Kevin Chalfant as Journey singer

[frostbite]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but why did Journey not go with Kevin Chalfant as the new singer back in '98? I mean I love JSS's voice so think the current line up is really cool but I'm just listening to the first Strom CD and surely Chalfant would have been a logical and amazing choice that would have worked long term? His Perry-isms would have been a commercial plus too.

[Rockindeano]

Don't know. Maybe Neal was hammered while Cain was in the shitter. They made the wrong choice in my opinion. I met Kevin last year, dude is short as my dick is long, and he looks like Jimmy Page.

Should have hired him....but then if they did, we wouldn't get the Peurto Rican! That P Rican is kicking some ass now....

[frostbite]

Don't know. Maybe Neal was hammered while Cain was in the shitter. They made the wrong choice in my opinion. I met Kevin last year, dude is short as my dick is long, and he looks like Jimmy Page.

Should have hired him....but then if they did, we wouldn't get the Peurto Rican! That P Rican is kicking some ass now....

True JSS has some stage presence and a helluva set of lungs!

[SteveForever]

SEX sells......JSS is sexy and they know it

[frostbite]

SEX sells......JSS is sexy and they know it

He does sound more appealing than an oompa loompa Jimmy Page Chalfant's voice would have worked great with the Journey sound though. I'm kind of baffled that he didn't get the job back in '98.

[SF-Dano]

Slightly off topic here, but saw a video of the old 80s band Kix last night. It was mentioned that a band member's, the singer I think, last name was Chalfant. I wonder if there is any relation between Kevin and the guy from Kix. Just curious.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

Don't know. Maybe Neal was hammered while Cain was in the shitter. They made the wrong choice in my opinion. I met Kevin last year, dude is short as my dick is long, and he looks like Jimmy Page.

Should have hired him....but then if they did, we wouldn't get the Peurto Rican! That P Rican is kicking some ass now....

He'll kick it even further with a little salsa to boot!

[Matthew]

Don't know. Maybe Neal was hammered while Cain was in the shitter. They made the wrong choice in my opinion. I met Kevin last year, dude is short as my dick is long, and he looks like Jimmy Page.

Should have hired him....but then if they did, we wouldn't get the Peurto Rican! That P Rican is kicking some ass now....

He'll kick it even further with a little salsa to boot!

Oh...Fyre...what are we going to do with you?

[Matthew]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but why did Journey not go with Kevin Chalfant as the new singer back in '98? I mean I love JSS's voice so think the current line up is really cool but I'm just listening to the first Strom CD and surely Chalfant would have been a logical and amazing choice that would have worked long term? His Perry-isms would have been a commercial plus too.

Is there much difference between him and Augeri? I saw this video of The Storm recently - and Chalfant seemed like just another Perry wannabe to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eG5HMzcdSE

Or am I missing something here?

[bionic]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but why did Journey not go with Kevin Chalfant as the new singer back in '98? I mean I love JSS's voice so think the current line up is really cool but I'm just listening to the first Strom CD and surely Chalfant would have been a logical and amazing choice that would have worked long term? His Perry-isms would have been a commercial plus too.

I heard that at one point Kevin, Rolie,Valory and Schon and Smith were to be the new Journey but that fell through and and it became the Storm instead!
Kevin still has an amazing voice,he emailed me today regarding his best of Kevin Chalfant cd that will be released soon, he always wanted the job in fact he was ready to go when Augeri stepped down but never got the call?

[frostbite]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but why did Journey not go with Kevin Chalfant as the new singer back in '98? I mean I love JSS's voice so think the current line up is really cool but I'm just listening to the first Strom CD and surely Chalfant would have been a logical and amazing choice that would have worked long term? His Perry-isms would have been a commercial plus too.

Is there much difference between him and Augeri? I saw this video of The Storm recently - and Chalfant seemed like just another Perry wannabe to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eG5HMzcdSE

Or am I missing something here?

From what I hear on the first Storm album he had that falsetto style down pat. Not Perry but he can sing rock falsetto very well. I hear what you're saying though.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Is there much difference between him and Augeri? I saw this video of The Storm recently - and Chalfant seemed like just another Perry wannabe to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eG5HMzcdSE

Or am I missing something here?

