Maria Muldaur, Walter Trout, David Mansfield (T Bone Burnett), Leland Sklar, Mike Finnigan and Doug Macleod to name a few.