Information/Write-up
Jackal was a Canadian progressive hard rock band formed in Toronto in 1969 by brothers Chris and Jack Kellesis, along with their high school friend Charlie Shannon. Rooted in the B-circuit of Toronto's bar scene, they developed a gritty, organ-heavy sound that fused psychedelic textures with heavy rock power, drawing influence from acts like Deep Purple, Rory Gallagher, and Warpig. Their raw and electrifying live presence eventually caught the ear of industry veteran Art Snider, who offered them a recording and management deal through his newly launched label, Periwinkle Records.
By the time they entered the studio in early 1973, the lineup had solidified with Chris Kellesis on keyboards, Dave Bernard on guitar, Shannon on vocals, and James Kellesis on drums, with earlier contributions from Steve Hayward and Lois Mutton. The band worked with producers Dan Goldberg and Bob Stright at Sound Canada, recording what would become their only album, Awake. Released later that year, the album showcased Jackal's unique blend of fuzz-drenched guitars, extended organ solos, and Shannon’s raspy, Jagger-esque vocals. The songwriting, led primarily by the Kellesis brothers with two standout contributions from Hayward, pushed beyond the typical three-minute single format. Tracks like “At the Station,” “Sunny Side of the Day,” and the soaring title cut “Awake” reflected a group that leaned into musical ambition without losing their hard-edged groove.
Despite the strength of the record, no singles were released and the band lacked the financial backing for widespread promotion or touring. Without airplay or support, the album quietly slipped into obscurity. Within a year, Jackal had disbanded, their members moving on from music to day jobs and other paths. Yet over time, Awake earned a cult reputation among collectors and psych-prog enthusiasts, praised for its heavy sound, authentic energy, and unfiltered expression of early ’70s rock experimentation. Though Jackal’s time was short-lived, their lone album remains a vivid and enduring snapshot of a band that, for a brief moment, truly roared.
-Robert Williston
Charlie Shannon: vocals
Dave Bernard: guitar
Chris Kellesis: keyboards, organ
James Kellesis: drums
Produced by Jackal and Periwinkle Records
Engineered by Bob Stright
Recorded at Sound Canada
Cover Design and Illustration by Orest Sushko
Album Co-ordinator Alex Rae
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