Dancer

Websites:  No
Origin: Mississauga, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Emerging from the Ontario music scene in the 1970s, Dancer was a tight, groove-driven funk band whose lone LP, Get On Up With Dancer, has become a rare Canadian soul-funk artifact. Released independently under catalog number B444, the album showcases the group’s deep reverence for classic American soul and funk, while also offering one original composition—“Why Make a Fool of Me”—written by bassist Doug Collier.

The album was recorded at Stop 8 Music World, engineered by Dave Harrington, and co-produced by the band along with Wayne Baguley, who also served as their personal manager. Mixing took place at Gerry Plant Studios, with the exception of “Cold Sweat,” which was finalized at Stakar Productions. The striking front cover artwork was designed by acclaimed Canadian visual artist Ted Fullerton.

The tracklist draws heavily from the golden age of R&B and soul, with covers including:

“Chain Gang” (Sam & Charles Cooke)

“Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” (Otis Redding)

“Twenty-five Miles” (Edwin Starr & Johnny Bristol)

“Love-itis” (Harvey Scales & Albert Vance)

“I Feel Like a Sex Machine” and “Cold Sweat” (James Brown classics)

The standout original, “Why Make a Fool of Me,” adds a personal stamp to the set and showcases Collier’s songwriting chops.

Originally rediscovered via ItCameFromCanada.com and later featured on Citizenfreak.com in 2010, Get On Up With Dancer has since become a cult item among collectors of vintage Canadian funk. Despite the absence of other known credits for the musicians or production team, the album stands as a testament to the hidden talent thriving in Canada’s independent music underground during the 1970s.
-Robert Williston

Joey Jackson: lead vocals, harp
Neil Baguley: guitar, vocals
Jimmy MacKay: guitar, piano, vocals
Doug Collier: bass, organ, vocals
Paul Vega: drums, vocals
Dancer: additional percussion effects

Produced by Dancer and Wayne Baguley
Engineered by Dave Harrington
Mixed at Gerry Plant Studios (except “Cold Sweat” mixed at Stakar Productions)
Recorded at Stop 8 Music World

Artwork (front cover) by Ted Fullerton
Thanks to Ray Roy
Special thanks to Dot

Personal manager: Wayne Baguley
2211 Sherobee Rd., Suite 1207
Mississauga, Ontario L5A 2H5
(416) 270-2211