New Colony Six
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The New Colony Six were an American rock band of the 1960s.
Formed in 1964 in Chicago, Illinois, they scored a major local hit with "I Confess", featured on their 1966 debut album, Breakthrough. Their sound was characterized by Richie Unterberger as "a poppier American Them with their prominent organ, wobbly Lesley-fied guitar amplifications and rave-up tempos", later devolving into "a cabaret-ish band with minor national hits to their credit by the end of the 1960s."[1] Like other bands of the era, including Paul Revere & the Raiders, they could be seen wearing colonial outfits.[2] Members of the group included Ronnie Rice, Ray Graffia, Chick James, Craig Kemp, Wally Kemp, Jerry Kollenberg, Les Kummel, Pat McBride and Gerry VanKollenburg.
After the success of "I Confess", other minor hits included 1968's "Love You So Much" and "I Will Always Think About You"; and 1969's "Things I'd Like to Say".
Over the years, there have been numerous changes in the lineup of The New Colony Six. Ray Graffia is the only original member of the current group, but original members have been known to make special guest appearances. Bassist Les Kummel, who had replaced original bass player Wally Kemp in 1967, died in a car accident on December 18, 1978.
[edit] Discography
- Breakthrough (1966, Centaur)
- Colonization (1967, Sentar)
- Revelations (1968, Mercury)
- Attacking a Straw Man (1969, Mercury)
- Colonized!: the Best of New Colony Six (1993 Compilation, Rhino)
- At the River's Edge (1993 Compilation, Sundazed records)
