Sunday, August 15, 2010

Elusive Song

Okay, I have been trying for DECADES to find two instrumentals done by The Checkers.  One is titled "Blue Star" and the other is "Chinook" (written by
Gary Fabbi).  If anyone can help me find a copy in any form please contact me!!
Now that I've found "Chinook" thanks to Rick....."Blue Star" here I come!!
Thanks!!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The Checkers were a Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada group who formed in the early sixties.  I remember them playing at The Hop (Henderson Lake Pavilion) they were a TREAT!!!  The band was mainly an instrumental group but did have some vocals...one of which I particularily LOVED, "Wouldn't It Be Nice" (NOT the Beachboys one, but the one by Johnny Rhythm or by the Beau-Marks).  We danced, we flirted and how I loved listening to the guy singing softly in my ear; "Wouldn't it be nice, if ever girl could be like you....", ahhhhh, words to melt a girl's heart!

The group consisted of:  lead guitarist, Denny Goshinmon, drummers Robbie Jeacock (and Rick Bell aka Belanger who went onto Five Man Electrical Band as their drummer), bassist Wes Kucheran, and rhythm guitarist Jerry Arnold.  Gary Fabbi was also a one time member.  These guys were very professional and put on a terrific show!!  I'll never forget the black pants and red jackets!!  I seem to recall blue jackets as well.

In their career they opened for the likes of Buddy Knox and became a house band in Ottawa, Ontario at "The Oak Door" where they backed Ray Peterson, Dickey Lee, Tommy Roe, Johnny Tillotson, and Bobby Curtola.