Yes.
At the time of his consideration, Chalfant could sing circles around Augeri and the by-then vocally debilitated Steve Perry.
Journey braintrust, Herbie H., has commented frequently on how Chalfant is a considerably better singer than Augeri, but doesn't look as good and isn't is as good of an upstanding citizen.
Does Herbie still feel Augeri is an upstanding pillar of moral rectitude even after TapeGate?
Who knows?
Andrew has mouse turd sized balls and is afraid to call and find out.

[Matthew]

Is there much difference between him and Augeri? I saw this video of The Storm recently - and Chalfant seemed like just another Perry wannabe to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eG5HMzcdSE

Or am I missing something here?

Yes.
At the time of his consideration, Chalfant could sing circles around Augeri and the by-then vocally debilitated Steve Perry.
Journey braintrust, Herbie H., has commented frequently on how Chalfant is a considerably better singer than Augeri, but doesn't look as good and isn't is as good of an upstanding citizen.
Does Herbie still feel Augeri is an upstanding pillar of moral rectitude even after TapeGate?
Who knows?
Andrew has mouse turd sized balls and is afraid to call and find out.

Sure - I bet Chalfant is more talented and charismatic than Augeri - but he's still a Perry surrogate figure. Just superior surrogate. And that's bound to be the main reason why Rolie, Smith and Valory wanted to work with him. Maybe I'm wrong about that though...

[Abitaman]

Is there much difference between him and Augeri? I saw this video of The Storm recently - and Chalfant seemed like just another Perry wannabe to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eG5HMzcdSE

Or am I missing something here?

Yes.
At the time of his consideration, Chalfant could sing circles around Augeri and the by-then vocally debilitated Steve Perry.
Journey braintrust, Herbie H., has commented frequently on how Chalfant is a considerably better singer than Augeri, but doesn't look as good and isn't is as good of an upstanding citizen.
Does Herbie still feel Augeri is an upstanding pillar of moral rectitude even after TapeGate?
Who knows?
Andrew has mouse turd sized balls and is afraid to call and find out.

Matthew, what cds do you have with Kevin?
When I got the word Perry was out, Kevin is who I wanted in the band, he already had filled in some shows in the early mid 90's if I remember right. Plus he even sang some Journey songs while on tour with the Storm.
So I was disappointed when he didn't get then or now.
Kevin is great frontman a great singer, than can sound like Perry, but doesn't really try to (like Hugo). But he has the Perryisp about his voice that can't be denied.
Augeri did a good job, but his voice did lack the full deepness of Kevins. In Perry's prime, I would say Kevin would give a very good run for his money, but Kevin seem to never be in the right place at the right time.
Hugo is a good singer, but does not have the strong vocals of Perry or Kevin. Hugo can sound more like Perry than Perry sometimes, but his voice is hollow, and at times lacking in emotion or depth. But still he is a good singer.
JSS is a great frontman and I am willing to go along for another Journey, from what I have seen and heard in concert. My only concern is the Journey sound. It has been there in concert, JSS really doesn't sound like Perry, but he makes the songs his own. Kevin could have done the same, with a more Journey flare, and that is by no means a slam on JSS. I just hope the music they make (IF AUGERI DOESN'T COME BACK, AND YES IT LOOKS DOUBTFUL), has the Journey sound and feel to it, not like Soul Sirkus, it did not have the Journey feel to it.
I think Kevin could bring more Perrorism to the band, while forging ahead. JSS will have to try harder, since he doesn't have the "Perry" voice. Remember that no matter who is singing, and sorry to say, no matter how good Neal or rest of the band is, Journey will always be know for the voice of Perry
The reason I asked how many cd of Kevins you have, if you have only heard one or two it is hard to say how good he is as his own person. Hugo, like Kevin I have all his cds, and Kevin is a better singer, But Hugo can do Perry better-ERIC

[The_Noble_Cause]

Kevin seem to never be in the right place at the right time.

He stepped in for Perry at Herbie's roast and recieved critical accolades for his performance.
Herbie said he would've re-managed the guys if they went with Kevin.
Kevin even wrote and recorded a few numbers with the guys prior to TBF.
If that's not "right place, right time", what is?
Kevin's destiny has been so intertwined with Journey thru the years, it's as if his inclusion was fore-ordained by the melodic gods themselves.
Only record company politics and bad judgement (prolly Neal's) got in the way.

