Longtime Chicago member Bill Champlin’s new solo album No Place Left To Fall was released digitally here in the States a couple of months ago. Now the album will get a physical CD release in Europe on December 10th, with a bonus 70 minute DVD documentary about the making of No Place Left To Fall.

Bill Champlin – interview and live performance of “Lookin’ For You” from the new album No Place Left To Fall on Showcase Minnesota, September 2008

I’ve been an avid collector of Champlin solo releases over the years. As a kid, after I made my way through collecting the catalog of Chicago releases, I moved on to collecting the individual solo releases from the members of Chicago. I learned quickly that anything that had Bill Champlin’s name in the liner notes, was an album that was guaranteed to be worth owning.

No Place Left To Fall is Champlin’s first all-new studio album in 13 years, and it’s a family affair with wife Tamara and son Will (who has his own new CD coming out soon) helping out on some of the tracks. The hefty guest list on No Place To Fall includes legendary guitarist Steve Lukather, Bruce Gaitsch, Michael English, and former Chicago comrade Peter Cetera.

Champlin’s voice is instantly recognizable – you’ve heard it for years on Chicago songs including his lead vocal on the chart-topping “Look Away,” which gets an update on this album. You might also have heard Bill via his work with Sons of Champlin. And if you haven’t heard Champlin’s stuff yet, No Place To Fall is a great starting point. It’s packed to the brim with funk and plenty of real honest-to-goodness B-3 organ – no samples, here!

It’s been a fixture on my Ipod since I got it, and continues to get it’s hooks into me deeper and deeper with each listen. One of my favorite tracks from No Place Left To Fall, is Champlin’s ode to the been there/done that kinda love, a track called “Lover Like That.”

Bill Champlin – Lover Like That

Hear additional tracks at Bill’s website.

Here’s the press release:

The long anticipated new release from legendary singer songwriter Bill Champlin is here at last. “No Place Left To Fall” features the smooth, thoughtful song-writing you’ve come to expect from Bill. Soul infused grooves and undeniable hooks pave the way from start to finish, and songs like the title track are a reminder of why Mr. Champlin has been in the game so long. Bill and his band are joined by some very special guests including Peter Cetera, Steve Lukather, Bruce Gaitsch and Michael English. This album will not disappoint!

In the words of drummer, Billy Ward, “I became a Bill Champlin fan in the early seventies when he led, what was to me, a ground-breaking band, The Sons Of Champlin. He’s written and sang on probably over 400 hit songs, the later ones with the band Chicago. His organ playing has him ranked on most peoples “A” list and he plays the heck out of the guitar as well! He is one of the finest musicians I’ve ever gotten the privilege to play with.”

Dennis Cook, in Jambase and Relix Magazine adds, “Age has done nothing to diminish his powers, and in fact, brings nuances to the material that a young cat just can’t muster.”

This special edition does not only consist of 13 new songs with a total length of 68 minutes, you are also treated with a 70 minute DVD (region free) featuring a lengthy documentary of the recording of the album plus some extra cool stuff – all nicely packed in a slipcase.

The release date is set for December 10, but all pre-orders placed by December 1 will be shipped on December 2!

More info at BillChamplin.net

Bill Champlin with Chicago – In The Midnight Hour (cover)

Chicago – All Roads Lead To You (Bill Champlin lead vocal)