Band: Relation (The) Year:1979 Home:Wallaceburg Circa:1978 – 1983 (Picture taken 1979) Style: Country; 50’s 60’s, and Rock
Members: (From left to Right) Rob Segaert– Drums & Vocals George Segaert – Lead Guitar & Vocals Aggie Murphy– Rhythm Guitar & Keyboard Jack Murphy– Bass Guitar
Notes:Brothers, George and Rob Segaert teamed up with aunt & uncle, Aggie Murphy and Jack Murphy, to form the band in late 1978. The group was well versed in all kinds of music and quite popular at local pubs as well as weddings and parties.
Members: (From left to Right) George Segaert – Lead Guitar and Vocals Armand Schepens – Cordovox Rene Schepens – Saxophone Gene Schepens – Drums
Notes: Armand Schepens formed the band in the late 50’s under the name “Moonlighters”. The band at that time consisted of Armand Schepens, Rene Schepens, John Kazook (drummer) and Jack Murphy (Rhythm Guitar). George Segaert and Gene Schepens joined the group in 1963 when the band became “2nd Nature”.
Prior to 1963, George Segaert played with a group called “The Mondells” of which was formed with high school buddies, Steve VanMeenen on rhythm guitar, Dave Carroll on bass and Cliff Roy on drums, playing at high school dances, special events, etc.
2nd Nature played at local venues, such as The Chec Hall in Dresden, CBD Club Wallaceburg; Kent Belgium Dutch Club in Chatham; Moose Hall Blenheim. This was the era of live music and the band played for numerous Weddings and parties. The band played up until 1978 when George Segaert joined up with brother Rob to form the band “The Relation”.
If you’re a go getter, you will find there is a million things to do in this little wee town of ours. So here it is, The most complete list ever made so far. The purpose is to help friends find things to do that they may not even be aware of.
Things to do in Chatham -Kent
Random Things to do:
* Go see a movie in the brand new state of the art theatre. Galaxy Cinema.
* Catch a Chatham Maroons Game Live (Jr. B Hockey) Website.
* Dresden Raceway. 100 slot machines, horse-racing etc.
* Take someone to go play bingo.
* Visit Spanky’s Adult Entertainment. 182 King St W.
Summer Events.
* WAMBO (Wallaceburg Antique Motor & Boat Outing)
* Rib Fest (annual summer event with entertainment for everyone).
* Retro Fest (Our community is known as the Classic Car Capital.
* Blenheim Cherry Fest – Live entertainment, rides, performers etc.
* The Caribbean-Canadian festival.
* Thamesville Threshing Festival.
* Pain Court Annual Truck & Tractor Pull.
* Tilbury Puddle Jump Event. Mud Bog, live entertainment. (Usually in August).
* Mitchell’s Bay Singing Contest. On site camping.
* Kinsmen Fair. June 6-9 2013.
* Culture Factory. Live bands, poetry, theatre etc.
* Get invloved with the “amazing race“.
Music Lessons (Guitar, voice, piano, drums, etc).
* Frank’s Music Centre: 519-352-7370
* Musical Strings ‘N’ Things Ltd: (519) 354-0111
* Tony’s One Stop Music Shoppe: (519) 351-4885
* The Chatham Concert Band Junior Program (Free)
* If you can’t find a teacher for your instrument of choice, ask the people at the above stores & they will pass you on to private instructors.
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Outdoors.
* Rondeau Provincial Park: 262 Camp sites, beaches, swimming, six hiking trails, bird watching, canoeing, fishing.
* Visit CM Wilson’s Conservation Area & Safety Village.
* Visit Wheatley Provincial Park.
* Mitchell’s Bay: Swimming, beach, splash pad, camping, cabins etc.
* Erieau Beach: Park & playground, sand volleyball, BBQ grills. Swimming, rent boats & equipment for water sports.
* Indian Creek walking path. Popular jogging path with ducks, geese, cranes & creek life.
* Take a walk through Paxton’s Bush. At 18 acres, it’s the largest standing woodlot in Chatham.
* Smith & Wilson Estate Wines. A beautiful Winery, that hosts outdoor concerts often. Live Blues, jazz & motown.
* Outdoor touring? Click the list of many places.
* John Waddell Off Leash Dog Park (New).
* Ghost Walks (annual).
* Spend your day at the park. Over 130 parks in Chathamm-Kent. here is the list.
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Sports.
* Brand New YMCA Building. Gym, pool, youth programs, group fitness, lessons, play zone, sports etc.
* Golfing: Nine courses located across the municipality. List.
* Fishing: We got the best lakes in the world. Lake Erie & Lake St. Clair. Info.
* Hunting: Check it out.
* Kenpo Karate: Kung Fu fighting. Lessons offered from various groups. here & here.
* Ice skating: There are 10 arenas in Chatham. Click here for 2012-2012 skating schedule.
* Get buddies together to play ice hockey or ball hockey, you can rent the arena. Call 519.360.1998.
* Brand new skating rink in front of the downtown mall.
* Leagues:Click here to join a team or league like baseball, Hockey, Figure Skating, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis or Curling.
* Water Sports: Kite Surfing, Wakeboarding & Scuba Diving all available. View list.
* Racing: South Buxton Raceway – If you enjoy live car racing.
* Wolfe Creek BMX: A non-profit BMX race track.
* Rugby League: Founded in 2001, Chatham has a rugby team in the Southwest Rugby Union.
* Gun Club: Facilities for rifle, pistol, shotgun and archery.
* Hunters Club: Est, 1964. Trap & skeet fields, indoor & outdoor pistol, outdoor centerfire rifle, blackpowder rifle and archery.
* Dover Rod and Gun Club.
* Bowling: Links to all.
* Curling: Links to all clubs.
* Fitness Clubs: Join one of the many listed here.
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Seniors.
* Sports and Hobbie Clubs: links to Antique, Classic Car, Canoe, Cycling, Racquet Squash, Badminton, Astronauts, Camera, Tennis, Conservation, Archer, Horseshoe, Dance, Fishing, Swim, Snowmobile Clubs.
* Seniors’ Programs and Resources.
* Horticultural Societ: Many to choose from.
* Lawn Bowling: Many places to join.
* Become a member of one of the many Legions in Chatham-Kent.
* Get involved with a service club. Too many to choose from.
* Active Lifestyle Centre: 50+. Mon-Fri. Participate in activities to enhance lifestyle and needs.
* Visit any of the Senior centres that offer to you.
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Theatre, Art & Culture.
* The Capitol Theatre – One of the most beautiful Theatres in Canada. Catch great live shows.
* Cultural Centre. Tons of shows, camps for kids, plays, comedy, programs, concerts.
* Catch a movie at The Drive In. (Tilbury). Website.
* Art Space.
* Boomtown Players.
* Chatham-Kent Film Group.
* Ridge Players Inc.
* Take a Bow Productions.
* Theatre Kent.
* Wallaceburg Little Theatre.
* Ursuline Theatre.
* Kiwanis Theatre.
* Pure Dance Academy.
* Thames Art Gallery.
* Rhythm of the Night Dance Studio.
* Chatham-Kent Museums (many).
* Dinner & dance events at the Filipino Club.
* Performances by the Portuguese dance ensemble
* Chinese New Year Celebrations.
* Visit the Black Historical Society ,The Heritage Room.
* Get connected with our Cultural Communities & clubs. List of them.
* Pride-CK (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Transsexual etc.) hosts several events.
* Oktoberfest! (Rotary Club) First ever @ the new Bradley Convention Centre Oct 6th 2012.
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Other Bars & Venues with live music.
* Encore – Live bands every weekend. Special Events.
* Big Shots – Live music often.
* Elephant’s Nest – Every weekend. Tuesdays Open Mic Night.
* Jazzbah – bands most weekends. Karaoke Nights Thurdays.
* St. Philippes Music Hall in Grande Pointe. Country Jamborees – last Sunday of every month.
* Central Tavern in Pain Court. Live bands every weekend.
* William Street Cafe – odd live show, poetry slams etc.
* Frendz Tapas & Martini Lounge – sometimes live music. (Beside the Capitol Theatre).
* River Rock – Ocassionally hosts live music.
