It was time to celebrate
By Stan Schwartz
Chuck Overton, who once played with the Rhythm & Blues band Brainstorm, brought a host of talented musicians to the Arcade in downtown Louisiana on Aug. 31 to celebrate the release of his album in Scotland.
One of the singers he hired for the project to create a legacy album, reworking the songs he wrote early in his career was Ina Frost. She joined him and the band for the first number. She did a wonderful rendition of the Peggy Lee song, “Fever.”
“This is the first time she’s appeared with a band,” Overton said. “I asked her to come out and let people hear her. She’s a great possibility.”
Overton started working on this album about four years ago. It was a passion project spurred on by his wife, Davaline. As he was nearing completion of the album, Davaline was diagnosed with a brain tumor and died a few months later. She told Chuck not to give up on the album.
As a young boy, Overton grew up in Vandalia, finding his musical talent early. He eventually made his way to Detroit, better known as Motor City to join the Motown music scene.
As a talented singer, songwriter and saxophone player, not to mention keyboards, Overton got a contract and was made a vice president to help guide the record label’s groups.
And started a long career working with some of the top talent of the day.
At the show, Overton brought back the amazing talents of the group Chill the Grove, plus two—Steve Dawson, on drums and vocals; Robert Sampson, on keyboards and vocals; Jeff Newman, on guitar and vocals; Greg Croll on bass guitar; and the venerable Chuck Overton on keyboard, saxophone and vocals.
They were having a blast playing in the venue, which afforded an intimate gathering with the audience. The concert was free, and several people came to help Overton celebrate the album while listening to some great music.
Overton is a showman of the highest caliber. He interacts with the audience, and draws them into the music with is storytelling.
The night flew by as they picked up cover songs from across the music spectrum. During the band’s breaks, Overton had recordings of his songs from the new album to entice the audience.
For more information on the album or his merchandise, contact Overton at chuck.overton@outlook.com.