James Chance Official

James Chance 1953 - 2024

2024-06-18T20:01:00.001-04:00

Musician James Chance, Who Blended Punk Rock Aggression with Funk and Free Jazz Expression, Has Died At Age 71

James Chance, the singer, saxophonist, bandleader and composer who in the late 1970s emerged from New York’s “No Wave” scene to embody the genre known as “punk funk,” died today at the Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center in New York. His death was announced by his brother David Siegfried of Chicago, who did not specify a cause of death but noted that the musician’s health had been in decline for several years. His final live performance is believed to have taken place in March 2019 in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

James Alan Siegfried was born April 20, 1953 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He began playing piano under the tutelage of nuns at his Catholic elementary school and took up alto saxophone at age eighteen. He attended but did not earn degrees from Michigan State University and the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee. During these years he formed two bands, the jazz-oriented James Siegfried Quintet and the Stooges-influenced Death (not to be confused with a contemporaneous Detroit band of the same name).

After the dissolution of Death, he moved to New York in 1975 and began using the name James Chance. He formed a quartet called Flaming Youth before joining “No Wave” progenitors Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, featuring singer, guitarist and lyricist Lydia Lunch. (Recordings by this lineup were issued by ZE Records in 1979 as an EP, Pre Teenage Jesus And The Jerks.) In 1977, after a period of study with saxophonist David Murray, James formed the first version of the Contortions with guitarists Jody Harris and Pat Place, bassist George Scott III (deceased), drummer Don Christiansen, and keyboards player/vocalist Adele Bertei.

Reviewing a May 1978 performance by the Contortions at Artists Space in Lower Manhattan, Roy Trakin wrote in New York Rocker magazine: “Mr. Chance immediately established his personal space at the top of his performance by kicking out all those artist types sitting crosslegged within about a six-foot radius of his band, as he snarled and smirked with unmerciful obnoxiousness. The band, meanwhile, lay down a thick mixture of semi-syncopated, twisted swirls of sound, creating a tension of unfinished beats and incomplete rhythms.” Initially, the naturally shy and introverted front man became known as much for his on-stage aggression as for his music.

In 1979, an altered Contortions lineup (minus Adele Bertei and with David Hofstra on bass) released the debut album Buy on ZE Records. In the same year, ZE released “Off White” by James White and the Blacks, and the musician would toggle between these two appellations for the remainder of his career.

“James was the first artist I signed and provided the blueprint for future ZE Records,” says label founder Michael Zilkha. “I was seeking a fusion of disco and punk, and James was too. Once he transformed the Contortions into the slower and slinkier James White and the Blacks, it paved the way for my other bands and a whole slew of contemporaries. James was serious and devoted to his craft and a brilliant and original musician. It was an honor to work with him and I will miss him greatly.”

The Contortions’ breakup was accompanied by acrimony over issues of credit and compensation. But any hard feelings would dissipate with time and James’ occasional reunions with the former members. Bassist David Hofstra recalls a one-off duo performance in New York with James playing piano for a set of Thelonious Monk compositions.

Beginning in 2003, James reunited with original members of the Contortions to perform a series of engagements, including two performances at the “All Tomorrow’s Parties” music festival in Los Angeles. In his Variety review, Steve Mirkin hailed the band’s singular brand of “art-damaged funk, like James Brown dancing on the edge of the abyss. When they take on Brown’s ‘I Can’t Stand Myself (When You Touch Me),’ they mean it.” James later reunited with friends Deborah Harry and Chris Stein for several guest appearances with Blondie; and he continued to tour internationally with several groups, including the French “Le Contortions,” until 2019.

“Despite the mad darkness of the Contortions in late ‘78, I’ve always been fond of him,” said Adele Bertei, who went on to form the Bloods, an all-female post-punk band, and release recordings as a solo artist for the Chrysalis and Geffen labels. “He’ll always remain an important artist in my opinion. I played with James in Los Angeles pre-pandemic, and no rancor existed between us at all.”

Guitarist Pat Place of the Bush Tetras writes: “I’m so sad to hear of James’ passing. Working with him in the early days of the Contortions was a roller coaster ride of fun, creativity and insanity. His loss is a great one for the downtown community and the music world.”

Although James Chance recorded prolifically over three decades, releasing 20 albums during his forty–year career, only the ZE and ROIR labels issued more than one album of his music. Other releases appeared on small independent labels such as Invisible (Live Aux Bains Douches, 1980), Enemy (Molotov Cocktail Lounge, 1996), and True Groove (The Flesh Is Weak, 2016). His repertoire encompassed spiky, often acerbically humorous originals such as “Disposable You” and “(I'm Not A) Bedroom Athlete” alongside bracing interpretations of rock, R&B, and Tin Pan Alley standards, these ranging from James Brown’s “King Heroin” to “Why Try To Change Me Now,” the Cy Coleman/Joseph McCarthy, Jr. ballad first recorded in 1951 by Frank Sinatra.