* Rossini’s Restaurant – Classical guitar etc. sometimes.
* Royal Tavern – live music time to time.
* Churrascaria Steak House – 525 Grand Ave E, Chatham. The odd acoustic performance.
* Coffee Culture (Down town) – Acoustic patio performances during the summer.
* Band Shell – Tecumseh Park: Chatham Concert Band: Live every Wednesday, all summer, outdoors.
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If that is not enough, you have a zillion choices of things to do that are within an one hour drive time. Here is a small sample of idea’s for you.
* Detroit U.S.A. – Major concerts, Zoo, major league sports teams, shopping etc.
* (Dresden) Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
* (London) Children’s Museum.
* (London) Story Book Gardens.
* (London) Ski @ Boler Mountain.
* (London) Western Fair. Events, rides, concerts etc.
* (London) John Labatt Centre. Major concerts, sports etc.
* (Sarnia) Blue Water Fun Park: Water slides etc.
* (Windsor) Casino.
* (Windsor) WFCU Centre. Major concerts, sports, theatre etc.
* (Windsor) Devonshire Mall. Shopping.
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Dining.
Overview of many spots. Link here.
Famous Sunday Brunch @ Club Lentina’s. Open Every Sunday 10 am until 2 pm.
Band: “Just Country Boys” Home: Chatham-Kent Year:2012 Formed: 2008 Style: Country & 50s, 60’s
Members: Larry Flynn – Rhythm & Vocals Allan Flynn – Bass & Vocals George Segaert – Lead Guiitar Jim Deyo– Steel Guitar Carl- Drums (2008 – 2010) Len Lucier- Drums (2010)
Notes:Larry Flynn and son Allan Flynn contacted old friends George Segaert and Jim Deyo to join the group in late 2008. They started playing at parties and a few bars and decided to try a Sunday Jamboree at the Moose Hall in Wallaceburg. It was quite successful and the group today still enjoys playing a Jamboree at Branch 628 Legion in Chatham. Regulars such as Vic & Betty Tetreault, Mike & Melanie Shepley, Richard Tetreault and Ivan Firlotte can be enjoyed as well as many other local talents.
Artist: Roland Lozon CD: Move that Mountain Released: 2012 Genre : Country/ Instrumental Varieties Home: Chatham-Kent
Available in Chatham at: Frank’s Music Centre Musical Strings & Things Tony’s One Stop Music Shoppe
Notes:This CD contains twelve originals. Although the root of the music is finger style country guitar playing, Rolands talents can be heard with his use of fiddle, 5-string banjo, mandolin, & a track with hammer dulcimer.
At age 72, Roland carries on his passion for music & knowledge. I have met him a few times through work on the archive for his previous works in bands, most notably the Jubilaires. Without getting too much into how nice this guy is in person, let’s just say his sharing of musical knowledge & human kindness was extremely impressive, often only found in small towns like ours.
Tracks: 1. Move That Mountain, 2. Camptown Races/Wheels, 3. Alone On Your Star, 4. Remington Ride, 5. Seahorse Bounce, 6. Bello Carosello, 7. Gail’s Theme, 8. Wind That Clock, 9. Mont Royal Swing, 10. Bewildered Butterfly, 11. Up & Down, 12. Scottish Sky, 13. Shortbread Special, 14. Une Femme (Going Home), 15. Are You Teasing Me?, 16. Home Sweet Home, 17. Look Up, 18. Orange Blossom Special.
History: Jubilaires(1956-1961) Myers Bros & the Jubilaires(1961-1979)
Weekly radio show on CFCO (8 Years)
Warm up band for Opry shows such as Marty Robbins & the Hank Snow show.
Played for such stars as Ronnie Robbins, Minnie Pearl, Don Gibson, Charlie Walker, Wilf Carter, Skeeter Davis, Jan Howard, & more.
Later bands included Jubilaires II, Front Page News, Vic & the Conchords, Country Drifters.
Current bands include the Dover Red Necks & the Foggy Mountain Boys.
Additional Musicians: Ron Jubenville – Bass (Track 16) Eric Trachy– Cello (Track 14)
Artist:Demo Kid Release:Home Demo Recordings Volume 5 Year:2012 Home:Chatham Ontario Demo Kid is: Shawn B. (Home recording enthusiast) Discography: photo of all releases.
Note:All music performed, written, recorded by Shawn B. except where noted. See above inlay for complete credits. Recorded @ home using an Imac & Logic Pro.
Group:Chatham Police Boy’s Band Year:1958 (photo) Home:Chatham Ontario Canada Formed: 1945 by Chief Constable C. E. Bagnall Original Band Master:S. G. Chamberlain Band Master (Last ten years):Edward J. Carney Current members: 86
More info provided in the above photos. Thanks to Mr. B. French for the submission.
Band:The Janet Theory Year:2011 What:Reunion show Genre:Rock/Punk Home:Chatham Ontario
Note:Complete details (article) in pictures above. Current projects: Members have went on to form other bands such as Dead Girls Union, Sound of Static, Face4Radio, Demo Kid, Nikki Nine Doors, & Infinite Arms. (As of 2012)
Radio Station:CFCO 92.9FM & 630 AM Home: Chatham – Kent Ontario Year:2012 First Aired:1926 (AM Station) Format:Country Music Website: http://country929.com/ Location:117 Keil Drive South, Chatham, ON, N7M 3H3 Phone:519-354-2200
Notes:Country 92.9 & AM 630
On March 3, 2008 at 9AM, after sixteen years as an oldies station, “Classic Gold 630” came to an end with the song “The Beat Goes On” by Sonny and Cher, after which CFCO signed on the new country format with “Play Something Country” by Brooks & Dunn. Opening the station was thirty two year CFCO vet George Brooks. This is the first time Chatham-Kent has had its own country music station, although now-sister station CHYR in nearby Leamington was a country station for most of the 1990s and sister station CJSP, also in Leamington, debuted its own country format prior to CFCO’s change. Besides CFCO and CJSP, other country stations owned by Blackburn Radio are CHOK in Sarnia-Lambton, CJWF-FM in Windsor, and CKNX in Wingham.
In March 2011 CFCO began referring the station as “Country 92-9 FM CFCO” with no mention of 630AM.
Radio Station:CKSY FM Home:Chatham – Kent Ontario Year: 2012 First Aired:July 1 1986 Format: Mainstream Adult Contemporary Website: http://www.cksyfm.com Personalities:
Morning Show: Robyn Brady, Chris Mcleod, Katy Uher
Weekdays 10am-2pm: Jay Poole
Weekdays 2-7pm: George Brooks
Sundays – Songs For the Heart: Walter Ploegman Ben Cummings
Band:Zeke and the Moonshiners Genre: Comedy rock ‘n roll lounge act Circa: 1964-1966 Home: Chatham Ontario Canada
Notes:Ole & Waide were performing in this band in their teen years. The group later morphed into the popular “Missing Links” which you can read about in full under that band name.
George and Waide left the group around 1966 when they decided to tour extensively. The Moonshiners added Grant Smith as their new drummer for about 2 years.
When starting the tour, they changed the name of the group to “The Missing Links” and entertained in Ontario for about 10 years. At one point, the hottest recording/lounge act in Toronto.
In 1968, Waide started a popular local dance band known as “The Satin Highlight”. This group played locally from 1969 to 1979.
(left to right) Fred Larsen – organ John Larsen – bass Ole Larsen (Eddy) – Guitar (rear-center) Waide Holland – guitar George Stoner – drums
Note: Live performance is at the heart of Tom’s musical career. Over the years, he has played thousands of gigs at clubs, concerts, festivals and corporate events.
He has a concert series in his home town of Chatham and hosts the annual CK Guitar Summit.
Among the many highlights are two that stand out: Being among the musicians who represented Canada at the Organization of American States conference in 2000 and playing live on a nationwide broadcast on CBC’s Disc Drive on Canada Day 2005.
Songwriter/teacher/guitarist Tom Lockwood has been playing guitar for more than 40 years. Lockwood works every conceivable genre especially blues with The Tom Lockwood Band. He has been a mainstay on the south-western Ontario music scene since relocating to Chatham, Ontario from Detroit, Michigan in 1977. Lockwoods music spans a diverse spectrum and has been used in television and radio productions in 22 countries worldwide.
