Tremtones Tribute

PEI’s “first rock and roll band” receives Stompin’ Tom Award
by Stephen Pate

After waiting 51 years to receive acknowledgment of their music The Tremtones walked away from the 2008 East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) with a major piece of prize hardware.
From left: Doug Carmody, Doug MacEwen, Billy Roy Murnaghan, Niall MacKay

“It feels terrific to win the Award,” said Billy Roy Murnaghan Tremtones founder. “It took a long time. We didn’t expect it. It came out of nowhere.” Murnaghan, who now lives in Barrie, Ontario, travelled back to PEI for the awards ceremony.

“There were two Doug’s at the Awards, Doug MacEwen, Doug Carmody, Niall MacKay and I,” said Murnaghan. Fellow band member Niall MacKay of Montague said the Award “was humbling to think we deserve it after all those years.”

The Tremtones, PEI’s first rock and roll band, were awarded the Stompin’ Tom Award at ECMAs in Fredericton. The Tremtones were formed in 1957 and played in and around PEI and Atlantic Canada for the next ten years.

The Stompin’ Tom Awards are given annually to the unsung heroes of the East Coast Music industry. “These well-deserving recipients have all made significant contributions to East Coast music…” says Wade Pinhorn, of the East Coast Music Association.

Murnaghan who had been playing in country bands recalled how the Tremtones started. “The band started in the footings of Birchwood High School,” said Murnaghan. “Gordie Ferguson and I were working digging the footings. We sat down next to each other one day at lunch. We got talking about music and Gordie said ‘I just got a new guitar, one of those Sears Harmony Silvertone guitars.’”

“I decided to work with him,” Murnaghan continued. “At age 17, I’d been playing guitar for 4 years. Next in was Gordie MacEwen the keyboard player and Dave Mills on drums. After that we were the Tremtones.”

“There weren’t many basses back then,” recalled Murnaghan. “The first bass was made from an old jukebox guts. We drove over to Moncton and bought an old jukebox from the distributor. We made a bass amplifier from the guts and the big speaker.”

Playing around Charlottetown, the Tremtones covered rockabilly, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Gene Vincent, and Eddie Cochrane among other popular artists of the day.

“We did a lot of Elvis,” said Murnaghan. “I still do a lot of Elvis in the old folk’s homes. Elvis is popular. When I sing ‘Don’t Be Cruel’ I get the audience to sing the ‘Oooh oooh oooh’ to make it fun.”

“We did Jerry Lee Lewis ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and that became the theme of our reunion at the Rollaway,” said Murnaghan. “That was an historic club for us and PEI. Don Messer and the Islanders played there along with lots of other musicians.”

“Our favourite fast songs were ‘Don’t Be Cruel’ and the Jerry Lee Lewis ‘Whole Lot of Shaking’. The crowds loved Ricky Nelson’s ‘Lonesome Town’ for a slow song,” said Murnaghan.
The Tremtones at Prince of Wales College, circa 1958. From Left Doug MacEwen, Gordie Ferguson, Billy Roy Murnaghan, Dave Mills

“’Oh Donna’ was a big favourite for snuggling,” added Niall MacKay who variously sang, played bass and drums with the Tremtones. “We made a lot of people happy, made them smile. We played one end of the Island to the other, sometimes 6 nights a week. CJRW Radio would broadcast our dances at the Cahill Stadium.”

“My biggest regret at the ECMA’s was not having a chance to pay tribute to our fallen members, Gordie Ferguson, Dave Mills and George Halliwell,” said Murnaghan.

In their 60s, Billy Roy Murnaghan, Niall MacKay, Doug Carmody and Doug MacEwen are still performing in public. MacKay has been dubbed the ‘Grandfather of Rock and Roll’, a title he likes.

Old rock and rollers don’t fade away. They just rock on, their music still popular at dances and parties across PEI.

A song to sing – Open mikes popular with all ages in clubs and community centres on the Island

Stephen Pate, Nick Teter and Ted Simmons, Baba’s Open Mic

SALLY COLE
The Guardian

Ed: Excerpt. see link to Guardian for the complete story

There’s an air of professionalism at Babas in Charlottetown where musicians are taking their music to the next level.

The place is a gathering spot for burgeoning songwriters who come to test out their new material.

