...burst onto the Minneapolis music scene in the mid-nineties with a unique sound and show that made them one of the most popular and influential musical groups of their time. Their striking sound and energy is a blend of many influences, including roots styles like jazz, blues, gospel, and reggae, but also contemporary stylings of funk, rock, dub, dance, and hip-hop. This five-piece of multi-instrumentalists often switch instrumentation from song to song, keeping the sound and performance fresh. With four lead-vocalist/songwriters in the group, the Chiefs developed an adventurous vocal approach with gospel-styled harmonies and arrangements that made their original songs shine. Over their 20 years of listening and playing music together, these five childhood friends have developed a strong intuitive style of improvisation that gives their performances a fiery spontaneity and rock solid grooves.

Since their first public appearance in June 1995, the Chiefs have steadily honed their sound, show, and songs to a point where they are one of the most exciting bands performing today. Their music and particularly their concerts uniquely combine the intensity of punk and gospel with a Midwestern authenticity that could only come from Minneapolis.

In June 1997, the SJCs released their debut CD, Mornin' Train, on their own Firetrunk Records label. Their second CD, Lost Stepchild, released in December 1998, is also available through Firetrunk/Groove Garden. Both albums were awarded "Best R&B Recording" for their respective years by the Minnesota Music Academy, beating out such acts as Prince, Next, and Greazy Meal. CDs can be ordered from this site via e-mail or found at many independent record stores.