[Matthew]

Is there much difference between him and Augeri? I saw this video of The Storm recently - and Chalfant seemed like just another Perry wannabe to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eG5HMzcdSE

Or am I missing something here?

Yes.
At the time of his consideration, Chalfant could sing circles around Augeri and the by-then vocally debilitated Steve Perry.
Journey braintrust, Herbie H., has commented frequently on how Chalfant is a considerably better singer than Augeri, but doesn't look as good and isn't is as good of an upstanding citizen.
Does Herbie still feel Augeri is an upstanding pillar of moral rectitude even after TapeGate?
Who knows?
Andrew has mouse turd sized balls and is afraid to call and find out.

Matthew, what cds do you have with Kevin?
When I got the word Perry was out, Kevin is who I wanted in the band, he already had filled in some shows in the early mid 90's if I remember right. Plus he even sang some Journey songs while on tour with the Storm.
So I was disappointed when he didn't get then or now.
Kevin is great frontman a great singer, than can sound like Perry, but doesn't really try to (like Hugo). But he has the Perryisp about his voice that can't be denied.
Augeri did a good job, but his voice did lack the full deepness of Kevins. In Perry's prime, I would say Kevin would give a very good run for his money, but Kevin seem to never be in the right place at the right time.
Hugo is a good singer, but does not have the strong vocals of Perry or Kevin. Hugo can sound more like Perry than Perry sometimes, but his voice is hollow, and at times lacking in emotion or depth. But still he is a good singer.
JSS is a great frontman and I am willing to go along for another Journey, from what I have seen and heard in concert. My only concern is the Journey sound. It has been there in concert, JSS really doesn't sound like Perry, but he makes the songs his own. Kevin could have done the same, with a more Journey flare, and that is by no means a slam on JSS. I just hope the music they make (IF AUGERI DOESN'T COME BACK, AND YES IT LOOKS DOUBTFUL), has the Journey sound and feel to it, not like Soul Sirkus, it did not have the Journey feel to it.
I think Kevin could bring more Perrorism to the band, while forging ahead. JSS will have to try harder, since he doesn't have the "Perry" voice. Remember that no matter who is singing, and sorry to say, no matter how good Neal or rest of the band is, Journey will always be know for the voice of Perry
The reason I asked how many cd of Kevins you have, if you have only heard one or two it is hard to say how good he is as his own person. Hugo, like Kevin I have all his cds, and Kevin is a better singer, But Hugo can do Perry better-ERIC

Eric - I don't own any Chalfant CD's - and I can't claim to be anything other than an ignoramus about his career, strengths, weakness. Also - from what little I have heard - yes, his voice sounds like it has more depth than Augeri's.

I guess I'm coming from the point of view that Journey must NEVER try to imitate or replicate Steve Perry. It's a big mistake...it's a cheap, unimaginative and cynical move (especially given they fired the guy)...and Journey fans in general know the band are bull-shitting them when they release an album - without Perry - which tries to sound Perryesque.

Yes, I know Augeri gave a lot fans some good years - but it was a nightmare era for me and many, many others - and the presence of Chalfant wouldn't have made it any better - no matter how good he is.

That's why I totally support the hiring of JSS. He truly is his own man - and for the first time since 1998 Journey are finally trying to develop a sound which represents a departure from the Perry days. Who knows they might even reivent themselves a bit soon. So if it doesn't 'sound like Journey i.e Perry' then that's great. Perry is in a league of his own - so why compete? Why serve up Perry lite for the fans - whilst similtaneously trying to minimize Perry's contribution to the band? I might not like what happens next with JSS - but I'll definitely be able to respect the band again.

Anyway...just my opinion...

[Andrew]

[
Andrew has mouse turd sized balls and is afraid to call and find out.

My balls are so big, I need 2 oompa loompa's to accompany me around to carry them.

The # I had for Herbie no longer works and I haven't thus far been able to find a new one.

[Moon Beam]

[
Andrew has mouse turd sized balls and is afraid to call and find out.

My balls are so big, I need 2 oompa loompa's to accompany me around to carry them.

The # I had for Herbie no longer works and I haven't thus far been able to find a new one.

Thanks

[Monker]

Journey braintrust, Herbie H., has commented frequently on how Chalfant is a considerably better singer than Augeri, but doesn't look as good and isn't is as good of an upstanding citizen.