“Anyone who has just come is invited to come up and sign the performance list,” says host Nick Teter, adjusting microphones for musicians Andrea MacDonald, Ted Simmons, Stephen Pate and a poet simply known as Alan.

As the emcee, he spends the evening mingling with artists, keeping their sound levels and spirits bright.

“If you play, you get a free glass of draft for your 15 minutes of fame,” says Teter, who has a definite knack for making people feel at home.

“It’s important to welcome people, especially if they’re new. If no one comes over to talk, sure, they may get up to play once, but they may never come back.”

The artists like the time that Teter puts into the show.

“Nick encourages everyone and is not afraid to show his appreciation. That’s why I come here — for the camaraderie and a chance to play my own compositions,” says Pate, after testing out his latest song.

For Simmons, the draw is getting to play in front of a live audience.

“I come every week to practise my live stage show. I really enjoy the atmosphere here,” says the singer-songwriter who performs a dynamic version of Bob Dylan’s North Country Blues.

Meanwhile, Teter gives a sigh of relief that all the music slots have been filled.

“My biggest fear is that no one will show up and I’ll have to play a lot of songs.

“While that normally isn’t bad, it’s not my show. It’s about the artists,” says the singer-songwriter.

A few blocks away, the mood is warm and relaxed at Hunter’s Ale House where artists have gathered for another open mike night.
Blake MacIsaac and Daniel Bowlan, Hunter’s Open Mic

Hosted by Danielle Bowlan, the Monday night gig is the highlight of her week.

“It’s fun, and interesting. We are always getting to hear new music and meet new people,” she says.

During the show, which also includes performances by Jessica Keough, Kassandra Veenhuis and Blake MacIsaac, she and Laura Oakie team up for some tight harmonies on Volcano and Nine Crimes and are rewarded with applause for their efforts.

“We’re constantly singing together. We enjoy coming here,” says Oakie, who is also a member of the Disco Rockin’ Llamas.

Daniel Bowlan and Laura Oakie, Hunter’s Open Mic

After playing together week after week, it feels like home, says Bowlan. “We’re all friends here so no one is afraid to go on.”

After playing together week after week, it feels like home, says Bowlan. “We’re all friends here so no one is afraid to go on.”

Postcards from Fredericton ECMA # 5

The ECMA’s are over, our bags are packed and we have to fight the storm back to PEI.

Tempers flared in the parking lot with a school bus and me playing Mexican standoff.

Saturday night must have been the night to remember because Sunday was the wimper at ECMA 2008. There were only 2 events in the afternoon and we went to the Singer Songwriter Circle with Lennie Gallant. The producer of the event demonstrated that you can take 5 talented musicians, put them on a stage and proceed to induuce sleep in audience. We left early for an afteroon nap. Let’s see slow song, fast song, slow, fast – yes that would keep them awake. Maybe it’s the artists who argue for their most sensitive, fingerpicking material. I dunno.

I was back in the wheelchair. My left foot decided that a late night of dancing deserved a day off. How do you like that? Took my left foot to Carmen Townsend and Slowcoaster and it goes on strike. Wheelchairs at these events are non-existent. From a headcount alone, I’d say the ECMA’s are not disability friendly. There is no visible sign any ECMA planner gave disabilities a passing thought.

ECMA organization is a bit odd. We had invitations to the Industry Awards Dinner at 5 p.m. with an inteview scheduled for the Tremtones but no location. A few media types in the lobbby said it must be the Aitken Centre so off we went. Once there we endured a phalanx of indifferent to nasty staff people I guess that’s why it’s the Achin’ Centre.

Undaunted we met the Tremtomes just as the opening music started. A few group shots and we beat it up to the cheap seats. Industry dinners aren’t broadcast on TV and for good reason. The entertainment is sparse and the back slapping is plentiful. I kept thinking – yeah but do audiences like it?

The Gala Awards show was unfettered by the timelines of TV and proved that people will speak too long given the chance. The music was awesome, especially the light shows and sync video. Mark Critch from This Hour Has 22 Minutes is one of the funniest hosts in ages, sort of a Howie Mandel from Newfoundland. Butts were squirming after 2 hours. Mark quipped we were just 45 minutes short of starting ECMA 2009. So why not end it!

