The Samples
Encyclopedia
The Samples were a band formed in Boulder, Colorado
in early 1987. The band's name came from the members' early sustenance of food samples
from the local King Soopers grocery store. The music has been described as "reggae influenced rock/pop" and a cross between The Police
and the Grateful Dead
. The founding members were Sean Kelly (Guitar/Vocals), Charles Hambleton (Guitar), Andy Sheldon (Bass/Vocals), Jeep MacNichol (Drums/Vocals), and Al Laughlin (Keyboards/Vocals).
The band gradually gained fame and released their first self-titled album The Samples
on their own label. Following the release, they signed with Arista Records
and re-released the same album in May 1989. However, the relationship with Arista was short-lived as irreconcilable differences quickly came up from the label's desire to change their sound. Their contract with Arista was terminated and the band continued to tour unsigned. In 1991, Hambleton left the band to flee to the Caribbean over a heroin charge. He later appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean
and was associate producer of the film The Cove
.
The Samples continued to tour and released their own self-published album, Underwater People
, composed of both studio-recorded and live tracks. The band soon joined the newly-formed independent label, W.A.R.? - What Are Records?. Their records, including "Underwater People" (1992), "No Room" (1992), "The Last Drag" (1993) and "Autopilot" (1994) blended pop sensibility with a mix of folk, reggae, jazz, and rock to create their own signature sound. Sean Kelly, as the main songwriter, wrote songs about nature and the environment giving the band an "eco-friendly" reputation. Sheldon's thumping bass, MacNichol's Stewart Copeland-inspired beats and Laughlin's off-beat reggae chords supported Kelly's inspired songwriting and Sting-like vocals. They became a success throughout the early 1990s, selling over one million copies of their catalogue based on a genuine grass roots campaign. Their live shows helped them on the college circuit selling out venues in college towns across the country. The band headlined some of the H.O.R.D.E.
tour shows in 1993 and 1996 and they shared the bill with big names such as The Allman Brothers Band
, Blues Traveler
, and Phish
. On their own tours, many up and coming bands opened up for them including Dave Matthews Band
, Hootie & the Blowfish
, and Lisa Loeb
. The success included television performances on The Tonight Show
and House of Blues
.
In 1996, The Samples signed with MCA Records
and released "Outpost", their 5th studio album. Due to a buyout, MCA was experiencing financial difficulties and significant corporate reshuffling, and, as a result, many small or recently-signed bands were dropped from the label that year. The Samples' contract with MCA was subsequently terminated. The following year, The Samples often toured as a three-piece while Laughlin stayed in Colorado to address his heroin abuse and a robbery charge. He would leave the band shortly thereafter, along with MacNichol who left to pursue a solo career. The Samples rejoined What Are Records? and released three more albums, Transmissions from the Sea of Tranquility, The Tan Mule and Here and Somewhere Else. In 2000 the band began to release albums independently. Since 1997, there have been numerous member changes with the exception of Sean Kelly as frontman.
In April 2008, The Samples came to an end, as Sean Kelly wrote: "The long and winding road for The Samples has ended. Outside of possibly playing a few rumored dates with the original line up next fall, The Samples will be no longer." However, the band continued to play a few shows through 2009. The original five-piece lineup reunited for a show at Mile High Music Festival
in 2010 and Formed a new lineup and played the Denver Day of Rock and have continued to tour the spring and summer of 2011 with many more dates planned for the future. (scroll down on the link) in 2011.
A biopic documentary about the band is in the works titled "The Best Band You've Never Heard". It is being produced by Besame films and is due to be released in 2011.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is the county seat and most populous city of Boulder County and the 11th most populous city in the U.S. state of Colorado. Boulder is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of...
in early 1987. The band's name came from the members' early sustenance of food samples
Food sampling
Food sampling is a process used to check that a food is safe and that it does not contain harmful contaminants, or that it contains only permitted additives at acceptable levels, or that it contains the right levels of key ingredients and its label declarations are correct, or to know the levels of...
from the local King Soopers grocery store. The music has been described as "reggae influenced rock/pop" and a cross between The Police
The Police
The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting , Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland...
and the Grateful Dead
Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The band was known for its unique and eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, reggae, country, improvisational jazz, psychedelia, and space rock, and for live performances of long...
. The founding members were Sean Kelly (Guitar/Vocals), Charles Hambleton (Guitar), Andy Sheldon (Bass/Vocals), Jeep MacNichol (Drums/Vocals), and Al Laughlin (Keyboards/Vocals).
