Check out the music we made at the Elmar Tavern, south-west corner of Caroline and Main West, Hamilton, Ontario, during 1973, 74 and 75. It was OB (Mike O’Brien) on vocals and Mike Short on piano, hence the ‘M&M‘, who started the band. In the beginng it was Rick Goldka on Telecaster and Steve (Big Cat) Bannon on Les Paul and myself on bass. After a few months Rick left and was replaced by Stratford’s John Till, late of Janice Joplin’s Full Tilt Boogie Band, on Stratocaster and the battle of guitar brands and sounds was on. And Guelph’s Ray Fennel was on drums later replaced by Buffalo’s Greg Zark. We played a blend of blues, vintage 50s rock and roll and contempory rock including a couple of Bob Dylan’s. Always good crowds and a well packed dance floor. And most important great beer sales, essential for getting re-booked anywhere.
Here’s a selection of tunes from the band with Greg on drums, John and Steve on guitars.
If That Ain’t It a song by Jimmie Rogers on the Chess label
Wallkin’ Blues a traditional blues first recorded in 1930 by Son House
and Chuck Berry’s Childhood Sweetheart
We also did original tunes by Rick Golka, Ray Fennel is on drums with Rick and Steve guitars.
Shake Down Boogie
The Golka Polka
and by Steve Caskenette Rocket Hotel with Greg on drums.
Download and listen to an entire set of the M&M Band recorded at the Elmar Tavern, Hamilton, ON in 1974.
https://app.box.com/s/iajh0tb28tfv2jmdqmwtano7vb67ffih
All the songs were recorded live and should be considered ‘historical documents’. Best listened to through a sound system where the bass and treble can be controlled.
Blues Rockin' Hamilton 