Everybody felt tired and exhauted. Tempers flared in the parking lot with a school bus and me playing Mexican standoff. All right, he had brawn: I had good looks,

Postcards from Fredericton ECMA # 4

Saturday was a major work day with interviews scheduled all over town. We would find out that tight schedules don’t happen. Like all trade shows, party stamina is a determinant of success. I think I blew it last night. Whatever.

Disco Rockin Llamas were on the calendar for a 1 pm interview at Sweetwater’s. We arrived at noon expecting lunch but Sweetwater’s had no food service. We got the last table at the Irish pub next door and waited over 90 minuters for bar food.

Missing Disco Rockin we headed out to get a Lennie Gallant pic at the Aitken Centre which is not the centre of anything other than confusion. Staff were a little jumpy since the power was out. Must have been a blown fuse, a very large fuse.

Undeterred we zoomed downtown to Back Line where Terry Kelly was playing at the Nova Scotia showcase. We arrived in time for a Celtic kitchen party with people jumping up from the audience to step dance a few steps. Cynthia MacLeod and Kendra MacGillivray danced along with our nimble Tim Chaisson.

Terry Kelly’s enjoyable performance was capped by the audience singing, hand clapping and foot stomping rendition of “Mary Mack”. I interviewed Terry afterward. He’s a positive, inspiring person.

On a hunch we went back to Nicky Z’s and the PEI showcase. Nudie and the Turks, Mystery System, Disco Rockin’ Llamas – everyone was there in the green room. Sally started to interview Disco Rockin’ Llamas while I interviewed Nudie and the Turks. When I finished, she went off to photograph Nudie, I finished the Disco Rocking Llamas interview and then schmoosed with Tim Hamming of Mystery System. There are quite a bit of PEI talent in one small room with finger food. The ever smiling Tim Chaisson arrived and it was Old Home Week music style.

There was barely time to wolf down a sub before we jumped on the bus to the Aitken Centre and the 20th Anniversary Show. CBC was televising the event and the production values were very high with special effects, lighting synchronized videos on backdrop screens. The impressive show had high entertainment value. It should be on TV in early March.

With work done, the party plan swung unto action. Taking the bus we landed at the Delta for a night of rock with Carmen Townsend, The Trews and Slowcoaster. We met John Simms from Truro and Lynn Horne who prevailed on me to take the stage in the Member’s Lounge. I gave them my best “I Can’t Get Over You” and ‘Whatever Could It Be.” Someone asked my name: I couldn’t see faces with the lights in my face.

Later Sally told me Lynn was Charlie A’Courts manager and one of the best in Atlantic Canada. I sent her a myspace message Sunday morning “was that you?” but I think my career was sunk on that duh move.

Carmen Townsend is still hot but has dyed her hair. There you heard it here first. Not red anymore, it’s dark brown. Still a hot rocker, she has toned down the pure scream and the result is better music.

Slowcoaster are easily my favourite band in Atlantic Canada. Their music is totally danceable with compulsive rhythms. We know all the songs. Steve MacDougall was playing at the top of this form. He controlled the pace and emotion through a long set. The crowd loved it. I couldn’t pics or videos, too busy dancing. Sorry.

Exhausted we headed back to the Crowne Plaza. My happy feet were killing me.

Postcards from Fredericton ECMA # 3

Friday afternoon and evening built momentum with performances from Matt Anderson, Ashley MacIsaac among many. It all ended in exhaustion but smiles at 2 AM.

Friday afternoon I attended a session on publishing where I learned it’s a matter of nickels and dimes, lots of them. Publishers, if you can find one, sell your songs to everything from iTunes to movies and the money is in the long tail.

We discovered a nice restaurant that proved a whole week’s meal money can go in one shot. Two Hours Traffic parents shared the next table, PEI celebrity families.

Back at the Playhouse, we cooled our heels in the entryway between acts. Security checked green, yellow and red passes while I proffered the Super Bathroom Pass when nature called.

Samantha Robichaud proved once again that a cute blonde girl and a fiddle make a great combination. Sam’s family now since we traded quips in the elevator. Guess who was playing guitar for her – Chris Colepaugh. Chris produced her recent CD. His appearance was a treat.

I’m watching Chris’ guitar wizardry and I realized – hey he’s playing my old Gibson J45 the one my ex wife took to Ontario in 1980. That was my fave guitar. What’s with that?

