Bay Area Psych-Soul Collective Moonalice Signs to Nettwerk, Shares Lester Chambers-fronted “Time Has Come Today”
November 19, 2021 BY Nettwerk
Today, Nettwerk Records is excited to announce the signing of Moonalice, the renowned Bay Area collective known for bringing peace, love, and happiness wherever they go. They are proud share a new version of the psychedelic soul anthem, “Time Has Come Today,” fronted by Lester Chambers, original member of The Chambers Brothers who also sang lead vocal on the original version. With an authenticity only possible from someone who has been on the front line of the fight for social justice, Lester breathes new life into the electrifying song.
“Time Has Come Today” is widely regarded as a landmark song from the psychedelic era of the late-1960s. It peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the fall of 1968. Peace and love were in the air, but this was also the time of the Civil Rights movement and the Equal Rights campaign which pushed for justice for all. Decades later, this song is still needed, and the message is just as powerful. Moonalice is proud to continue the fight for peace and justice and we hope this song inspires you to join in and do the same.
LISTEN & SHARE “TIME HAS COME TODAY” HERE:
Like a tree with many branches, Moonalice’s members have collaborated with some of the most acclaimed artists in music, and performed in several pioneering and Grammy-winning bands. In addition to Lester Chambers, co-founder of The Chambers Brothers, bassist Pete Sears played on Rod Stewart’s monster hit “Maggie Mae” before co-founding Jefferson Starship. Drummer John Molo played in Bruce Hornsby and the Range, The Other Ones, and Phil Lesh & Friends. Moonalice’s founder, Roger McNamee, penned a recent Time magazine cover story and was Bono’s business partner for a dozen years. This only scratches the surface of the band’s numerous collective accomplishments, so it’s safe to say Moonalice’s roots extend deep and wide.
The exuberant Bay Area ten-piece delivers a unique brand of psychedelic soul and rock-tinged with Americana. But dig a little deeper and you’ll discover an unparalleled history of musicianship, activism, and a band ethos that’s more vital now than ever.
Along with Barry Sless (lead guitar and pedal steel) and Sears (bass), McNamee formed Moonalice and recorded their 2009 T Bone Burnett-produced self-titled debut album. The band later expanded to include Jason Crosby (keyboards), and newest members Lester Chambers, his son Dylan Chambers, and Erika, Rachel, and Chloe Tietjen of acclaimed Americana band the T Sisters on vocals.
“A lightbulb went off when Lester, Dylan and the T Sisters joined the band,” Sless says. “They have an infectious energy that catches the audience’s attention. All five of them bring a new spark. People realize they really have something to say.”
After a brilliantly received debut at the 2019 LOCKN’ Festival featuring the new ten-piece lineup, the band suddenly found itself overwhelmed with bookings, until restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 outbreak derailed their plans. They took the opportunity to write and record new material and arrange captivating covers of tunes made famous by Lester Chambers and his former band The Chambers Brothers.
All members bring their formidable musical chops to the proceedings. At 81, Lester Chambers brings with him a lifetime of musical experience. The Chambers Brothers, whose 1968 hit “Time Has Come Today” earned them a gold record, were recently featured prominently in Questlove’s acclaimed 2021 documentary Summer of Soul.
The band’s ethos of “Love, Peace and Happiness,” taken from The Chambers Brothers’ song of the same name, is infused into everything they do. “I think an important part of Moonalice is the notion that each of us has an opportunity to make a difference,” McNamee says. “We’ve survived a pandemic and a zillion other things. It makes sense to look forward and think about the positive, and remind people that they have a shot at a better day ahead.”
