When bands and solo artists like Lighthouse, Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Sly and the Family Stone, The Temptations and Buddy Miles cut funk, rock and blues tracks in the 1960s and ’70s, they left impressions so deep bands are covering those works half a century later.
But few groups playing those covers have the depth of history and experience as Vancouver’s R&B Allstars, which formed in the late ’70s and played its first gig opening for Long John Baldry.
About 35 musicians, counting some of the best in Vancouver, played with the Allstars as the band evolved over the next 20 years until it took a 10-year hiatus in the early 2000s.
It was former member Ken Boydchuk who brought the band back together. He suffered a stroke, so former band members regrouped in 2012 to play a benefit gig for him, which ultimately led to the rebirth of the Allstars.
“It brought back several versions of the band for one night and we just decided to keep it going,” said Colin Weinmaster, trombonist and one of the R&B Allstars’ founding members.
There are currently 12 members, some who are original to the band, mixed in with newcomers and those who came and have been part the Allstars sound for years, such as alto sax player and flautist Tom Keenlyside, whose musical career has spanned four decades. Keenlyside has played with Natalie Cole, Dizzie Gillespie, Mel Torme and Tom Jones and was inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2006. He played with the Allstars for six years and rejoined the band in 2016.
“The band’s made up of 50 per cent of guys who have day gigs, like me, and 50 per cent who are full-time players. We try to do songs that not every other band is doing and we try to do our own take on songs,” Weinmaster said. “The band’s very strong vocally. More stronger than it has ever been.”
The Allstars play two nights Friday and Saturday (Feb. 19-20) at The Queen’s. Ticket are $26 in advance, $30 at the door. Doors open at 8 p.m. For more information, please visit http://rbalive.com.