Artist:Eric Welton Release: Kill Them with Kindness” Genre: Indie Rock/Folk Year: 2011 Resides: Windsor From: Chatham Ontario
Live band: Eric Welton - Vox, guitar Luke Pelotte – Drums Josh Zalev – Bass Erik Myskow - Guitar
Notes:
Eric grew up in Chatham, where his step Father (at the time) owned Sound Trax as well as the fleamarket inspired store below it. After high school, Eric went to Toronto to study Media Arts. He moved to Windsor between 2002-2004.
Eric hosts the Open Stage at a local pub named “Villains” every Tuesday night, along with members of his band.
Eric is also the newest member of Square Root Of Margaret, The Chatham band just released a record in 2010 entitled “WYSiWYG”.
Tracks:1. Kooler, 2. Kill Them with Kindness, 3. Gone, 4. the Evil in Your Violence, 5. Hazel Eyes, 6. Every Day, 7. Spherikal, 8. I Know I’m Dying, 9. LC/DC, 10. unOther.
Bob was born in Chatham Ontario and passed away in Wallaceburg Ontario January 2 1972 at the age of 57. Bob taught music in the schools of Wallaceburg and his mother Mary Jacks also taught music.
Bob formed his first band while attending Chatham Collegiate High School in 1935. He quickly established a reputation for good dancable music and became house band at the Primrose Gardens in Wallacburg from 1941 to 1953.. Over the years he had more than 50 musicians and 12
vocalists.
Bob started at the Gardens working in the coat check room. In 1940 he moved to Wallaceburg to work at Schults Die in the office. The band normally had 10 – 12 members plus girl singers and was so popular that Friday nights at the Gardens was always full. They also played at the high school dances service clubs as well as many dance halls in Chatham, Rondeau Park, Sarnia and Erie Beach. The band had a reunion in 1969 and in 1995 and both were well attended. Bob was also a very good pianist
Band: Sal Piamonte Release: Lives in Devil City Year: 2011 Genre: Rock Website:here. Download from Itunes: here. YouTube page:here.
Chatham Connection: Former Chatham resident now living in the Ottawa area.
Band Sal Piamonte – Vox, guitar Eric Disero (who also mixed and mastered the album) Dan Stadnicki (Serial Joe, Liam Titcomb) Mike Goyette (Artificial Joy Club, Save Ferris) Dan Joseph
Notes:Breaking into the American market with songs “Humble Heart,” and “Moments They Pass,” from his 2008 “Rogue EP” release, Sal then proceeded to write, record, and self-produce 2010’s “Free Money LP,” which not only demonstrated Sal’s versatility as a world-class songwriter and producer, but got him signed to a worldwide publishing deal with 2850 Music (Lionel Ritchie, GroupLove, John Waite, etc) in Santa Monica, California in the process.
Tracks 01 Big Sleazy 02 Take Me Home 03 Devil Woman 04 Get Up, Get Up 05 Just a Little Bit 06 Tonight 07 Shining Star 08 Nasty Girl 09 Whatcha Say 10 High Road 11 Go All Night 12 Big Sleazy Outro 13 Take Me Home (Radio Edit)
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Band: Go Man Go EP Release: Self Titled Year: 2011 Genre: Metal Home: Chatham Ontario Formed: 2011 Contact: Face Book group
Members Jordan Ginty- Guitar/Vox (Punish Them) J-Rad Sterling- Drums/Samples/Vox (Full Frontal) Danny Wright- Vox (S.U.D.S.) Matt Broadbent – Bass (All Business) Cody Woods- Guitar (newest member added after the recording)
Notes:Produced by Brady Krzemiem at BK Studios.
Go man Go started as just Sterling & Ginty jamming in the basement. They wrote 5 songs in roughly 2 months then decided to go to BK studious and record an Ep, that way it would be easier to find members. In the process of recording they brought in Danny Wright to add some Vocal tracks. At the time of print, Go Man Go is looking for a second guitarist.
Tracks: 01 Wasted Night 02 New Best Friend 03 Troubuffalo 04 Of Epic Proportions 05 My Fault 06 Not The Same
Watch the Preview below:
If above video does not appear, watch it here.
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Band: Observatory Release: Secrets of Memory Man Genre: Alternative Indie Rock Year: 2011 Email Contact: matt@itacomputer.com Free CDdownload (while it lasts): Download CD.
Members: Not listed
Tracks: 01 Silver Veins 02 Mr Grey 03 Astral Grenades 04 Clayton 05 A Windmill Made of Iron 06 Curious Flyer 07 It’s Textbook 08 Downer’s Grove 09 Cobra Commander 10 Sams hotel 11 Love and Money 12 Last Shine 13 Happy Exo Skeleton Days
Band: Infinite Arms Type: Began as a ‘Band of Horses’ Tribute Band Formed: 2011 Home: Chatham Ontario Canada.
This is a project band put together by Jesse for the enjoyment of fans (like themselves) of the band ‘Band of Horses’. The band has been writing original music. The members may change as availability, styles, and different instrumentation calls.
Members: Jesse Verleye – Vocals, guitar (Face for Radio, Janet Theory) Kyle Jubenville – Vocals, guitar Dave Richie – Guitar (Face for Radio, ’57 Chevy, Janet Theory) Shawn Beaulieu – Bass (Demo Kid, Janet Theory) Glenn Smith – Keyboards (’57 Chevy) Charles (Chuck) Young – Drums (Face For Radio, Janet Theory)
The band will begin playing live in June 2011.
June 10 – Private Party
June 24 – Elephant’s Nest opening for The Long Lots.
July 1 – Canada Day in Tecumseh Park, Chatham.
Aug 26 – @ Encore w/ JD Bixby (Canadian Idol) & Aaron Allen.
Aug 27 – Private Party.
Dec 30 – @ Encore W. The Long Lots & Time Is A Hymn.
Artist: Sarah Hiltz EP Release: Letters Year: 2010 (July) Genre: Folk, Jazz Home: Chatham Ontario
Notes:The “Letters” EP was created as a pilot project in July, 2010 as an accompaniment product for a show combining music and spoken word. The intention was to extend it into a full length, fully produced album in the future. All the original package contents (credits, information, handwritten letters) are included in PDF format when you purchase the entire album.
Tracks 01. We Are Gods 02. I am for sound 03. First Nail Hammered 04. Brother 05. Small Town Blues 06. What I Thought 07. I Won’t Cry
Click on the video below to listen to the CD Preview below.
Artist: Tom Lockwood CD Release: Common Ground (Tom Lockwood with Jaimee Paul) Year: 2011 Genre: Blues Home: Chatham Ontario Canada.
This is a 13 track CD featuring a couple of original compositions from guitarist Tom Lockwood, his first electric guitar release.
Notes: Tom performed in many bands through the early 1970′s before moving to Chatham (from Detroit) in 1977.
Through the 1980′s, Tom’s focus was on composing music on Classical and steel string guitar. During the nineties, Tom released 2 CD’s. 2011 marks 34 years of private guitar teaching for Mr. Lockwood. He can also be seen performing solo or with his band at Blues festivals, corporate events, or special entertainment for various functions.
Band:
Vocals – Jaimee Paul
Guitar – Tom Lockwood
Trumpet – Leif Shires
Bass – Bob Hiltz & Bob Wilson
Keyboards – Mark Tremblay
Drums – Mark Wolfe
You can purchase this CD at
Frank’s Music Centre, Strings n’ Things, Tony’s One Stop, The Book Brothers, Aug’s Video(Blenheim), Smith & Wilson (Cedar Springs)
Guitarist: Diego de Oro Home: Chatham Ontario Year: 2011 Current: Guitar Teacher at Franks Music Centre. Genre: Rock, Blues, Flamenco & Classical guitar Credits: Bachelor’s degree in classical guitar performance. 25 years experience.
Real name: Darryl Orr
Darryl has made a living playing guitar for over 20 years. This has taken him around the world except the Pacific rim countries. He also performed for the Duchess of York.
