River Road 1983

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Band: River Road
Year: 1983
Home: Chatham Ontario
Genre: Uptown Country Music

Members:
Ray Violot – Keyboards and Guitar
Mike Crone – Bass
Dan Noordermeer – Guitar
Ron Baldwin – Drums

  River Road performed at the Kingsway allot and were all highly skilled players.
  At about this time, Ray began to slow down with the band performances and took on single shows in piano bars. Ray was very talented and played several instruments. He began playing in the Chatham Concert band in 1985 playing the stand up sting bass, percussion, and guitar. He also became busy with University.

  Mike Crone would join Manpower in 1985, who would become one of the longest running bands in Chatham.

  Dan chose to leave town to pursue music full time. He eventually joined Jeff Healey’s blues band touring Europe and elsewhere. He was the second guitar player on a couple Jeff Healy CD’s released before Jeff’s tragic loss to cancer in 2008. Dan was also in the house band at Jeff Healy’s bar in Toronto which saw famous special musical guests almost every weekend. Noted as one of the best bar bands in the world for their diversity and skill in musicianship, Dan’s skill has landed him some of the finest jams with many stars.

2007 – Dan Noordermeer in the Jeff Healey Blues Band

If video does not appear, watch it here.

2009 Update: Guitarist extraordinaire Dan Noordermeer 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. Dan Noordermeer has been with The Dave Murphy Band for almost a decade.

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