Munks

Websites:  https://citizenfreak.com/artists/94821-exit-4
Origin: Montréal, Québec, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Photo: Left to Right: Rick St. Jean, Tagg Hindsgaul, Rene Boileau, Ed Kaye

Originally known as Rivieras 4 during their teenage years in Montreal, Tagg Hindsgaul (lead guitar, vocals), along with friends Rick St. Jean (rhythm guitar, vocals), René Boileau (bass), and Eddy Kaye (drums), began performing locally in 1963. They later changed their name to The Exit 4 and caught the attention of Regency Records in 1965. A photo session that caught the eye of the renowned Montreal manager Ben Kaye prompted the group to lay down tracks of their original compositions. Along the way, they transitioned to The Monks, donning monk costumes to complement their stage persona. Interestingly, their first single under Regency Records was released under both The Exit 4 and The Monks, bearing the same catalog numbers (Regency R 961).

In 1966, The Monks hit their peak with the release of the coveted garage rocker "Long Time Waiting," written by Tagg Hindsgaul and René Boileau, on Columbia C4-2688. They followed up with two solid rockers, "Make it or Break it" and "Fancy Free," written by René Boileau, released in 1967 on London M 17357, produced by Al Nichols & Bill Hill of J.B. & The Playboys.

After a brief engagement at Expo ‘67 in Montreal, the group disbanded. However, they reformed briefly as Les Munks and released the francophone garage single ‘Avancez en arièrre b/w O-o je t'aime’ on Phonodisque PH 312. In the summer of 1968, they regrouped, adding Miss Lorraine Nied (Lorri Zimmerman), winner of the "Like Young" talent competition, as their lead vocalist. Their repertoire expanded to include folk rock, rhythm and blues, tender ballads, and sing-alongs, all infused with a new Fifth Dimensional soul vibe. Tagg Hindsgaul, the group's leader, handled lead guitar duties, while organist René Boileau, drummer John Nicole, and bassist Del Desrosiers rounded out the lineup.

The revamped group, now known as The Munks featuring Sweet Lorraine, began working on a new record release at Andre Perry Studios, under the guidance of writer-producer Neil Sheppard. Managed and booked by Donald K Donald Productions, they promised to deliver a refreshing musical experience, blending various genres.

However, by October 1968, The Munks had rebranded as The Paisley Rain, planning a new record and scheduling a revue and press reception at a major Montreal hotel ballroom in December. In January 1969, with "beautiful" Sweet Lorraine still at the forefront, they appointed J.P. Lauzon as lead guitarist before disbanding later that year.

In early 1969, Rick St. Jean initiated a reformation of the band, recruiting Eddy and René once again, along with Del Derosier on bass and René on Hammond B3. Frankie Hart and Bill Hill joined later, forming Freedom North. Signed to a publishing deal with Summerlea Music by Brian Chater, the band began recording their first album, released on the Aquarius label in 1970, with Bill Hill producing and co-writing most of the songs with Rick St. Jean.

Franki Hart mentioned to me that there could be a mix-up re Lorraine Nied/Zimmerman and Franki Hart - they were both blond singers around that time with a lot of the same connections. The music community in Montreal in those days was kinda fun ... seems everyone knew everyone else, and there were a lot of collaborations.

“Anyway ... I remember being on a "Like Young" talent competition with Lorraine ... I was with my first band, The Sirocco Singers ... and in fact it was us, The Sirocco Singers, who won the competition. And the host of those specials, Dean Morgan, became our manager ... and so began my career in music!

But maybe Lorraine was on another one of those competitions that I wasn't aware of where she won ... don't know, I haven't seen her in years ... hmmm? I am regularly in touch with Danny Zimmerman though, so maybe I'll see if he knows…..”

In mid-March 2024, Freedom North convened for a band meeting, deciding to reissue their album with bonus tracks through LION Productions out of Chicago, Illinois, with the publishing company Catalina Arts and Media/Summerlea Music. We anxiously await.....
-Robert Williston, May 1, 2024

Rick St. Jean (Freedom North): rhythm guitar, vocals
Tagg Hindsgaul: lead guitar, vocals
René Boileau: bass, keyboards, vocals
Del Desrosiers: bass
Eddy Kaye (Freedom North): drums