Pleease quote anything where Herbie comments on Chalfant not being an "upstanding citizen", or anything even remotely related.

[Jeremey fan forever]

Chalfant would make journey sound like Triumph. Too much falsetto. No thanks! Without Augeri or Perry (or someone else with that sound), I hope for a SoulSirkus reunion, or just something new altogether, like Bad English (only with a better singer than Waite).

[Monker]

Herbie said he would've re-managed the guys if they went with Kevin.

Please quote where Herbie ever said this.

They originaly considered KC prior to TBF - and Herbie was still manager. If it was post-TBF, then Herbie was retired...when did he ever say he would come out of retirement to manage Journey with Chalfant?

Kevin even wrote and recorded a few numbers with the guys prior to TBF.

I don't believe this either...He wrote with Neal, Gregg, and Jonathan, but I have never read that anything was recorded.

[Abitaman]

Herbie said he would've re-managed the guys if they went with Kevin.

Please quote where Herbie ever said this.

They originaly considered KC prior to TBF - and Herbie was still manager. If it was post-TBF, then Herbie was retired...when did he ever say he would come out of retirement to manage Journey with Chalfant?

Kevin even wrote and recorded a few numbers with the guys prior to TBF.

I don't believe this either...He wrote with Neal, Gregg, and Jonathan, but I have never read that anything was recorded.

Monker I remember reading in a very long interview back in late 90's I believe, that Herbie wanted to do Journey with Kevin, but what I couldn't understand was how he talked how good Kevin was vocally, he talked bad about Kevin personally, calling him Ugly and hunched over or something like that. Herbie seemed bitter all they way around in the interview.
I had heard of Kevin doing some songs with Journey, but Kevin said in an interview not to long ago, he doesn't remember recording any of them or something like that.

As far as Kevin sounding like Ric from Triumph, nah, IMO not even close.-ERIC

[Monker]

Monker I remember reading in a very long interview back in late 90's I believe, that Herbie wanted to do Journey with Kevin

That was the Castle's Burning interview that has been around for ages. I believe he was talking about BEFORE TBF, which would mean he was still manager. If I'm wrong, quote it...I just don't feel like going though that huge file.

but what I couldn't understand was how he talked how good Kevin was vocally, he talked bad about Kevin personally, calling him Ugly and hunched over or something like that. Herbie seemed bitter all they way around in the interview.

Kevin was asked about that on his old forum, what he felt about Herbie saying such things about him.

Herbie said something about showing up to practice eating cheeseburgers and still able to go up to the mic and belt out a song. He also said there may have been a bit of personality conflict and the other guys were a bit afraid of another Perry situation.

Kevin said that he had the highest respect for Herbie...and wrote a LOT about WHY he respected him. Kevin said if he called and told him to be on the next plane to SF, he would drop everthing, be on the next plane out of Chicago, show up on Herbie's doorstep, hamburger in hand, ready for the next rehearsal.

He also explained a bit about the personality conflict...He said he likes to take ownership of what he creates and it's a bit difficult to allow others to take it over and allow their input and changes....Very similar to Perry.

[Fernando Ramirez]

I also was one of those wondering about Kevin Chalfant. He was an enigma to me, as I hadn't heard his music before. But I learned about him on this website, and knew I had to find some of his work to check out.

Graciously, Abitaman recently sent me two cds chock full of Chalfant's work. Being a fan of singers in the vein of Perry, I happily put on the headphones and listened intently.

I have to say I really enjoyed his work!

Abitaman gave me lots of tracks... one of the cds had like 17 tracks... and they were indeed a cross section from different bands. The focus was always melodic rock, but it included high energy rock, rock ballads, christian music, and mid tempo tracks.. I couldn't tell which songs were from Storm, but the guy can sing his ass off. One some of the tracks (probably 10% of them), he sounded remarkably Perry-like, in phrasing and range. Others sounded more bluesy. The hard rock numbers were also sung great... with raw power and feeling.

Chalfant is definitely his own man... he has his own identity same as JSS has his own. Both are not Perry clones. Overall, I think Steve Augeri sounds more Perry-like. I now firmly believe Chalfant would have been a good addition to Journey back in '98, and perhaps even now. If JSS decides to move on, then Chalfant would get my vote to be Journey's new singer.

