50th anniversary live show.

“We started as teenagers with high hopes and great expectations. Our lives took different paths and the years brought each of us different experiences. One thing remained throughout, and that was friendship. That friendship has lasted over a half century!”

—Jim Bonfanti

In 2018, when Omnivore Recordings released The Choir’s first full length platter in the group’s history, no one knew what impact the release of that recording would have. Sure, the group, in its many different manifestations during the ’60s, had released several singles, including a Top 10 smash (“It’s Cold Outside”) in the group’s hometown of Cleveland. The song would reach #68 on the Billboard national charts. But the garage rock band whose many different members went on to form other important bands like Raspberries and James Gang, had never made an album of their own before, just assorted singles from 1966–1968.

So 50 years on, when the tapes of an aborted album were found, mixed and released as Artifact: The Unreleased Album to unanimous critical acclaim, the 1968 version of The Choir suddenly found itself back in the limelight with a weighty decision… to reclaim their vision and perform live… back where they came from, the home of rock ’n’ roll, Cleveland, Ohio.

Omnivore Recordings is proud to announce the release of Last Call: Live At The Music Box, The Choir’s 50th anniversary performance captured live at Cleveland’s Music Box the night of Sept-ember 20, 2019. The band plays perfect renditions of material from Artifact as well as dipping into their deep bag of influences. Hear dynamite versions of songs by Procol Harum, Billy Preston, Spooky Tooth, The Nice, The Kinks, Bob Seger and yes, even a cover of Jimmy Webb’s grandiose epic “MacArthur Park.” The band even rearranges their 1966 hit “It’s Cold Outside” to reflect the current musical makeup of the group which includes Ken Margolis (keyboards), Phil Giallombardo (organ), Randy Klawon (guitars), Denny Carleton (bass) and Jim Bonfanti (drums).

This two-disc set also include remembrances from each member of the band as well as photos from the night of the show. So, step right up and don’t be late for it’s Last Call with The Choir!

CD / Digital Track List:

Disc 1:

1. A Whiter Shade Of Pale
2. Anyway I Can
3. Love Really Changed Me
4. Laydbug
5. Shine On Brightly
6. I Can’t Stay In Your Life
7. That’s The Way God Planned It
8. Boris’ Lament
9. What About You
10. Have I No Love To Offer
11. America

Disc 2:

1. Kaleidoscope
2. If These Are Men
3. David Watts
4. It’s All Over
5. Mummer Band
6. For Eric
7. Salty Dog
8. Good Times
9. MacArthur Park
10. It’s Cold Outside
11. Conquistador
12. Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man