Musician: Tom Starks (Thomas Starks) Year: 2010 Instrument: Hammond B3 organ, Keyboards Genre: Jazz Home: Chatham-Kent Ontario Resides: Other
Current Groups: Dirty Hammond Organ Band, The Denise Pelley Band and many other ensembles.
Members (Dirty Hammond Organ Band) Tom Starks – Hammond B3 organ Troy Neeb – sax & percussion Chris Norley – guitar Sandy MacKay – drums & artistic director
Background:
The Force, Manpower, Friends, Solo CD releases, Julie Ross, and many many many more. Tom began his professional career in 1972 as keyboardist with a show group touring Ontario and several Northern States. In 1974 he returned to his home town of Chatham and continued to perform with local artists while touring Southern Ontario. After 25 years of teaching, Tom and his wife Sonja moved to Aylmer where his main focus now is on jazz and a return to his first instrument, the Hammond B3 Organ.
Tom is as professional and polite as they come. He also lends his talents to various occasions & projects.
Musician: Steve Skull aka Steve Saunders Instrument: Vocals, Guitar Home town: Chatham Resides: Toronto Area
Steve moved away to the Toronto area in the early 1990’s. Some may have caught him while he was playing locally in Chatham for the band Lyra (1987-89). Musically, he became a pro player and guitar teacher.
Above Pictures 01 Lyra 1988 02 The Flu 1990 03 Thunder Circus 1992 04 Touring guitarist for the Killer Dwarfs 1995 05 Fear Disorder 1996 06 Steve in 1999 072003-2004 Sandman (Metallica tribute band) 08 2009 Live shot
Brief Bio from his page 2010: My real name is Steve Saunders, but pretty much everyone I know, knows me as Steve Skull. I have been a touring/gigging musician since I was 16 playing with some really great musicians along the way. Some of note include, Thunder Circus, The Flu, Killer Dwarfs, Fear Disorder, Mike Reno, Jimi Jamison, Alan Frew and Revolver. I’ve played in about 50+ different bands over the years.
The band Fear Disorder was signed and released one album called “In A Rage”. It was released in 27 countries throughout Europe and the U.K. in 1997. That band opened for Rob Halford’s old band, Fight and also Voivod, which included former Thunder Circus bandmate, Eric Forrest.
Most of the bands I have been in were either tribute bands or cover bands. Music is my passion. I actually had to rediscover how much it is a part of me. Now, I am ready to write again and I enjoy music all over again! Currently, I can be found playing somewhere in the GTA playing with The Intruders.
Some of the bands Steve was in.
1989 – Lyra 1990 – The Flu 1992 – Thunder Circus
1995 – Killer Dwarfs 1996 – Fear Disorder 2003,2004 – Sandman – Metallica Tribute Band 2009 – The Intruders (party band)
Artist: Anne Murray Release: Christmas Wishes Year: 1981 Label: Label: Capitol Records Chatham Connection: Bob Lucier (from Grande Pointe, Chatham-Kent) plays steel guitar on this record and has been in Anne Murray’s band for many years.
Track Listings 1. Winter Wonderland 2. Silver Bells 3. Little Drummer Boy 4. I’ll Be Home for Christmas 5. Christmas Wishes 6. Joy to the World 7. Away in a Manger 8. O Holy Night 9. Go Tell It on the Mountain 10. Silent Night
Canadian country singer Anne Murray was born in Nova Scotia in 1945. She was the first Canadian solo singer to reach No.1 in the US charts for her single “Snowbird” and has album sales of over 50 million to her credit. Her 1984 album A Little Good News won the Country Music Associations Album of the Year and in 1993 she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
About Bob Lucier: Bobby Lucier has been a leader in steel guitar and is world renowned for his unique style and ability. Bob was the resident steel guitar player (for roughly 20 years) on “The Tommy Hunter Show” which began airing on the CBC TV in the mid ’70’s. He was also the first steel guitarist with the famous Johnny Burke and Eastwind. Before that, he played in Bill Anderson’s “Po’ Boys band”, “Myers Brothers and the Jubilaires”, and a few others. Bob’s steel guitar playing is on many of Ann Murrays albums recorded through the years.
