by LeeAnn Dickson

Just by reading the playlist of Sacramento area-based band Chill, you can tell that music makes their world go round. Offering everything from rock and roll to reggae, the four band members add fun and quality music to any venue. Ron Freeland, bass player and vocalist, puts it simply. “We like playing all types of music—that’s what it comes down to.” Their eclectic repertoire covers the likes of Billy Ray Cyrus and Elvis Presley to Phil Collins and AC/DC, in addition to 20 original compositions.
The members of the aptly named band—which boasts a laid-back, no worries attitude—love to entertain and keep their audiences happy. “Our band likes to have fun,” guitarist and vocalist Jim Shaw explains, “and we feel that’s what makes the audience have fun—it’s a win-win situation!”
Freeland and Shaw have been close since the fifth grade when they played music together while attending Placer Elementary School in Loomis. The two dreamt of starting  a rock and roll band someday, and listening to their 45RPM and 33RPM records of Boston, the Eagles, Steve Miller Band, Led Zeppelin and others inspired both self-taught musicians to follow through.
Years later, after deciding to start the band, they met up with Christian (Chris) Nava and Sam Young. Young brought drums and background vocals, while Nava followed with lead vocals, guitar, ukulele, harmonica and the flute; in 2007, Chill became complete. As of 2014, newcomer Jason Hoffman has taken over drums and percussion. The band is a popular choice for weddings and private parties, and also plays at many local venues. “Our main goal is to get people on their feet and dancing,” Freeland says.
All the members work regular day jobs, but take ample practice time to keep their sound sharp. Nava writes the majority of their original compositions—both lyrics and tune—while the other members collaborate on arrangements.
With the success of their first self-titled album Chill, which is available at their performances in and around Northern California and on iTunes, the band is busy working on a second. “We are very excited about our new project,” Shaw boasts.
On August 16, the band will play at Swabbies on the River, just off Garden Highway; and on September 6, they’ll play an acoustic set at The Club Car in Auburn.

---

For more information, visit chillband.org.