Information/Write-up
A fascinating time capsule of R.J. Dove’s late-’60s and early-’70s work at Art Snider’s Sound Canada Studios. Issued in 1971 on AME Records, the single compiles recordings from 1967 to 1971, tracing Dove’s evolution from solo psych-blues troubadour to Rockadrome guitarist and finally to frontman of Dove’s Hard Cider.
The third track, “Ain’t It a Shame” (1969), credited to The Allan Sisters & Rockadrome, pairs Dove’s band with the Sisters’ bright, harmony-driven pop.
On Side B, “Ain’t Love Grand” (1971) features Dove’s Hard Cider lineup: Buddy Caine (guitar), Ed Macko (bass), and Steve Gresh (drums), in what is likely their only studio recording aside from possible session work for other artists.
-Robert Williston
R.J. Dove - "Ruben" (1967)
R.J. Dove: guitar, vocals
Nick Corneal: bass
Rick Vallieres: drums
Produced by Art Snider
Written by R.J. Dove
R.J. Dove - "The Hermit" (1967)
R.J. Dove: guitar, vocals
Nick Corneal: bass
Rick Vallieres: drums
Produced by Art Snider
Written by R.J. Dove
The Allan Sisters & Rockadrome - "Ain't It A Shame" (1969)
The Allan Sisters: vocals
R.J. Dove: lead guitar
Mike Clancy: acoustic guitar, drums
Paul LaChapelle: bass
Art Snider: piano, organ, harpsichord
Produced by Art Snider
Written by Mike Clancy, R.J. Dove
Dove's Hard Cider – "Ain't Love Grand" (1971)
Ron Dove: guitar, vocals
Buddy Caine: guitar
Ed Macko: bass
Steve Gresh: drums
Manufactured by Quality Records Limited
Manufactured in Canada by Quality Records Limited
Liner notes:
Ron Dove first picked up a guitar when he was 14 yrs. old and from then on he lived and breathed music, for which he seemed to have a natural talent. He quickly became a fixture on the local music scene in his home town and surrounding area. He played in a few different bands doing the weekend dance jobs and held a steady job at the same time just like most of the guys he was playing with, but then came the chance at the age of eighteen to head for the big city and the cocktail lounge circuit. It had to be Montreal Quebec because Ontario liquor laws didn’t allow bars and if you could find one you had to be twentyone to enter it let alone perform on stage. Ronny Hawkins was the man of the time and the “Wildwoods” had the “Hawkins Sound” down so they packed their instruments into a home-made trailer and took off to play full time in the Quebec bars. Playing night after night and matinees on Saturday afternoons soon made professionals out of the young musicians. Ron was becoming a respected guitar player with a his own distinctive sound and loved being on stage performing, but he missed Marg who was waiting patiently at home, and he decided to return to his home town to form a band and work closer to home. By this time the Ontario laws were changing and the liquor lounges were beginning to open up giving rock musicians a place to work regular jobs and he fit right in to this new scene with Marg happy to have them closer together.
Ron had been working at song writing during this time and together he and Rick were hoping for a chance to get off the road and into a studio where they could do some recording and get back to living normal lives. The bar curcuit was good steady work but being on the road constantly was taking its toll on the young guys.
Then came a meeting with Art Snider who owned Sound Canada recording studio, and Ron and Rick saw a chance to do some recording and reach a much bigger audience and also probably be more appreciated.
They did record a few singles, and also performed on some albums for other singers who were recording at Sound Canada, and at the same time were preparing to do an album of their own. Ron and Rick were joined by Paul and Mike and Rockadrome was born. They worked on the record from the fall of 68 to the spring of 69 when it was completed.
Ron Dove’s love of music, his love of people, his love of his family, and his cheerful helping hand to anyone he thought needed it, are things that good men are made of, and he is greatly missed for this as well as for his songs.
Ron gave people a happy feeling whenever they were near him.
-Ken Dove
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