History
Sean Kelly and Charles Hambleton met in 1985 in Burlington, Vermont at an open mic called The Sheik, leading to the formation of the band Secret City in 1986. After playing together in Burlington for a year, the pair moved to Boulder, CO and met up with Andy Sheldon, a friend and member of a prior band with Kelly. Jeep MacNichol joined the band as drummer after responding to an ad posted at the University of Colorado. After playing around the area, Al Laughlin saw the group perform at a frat party and asked if the group needed a keyboardist, an offer the band accepted.The band gradually gained fame and released their first self-titled album The Samples
The Samples (album)
The Samples is the eponymous debut album by The Samples. Originally released on Arista Records in May 1989, it would later be re-released in 1993 on What Are Records.-Track listing:# "Feel Us Shaking" – 4:40# "Waited Up" – 5:12# "Ocean of War" – 5:01...
on their own label. Following the release, they signed with Arista Records
Arista Records
Arista was an American record label. It was a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment and operated under the RCA Music Group. The label was founded in 1974 by Clive Davis, who formerly worked for CBS Records...
and re-released the same album in May 1989. However, the relationship with Arista was short-lived as irreconcilable differences quickly came up from the label's desire to change their sound. Their contract with Arista was terminated and the band continued to tour unsigned. In 1991, Hambleton left the band to flee to the Caribbean over a heroin charge. He later appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is a multi-billion dollar Walt Disney franchise encompassing a series of films, a theme park ride, and spinoff novels as well as numerous video games and other publications. The franchise originates with the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, which opened at Disneyland in...
and was associate producer of the film The Cove
The Cove
The Cove is a 2009 documentary film that analyzes and questions Japan's dolphin hunting culture. It was awarded the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The film is a call to action to halt mass dolphin kills, change Japanese fishing practices, and to inform and educate the public about the...
.
The Samples continued to tour and released their own self-published album, Underwater People
Underwater People
Underwater People is the third album by The Samples. It contained live material, demos, unreleased songs, and alternate versions.-Track listing:# Underwater People # My Town # Braidwood# Giants # After the Rain...
, composed of both studio-recorded and live tracks. The band soon joined the newly-formed independent label, W.A.R.? - What Are Records?. Their records, including "Underwater People" (1992), "No Room" (1992), "The Last Drag" (1993) and "Autopilot" (1994) blended pop sensibility with a mix of folk, reggae, jazz, and rock to create their own signature sound. Sean Kelly, as the main songwriter, wrote songs about nature and the environment giving the band an "eco-friendly" reputation. Sheldon's thumping bass, MacNichol's Stewart Copeland-inspired beats and Laughlin's off-beat reggae chords supported Kelly's inspired songwriting and Sting-like vocals. They became a success throughout the early 1990s, selling over one million copies of their catalogue based on a genuine grass roots campaign. Their live shows helped them on the college circuit selling out venues in college towns across the country. The band headlined some of the H.O.R.D.E.
H.O.R.D.E.
Horizons of Rock Developing Everywhere or H.O.R.D.E. Festival was a touring summer rock music festival originated by the musical group Blues Traveler in 1992. In addition to travelling headliners, the festival gave exposure to bands, charities, and organizations from the local area of the...
tour shows in 1993 and 1996 and they shared the bill with big names such as The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band is an American rock/blues band once based in Macon, Georgia. The band was formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman and Gregg Allman , who were supported by Dickey Betts , Berry Oakley , Butch Trucks , and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe"...
, Blues Traveler
Blues Traveler
Blues Traveler is a rock band, formed in Princeton, New Jersey in 1987. The band has been influenced by a variety of genres, including blues-rock, psychedelic rock, folk rock, soul, and Southern rock...
, and Phish
Phish
Phish is an American rock band noted for its musical improvisation, extended jams, and exploration of music across genres. Formed at the University of Vermont in 1983 , the band's four members – Trey Anastasio , Mike Gordon , Jon Fishman , and Page McConnell Phish is an American rock band...
. On their own tours, many up and coming bands opened up for them including Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band, sometimes shortened to DMB, is a U.S. rock band formed in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991. The founding members were singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Matthews, bassist Stefan Lessard, drummer/backing vocalist Carter Beauford and saxophonist LeRoi Moore. Boyd Tinsley was...
, Hootie & the Blowfish
Hootie & the Blowfish
Hootie & the Blowfish is an American rock band that enjoyed popularity in the second half of the 1990s. They were originally formed in 1986 at the University of South Carolina by Darius Rucker, Dean Felber, Jim Sonefeld, and Mark Bryan. The band has recorded five studio albums to date, and has...
, and Lisa Loeb
Lisa Loeb
Lisa Anne Loeb is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She launched her career in 1994 with the song, "Stay ". She was the first artist to have a number one single in the United States while not signed to a recording contract.Loeb's efforts now include music, film, television, voice-over...
. The success included television performances on The Tonight Show
The Tonight Show
The Tonight Show is an American late-night talk show that has aired on NBC since 1954. It is the longest currently running regularly scheduled entertainment program in the United States, and the third longest-running show on NBC, after Meet the Press and Today.The Tonight Show has been hosted by...
and House of Blues
House of Blues
House of Blues is a chain of 13 live music concert halls and restaurants in major markets throughout the United States. House of Blues first location was in Cambridge's Harvard Square. It was opened in 1992 by Isaac Tigrett, co-founder of Hard Rock Cafe, and Dan Aykroyd, star of The Blues Brothers...
.
