The jazz/rock fusion band from the 1970s is releasing a double CD set of 16 original songs recorded this past summer during a reunion at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26. Both performances of the August reunion were professionally recorded, with the second night transformed into the double album.
On Feb. 7, the band will be back together to perform at the first official CD release party at Roadside Willies in Bible Hill. Don Chapman, the recording engineer, will be on site to mix the sound, much like he did for the band’s project. CDs will be for sale for $25.
The CDs, which the band is working on having them digitally released in the future, were professionally manufactured at Put It On CD in Dartmouth, and the material written 40 years ago is available for listeners - the CD title and first song on disc one says it all – After All This Time.
The songs were written by vocalist Wayne Nicholson and piano and trombone player Paul Barrett over a period of six years between 1970 and 1976. Many were written as a group with drummer Doug (Dog) MacKay, guitarist Abbey Aucoin, bassist Greg (Phisch) Fancy, and saxophone player Layne Francis.
Joining the band once again will be saxophonist Ken MacKay, an accomplished player with many years of freelance experience and known for his groups The Aviators and The Swell Guys.
The February performance will also be used as a fundraiser for Fancy’s family, whose wife has been diagnosed with cancer. Proceeds from the event will help with costs of medications and transportation.
Fancy is well known in the music industry in the province, being the longtime bassis for Joe Murphy and The Water Street Blues Band, and an employee with Mingo Music in Truro.