Darryl moved back to Chatham recently and is a regular in the CK Guitar Summit. He just finished a show as a feature performer for Tom Lockwood’s Saturday Night Music Series at the Cultural Centre.
On other notes, Darryl created a product for guitarists called the “GUITAREST”. It holds the guitar in position so your body maintains a healthy, ergonomic position. It is a must for every steel-string and nylon player. You can order this and his DVD at his home page listed below
Band: Letterbomb Release: Hollywood’s Not For Me Year: 2011 Genre: Rock, pop, punk Format: Original Music Home: Chatham Ontario
Buy this CD online @ ITUNES here.
Members Brennan Dube – Vocals, Guitar Nick Grand – Guitar Dylan Pendleton – Bass Cameron Dube – Drums
Bio: This young band is the dream of guitarist and lead singer Brennan Dubé. He always wanted a life on the stage, but he never had anyone to perform with. He joined up with other friends to create bands such as That One Band and Kore 17 but they didn’t last. But not all hope was lost when his 11-year old brother Cameron began to show motivation and passion for playing drums. Once Cameron and Brennan kick started the band, they went looking for a bass player. It wasn’t long before their third member and current bass player, Dylan Pendleton joined the group and Endless Sorrow was born. Guitarist Nick Grand joined the band in April of 2010 they began to perform with great results. The band changed their name in May from Endless Sorrow toLetterbomb and haven’t looked back since. In August of 2010, Letterbomb took a trip to Toronto and recorded there first full length album Hollywoods Not For Me. The album consists of 11 tracks is planned for a late 2010 release.
Tracks 1 Implicit 2 Hollywood’s Not For Me 3 Wipeout 4 Rock It 5 Endless Sorrow 6 Tell Ya What 7 Last Letter 8 Fire In The Rain 9 Backflips and Barrelrolls 10 All I Ask 11 Until The End
Name: Lou Hooper (Louis Stanley) Release: Piano Format: Vinyl, LP, Album Year: 1973 Genre: Jazz Label: Radio Canada International Catalog#: RCI 380
Role: Pianist, composer Home: Chatham Kent (North Buxton) Life: May 18th 1894 – Sept 17th 1977
Album Track List A1 Blame It On The Blues A2 In A Mist A3 Canadian Capers A4 South Sea Strut A5 Russian Rag A6 Scene From An Imaginary Ballet (SC. 4) B1 Scene From An Imaginary Ballet (SC. 2) B2 Black Cat Blues B3 Spring Fever B4 Cakewalk B5 Alaskan Rag B6 Uncle Remus Stomp
His father took him at three to Ypsilanti, Mich, where he sang solos in church and at 12 played the trombone in the Hooper Brothers Orchestra.
While he was studying piano 1911-21 at the Detroit Cons, he played in various local dance and theatre orchestras.
He lived 1921-7 in Harlem (New York), studying 1923-4 at the Martin-Smith Music School (a subsidiary of the Damrosch Institute – later the Juilliard School). He recorded with Elmer Snowden (banjo) and Bob Fuller (clarinet) under several names, eg, the Three Jolly Miners, the Three Monkey Chasers, for Vocalion, Columbia, etc and also backed the trumpeters Johnny Dunn and Louis Metcalf, the singers Ethel Waters, Ma Rainey, Mamie Smith, and other leading jazz and blues performers of the day. Hooper accompanied Paul Robeson on tour in 1926 and travelled as a member of Lew Leslie’s Blackbirds of 1928.
Hooper returned to Canada in 1932, living first in Toronto – he performed at the 1932 CNE – and then, as of 1933, in Montreal, where he joined Myron Sutton’s Canadian Ambassadors, an all-black dance band active in Quebec and Ontario. Hooper formed and conducted a male choir, the Hooper Southern Singers, in concerts and on CKAC radio. He also played in local dance and jazz bands and taught piano. Oscar Peterson was one of his pupils. After a term in Europe during World War II with the Royal Canadian Artillery in which he served mainly as a pianist and entertainer in charge of Canadian concert parties, Hooper returned to Montreal, playing and teaching in increasing obscurity.
In 1962 he was rediscovered by Montreal jazz enthusiasts and subsequently celebrated as a surviving link to the early history of recorded jazz. He was honored by the International Association of Record Collectors in 1973 and by the Canadian Congress of Collectors in 1977. A new recording, the LP Lou Hooper (1973, RCI 380), a collection of ragtime pieces, included his own Black Cat Blues, The Cakewalk, South Sea Strut, and Uncle Remus Stomp. According to Tex Wyndam in Coda (March 1976): ‘Although slightly on the academic and restrained side, the solos have a firm, bright rhythm, are cleanly executed, and generate a mood of confidence and good cheer’. Other Hooper rags date to as late as 1975, the year in which he joined the faculty of the University of Prince Edward Island. He also wrote a ballet, Congo, staged in 1976. In the summer before his death he was a regular performer on CBC (Halifax) TV’s ‘The Old-Fashioned New-Fangled Vaudeville Show’. Source.
Their first LP was released in 1967. They also recorded a 7” record.
1971 marks their second LP release.
Notes from 1971 article in The CDN:
They toured to Halifax this past summer (1971), as well as London, Kingsville, Dresden, Lucan, Toronto and a stop in Pennsylvania.
The Singing Sisters have played many performances including over 22 states and seven provinces.
Circa 2010 - Visit Anna Mae McPhail on You Tube here.
If you own this LP, or have info on it, please email us at:
chatham_music_archive@hotmail.com
Band: Melody Ramblers Home: Chatham Ontario Year: 1979 Band: 1953-1994 Style: Country Music Covers
Members: (Left to right) Dan St.Pierre– Guitar Rene Brosseau – Bass Dennis Smith – Pedal Steel Michelle Wright – Vocals Bradley J. Preston – Vocals, Acoustic Larry St. Pierre – Drums
If you are from Chatham-Kent Ontario, then chances are you know that country music star MICHELLE WRIGHT got her start with the Melody Ramblers.
A very young Michelle was added to the band to help diversify the band, giving them the ability to perform songs by female country artists and relieve Brad Preston of the long nights of solid vocal duties. Michelle was new to the scene but developed quickly, later leaving to join a band an hour away, across the Canadian border in Detroit.
The group’s original line-up formed in 1953, and has included the top players from the area for the better part of 40 years. This 1979 line-up was interesting because it included many members who’s talents caught the eye of the international country music scene.
You can read up on individual members or the bands history through the years, by going to our home page and scrolling down to the list of bands/artists from Chatham.
Photo: Given to the Chatham Music Archive with permission for the Chatham Music Archive, from the St. Pierre family. Thank you to the St. Pierre family for helping us present the rich deep history of the Melody Ramblers in our community.
Demo Kid note 2010: While doing the research on the group, it was interesting to find out that my Uncle Eugene played in this band later on. In 2009, I was introduced to Rene (was the bass player for the band at the time) who is now one of the most popular pedal steel players in Canada. He played on our home demos (with Jesse V) and was just simply so pro and friendly that I was amazed I got the chance to record with a musician with such a love and experience of music.
Venue: Golden Tap and Grill City: Chatham Ontario Genre: Country Music Bar Bands: Live bands on weekends Phone: (519) 351-1907 Address: 429 Grand Avenue East
The Golden Tap has remained the only true country music bar in Chatham Ontario since the early nineties. But it did not begin there. The venue was previously known as the ‘Kingsway Hotel’, which had a good run through the 1970’s to the early 1990’s. Bands from around the continent (big and small) performed here in the 1970’s when live music was the main and only source of weekly entertainment.
Today, you can still enjoy country music bands performing every weekend at the Golden Tap.
Musician: Mike Francis” (Pepe) Year: 2010 Home: Chatham-Kent Ontario (Grande Pointe) Resides: Moved away to pursue carreer choice in the Toronto area. Son of the late Ray Francis (Ray Francis and the Whippoorwills etc)
MIKE FRANCIS – Biography Extraordinary Anonymous Guitarist Mike Francis has been a professional musician since the age of 17. The first several years of his professional career was spent playing the regular club circuit before Mike discovered his ability to perform well under the pressure that is the recording studio. The past 22 years he has worked as a first call studio guitarist in the Toronto recording scene, as well as being a musician first an foremost, he is also a writer and producer.