The oldest of four siblings, James Chance is survived by his mother Jean Siegfried; brother and fellow performer David Siegfried and his wife Donna Seaman; sisters Jill Siegfried and Mary (Randy) Koehler. He is also survived by nephews Robert (Kelly) Borden, Michael (Bethany) Borden, Scott (Julie) Rubin, Steven (Sarah) Rubin, and three grandnieces. The family wishes to thank Sylvia Reed and Angel Ramos for their invaluable friendship and selfless assistance during James’ illness.

James was preceded in death by his father and greatest supporter, Donald Siegfried, in 2019; by his romantic and artistic partner Anya Phillips in 1979, and by his longtime life partner Judy Taylor (Bozanich) in 2020.

Funeral services are private, with details of a memorial to be announced at a later date.

James & Contortions Now Available on Bandcamp!

2022-11-04T11:24:00.001-04:00

Guess what? Thanks to Superior Viaduct, James has a new Bandcamp page, and it just happens to be Bandcamp Friday. Pick up a physical or digital (or both) copy of the Contortions' BUY. And keep an eye on the Bandcamp page as we'll be adding more releases in the future. Purchases made via Bandcamp are one of the better ways to support artists! Click here and BUY: https://jameschance.bandcamp.com.

New U.S. Edition of Contortions' Buy Coming Soon From Superior Viaduct

2022-05-06T14:45:00.006-04:00

Release Date: June 17th, 2022

Soon after their 1978 debut on the Brian Eno-produced No New York, a compilation that defined the No Wave scene, James Chance's group Contortions had already evolved – getting sharper, tighter and just plain faster. Despite the loss of keyboardist Adele Bertei and bassist Geoge Scott (who refused to sign a new contract demanded by Chance and his then partner, band manager Anya Phillips) Contortions were firing on all cylinders, and their first full-length album, 1979's Buy, is a marvel of hot-wired energy.

For more info & pre-order visit the Superior Viaduct website.

James White & The Blacks' Melt Yourself Down reissue now available for pre-order!

2021-10-06T09:29:00.000-04:00

We're very pleased to announce the reissue of James' Melt Yourself Down. Released in 1986, this album has only ever been available as an expensive Japanese import to US and European fans. Modern Harmonic Records has fixed that. More more details, and pre-order info (including a Rough Trade exclusive), visit the Modern Harmonic website.

Judy Taylor

2020-10-12T17:45:00.005-04:00

Today we have to bring you some sad news. James' long time partner Judy Taylor (Bozanich) passed away this morning. Although she had been ill with a compromised immune system and multiple health problems for many years, this was still a shock to us.

We still don't have a lot of details other than she started having trouble breathing yesterday and James took her to the ER. Last night they sent her home from the hospital, but this morning James discovered her unresponsive and called 911 but the EMTs were not able to resuscitate her.

We are very saddened and now must think about supporting James in his time of need. Thankfully because of all of you, for the time being we have the resources to help keep his life on track.
We have been so blessed by the generosity of everyone who contributed and we hope that we can continue on and reach our goal so that James can move on and try to heal. Thanks again everyone.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-james-chance-and-judy-taylor

Go Fund Me launched for James Chance and Judy Taylor

2020-08-22T11:03:00.002-04:00

A Go Fund Me campaign has been launched by the family of James to help him and his wife, Judy. Please visit the campaign here, give if you can, and please share the information. Thank you!

James Chance & Die Contortions: New European Dates Announced for June 2019

2019-05-23T16:24:00.001-04:00

Photo by @rickmcginnis.

New European tour dates announced for 2019

2018-11-27T20:23:00.000-05:00

James Chance Official & Die Contortions European Tour 2019 (First Leg)

James Chance guests with Franz Ferdinand on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, April 19, 2018

2018-04-19T07:03:00.000-04:00

In town this week to promote their recent album, Always Ascending, Franz Ferdinand played two shows at Brooklyn Steel. They also stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night, and invited James along to perform "Feel The Love Go" with them. Thanks to Domino Records.

James Chance / Contortions Upcoming NYC Shows

2018-02-26T17:23:00.000-05:00

Dig this crazy artwork. Tickets up now for 3/17 Soul Clap & Dance-Off w/Sun Ra Arkestra, James Chance & The Contortions, Jonathan Toubin & Kid Congo Powers at Elsewhere in Brooklyn! Get 'em here: http://bit.ly/2ESWnpM.

James has just been added to Lou Reed's Birthday Celebration at The Bowery Electric on 3/1!🔥

Tickets: http://ticketf.ly/2BLllrx

The Flesh Is Weak by James Chance now available on Vinyl!

2017-04-19T15:02:00.000-04:00

The new album from James Chance & The Contortions is now out & about in the world. You can order it directly from us. Two versions are available, standard & 180 gram vinyl, and both include a digital download code with all copies. Shipping is free within the United States.

