Biography
Originally named the Ebony Rhythm Band, formed in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1969. Rhythm Section was the studio band for Lamp Records in late 60's early 70's.
Renamed the Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign in 1972. First album produced by famed trombonist Wayne Henderson, entitled "Reach For It" released on Universal label in 1972. Original members were John "Ricky" Jackson (keys)
Master "Boobie" Townsend (guitar) Lester "Lammy"Johnson(bass) Anthony Joseph Roberts (vocals) Matthew "Phatback" Watson(drums)Pam Tanner(vocals)Henry Leon Miles (sax)and Ron Hedricks (trumpet). Lived and played in L.A. from 1970 to 1972. Came back to Indianapolis in 1973.
Added Michael John Woods (trombone, keys), and Carl Haefeli (trumpet)in 1974. Recorded "How's Your Wife and My Child" in 1974 on the Innovation II label for Carl Davis. This single (B side was titled "Oh Baby")made it to #69 on the Billboard Hot Soul 100.
More personnel changes in 1976, Watson, Jackson and Townsend left the group and ERFC added George Dennie (keys) T.J. Jones (guitar). This group released the second album "Watchin You Watchin Me"
for Carl Davis on Chisound Records in 1976.
The Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign had a dual set of "roots" in both the soul/Rhythm and Blues as well as 60's rock and roll. While the original Ebony Rhythm Band covered the likes of "Light My Fire", the roots of the Hendrix electric influence can be heard on the guitar solo on "Sighin and Groanin" recorded in 1974 but first released in 2008 (check out myspace.com/ebonyfunk) This newly released archived material reveals for the first time the exciting live sound of the Funk Campaign.
ERFC played the "chittlin" circuit in the Midwest throughout the seventies then broke up in 1980. The group performed a first "re-union" show in 2005, then another one in 2007. Currently they are releasing several never before released live cuts from 1974.
The first release (ERFC Records) is Sighin' and Groanin'
a full CD will follow in the coming months. In the meantime the band is writing new material and working on a live show to be performed sometime in the fall of 2008. Go to myspace.com/ebonyfunk or send an e-mail to
erfcmyspace@gmail.com
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