W.D. Fisher - ST

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	Beggar	04:41
	2	I Do Love You	05:46
	3	Eden's Dream	08:05

Side 2

		Track Name	Length
	1	You	05:00
	2	William D. Fisher's Adventures	13:20

Photos

Videos

No Video

Information/Write-up

W.D. Fisher, a progressive rock band from Quebec, emerged during the late 1960s, a period of musical experimentation and evolution. Initially forming under the name South Gate 24 in 1966, the group was spearheaded by Denis Savard (bass) and Marc Savard (technician), joined by Pierre Kirouac (vocals), Marcel Périgny (rhythm guitar), Guy Desrochers (lead guitar), and Jean-Pierre Bernard (drums). By 1970, the addition of Serge Perrault and his Hammond B3 organ expanded their sound, injecting the group with the rich textures that would define their style.

The band's name was eventually changed to W.D. Fisher, inspired by a fictitious colonial-era military character, as they transitioned into original compositions influenced by the burgeoning progressive rock scene in England. This evolution allowed them to craft a sound blending the harmonic sensibilities of psych-pop with the intricate structures of symphonic rock.

In 1971, W.D. Fisher gained local acclaim with performances at events such as the inauguration of La Petite Bastille and St-Jean festivities in Quebec City. Later that year, lineup changes brought Gilles Laverdière (bass), René Laurendeau (drums), and Bob Létourneau (vocals) into the fold, culminating in the recording of their sole, self-titled album in February 1972. The record is a rarity cherished among collectors, noted for its lush compositions, clean, jazzy guitar licks from Desrochers, and the rich interplay of Perrault’s organ. Tracks like "William D. Fisher's Adventures," a 13-minute suite, showcase the band's progressive ambitions, evoking comparisons to early Yes and other pioneers of the genre.

Though the band disbanded shortly after their album’s release, W.D. Fisher’s music remains a fascinating artifact of early Quebec prog rock. Their ability to meld melodic pop with the experimental tendencies of progressive rock established them as trailblazers in the Canadian music scene, bridging influences from local artistry to the global prog movement.

Gilles Laverdiere: bass, vocals
Guy Desrochers: guitar
Bob Létourneau: vocals
Serge Perreault: organ, piano, clarinet, vocals
René Laurendeau: drums

Music & lyrics by William D. Fisher
Produced by Rene Letarte
Engineered by Joey Perno
Recorded at D.B.M., Montreal, Quebec

Photography by François Brunelle

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