Three To One

Websites:  https://citizenfreak.com/artists/102366-russell-brian-and-brenda, https://citizenfreak.com/titles/297131-raja-drifting-in-the-wind-b-w-realize
Origin: Vancouver, British Columbia - Toronto, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Three to One was a Canadian rock band formed in 1966 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The group consisted of John Renton (twelve-string guitar, harmonica, organ, lead vocals), Claudette Skrypnyk (drums), Derek "Derry" Norris (bass, vocals), and Brian Russell (lead guitar, vocals). The band members, all talented studio musicians in the Vancouver scene, came together through their shared work at various recording sessions. Managed by Burt Napier, Three to One stood out with a unique sound that blended elements of psychedelia, garage rock, and mod beat.

The name Three to One reflected their unique lineup - a trio of male musicians alongside their standout female drummer, Claudette Skrypnyk. The band moved to Toronto in 1967, playing their first gig in Scarborough with Roy Kenner & The Associates and The Mission (featuring Eddie Spencer). Shortly after, they recorded and released a single on Arc Records, covering Pink Floyd’s "See Emily Play" with a raw, psychedelic twist and backing it with their original song, "Give Me Love" - a catchy mod-beat track with a heavy fuzz guitar riff.

Their cover of "See Emily Play" received regional attention, and the band was included on the 1968 CTV’s After Four compilation, though their track was miscredited as Bob Francis – "I’ve Been a Bad, Bad Boy". Despite their growing presence in Toronto’s live music scene, Three to One never achieved commercial success.

In 2009, their "See Emily Play" single was reissued as part of the Garage Greats series, a label dedicated to remastering and reissuing rare 1960s garage rock singles. The series, remastered at Abbey Road Studios, aimed to reproduce the original 45s with improved sound levels for maximum playback enjoyment. Each release was a limited hand-numbered edition of 500 copies on black vinyl, housed in a generic Garage Greats sleeve.

Around 1968, they rebranded as The Raja, embracing the more psychedelic and experimental sounds of the time. They released one more single, "Realize", on Goodgroove Records before fading from the music scene. Despite their short-lived career, Three to One remains a sought-after act among collectors and garage rock enthusiasts. Listen here: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/297131-raja-drifting-in-the-wind-b-w-realize
-Robert Williston

John Renton: lead vocals, 12-string guitar, harmonica, organ
Brian Russell: lead guitar, vocals
Derek "Derry" Norris: bass, vocals
Claudette Skrypnyk: drums