Casual Country

The name "Casuals" conjures up an image of easy friendliness. This image will not be betrayed when these cool professionals step on stage or when you place the needle on their first, but certainly not their last album. They come by their professionalism honestly.

The multi-talented Bob Hale who fronts his own band is lead singer, as well as a bass and rhythm guitarist. Born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, he hit the road at an early age, working clubs from Texas to Alaska, from British Columbia to Quebec, including such notable night spots as Vegas and Phoenix, while performing with such country greats as Jim Reeves, Porter Wagoner, and Benny Barnes.

Al Gain, steel guitarist extraordinary, was born in the Province of Quebec... working that province, West Virginia and the Eastern United States as "Steelman" and backing up such notable country artists as Claude King, Ron MacLeod and Garry Buck. His fourteen years of experience has taught him the fine arts of the game, and the talent for building his own "pedal steel guitar".

Fred Pelletier, lead guitarist, bass player, drummer and vocalist was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and has travelled the Canadian circuits, garnering most of his experience as sideman with Jimmy Arthur Ordge.

Grace Hale, drummer and vocalist, came from Holland, and has travelled Canadian circuits as well as the United States.

As a result of the new CRTC ruling, record companies are eager to pounce on anyone who can wield a guitar, or hum SNOWBIRD in the hope of creating another Gene MacLellan or Anne Murray. The results are usually disastrous... You'll find this album that rare exception, as these cool professionals give their own interpretation of these well-known standards.

WELCOME TO CASUAL COUNTRY!
-Art Wallman, CKSW Radio, Saskatchewan

Bob Hale: vocals, bass, rhythm guitar
Fred Pelletier: lead guitar, bass, drums
Al Gain: steel guitar
Grace Hale: drums, vocals

Produced by Dick Damron
Recorded at Korl Sound, Edmonton, Alberta

Photography by F.L. Dolezsar