He is mostly known for his commercial jingle or session work.
Versatility is key to a session musician and his session credits include most of the commercial jingles heard regularly on TV and radio. Mike’s clients include some of the busiest advertising agencies and jingle writer / producers working. Some of his more identifiable performances are heard commonly on O/V, Budweiser, McDonalds, Pepsi, Coca-Cola and Harvey’s commercials. He’s also the guitar player on any Miller, Molson Ex, Labatt’s, 7-Up, Coors, Blacks Cameras, GM Trucks, Esso, Ford Trucks, Pontiac, Pizza Pizza, Chrysler, Toyota, Canadian Tire, Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Swiss Chalet, The Bay, Canadian Pacific or Sears commercial you may have heard.
Also as a session player, Mike has performed on and / or written material for a number of television shows and movie soundtracks over the years. Some of the more visible projects he’s been involved with include Beverly Hills 90210, Street Legal, Due South, Beetlejuice, Fraggle Rock, Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and the Jim Henson Hour.
Canadian productions such as Traders, E.N.G, Legacy, Black Harbour, The City, Nothing too Good for a Cowboy, Scales of Justice, Rita & Friends, Corey Hart Special, Elvis Stoyko Special, Canadian Country Music Association Awards Show and the Juno Awards have also used Mike as the first call guitarist.
Album projects are all in a day’s work for a session veteran, and the list of recording artists and album projects Mike has been involved with is a testament to his skill and versatility as a guitarist. He has recorded with artists like Alanis Morissette, Shirley Eikhard, Liona Boyd, Dan Hill, Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, Enrique Iglesias, Kim Mitchell and George Massenberg. He’s also been on albums with Harem Scarem, World On Edge, Rita McNeil, the Rankin Family, Terry Kelly, Ron Hynes, and Roger Whittaker, Cassandra Vasick, Susan Aglukark, Natalie McMaster, Michelle Wright, John McDermott, Bruce Gruthro and Tim Thorney.
In addition to playing on sessions, he has also been active as a producer in the studio. The Mavericks, Jeff Healey, Dallas Harms, Dick Damron, Terry Carisse, Carroll Baker, Matt Minglewood, Joan Kennedy, Anita Perras, The Good Brothers, Joel Feeney, Don Neilson, Robert Armes and Ken Harnden.
Mike does get out of the studio on a regular basis, and over the years his involvement with live radio and live television broadcasts has meant that he has played with some of the best and brightest stars the industry. Versatility as a player is a key to his success as a session player, so he has been called to support a diverse group of artists on stage. His live performance credits include performing with Shania Twain, Terri Clark, Chet Atkins, Buddy Emmons, Jesse Winchester, and Ronnie Hawkins. He’s also performed with Ronnie Milsap, Liza Minelli, Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, kd lang, Smokey Robinson, Paul Schaffer, David Clayton Thomas, Jeff Healey, Hiram Bullock, Chris DeBurgh, Hal Linden, Michael Burgess, Dr. Music, Ricky Skaggs, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Paul Brandt, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Pride, Dolly Parton, Roy Clarke, Jerry Reed and Charlie McCoy.
Singer: Jade Lester CD Release: Love’s Funny That Way Year: 2010 Home: Chatham Ontario Genre: Country/Pop
Notes: Jade Lester (19) Just released her first album in April 2010. She performs with the local crew ‘The O’Hara Brothers Band’. Material for this album was written by top songwriters from Ontario, to Nashville to LA. Jade is currently attending high school at Chatham-Kent Secondary School.
Jade began singing country music at age six, winning many awards through out the years since then. She has also become active as an actress in many local theatre productions in the past few years.
Produced by Will Haas at Willyboy recording studios in London.
Band: Free Ride Genre: Classic Rock & Roll Home: Chatham, Wallaceburg Year: 2010 Formed: 2001 Contact: 519-351-4959
Members: Jeff Emerson– Guitars, Vocals Ken Allgate – Bass, Vocals Grayling Church – Drums, Vocals
Notes: All three members sing lead vocals, which creates a lot of variety. The band plays mostly classic rock, but adds a bit of country, 50’s & 60’s, and modern rock, to try and please even the toughest audience.
Set list includesThe Rolling Stones, Trooper, Tom Petty, Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Wilson Picket, C.C.R., Bob Seger, Wild Cherry, Eric Clapton, The Zack Brown Band, The Tragically Hip, Van Morrison, Steve Miller band, Steppenwolf, Grand Funk Railroad, Aerosmith, The Proclaimers, Nazareth, Kiss, Poison, Weezer, David Wilcox, ZZ Top, The Beatles, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Led Zepplin, Free, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Jason Maraz, & much more.
The band just finished a weekend at the Golden Tap in Chatham.
Artist: Judy Paling CD Title: My Wings (For His Glory) Year: 1995 Home: Chatham-Kent Genre: Gospel
Members: Judy Paling Chuck FitzGerald Steve Kubica
Tracks: 01 A Miracle And Nothing Less 02 Mary Did You Know 03 Joy 04 In The Name Of The Lord 05 Immanuel 06 Prince Of Peace 07 The Altar 08 Women Of Mystery 09 The Name Above All Names 10 Well Done My Child
Co- Produced by: Gary Barnett Digitally recorded and mixed @ Baseline Studio, Chatham, Ontario, Canada
Band: Toast & Jam Home: Chatham Ontario Canada Genre: Cover duo of popular music Formed: 2003
Members: Michael Uher – Vocals, guitar Mark Slater – Percussion, vocals, guitar
Mike grew up in Blenheim and Mark grew up in Chatham, but was born in Leeds England.
Note from their official facebook group: okay, get “BREAKFAST” out of your head……here’s the real story: Mike and Mark created this unique duo in 2003, as a second band to their trio, THIS END UP. What started as a little idea grew into a popular and in-demand musical act. They do over 200 shows a year these days, and no sign of letting up, with engagements in southern Ontario, Ohio, and even the occasional show in Nassau Bahamas!
With some great vocal harmonies, an acoustic guitar (and sometimes two) and a unique percussion ensemble that has since been copied by many others, these guys play a very big repertoire of music, with pop, rock, folk and country from the 1950′s to today.
In 2010, the duo took their cover band act to many places including Windsor, Port Stanley, Rondeau, Tobermory, Pelee Island, Kelley’s Island, Ohio, Lasalle, Chatham, Illinois, Nebraska, and much more.
Name: Jeanne Gordon (Ruby Jeanne Gordon) Genre: Opera singer Year: 1919 Home: Wallaceburg Ontario
Ruby “Jeanne” Gordon was an Canadian opera singer active during the early 1900s
Ruby got her big break in July 1919. She was called to New York and offered a three year Metropolitan Opera contract by Giulio Gatti-Casazza. Shortly after signing her contract she changed her name to “Jeanne” Gordon. Her debut performance was as Azucena in Il trovatore. In 1919 she created the roles of the Fairy and Mme Berlingot in L’oiseau bleu by Albert Wolff in its world premiere. She made guest appearances with the Opéra de Monte-Carlo in 1928.
Recordings: Gordon recorded 78s for Columbia and Victor in the 1920s.
Her only teacher was Albert Ham, with whom she studied while attending Toronto’s Havergal College. As a girl she often sang before Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Married unhappily (1908) to Ralph K. Trix of Detroit, she nevertheless followed him to the USA, but left him in 1917 and began her career as a professional singer in New York.