In 1996, The Samples signed with MCA Records
MCA Records
MCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003...
and released "Outpost", their 5th studio album. Due to a buyout, MCA was experiencing financial difficulties and significant corporate reshuffling, and, as a result, many small or recently-signed bands were dropped from the label that year. The Samples' contract with MCA was subsequently terminated. The following year, The Samples often toured as a three-piece while Laughlin stayed in Colorado to address his heroin abuse and a robbery charge. He would leave the band shortly thereafter, along with MacNichol who left to pursue a solo career. The Samples rejoined What Are Records? and released three more albums, Transmissions from the Sea of Tranquility, The Tan Mule and Here and Somewhere Else. In 2000 the band began to release albums independently. Since 1997, there have been numerous member changes with the exception of Sean Kelly as frontman.
In April 2008, The Samples came to an end, as Sean Kelly wrote: "The long and winding road for The Samples has ended. Outside of possibly playing a few rumored dates with the original line up next fall, The Samples will be no longer." However, the band continued to play a few shows through 2009. The original five-piece lineup reunited for a show at Mile High Music Festival
Mile High Music Festival
The Mile High Music Festival is an annual two-day concert held in Commerce City, Colorado at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, first done on July 19 and 20, 2008...
in 2010 and Formed a new lineup and played the Denver Day of Rock and have continued to tour the spring and summer of 2011 with many more dates planned for the future. (scroll down on the link) in 2011.
A biopic documentary about the band is in the works titled "The Best Band You've Never Heard". It is being produced by Besame films and is due to be released in 2011.
Former members
- Sean Kelly - lead singer, guitars and songwriter (1987–Present)
- Andy Sheldon - singer, bass and songwriter (1987–2002)
- Jeep MacNichol - drums, percussion and songwriter (1987–1997)
- Al Laughlin - keyboards and songwriter (1987–1997)
- Charles Hambleton - acoustic guitar (1987–1991)
- Rob Somers - guitars and vocals (1997–2003)
- Alex Matson - keyboards (1997–2002)
- Kenny James - drums (1997–1998)
- Sam Young - drums (1998–2002)
- Brian Powers - saxophone (1999)
- Tom Askin - guitars and vocals (2002–2005)
- Dan Blondin - acoustic guitars and vocals (2005–2009)
- Mike Montrey - acoustic guitars and vocals (2009–Present)
- Jared Johnson - bass (2005–Present)
- Karl Dietel - keyboards and vocals (2005–Present)
- Billy Mutchler - drums (2005–Present)
- Rich Ross - bass (2009–Present)
Studio albums
- The SamplesThe Samples (album)The Samples is the eponymous debut album by The Samples. Originally released on Arista Records in May 1989, it would later be re-released in 1993 on What Are Records.-Track listing:# "Feel Us Shaking" – 4:40# "Waited Up" – 5:12# "Ocean of War" – 5:01...
(May 1989) - No RoomNo RoomNo Room is the second album released by Boulder, Colorado band The Samples. The album was released on April 22, 1992.-Track listing:# "When It's Raining" – 3:33# "Summertime" – 4:57# "Another Disaster" – 5:15# "Did You Ever Look So Nice" – 4:02...
(April 22, 1992) - The Last DragThe Last DragThe Last Drag is the third studio album released by Boulder, Colorado band The Samples. The album was released on September 24, 1993.-Track listing:# "Little Silver Ring"# "Everytime"# "Still Water"# "Eatonville"# "Streets In The Rain"...
(September 24, 1993) - Autopilot (September 13, 1994)
- Outpost (July 16, 1996)
- The Tan Mule (1998)
- Here and Somewhere Else (July 28, 1998)
- Return to Earth (April 10, 2001)
- Black & White (March 9, 2004)
- Rehearsing for Life (November 29, 2005)
- B Sides and Outtakes (February 22, 2011)
Live albums
- Live At Deerfield Academy [Official LIVE Bootleg] (1993)
- Transmissions from the Sea of Tranquility [LIVE] (September 23, 1997)
- Seventeen [LIVE] (October 7, 2003)
- Instant Live: The Paradise – Boston, MA, 4/20/03 [LIVE] (October 14, 2003)
- Live in Colorado [LIVE] (May 4, 2004)
Compilations/EPs/others
- Underwater PeopleUnderwater PeopleUnderwater People is the third album by The Samples. It contained live material, demos, unreleased songs, and alternate versions.-Track listing:# Underwater People # My Town # Braidwood# Giants # After the Rain...
(July 9, 1992) - Still Water EP (1993)
- Sparta (November 7, 2000)
- Landing on the Sidewalk (November 7, 2000)
- Anthology in Motion, Vol. 1 (August 13, 2002)
- Very Best of the Samples 1989–1994 (November 16, 2004)
- Too Many Years assorted artists to benefit Clear Path InternationalClear Path InternationalClear Path International is a non-profit organization based in the United States. The organization assists civilian victims of war in post-conflict zones. This assistance takes the form of direct medical and social services to survivors and their families as well as equipment support to hospitals...
(August 2005)