Exciting news from my favorite Indie Label True Groove Records. Yesterday, the label signed the master of skronk and perhaps the single most gifted musician to come of the Lower east Side early 1980s post-punk scene James Chance. True Groove Label owner Tomas Doncker was lead guitarist in the 1980-1981 incarnation of the Contortions, the one that cemented their position as the greatest band in the world that year with a legendary tour of the West Coast, so is particularly happy to be reunited with his old boss. Last month Doncker was in the studio with James re-mastering 1979’s Buy, and at lunch with James and myself the other day mentioned they were planning to record some new songs sometime this summer.
You can definitely see why Chance would sign to True Groove, there couldn’t be a record company more in tune with Chance’s avant garde funk sounds. and more considerate of the immense musical gifts he brings. Chance is also planning a tour of Europe and is in negotiations to star in a documentary about his sensational career
For an early viewing of True Groove’s latest signing, make sure that you check out the True Groove All Stars on March 11th, 2014 at the Cutting Room, where James will be making an appearance.
As a friend of Tomas and a fan of James, I couldn’t be more thrilled for both of them.