In New York Gordon appeared at the Rialto Theatre, singing operatic ‘interludes’ as part of a variety program. These appearances led to a contract with the Creatore Grand Opera, and she made her debut 11 Dec 1918 in Brooklyn as Amneris in Aida. She toured with the Scotti Grand Opera the following spring and made a highly successful Metropolitan Opera debut 22 Nov 1919 as Azucena in Il Trovatore. She remained a principal contralto with that company for nine consecutive seasons, her repertoire consisting of two dozen roles (in French, Italian, German, and English), including Carmen, Dalila, Eboli in Don Carlo, Marina in Boris Godunov, Brangäne in Tristan und Isolde, and several novelties. She also sang in the premieres of Albert Wolff’s L’Oiseau bleu and Henry Hadley’s Cleopatra’s Night. For virtually all of her opera roles she was coached by Wilfrid Pelletier. Maintaining an active concert schedule she sang in Montreal 11 Mar 1926 on an all-Canadian program under Pelletier with Edmund Burke, Florence Easton, and Edward Johnson and in Toronto 27 Jan 1927 with the National Chorus under Albert Ham. After guest appearances with the Monte Carlo Opera in 1928 in Europe, with the TSO during its 1929-30 season under Luigi von Kunits, and with the Toronto Promenade Orchestra in 1930 under Reginald Stewart (her last appearance), she suffered a mental collapse and was admitted to a Missouri sanatorium, where she remained until her death of a heart attack.
A tall and handsome woman with a magnetic personality and a true contralto voice of extraordinary range and richness, Gordon never quite fulfilled the promise evident in such notices as that published by Musical America after her 1921 Metropolitan appearance as Brangäne: ‘The most satisfactory all-round individual contribution to the performance was made by Jeanne Gordon whose lovely contralto and fine sense of pictorial and dramatic values received thrilling expression’.
She recorded nine single-sided 78s for Columbia (1920-2) and two in 1925 for Victor. All are listed in Roll Back the Years. In 1927 she appeared in a few Warner Brothers-Vitaphone shorts, singing operatic excerpts with Martinelli, Gigli, and others. She shares with Edward Johnson and Marie Louise Edvina a Rococo recording (No. 5254) of operatic arias.
Place: Chatham Hotel Location: Fifth Street, Chatham Ontario Opened: January 13, 1934
The Chatham Hotel was built shortly after the Famous William Pitt Hotel.
The Turf Room opens January 7th 1964. The room was host to bands from home and afar for many, many years.
Photo:1935 (From Union Gas Archives) Photo can also be found in the Public Library in the following book:
Images of Canada Chatham, by Jim and Lisa Gilbert.
Musician: Fred S. Stone Year: 1899 Song: Bos’n Rag Genre: Ragtime Home Town: Chatham Ontario Canada
First use of the word Ragtime appears in the song title “Ma Ragtime Baby” by Fred Stone in 1893.
Fred S. Stone was a cross-border phenomenon in the music world, famous in both Detroit and Canada.
Fred started composing pieces for publication in 1895, mostly dance numbers, but hit it big in 1898 with Ma Ragtime Baby, further increasing sales when his brother Charles added words for a song version. The following year he made a splash with Bos’n Rag. Between this and his considerable musicianship he quickly gained the respect of musicians throughout Detroit.
The video below is of Philippe Lernould (France) performing Bos’n Rag by Fred S. Stone. This version is circa 2007.Thanks to Mr. Lernould for letting us use his video.
Band: The City Band (Chatham) Home: Chatham Ontario Canada Year: 1895
Members: W. Philp – Bandmaster
Harry Philp – B flat clarionet
Albert Philp – B flat clarionet
Frank Kramm – B flat cornet
Wm. Harvey – B flat cornet
Fred McCubbin – B flat cornet
Ed Dunkley – B flat cornet
Ed Hamilton – B flat clarionet
Thos. Maisonville – B flat clarionet
Harry Alger – B flat clarionet
George Foote – B flat clarionet
Hugh Lamont – B flat clarionet
E. Rhody – B flat clarionet
Steve Tilley – Flute and piccolo
Wm. Robinson – Soprano saxophone
R. Robinson – Alto saxophone
Wm. Potter – Bb tenor saxophone
John Dwyer – French horn
John Auger – Alto horn
Wm. Yeoman – Sax horn
Tom Walters – Sax horn
Wm. Crowl – Slide trombone
George James – Slide trombone
W. E. Miller – Slide trombone
Joe Hadley – G slide trombone
Herb Bennet – trombone
R. Thomson – B flat tenor
O. E. Jones – B flat tenor
James Whitebread – B flat alt horn
Robert Potter – Bb bass
Chas. Philp – Euphonium
Dan Fisher – E flat bass
Cas. Schwimler – String bass
E. Wigzell – Snare drum
Ed. Granbois – Bass drum Resource: July10 1895 CWP
________________________
Band: Eye in me Release: Space Invaders and private Investigators Year: 2005 Genre: Punk Rock Home: Wallaceburg
Members:
Matt Glover – Guitar, Vocals Patrick Richardson – Vocals, Bass
Kurt Dickson – Drums
Tracks:
Subculture demons, Shut it out, Life like that, Signals of distress, lonely projections, Preach, The problem, Sunday morning mulligans, State of the scene, Bar song, Space invaders and private investigators, blindfolded.
Band: The Dave Murphy Band CD Release: Waiting For Dave Year: 1996 Genre: Funk, rock & blues Home: Toronto/Hamilton
Chatham Connection: Guitarist Dan Noordermeer is from Chatham. Dan played locally with ‘River Road’, was a long time member of the Jeff Healey Blues Band, and has done session work on several CD releases.
About Chatham’s own Dan Noordermeer:
Guitarist extraordinaire Dan Noordermeer has been with the band for almost a decade, and continues to dazzle audiences with his formidable talents. Originally from Chatham, Dan now resides in Hamilton. Dan is known for his Samson-like mane of hair and his wicked sense of humour. Unlikely as it seems, Dan was a full time country musician for many years before joining the band. But for those familiar with his playing it’s no surprise, since he has an uncanny ability to play every style of music with incredible authenticity, passion and virtuosity.
CD & band notes:
Over 200 shows a year quickly earned the band its reputation as one of the most talented, versatile and hardest working acts in the business.
In the summer of 1996 the band released its first album entitled “Waiting for Dave.” The ten original tracks display the broad range of the group’s influences and talents. Later that same year, a dream came true for the band when they opened for their hero, James Brown. Since then the band has opened for numerous other acts, including The Bare Naked Ladies.
In 1997, the band made the prestigious Orbit Room in downtown Toronto their new home for weekly performances, where the band continues to perform on Friday nights. It was here, on a stage complete with a house Hammond organ, that the band really began to stretch out musically, and since then there have been many incredible shows featuring the band at their spontaneous and improvisational best. In early 1998, exhausted by years of nonstop performing, the band took a four-month break while Dave travelled around the world.
Name: Bob Lucier CD Release: Eleven Favorites Circa: 2002 Genre: Country
Home: Chatham-Kent (Grande Pointe) Resides: Toronto area
About Bob: Bobby Lucier has been a leader in steel guitar and is world renowned for his unique style and ability. Bob was the resident Steel Player for “The Tommy Hunter Show“ when it aired on the CBC television network in Canada for many years.
Gordie Tapp From ‘Hee Haw’ Writes Liner Notes For CD In 1952, when we started Main Street Jamboree, I became deeply engrossed in Country Music.
I heard my first steel guitar in the hands of Bobby Wingrove and Lloyd Banks. It rapidly became my favorite instrument. In 1969 I arrived in Nashville to begin Hee Haw and thought I’d gone to steel guitar heaven. I worked with such famous names as Curly Chalker, Buddy Emmons, Lloyd Green, John Hughey etc… When I talked to them about their instruments and abilities they told me there was a guy up in Canada who had equal ability.
I returned to Canada to guest on a well received Country TV show and met the young man they were talking about. If you ask Bobby Lucier for a sixteen bar turnaround he makes it sound like a symphony but not at the expense of your vocal presentation and the audience leaves thinking how great you are because of the intricate steel guitar background he provides.
He features four string harmony melodies with just a touch of two of his favorites, Jimmy Day and Weldon Myrick, but it’s his own interpretations that makes him unique.
A master steel guitar technician. A master of Cabinetry (his real income). I’m glad he’s presenting this new C.D.. May I introduce to you Bobby Lucier.
