A MESSAGE FROM BEN & TEA LEAF GREEN

cjsabec · Last edited by cjsabec on Wed Nov 28, 2007 11:47 am; edited 2 times in total

After ten great years on the road as a touring musician, I have come to the realization that this life is not for me. As a result, I have decided to leave Tea Leaf Green to pursue some of my life’s other passions. I wish my brothers in the band only the best. Their future is surely bright. Most of all, I am so grateful to my family, friends, and fans. You’ve always encouraged my free spirit; thanks for your continued support.

Ben C.

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In any band, there exists a dynamic between the collective’s goals and those of the individual members. At times, aspirations that were once aligned, diverge. This is one of those times. We support Ben’s decision without reservation and wish him only the best. We know he put his heart and soul into thinking this through, just like he did with Tea Leaf Green these past ten years; we admire Ben for staying true to himself.

As one chapter ends, so another begins. In this moment of transition, we’ve reached out to our good friend, Reed Mathis, who enthusiastically accepted the torch. Please join us in Santa Cruz as we welcome Reed to the band. Let’s get this show on the road!

Tea Leaf Green

pilgrims622 · Joined: 30 Sep 2005 Posts: 2668 Location: The Big House

I am sad to hear this and wish Ben the best!!!

You will be missed Franz!!!!

Brew · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 11548 Location: O-H!!!!!

Ben, thank you for all of the wonderful grooves you've given us.

hail

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYyZQ8XaWbU

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Let's All Ride Together

arthurpete · Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 332 Location: Mobeal, Bammer

Good luck man, thanks for the great times and funky grooves. Keep it Moist!

I'll miss Georgie P - greatest song ever!

prettyjane · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 7:06 pm Post subject:

good luck! i agree, georgie p wont be the same :(
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Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home

sugaree · Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 2580 Location: wandering

it kills me to hear this news.

BUT - best of luck ben! i hope you get to do all that stuff you couldnt while on the road.

Thanks for all the funky bassbeats youve laid down for us, and thanks for all the good times!!!! Youre an amazing musician and an even more amazing person.
You'll definitely be very missed!
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green butterfly · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject:

Ben you have come so far musically and I only wish the best. You have a heart of gold and a musical talent that makes you shine! I know this decision is probably so bittersweet for you. Sending you <<comfort vibes>>. Follow your dreams and may only good music follow. Thank you for the good music you have brought to my ears and for the whole new meaning on BISCUITS! God I am going to miss you!
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Moonshinefunk · Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 307

It's a sad day you will be forever missed thanks all the great times good luck on your future endeavors

wildman · Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Posts: 69 Location: gainesvegas

Ben we will miss your energy and mind blowing bass licks. Good luck, on your new path in life, Keep it funky

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mkahootz · Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 644 Location: State College

paco · Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 558

tanner · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 57

Reed Mathis will be awesome, I'm sure. It's a whole new ballgame, lots of talent up there.

But it should still be stated that this sucks.

Thanks Ben. For everything.

Bye-bye Biscuits! Forever :(

stookalook · Joined: 31 May 2006 Posts: 84

holy schnauzers....glad i was able to see you as much as i did over the past 2 years....good luck on all future endeavors...I WILL ALWAYS WIPE MY ASS WITH A ZIG ZAG

HanzerBiscuit · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 5059

Ben you will be missed. You are one of the reasons I started listening to this band. Its been a great honor to have met you. Some of my fondest memories of the past few years have been watching you bring the funk.

I wish you all the best and I know you will excel in whatever you do.
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wildman · Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Posts: 69 Location: gainesvegas

Leafers stay up, this band is not done. Yes it will not be the same, but if there is anything i know, its that tea leaf green as a band can over come this. I also know that the band would not bring someone into the band that was not good for the band, so lets keep our heads up and years open, for there is a new tea to sip on.

madhatter1o6 · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 1285 Location: D.C.

Whoaaaaaa out of nowhere. Good luck Ben, you're the man. Franz won't be Franz anymore.

Also, is Reed Mathis going to be a permanent member or just a temporary sit-in? Cause if he's going to be the permanent bassist, I can live with that.

Be Grateful, for that groove on your table.
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I live for the >
2006.03.05

Sturges & McGeehan - Streetwalking Song
Sturges & McGeehan - Sleep Well Tonight
From our new album, "No Light to Guide"

"I'm a mad hatter!" - Ben C, 2006.06.24

Mid-Peninsula Mark · Joined: 30 Nov 2002 Posts: 1455 Location: Berkeley, CA

Wow, heavy...thanks Ben for all the effort and energy over the years, and I hope you find your heart's desires.
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Love, music, friendship, baseball PLAY ON

chip · Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 126 Location: sf

Best of luck in the future Ben. Don't look back and always do what you feel is right. Nothing worse than not following what your heart and soul is telling you to do. I wish you the best and THANK YOU for the great grooves!!

StrangeLeaf · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 1168

Fairly new to the scene and just so damn glad that I got to see Ben several times this year. A full-time touring musician is a tough way to make a living and I've got nothing but respect for those that do it. Seen it happen w/ other bands so I understand where he is coming from and wish him all the best as he moves into the next chapter of his life.....Extra sour cream.......
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Asphalt Funk~>Earth and Sky

Ric Flair · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 3211

I'm speechless.
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This ain't no garden party, brother, this is wrestling, where only the strongest survive.

TheDunn · Joined: 20 Feb 2005 Posts: 497 Location: Rochester, NY

Yikes.....but hey best of luck Ben with your future endevours.....thanks for all the awesome times holdin down the low end.
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"WE'RE MOVING.....WE'RE MOVING TO ATLANTA"

fred · Joined: 13 Mar 2006 Posts: 12527

Now that was a punch to the stomach!

injera · Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 865 Location: New York, NY

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Topes: i vouch that you are not a sociopath...lol

half cent

DG · Joined: 27 Nov 2002 Posts: 7506

Sad news

Good luck Ben. And TLG. Ben C rules.
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Sleepy Marky · Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 1062 Location: In The Garden

Thanks for the memories and best of luck with whatever the future has in store for you Ben. You will be missed.
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And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make

el-phreak · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 8:05 pm Post subject:

Sad news... but best of luck Ben wherever life takes you. Thanks for the great music you gave us and for being a straight up cool guy.

TLGFan1 · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 1335

wow...

definately sad. Best of luck The Weed aka Milky Chambers aka Franz Hanzerbeak aka Ben C aka Mr. Chambers.

You will be missed.
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there will be bigotry and there will be open minds
there will be days of peace; you'll never have the time
as long as you keep a straight face,
i will be there when you die
~Jim James, "I Will Be There When You Die"

Ship of fools on a cruel sea, ship of fools sail away from me.

lpatrick · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Posts: 1181 Location: Ames, IA

Good luck doing whatever you do, Ben. It's gotta be hard to walk away from something you've been doing for years, and I applaud you for your courage. I know you'll excel wherever you go. Maybe we'll catch you at a show sometime

.
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That run is perfection. It sings me. They never miss. Every note is dripping. I've listened to it over and over, possibly a million times. CBB 3-25-04 is one of the best shows I've ever heard, any band, no question.--DGold

general fuzz · Joined: 10 Aug 2005 Posts: 7 Location: San Fran

Thanks so much for all the good time Ben. I totally respect your decision.

You guys played my engagement party, which was a really amazing night for us. You were the one who was super friendly - reaching out and encouraging us to enjoy it. We seriously appreciated that. It really made the night special.

I've always thought about you warmly since that night.

Take care man.
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