Photo: Contributed

It all started as a family affair, just outside of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.  The Henman brothers, David & Ritchie, joined forces with one Myles Goodwyn along with their cousin Jim Henman and put together a little quartet named April Wine! The time? 1969. The four young Maritimers didn’t waste any time heading out to the big city of Montreal in 1970, and hitting the Canadian Music Scene with such a loud bang, the repercussions are still heard today!

It was a time of development in the music industry, and the group were embraced by some far thinking industry types that saw their potential. Canadian independent label Aquarius picked up April Wine as soon as they entered the Montreal city limits. Their first record, a self-titled affair hit the streets a year later, and the first single, “Fast Train” reached across our great nation, making inroads for the band. Indicative to their ongoing career, “Fast Train” was what these four were up against. Not a smooth ride, but a stellar and steady rise to international stardom. April Wine’s story is a great Canadian ‘can-do’ drama…most fitting for a supergroup, and a Maritime one at that!

The self titled debut was full of potential, with Mr. Goodwyn being a budding songwriter as well as a gifted vocalist. However, a pattern was also taking shape - a struggle for dominance, one might view it as. The group would progress, but with a revolving door of membership. This started early on, with the departure of cousin bassist Jim Henman, to be replaced with Jim Clench. A new bassist, a new album, and the band was set to go once again. “On Record”, the second effort spawned a couple of hit singles, ”Bad Side Of The Moon” and “You Could Have Been A Lady”.  Both were covers, but the band put that unique April Wine signature to them. A little known fact is that album number two had impact in the United States. "Bad Side Of The Moon" charted there, however no touring plans south of the border would happen until years later. April Wine have released over twenty albums and survived many a member change. All through these tumultuous times, Myles Goodwyn and Company kept hitting the higher end of the charts, becoming a legendary Canadian supergroup, giving us such memorable songs as: “Weeping Widow”, “Oowatanite”,, “The Whole World’s Goin’ Crazy”…just to name a few.

Establishing themselves as a premiere Live Act as well, the road worthy group found an ever increasing audience south of the border. Finally in 1979, the group headed across the 49th and fuelled by “Roller” toured the U.S. extensively. Never forgetting their home, Canadians were graced with bigger and better shows throughout the early eighties as well. The hits? They just kept coming! “Roller”, “Say Hello”, and “I Like To Rock”. The group played and toured “Harder…Faster”, until the early eighties, when they took a hiatus, not really splitting up…just retiring for a little rest and recharging themselves. By this time, one could see that April Wine was indeed Myles Goodwyn, chief songwriter and singer. Many musicians graced the stages, and recorded with Myles as April Wine, many whom went on to be in significant other groups who in turn impacted upon the Canadian music scene. Myles, himself ploughed onwards, with refreshed line-ups of April Wine, only to stop again in the late eighties.

With more than a fistful of songs, previous hits and a “New Attitude”, Myles set to the road in 1992, with a ‘big’ line-up.  There was Jerry Mercer, the powerhouse drummer, Brian Greenway, Jim Clench and another guitarist in Steve Segal, freeing up Myles to play keyboards as well as guitar. The result was a bigger sound, more intricate and more visually appealing. The road saw the lads meet with success across the border as well as in their homeland. A brand new album “Attitude” was making headway, and the group released another in 1994 entitled “Frigate”.

April Wine accomplished loads, from being one of few bands from that era breaking the charts in the U.S. to constant radio hits and sold out shows, launching many a musician’s career, and leaving an undeniable imprint in Canadian music. Yet, they never won a Juno! Nominated, yes, but not won.  They have been inducted in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and that was just recently, (2010), have released more gold and platinum albums than most Canadian groups, and have enjoyed international recognition and success. From the Dartmouth suburb of Waverly, four young Maritimers decided to take that “Fast Train”, and we Canadians are much richer for it!

Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

This Weekend:

• It’s worth the trip - Valdy & Gary Fjellgaard IN CONCERT Oct. 28th @ Zion United Church Hall in Armstrong.
• Thunder And Lightning - a two man Rock/Metal group @ Grateful Fed Bar & Grill Saturday Oct.29th.

Notable Concerts:

• Terri Clark Friday Oct.28th at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton
• Legendary Leon Russell @ Kelowna Community Theatre Tuesday November 8th
• Ian Tyson at the Vernon & District Performance Arts Centre; Thursday Nov. 17th
• Matthew Good @ Kelowna Community Theatre Saturday Nov. 19th
• March, 2012 it’s Jeff Dunham at Prospera Place; March 22nd

Photo: Contributed

‘Notes & News’

1. From the Rumour Mill: the original Black Sabbath seem to be on again for a re-union…stay tuned! 
2. Meanwhile check out Tony Iommi’s book “Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven & Hell With Black Sabbath” out now.
3. A brand new Heart album is well underway, rumoured to be a throwback to the group’s early years.
4. The original Glam Band, “Mott The Hoople” release a documentary on DVD entitled “The Ballad Of Mott The Hoople”, very worthwhile seeking out!
5. ”Monster” is the new album from Kiss, scheduled to be released in early 2012.
6. Another Live DVD from Canada’s super trio; Rush coming to you next month.
7. ”Time Machine 2011:Live In Cleveland” on Blu-ray as well as DVD.
8. The southern terrors are back! Jim Dandy and Black Oak Arkansas, get ready for some kick-ass rock n’ roll with their new album “Memphis Mean Tymes”!!
9. A beacon of light from the U.S., “Rival Sons” are making headway all across the globe and nominated as Best New Group for 2011.
10. ”The Answer” have finally released “Revival”, a double CD package.
11. Ritchie Blackmore’s wife, Candice Night has released her first solo record: “Reflections”, a medieval masterpiece.
12. Coming soon from Frontiers Records, a live DVD from those masters of progressive rock, Yes - look for it at your favourite record store.'

Remember, if you would like me to write something, drop me a line at: fbainternational@telus.net and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!