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Back in late 1965 during folk music boom three guys from Des Plaines Il. named Bill Kolacek, Lenny Dwelle, and Tom Barrett decided to form a trio. But first they needed to go out and buy guitars and a banjo and learn how to play them. Much to their own surprise they (to varying degrees) accomplished the feat. The three had reasonably good voices. Bill was a raspy base, Tom a tenor who harmonized well, and Lenny had an impressive bartone. They sounded good together.
They bought 3 striped shirts, and learned a bunch of Kingston Trio songs. The then Whitsuntide Trio got their first gig at the Red Fox Supper Club in Wild Rose WI where yours truly now resides. This configuration of the group was short lived however, as the boys went off to different colleges and only played together during vacations (not conducive for advancing their musical career). Still Lenny and Tom tried to make the trio work, while Bill decided to go off and be a airplane pilot. A search ensued to replace the missing member.
At the time, Barrett was avoiding the draft at Robert Morris College in Carthage IL. where he met an accomplished musican named Denny Preston. Denny could play trumpet with the best of them, and switched to twelve string guitar effortlessly without missing a note. Denny was clearly an improvement instrumentally, but his voice wasn't the same blend. It was then that the Whitsuntide Trio decided to add a female vocalist. NEXT: "the girl singers"
At the time, Barrett was avoiding the draft at Robert Morris College in Carthage IL. where he met an accomplished musican named Denny Preston. Denny could play trumpet with the best of them, and switched to twelve string guitar effortlessly without missing a note. Denny was clearly an improvement instrumentally, but his voice wasn't the same blend. It was then that the Whitsuntide Trio decided to add a female vocalist. NEXT: "the girl singers"
4 comments:
Hello from Germany,
my Name is Ralf and I am an admirer of John Stewart, this wonderfully talented and original musician. I love his voice and the feel he gets over through his songs. Always makes me feel like standing somewhere on the pacific coast, watching the sunset. I hope this doesnt sound too pathetic. Anyway, I really like John Stewart, ever since I first heard his biggest hit "Gold" back in 1979. It's a shame that he isn't more popular. Everybody talks about Johnny Cash as being the one big American, well I like him too but I think Johns music is superiour in many ways. It's nice to see that you met him and even played together. Must habve been a big honor for you. I never saw him live as he rarely played in Germany or anywhere near. I was at a restaurant once on Route 66 somewhere in Nevada I guess (forgot the name of the place). There they had a signed photo of him on the wall, saying that he was there as a guest just a few months earlier... All the best for you! Ralf
Ralf,
Thanks for leaving your comments. John Stewart is my hero. I didn't get a chance to met him until 3 years ago. I was in total awe of the man. There is a internet discusion group called "Bloodlines" that chats about him on a daily basis. I have a friend in Germany who is a folk singer and fan of Johns. His name is Jan Hauenstein. Jan lives in Goettingen. He has CDs with his redition of many of John's songs. John may not have wide popularity, but his fans are fanatics!
Regards,
Tom
Thanks for sending me. I really enjoyed the pictures and your comments. Love the pictures of The Whitsuntide Sinegrs.
I never heard of you guys (my loss). In '65 I was a 5stringer living in Wheaton, but on the verge of changing to plectrum, what with the rise if the Red Garter (I eventually played at Your Father's Mustache on State St) I've been playing both 4 & 5 string since, almost every day. Where are you guys now?
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