Visit Bob online here. http://www.ambrec.com/boblucier/
Group: Bobby Lucier and Mel Aucoin Release: 88 & 10 Circa: 2005 Genre: Country Music
Chatham-Kent Connection: Bob Lucier is originally from Chatham-Kent (Grande Pointe).
Notes: Bob and Mel played on the Tommy Hunter Show for many years. Their amazing musical talents have set the standard for country music throughout the years in Canada.
Chatham’s own Mike Francis (“Pepe”) plays acoustic and electric guitar. Mike has made a name for himself in the music business as a producer for major acts. His Father is Ray Francis, known for his solo records, and his days with the Whippoorwills.
Tracks
1. Big Beaver 2. Tennessee waltz 3. So afraid of losing you again 4. Don’t know why 5. Silver wings 6. Behind closed doors 7. Song for Alice 8. King of the road 9. It Don’t hurt anymore 10. Some day soon 11. Blue eyes crying in the rain 12. Lonestar
John Hughey writes Liner Notes for this CD Hi folks,
For those of you who don’t know Bob Lucier, don’t know what you’ve missed thru the years and for those of you who do know him know him as a great person and a very talented musician.
I’ve known Bob for a great many years now and consider him a very good friend.
But, the main reason I am here is to tell you about Bob’s new CD. He sent me a preview copy and I am very impressed. He is like a great wine, he gets better with age.
Bob, I think the CD is great and it’s one that everyone should have in their “play all of the time”
collection. I know it will be in mine. Good luck with your continued success.
“God Bless”…John Hughey
Artist: Anne Murray Release: New Kind of Feeling Year: 1979 Genre: Country Chatham Connection: Bob Lucier plays steel guitar on this album, and many other Anne Murray albums. Bob is from Chatham-Kent (Grande Pointe).
Tracks: 1. Shadows In The Moonlight 2. You’ve Got What It Takes 3. I Just Fall In Love Again 4. Take This Heart 5. Yucatan Café 6. For No Reason At All 7. Rainin’ In My Heart 8. That’s Why I Love You 9. (He Can’t Help It If) He’s Not You 10. Heaven Is Here
About Anne Murray: Over the years, Anne’s recordings have seldom been off the charts. She has sold close to 50 million albums and has won countless awards. However, Anne Murray is more than just a Canadian icon. Her warm voice and well-loved songs have become woven into the fabric of our lives.
About Bob Lucier: 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” while it aired on the CBC television network from the mid ’70’s until its demise. He was also the first steel guitarist with the famous Johnny Burke and Eastwind. Before that, he played in Bill Anderson’s “Po’ Boys band”, “Myers Brothers and the Jubilaires”, and a few others. Bob’s steel guitar playing is on many of Ann Murrays albums recorded through the years.
Band: The Jubilaires Year: 1956 Home: Chatham Ontario Genre: Country Formed: 1956
Members (L-R) Lionel Richie – Drums
Oscar Demers – Rhythm guitar
Roland Lozon – Fiddle
Oscar Benoit – Lead guitar.
Circa: 1956 – 1961
The Jubilaires have a long history that lasted through many decades.
The original line-up was an instrumental group that put on their own dances in order to perform live.
They rented an old hall, which was originally for hay storage on the second floor of a horse stable in Pain Court, next to the Dover Hotel. Posters were made, a bouncer was hired and a refreshment booth was set up. When the “Bunny Hop” was played, the floor would bounce and it was concern for the band that the crowd would go through the floor. Lots of dust would fly up at each hop. There were no chairs and tables, just a board along the side walls.
For the very first dance, the boys cleaned the hall on Wednesday, decorated it on Thursday, played it on Friday night, and cleaned it up on Saturday. They took the profit of $18 and split it 6 ways. These go getters put on a dance every Friday from June 30th to November 30, 1956.
Sam Lozon did join the band as the singer and guitarist circa 1957 and decided to retire from music.
