Information/Write-up
A seamless blend of folk, psych, jazz and soul/funk vibes with the exceptional vocals of Evelyn Quaife. Her musical journey commenced in the early 1960s, collaborating with notable acts such as The Saratogas, The Nomads, and Bo Jangles.
As Tommy recalls: "That was the house band at the Embers Steakhouse Stage, a nightclub at which we played between 1963 and about 198?.. I can’t remember who asked us to do it, or where the tune came from – I don’t think that any of us wrote it. My recollection of those years is hazy because we were playing six nights per week at the club, and making one television show and at least two radio shows every week, plus the occasional TV special. I have no idea how any of us survived that time.
Evelyn Quaife who was singing in our band at the time later moved to NYC and had a successful career there in opera – a very unusual switch – people don’t usually succeed in moving from pop/rock music into grand opera – but she did."
Notably, Evelyn played a pivotal role in the Rock Musical CANTATA Canada in 1973 and portrayed Mary Magdalena in the iconic production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1974, touring Canada and the United States with the renowned Mel Degen as Jesus Christ.
In the opera world, she is known as Evelyn La Quaif, showcasing her versatility as an opera singer, co-owner of the Verismo Opera Company, general manager, principal stage director, teacher, and vocal coach. From pop and rock to the grandeur of opera, Evelyn Quaife - La Quiaf has exhibited an extraordinary vocal range.
Tommy Banks: piano
Evelyn Quaife: vocals
Tom Doran: drums
Bob Miller: bass
Bobby Cairns: guitar
Harry Pinchin: trumpet
P.J. Perry: saxophone
Produced for the United Community Fund (now The United Way) of greater Edmonton by Century II Productions
Recorded at CHED Radio Studio, Edmonton, Alberta
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