Between him and Hugo, I would pick Kevin. He just sounds better, and I think it's because he has more of his own identity. The Hugo material I've heard sounds too much like Perry IMHO.

I would like to publicly thank Abitaman for the cds. I also still owe him some CDs I promised him! I haven't forgotten! They will be coming shortly.

I was happy to see this thread, and hopefully my comments will help people realize that Kevin Chalfant's music is great, and that any Journey fan would enjoy it.

[RedWingFan]

Glad you finally got to hear KC Fernando. I have and love both Storm cd's as well as KC's solo discs "Running with the wind" and "Back to square one" I love Kevin's writing and singing. The last note he hits on "Can't live without love" is amazing.

[Abitaman]

I put songs from both Storm cds, both Two Fires cds,The Vu, Running with the wind, Back to square One, Shadow's Fade, Shooting Star, but I did not put anything from the Christmas cd, and I can not remember if I put any Journey songs Kevin did from the Storm boot I have.
Kevin is one of my favorite singers, and I think deserves to up there with Perry and DeYoung-ERIC

[McNeil]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but why did Journey not go with Kevin Chalfant as the new singer back in '98? I mean I love JSS's voice so think the current line up is really cool but I'm just listening to the first Strom CD and surely Chalfant would have been a logical and amazing choice that would have worked long term? His Perry-isms would have been a commercial plus too.

Is there much difference between him and Augeri? I saw this video of The Storm recently - and Chalfant seemed like just another Perry wannabe to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eG5HMzcdSE

Or am I missing something here?

From what I hear on the first Storm album he had that falsetto style down pat. Not Perry but he can sing rock falsetto very well. I hear what you're saying though.

When will people realise that some people naturally have similar singing styles and timbres... just like two totally unrelated people can look near identical..... I dont know who is older age wise, Perry or Chalfant. If we suppose that Chalfant is older... then its right to say... "Perry is a Chalfant clone" then isn't it... see.... its all Bullshit really...just accept the fact that a lot of people have similar singing voices, and get over it!!

[Matthew]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but why did Journey not go with Kevin Chalfant as the new singer back in '98? I mean I love JSS's voice so think the current line up is really cool but I'm just listening to the first Strom CD and surely Chalfant would have been a logical and amazing choice that would have worked long term? His Perry-isms would have been a commercial plus too.

Is there much difference between him and Augeri? I saw this video of The Storm recently - and Chalfant seemed like just another Perry wannabe to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eG5HMzcdSE

Or am I missing something here?

From what I hear on the first Storm album he had that falsetto style down pat. Not Perry but he can sing rock falsetto very well. I hear what you're saying though.

When will people realise that some people naturally have similar singing styles and timbres... just like two totally unrelated people can look near identical..... I dont know who is older age wise, Perry or Chalfant. If we suppose that Chalfant is older... then its right to say... "Perry is a Chalfant clone" then isn't it... see.... its all Bullshit really...just accept the fact that a lot of people have similar singing voices, and get over it!!

It's fine that Chlafant sounds like Perry - and from what I've read about the guy he's never tried to be Perry clone or to profit from the similarities to Perry.

My point was that if he JOINED JOURNEY he would be a Perry clone....and that I don't believe Journey should hire anyone to replicate Perry's sound.

Anyway, McNeil...back so soon from the vacation you announced earlier this week?

[conversationpc]

My point was that if he JOINED JOURNEY he would be a Perry clone....and that I don't believe Journey should hire anyone to replicate Perry's sound.

Chalfant doesn't sound enough like Perry to be a clone, in my opinion. He has a good voice but it's a good bit thinner than Perry's.

[frostbite]

When will people realise that some people naturally have similar singing styles and timbres... just like two totally unrelated people can look near identical..... I dont know who is older age wise, Perry or Chalfant. If we suppose that Chalfant is older... then its right to say... "Perry is a Chalfant clone" then isn't it... see.... its all Bullshit really...just accept the fact that a lot of people have similar singing voices, and get over it!!

I don't get your point McNeil. I was saying that Chalfant seemed like an ideal man to ask to keep Journey going and I find it strange he wasn't asked. I now know why thanks to Deano et al. What exactly is it I have to get over?