During performances, the band would usually spot two female singers. Doreen Lecuyer and Louella Demers (Oscar’s sister)
In 1960, The Myers Brothers joined the band resulting in a name change to “Myers Brothers and the Jubilaires (The)”. After that long run, they became known as the Jubilaires II, followed by a brief and final line-up called “Front Page News”.
Artist: Jani Jakovac CD Release: This Is Her Life Style: Vocal and Piano Year: 2003 Home: Chatham Ontario Resides: Vancouver
Tracks: 01. this is her life 02. lovin’ you 03. I’d rather be 04. strips me bare 05. she has no name 06. closer 07. something borrowed 08. take it back 09. the score
All music & lyrics by Jani Jakovac
Recorded in Vancouver B.C.
Cover photo by Carmen Day
Notes:This is her second recording, but her first to the public.
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: MYSTERY TRAIN Year: 2001 Style: Country Home: Vancouver
Chatham Connection: Oscar Demers, on pedal steel, was born in Chatham, Ontario but moved out West for a period of time.
Members:
Oscar Demers – Pedal Steel
Larry Boudreau – Guitar
Bill Dellert – Lead Vocals, rhythm guitar & keyboards
Jay Stevens – Bass and lead vocals
Brad Kent – harmony, drums and lead vocals
Oscar Demers first band was The Meyers Bros with his sister singing. Oscar was only twelve but would continue with the band for 18 years. The band had three albums and six 45’s. At roughly sixteen years old, Oscar and the band began touring between Detroit and Toronto opeing shows for Nashville acts.
They appeared on the prestigious Ernest Tubb Record Shop national radio show as well as an interview with Ralph Emery on WSM radio.
Oscar did allot of work as a session player and played with many great country artists such as Bill Anderson, Billy Walker, Donna Fargo, Ronnie Milsap, Hank Williams Jr., Hank Snow, Dolly Parton and more.
Destinywas Oscar’s next band, another opening act for many Nashville artists. But Oscar was headed out west and by the mid- 70’s he was in Vancouver working with Ray McAuley & Wild Country and playing on the 1978 Album of the Year ‘Sometimes Good’. He also played with the Midnight Rodeo Band until he moved to the Island and joined Nanaimo’s Family Tradition.
Oscar wanted to retire after 45 years in the music industry when Larry Boudreau approached him about replacing a member of his band who was leaving. Oscar said he didn’t want to join another band, but he’d help him out until he could find a permanent replacement. To quote Oscar, “That was three years ago and he’s still looking. Or is he?”
They say a band is as good as its weakest link and I’m still looking to find it with this grouping. This is a band of seasoned professionals that you can count for a quality performance, no matter what the venue. Each member brings a large amount of background, skill, style and personality to create the solid country dance band, Mystery Train. Whether you buy a ticket or hire this band, you will be a happy customer, even if you have sore feet.
Musician: Rene Brosseau Year: 2009 Home: Chatham-Kent Ontario Instrument: Pedal steel and slide guitar Style: Country Music
pictures from Sept. 11th. 2009
Rene Brosseau performs with 2008 New Male Vocalist in Canada Gord Bamford. His hit songs include “POSTCARD FROM PASADENA”, “BLAME IT ON THAT RED DRESS”,” LITTLE GUY,” “DRINKIN’ BUDDY” & “WENT FOR 1 BUT STAYED ‘TILL 2”.
Rene is a world class pedal steel and slide guitar player who chooses to keep Chatham as his home. He has played with many international acts and continues to be called upon by high profile groups that come through Canada.
Band: The Jubilaires Year: 2007 Home: Chatham Kent Area
Members:
Oscar Demers – Pedal Steel, Guitar
Ray Trahan – Drums
Ray Myers – Rhythm guitar, Vocal
Roland Myers – Bass, Vocal
Roland Lozon – Lead guitar, Fiddle
The group has a long and rich history in this community. The Jubilaires disbanded years ago with a new formation coming as the Jubilaires II. These pictures are from the induction of Oscar Demers into the Grande Pointe “Hall Of Fame” in 2007.
Chatham Music Archive 