Sam and Dave

[winston]

I don't know how many of you know that I am a huge R&B fan and I have always been a fan of the genre. In 1966 I had the pleasure along with my band of being broadcast live on radio from the big stage of the Oil Can Harry's. You cannot mention Oil Can Harry's without mentioning Danny Baceda. Danny was a prince of a guy who talked non stop. He could talk anyone into doing anything.

After my band had finished its set on one of the smaller stages in the building called The Cellar (later called Dirty Sal's Cellar) Danny came and told me that Sam and Dave's band had been refused entry into Canada and asked, begged and pleaded for us to back them up on their evening show which was being broadcast live on CFUN radio.

Like I said Danny could sell ice to an Eskimo and the next thing I knew we found ourselves rehearsing a dozen Sam and Dave songs ( sans horns) and away we went. Our one and only gig at Oilcan Harry's produced a long friendship with Danny and we were booked to play at many functions for him and his friends in the business over a short stretch of time.

I am glad to say that our foray into "authentic" Rhythm and Blues fronted by two of the best singers in the business cemented my lifelong love of the genre. Sam and Dave were brilliant and we were simply star struck. I cannot say enough about those two gentlemen. They were consumate professionals and we all had a great time that evening despite the extremely short notice. We sounded pretty good too by all accounts as we presented stripped down versions of their songs.

Here are the boys with their band. Man these guys were good.

[kiramdear]

What a great story! I never heard you mention that experience before. What a thrill that must have been.

[winston]

Kira you know the old line..............I could write a book. Many times it has been said facetiously. In my case I could write a book, if I could only focus long enough on the facts and not the experiences. I have met so many huge stars over the years that I have lost track and I am the first to admit that my memory of those times needs a jog or two. Wisdom comes with advancement in years but so does memory loss...........now what was I saying?

[wj350]

Funny you post this now (thanks, BTW, a great post!)--I've been watching "The Commitments" and "The Blues Brothers" a lot this past week. This music was all over the little AM pocket radio I had as a kid, so even as much as The Beatles, I consider the music I grew up with.

Bill

[BCGUY]

Wow, that's very cool Brian.
I love Sam and Dave.

Did you ever get down to Vancouver during Expo to see any of the classic performers they had visit? I was working there and I think I went to just about everyone. I'm sure you've rubbed shoulders with many of them.

Cheers,