In a time long long ago, in a city that would host the future Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, The Choir was born and lived a short life.

The Choir was an American band formed during the mid-1960s, who were influenced by the British Invasion. During their five years of existence, they underwent a number of personal changes and only released a few singles. Yet their reputation was such that they opened for the likes of The Who, Blues Magoos, Hermans Hermits, and Yardbirds.

During 1969, one of the last incarnations of the band recorded enough material for an album, but their dissolution left the tapes in storage until a couple of years ago. Now, 48 years after their creation, they have now been remastered with modern technology and released under the title Artifact: The Unreleased Album.

The Choir may have a British Invasion vibe, but think early Procol Harum rather than the Beatles, Rolling Stones, or Dave Clark Five. They are more pop than rock ‘n’ roll, and there is a subtle nature to their music.

Songs such as "Anyway I Can," "Have I Know Love To Offer," "Boris' Lament," and "I Can't Stay In Your Life" are quintessential 1960s rock and pop. They may seem a little primitive almost half a century later, but if taken in context, they make one wonder why the band was not more successful.

The various members of the band went in a number of directions, but drummer Jim Bonfanti and guitarist Wally Bryson grabbed the brass ring as members of the Raspberries. They and a dozen or so other musicians left behind a wonderful look into not only a mid-’60s American band just on the cusp of commercial success but some excellent music as well.

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