Enjoy! Gordie Tapp
Tracks
1. Pick Me Up (On Your Way Down) C. Walker 2. Fraulein (Lawton Williams) 3. Workin’ Man Blues (Merle Haggard) 4. I Fall To Pieces (H. Cochrane & H. Howard) 5. Fool Such As I (William Trader) 6. Magnum (Bob Lucier, SOCAN) 7. Pass Me By (Hillman Hall) 8. Blues For Felix (C. Byrd) 9. Alright I’ll Sign The Papers (M. Tillis) 10. My Special Angel (Jimmy Duncan) 11. Lonesome 77203 (Justin Tubb)
Engineered & Mixed by: Doug Deveaux Cover photo: Brian Carnahan Produced By : Bob Lucier & Mel Aucoin All Arrangements By: Bob Lucier
Artist: Bob Lucier Album: Nerves of Steel Circa: 1976 Genre: Country Instrument: Steel guitar Home: Bob is from Chatham Ontario (Grande Pointe)
Note: Bobby Lucier has been a leader in steel guitar and is world renowned for his unique style and ability. Bob was the resident Steel Player for “The Tommy Hunter Show” when it aired on the CBC television network in Canada for many years.
This album contains original works and material by other artists.
1. HEY GOOD LOOKIN’ 2. YOU AND ME B 3. CITY OF NEW ORLEANS 4. C’MON SON (Bob Lucier) 5. THE HOMECOMING 6. FLOWERS ON THE WALL 7. HAPPY WORLD (Bob Lucier) 8. THE WAY WE WERE 9. JAMAICAN STEEL 10. MY PLEASURE (Bob Lucier) 11. I CAN’T HELP IT 12. TOO HIGH Stevie Wonder
Click on the video below to play the album preview.
*Bob also plays steel guitar this year on:
Jesse Winchester’s album “Let the Rough Side Drag”, 1976.
Bill Amesbury – Can You Feel It - Bill signed with Yorkville Records in 1973 and made several singles in 1973-1974. After one non-charting single, the second – “Virginia (Touch Me Like You Do)” – went to #1 in Canada and did well in many countries. In 1999, it received a SOCAN Classic award for 100,000 radio plays. Bill’s success attracted Neil Bogart, who was starting up the Casablanca label. While KISS were the first signing, Bill Amesbury had the first record on the label, with the US issue of “Virginia.” This led to an album, “Jus’ A Taste Of The Kid” (1974). In 1976, Bill signed with Capitol and made one album, “Can You Feel It,” featuring the contributions of some of the finest session musicians in Canada. Bill had great success in England with his records on the Power Exchange label. His songs were discovered by other artists such as Long John Baldry, Natalie Cole and Mitch Ryder, who covered them on their albums. There were no further records by Bill Amesbury. He underwent sex-reassignment surgery and has been Barbara Amesbury for a quarter-century now. Barbara is a patron of the arts in Toronto, a filmmaker and social activist.
Band: The Myers Brothers and the Jubilaires Year: 1978-1979 Home: Chatham Ontario Genre: Country.
Members:
Ray Trahan – Drums
Patricia-Gail Lozon – Vocals
Ray Myers – Vocals and rhythm guitar
Ernie Marchand – Pedal steel
Roland Myers – Bass and vocals
Roland Lozon – Lead guitar, fiddle
While the band continues to perform at local clubs and events, they have been landing big shows and new experiences to their enjoyment of being musicians.
In 1978 and 1979, the band was on the bill for some of the biggest country music shows in Canada. They were Canadian guests for the travelling “Grand Ole Opry Show. In 1978, they played Halifax, Moncton and Fredericton in (June 16, 17, 18). In March of 1979, they played Kitchener and the London Gardens. The big show included Grant Turner, MINNIE PEARL, Stonewall Jackson, Archie Campbell, Jeanne Pruett, Red Sovine, Jim and Jesse, The Stonemans, Jack Greene, Jeanne Seely, Marie Bottrell, Jimmy C. Newman, Penny DeHaven, Ray Pillow, Charlie Walker, Roy Drusky, Ronny Robbins, Tammy Wynette, The Stoney Mountain Cloggers. Canadian Guests included “Roger Quick and the Rainbows”, and “The Myers Brothers and The Jubilaires”.
1979 also marked when the guys became involved with the Belle River Singing and Fiddle Contest held annually. The event consistently draws thousands of people and involves musicians from far and wide.
From 1979 to 1981 they performed under their current band name. They would go on to play the event until 1989 under their future band names “Jubilaires II” and “Front Page News”.
Note: The group released an LP in 1968 and many singles (45rpm’s) the following year.
Band: The Whippoorwills Release: The Whippoorwills Format: LP Album Year: 1964 Formed: 1958 Disbanded: late 1964 Home: Chatham Ontario Canada
Label: Canatal Records Genre: Country Music
Members:
Ray Francis – Rythm guitar
Bill Taylor – Drums
John Tangelis – Bass
Ray Dauphin – Tenor guitar
Max Dauphin – Steel guitar and fiddle
Tracks: 01.Honey lovin’ (Bollington) 02.When two worlds collide (Roger Miller and Bill Anderson) 03.Lost in the islands (Reg Dauphin) 04.A wound time can’t erase (B. Johnson) 05.Ridin’ high (Max Dauphin) 06.Little darlin’ (John Tangelis) 07.Drivin’ nails in my coffin (Jerry Irby) 08.Dead end twist ( William S. Taylor) 09.What would you do (Jim Reeves) 10.South of the border ( Carr and Kennedy) 11.Tears broke out on me ( Hank Cochrane) 12.Tears will fall ( Ray Francis)
This is the second of two releases.
Liner Notes:
Most country music lovers in Canada and the U.S. have heard of Ray Francis and his western group – “The Whippoorwills”.
Ray and “The Whippoorwills” have appeared on the best loved country shows, including “Grand Old Opry”, with such well known artists as Brenda Lee, Ferlin Husky, Minnie Pearl, Tex Ritter and others of equal fame.
This versatile country and western group are constantly touring and making personal appearances, in both counties.
The vocal and instrumental selections recorded were carefully chosen and they feature the melodic sound of the steel guitar, which adds greatly to the rounded blend of this album. The groups first love is the type of music they recorded on this album.
Standing in the studio in their stocking feet, Ray Francis and his men played one of the finest western and country sessions we have ever heard. Why not share it with us?
Art Snider – Canatal Records.
Note:After this second album, Ray chose a solo career, recording four more albums and appeared on many TV shows.
Recorded at: Newberry Sound Studio LTD. Engineer: Dave Newberry and Art Snider Produced by: Art Snider Cover Photo: Robert Ragsdale, assisted by Margaret Epp
About Ray:
Ray bought his first guitar at the age of 13 and taught himself how to play by watching others in his area, including men living in railroad cars. Ray lived on Edgar Street which was behind the rail road station in Chatham. These train carts were home to men who worked for the rail road but travelled from city to city with their work. Ray would watch them play guitar then ask them to show him how to play that new chord he never saw before. He would then rush home and practice it until he got it down.
After a long run of it, the road took its toll on him and he decided to walk away from it all to be home with family and take on a job in his home town. Ray’s son Michael is one of Canada’s most accomplished studio musicians and carries the legacy on. S. Beaulieu
Band: Ray Francis and the Whippoorwills Release: Country Jamboree Format: LP Album Year: 1963 Formed: 1958 Label: Arc Records Genre: Country Music
Ray Francis on vocals on side one. 01. Crying In The Deep Blue Sea 02. I’ve Got A Right To Know 03. A House With Everything But Love 04. I’ll Kiss The Fast GoodBye 05. The Same Old Me 06. All Over Again
John Tengelis on vocals on side two. 07. Toujour Moi 08. I Can’t Run Away From Myself 09. Three Hearts In A Triangle 10. Anymore 11. A Dime Worth Of Dreams 12. Carribean
Band members:
Ray Francis, Bill Taylor, John Tangelis, Ray Dauphin, Max Dauphin
This is the first of two albums Ray Francis and the Whippoorwills recorded. Ray went on to record four solo records also.
Liner Notes:
“A recording company in the run of a year auditions many artists in order to find the top talent required for recording. As soon as Arc Records heard Ray Francis and The Whippoorwills they immediately recognized that here was one of the most professional sounding country bands in the land. This long play album is the result”
The Whippoorwills have been together as a unit for five years and for the past three years have been heard regularly on radio station C.F.C.O. in Chatham, Ontario, the group’s home base. The band has toured with Grand Ole Opry, stars such as Ray Price; Johnny Cash; Brenda Leeand many others, both in Canada and the United States.