Standard vinyl edition - order here

180 gram vinyl edition - order here

Pre-Order the vinyl edition of The Flesh Is Weak from James Chance & Super Secret Records now!

2017-03-28T19:19:00.001-04:00

We're happy to announce that the latest greatest album from James Chance & The Contortions will finally be available on vinyl on April 14 via Super Secret Records. Pre-order available now here.

Los Angeles: March 19 at The Echo

2017-02-23T10:38:00.001-05:00

March 19 in Los Angeles, get your tickets at https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1391491.

Courtesy of PART TIME PUNKS & The Echo.

James Chance by Hedi Slimane for V Magazine

2017-01-12T14:32:00.002-05:00

Big thanks to Hedi Slimane for including James amongst a group of NYC luminaries in a recent story done for V Magazine. See the original piece in V Mag here, and read a bit about it in the NY Times here.

James Chance & The Contortions Announce US Dates for March '17 including SxSW

2017-01-08T21:02:00.000-05:00

March 14 - Austin TX - SxSW

March 18 - San Diego - The Hideout

March 19 - Los Angeles - The Echo

March 22 - San Francisco - The Knockout

March 24 - Portland - Star Theater
March 25 - Seattle - LoFi

Glamour Girl Anya Phillips Brought Beauty to New York's 1970s Punk Scene

2016-12-20T13:54:00.000-05:00

Our friend, writer David Chiu, profiles Anya Philips for the Asian America section of NBC News. Read the article here.

James Chance & The Contortions Announce West Coast Dates in March 2017

2016-12-01T23:29:00.001-05:00

James & the band will be heading out to California in March for some shows, their first out there in quite some time. Two shows have been confirmed so far with more to come. Keep an eye on the facebook page, and the Gigs page here on the website, for updates. The two shows that have been announced so far are:

March 18 - San Diego - The Hideout (tickets)

March 19 - Los Angeles - Echoplex (tickets)

Throwback to February 1979 with James White & The Blacks

2016-11-17T11:42:00.000-05:00

James Chance for President! Vote The Flesh Is Weak!

2016-11-08T10:11:00.002-05:00

Available this Friday, you can pre-order now: radi.al/TheFleshIsWeakJChance.

Tour dates:

11/10 New York, NY @ Bowery Electric (album release show; tickets here)

11/12 Austin, TX @ Beerland (info here, only $5.00!)

12/10 Toronto, Canada @ The Rivoli (tickets here)

The Flesh Is Weak: New Album From James Chance & The Contortions Now Available For Pre-Order!

2016-10-20T16:42:00.001-04:00

On November 11th, True Groove Global Soul is honored to bring you a new album of cutting edge punk funk from no wave legend James Chance & The Contortions entitled 'The Flesh Is Weak' (produced by Tomás Doncker & James Dellatacoma). Get ready to contort yourself as you have never contorted yourself before, and if you are new to James Chance, well, get ready for a true New York original...Pre-order on iTunes now: http://radi.al/TheFleshIsWeakJChance.

Gettin' into something funky for the weekend: Melt Yourself Down

2016-09-30T09:33:00.002-04:00

Tour dates:

11/10 New York, NY @ Bowery Electric (album release show; tickets here)

11/12 Austin, TX @ Beerland (info here, only $5.00!)

12/10 Toronto, Canada @ The Rivoli (tickets here)

Melt Yourself Down: New James Chance & The Contortions Track Now Streaming at Stereogum!

2016-09-27T17:26:00.000-04:00

Wrap your ears around "Melt Yourself Down," the brand new single from James Chance & The Contortions, over at Stereogum. Its the first taste of James' next album, The Flesh Is Weak, which he has been working on recently with Contortions member/producer Tomas Doncker and the folks at True Groove Records. The album will be available in November with some tour dates to accompany it. Melt Yourself Down here.

Tour dates:
11/10 New York, NY @ Bowery Electric (album release show; tickets here)
11/12 Austin, TX @ Beerland (info here, only $5.00!)
12/10 Toronto, Canada @ The Rivoli (tickets here)

James Chance & the Contortions to play Beerland in Austin, Nov 12, for Austin Jukebox #5

2016-09-23T08:14:00.003-04:00

facebook.com/events/1109236682504331

Melt Yourself Down: Images from a new video shoot for first single from new album

2016-09-19T14:34:00.000-04:00

Here's a couple of images from a recent video shoot for a NEW James Chance album! James is rocking a jacket actually owned & worn by Liberace.

Thanks to Dylan Mars Greenberg. More info to come soon.

James Chance & the Contortions to headline East Village Eye Party at the Delancey, NYC, on Sept 16

2016-08-30T23:06:00.002-04:00

The Contortions will be headlining this event being thrown by the Howl Happening Gallery & East Village Eye on Sept. 16. For more info visit the Facebook event page.