Have you seen Matt Anderson? He is one awesome blues singer guitarist. Alan Buchanan, celebrity father of Chucky Danger alumni Colin Buchanan, offered that Matt looked great. He rocked us out with his awesome guitar playing and powerhouse singing. As a blues aficionado for 4 decades, my only quibble is he needs to get that laid back feeling the mature bluesmen exhibit. He gave me an idea for a follow up to Rene’s Song.

Dave Gunning was new to me and a pleasant guy to listen to. He reminded me of Valdy in ways, rootsy, sincere, down to earth.

The star of the night was Ashley MacIsaac. His bad boy reputation is like the outsized life of the Hollywood Brat Pack. Ashley’s entertainment is enthralling. From the patter to the playing, Ashley held the audience in the palm of his hand and played us like a fiddle. Toes were a’ tapping. People wore big smiles of enjoyment. It easily was the most enjoyable performance of the ECMA’s to date.

Back at the Crowne Plaza, we rooted around for something interesting to hear and ended up listening to Gyspo Philia, sort of Tom Fun with jazz. They had a nice Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli sound going. I bought their CD.

The night ended with the 9 piece R&B Downtown Blues Band who got the placing doing the frug and bugaloo. It was good fun music that everyone grooved to. I did my Funky Munky one more time before I dropped.

Somehow there was a Damhnait Doyle poster on my bed when I got back to the room. What’s with that?

Postcards from Fredericton ECMA # 2

Hanging out in the Delta lobby this morning, we ran into PEI notables like Ray Brow, Chris Roubanis and Kevin O’Brien.

We spent an interesting hour with Ron Hynes, the Newfoundland singer songwriter. He is charming person with lots of great stories to tell. There are at least three articles to write from the one interview.

I forgot a guitar cable to so we stopped into Tony’s Music. Nice people at Tony’s. We greeted by Brian Youkner, a displaced Islander. We had a great conversation.

In the Crowne Palaza lobby we chatted with the handsome young Tim Chaisson who was off looking for a business deal with his boyish grin.

Postcards from Fredericton ECMA # 1

Thursday is the first official day of the East Coast Music Awards 2008. We arrived mid-afternoon and checked in the Crowne Plaza. A buzz was building in the lobby and media centre. We spotted Nudie in the lobby and chatted briefly before to he went off to eat in Bermuda shorts.

The festivities are spread across 16 + venues throughout Fredericton so getting around will be confusing. There are maps but the print is small and the zippy planner is by day by venue. With no timeline guide, I expect to miss things and generally stay confused for the weekend. Whatever.

We went to two receptions, ECMA and SOCAN. They’re great: someone hands you free drink tickets and the finger food is plentiful. The waitress at ECMA Members Only Lounge figured out I liked bacon wrapped scallops and I was getting some every few minutes. We schmoosed with lots of Islanders like Gorden Belsher, the guys from Blueprints. SOCAN handed out more free drink tickets at Isaac’s Way, a cool downtown pub. The friendly maitre d turned out to be the owner. He recommended the free ribs. Right on.

Ray Brow invited me to the ECMA Members Only Lounge Open Mic. I was the ECMA Open Mic. To an audience of 3 I sang my heart out for an hour. I quit when I’d heard enough of myself. Ray was kind “Play another harp song. Do you have another ballad? What do you sing for covers?” Bob Dylan of course.

We headed up to the UNB Student Union Cafeteria to hear Slowcoaster. Thousands of students were moving in every direction. No one knew where the bands were playing. I made a guess and found them in the middle of their set. Slowcoaster is still one of the best bands in Atlantic Canada. “Tonight is the new last night…” The mostly student crowd loved them. Still you can’t beat the crowd at Hunter’s.

Scratch Bastid did the DJ thing between sets – cool. Grand Theft Bus came on and rocked out. A fight broke out next to us, stopped and then started again with a vengeance. Some old wounds I guess. Round two swept through the crowd in large circle, friends helping friends. Guys grabbed their girl friends and headed to the back.

In the Crowne Plaza lobby we crossed paths with Ron Hynes who I have to interview on Friday. Someone complimented me on my performance. Where had he been? After reading 47 emails and answering 5, the bed looked pretty good.