The next goal that Ray Francis and his talented band are aiming for is their own weekly television show, and if talent and showmanship is the key to their goal, they are certain to succeed.
2009 Update by S. Beaulieu The band started out making $3 a night in the late 1950’s. They went on to do a weekly radio show for CFCO which ran for five years, beginning in 1960. Francis worked hard and persistently to promote the band to people with connections in the industry. Country star Jim Reeves was quick to help the band when he heard them, stating that they were the best he had heard anywhere in Canada.
In 1963 they recorded their first LP ‘Country Jamboree’ in Toronto. In those days, recordings were simply the band circled around a single microphone. There were no overdubs or room for error on a take. Musicianship mattered. By researching Ray I found and bought this album one day before going to interview Ray. It turns out Ray had a copy of all his albums except this first one. It was posted online from a Holland Street home in Chatham, so I drove over and bought it and then gave it to Ray. I thought that was pretty cool. He gets a copy of his first album, and I get to meet and learn about a local musician who was a real go-getter and made things happen for his music and love of it.
Artist: Jani Jakovac CD Release: Take Cover Year: 2004 Home: Chatham Ontario Resides: Vancouver
Notes: Jani records a collection of songs by other artists that she likes, which makes “Take Cover” a great name for this collection of covers.
Bio:
Who is this Jani anyhow? Where has she been hiding? Well, actually it is Jani (jay-nee) Jakovac (jack-o-vack) but who she is can be as tricky as the name. Because she is many things. She is a singer, songwriter, pianist, actor and an athlete to name a few. She’s funny, she’s intense, she’s energetic, she’s controlled, she’s sweet, but don’t ever get on her bad side…not so sweet. She is chic while she owns 6 pairs of slippers and wears flannels to bed. Clearly, she is a Gemini with issues.
She studied drama and played varsity volleyball at the University of Guelph in Ontario. The day after graduating, she moved to Vancouver to pursue an acting career. This led her to few acting roles and many bartending jobs. She then moved to Europe to benefit from something else she had put many years into…. volleyball. She played and coached professionally in Denmark for three years.
So, that was where she’s been “hiding”. If hiding was her intent, this would be about the only place this 6 foot blonde could have remained inconspicuous. But inconspicuous she definitely was not when she was hopping up on stages in Copenhagen and joining bands in impromptu performances.
Growing up in a house that thrived on music, it was always a part of her, a necessary element of her being. She knew she could sing, but strangely enough, she did not think it was “a big deal”. And since the only people that had ever heard her sing were friends and family, Jani assumed that they were merely being polite when they told her that she had talent. Belting out the blues or luring people into a trance with her sultry sounds was just her own act of passion. But the response to her music made it undeniably clear that people wanted to hear more. The music she writes is a soulful mix of the different styles she grew up listening to. The diverse music she appreciated were just a turn of the radio dial away from one another. The stations were numerous. The stations were from Detroit.
She grew up in the small city of Chatham, Ontario, 45 minutes over the border from the Motown. Her influences, ranging from classical to funk, are revealed in every song that she writes. Her often autobiographical lyrics leave audiences thankful for the living she has done. No, music has not been the only part of Jani’s life, but it has been the strongest, most dynamic, most necessary, always with her, traveling to every place she has been. The ever positive, vibrant, energetic Jani, admits that her music is a therapeutic device that she has used for many years to keep the smile on her face. Audiences are thrilled she has lived enough life to have stories to tell with her songs and young enough to make it interesting.
Band: Melody Ramblers Home: Chatham Ontario Circa: 1978 Style: Country Covers Band History: Ran from 1953-1994 with various line ups.
Members:
(Back Row)
Bruno Pinsonault – Bass
Mark Buckwheat – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Larry St.Pierre – Drums
Dan St.Pierre – Guitar
(Front Row)
Dennis Smith
Notes: Mark Buckwheat would later join the band Home Grown.
‘BAND’ING Together Posted By ELLWOOD SHREVE Chatham Daily News Nov.14th 2009
If you have a favourite local band still playing or from when you were younger, try checking out the website www.chathamusicarchive.com created by Shawn Beaulieu.
In a short period of time, the 35-year-old Chatham resident has compiled an impressive amount of information on local bands and musicians, including photos and small biographies, which are listed by both name and year released.
Beaulieu began the project about four or five years ago as a blog, but since being laid off six months ago, he has been able to devote several hours a day to the website.
“All of a sudden it turned into more than a hobby and all of a sudden it got bigger and bigger,” Beaulieu said.
He has been a part of the local music scene as a member of the band Foster Child, which became the Janet Theory.
Beaulieu credits the help he has received from Jeff Mifflin, who works at Strings N’ Things and is the guitarist with The O’Hara Brothers band. He said Mifflin was able to access photos of several local bands that have been displayed at the local music store over the years. He also noted the members of the 1980s group Manpower, which have teamed up again this year, “got me into a lot of this.” Beaulieu said the website is getting the attention of several local musicians, past and present, noting people have been coming to him with information. Beaulieu is impressed with the wealth of musical talent and the wide range of genres that has come out of the Chatham-Kent area, and wanted a way to show that to the world.
He has done extensive research at the Chatham Public Library, gathering information dating back to 1889 with the formation of the Chatham City Band. There is plenty of interesting information on well-known older bands, including the Melody Ramblers, which once boasted current country music star Michelle Wright as its lead singer. When Wright left to pursue a solo career, she was replaced by Wendy Jenkins, who also enjoyed success with the popular band. Then there is The Missing Links, including members John, Fred and Eddy Larson and Bill McGrath, whose 1966 album “It’s Link Up Time,” was produced by Paul Shaffer, best known today for his long stint with the David Letterman Show.
The site is also filling up with information on several local bands from today’s era. Beaulieu said the website can also serve as a resource for bands that are looking for musicians with certain skills or local clubs that want to hire local bands to play. “I only knew about 10 per cent of the bands when I started doing this,” Beaulieu said. “There’s a big scene going on, but nobody knows each other.”
Name: Laura Moelker CD Release: Unfolding Stories Year: 2009 Performance: classical concert pianist Home: Chatham-Kent Resides: Hamilton
Notes: The CD is a collection of classical piano music from Chopin, Mendelssohn, Gershwin, and Schubert.
Official Bio Laura Moelker, a native of Chatham, Ontario, is a classical concert pianist with a profound love for music. Her outgoing personality, remarkable enthusiasm and precision at the piano have given her enormous success and praise from audiences.
Laura grew up in Chatham, Ontario where she began taking piano lessons at the age of 5. Born into a musical family, Laura received unending support from her parents and siblings. She continued taking lessons and received numerous awards in local music festivals, including the O.R.M.T.A. award, which she received in 1999. This only encouraged Laura to continue in her musical studies. In 2002 Laura moved to Hamilton, Ontario where she continued studying music at Redeemer University College under Dr. Christiaan Teeuwsen and world-renowned pianist, Valerie Tryon. In May 2006 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in music (piano performance). Upon graduating Laura continued her classical training with the Royal Conservatory of Music and in January 2009 graduated and received her ARCT diploma in piano performance.
Laura now works as a freelance musician in Hamilton, Ontario and is currently involved in various musical activities within her local community.
Visit Laura online here.
Listen to her music here.
Artist: Jay Allan Release: The Wrong Direction Year: 2009 Genre: Country Home: Bothwell
Notes: Ontario singer/songwriter Jay Allan has been writing songs since the age of 14. Today Jay is a dedicated and driven country music singer songwriter with an original sound. As an active member of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), SOCAN and the Songwriter’s Association of Canada (S.A.C.) Jay is being recognized in the Canadian Country music scene, performing at many music events and festivals including opening for great Canadian acts such as Jimmy Rankin, Julian Austin & Doc Walker and releasing his first single ‘Rumourville’ to country radio across Canada.
Sanford was appointed artistic director and conductor in June 2002. He filled this roll until 2008. In 1998 Doug conducted two orchestras, The East York and Okanagan Symphonies.
