Is this the same band as Les Chantels who had several 45s on the Fantastic and A1 labels, including “L’avion de Son”? Some sources say so, but it seems unlikely to me.
The sound is just too different. The band doing “Shaggy Baggy Joe” is extremely well produced compared to the murkier sound of many Montreal bands. As musicians they’re more accomplished than Les Chantels, nor do they use fuzz on the guitar. Plus there’s the fact that both of these songs are sung in English. Why would a jeans maker sponsor a French speaking band to make a promotional 45 in English? Furthermore, the songwriter on both these sides, one “Henry” does not match any of the names of Les Chantels.
Uncertainty aside, here are two very catchy numbers, with “Have You Ever Felt Blue” having a slight edge in my book. The guitarist throws in all kinds of riffs and the lyrics to both songs are a laugh. “Baggys are out … TeeKays are in!”
Since posting this there have been a lot of comments with more info. Also, their excellent first single (I think) has just been posted up at Mr Ed Music Round Up.
Another promotion for TeeKays (thanks to J. at Alpha Pest)
OK, I have the informations. These songs were recorded in may 1966. At that moment, the band had a promo contract with the jeans company Monarch Wear (The MW of the label), for a new model of jeans : the Tee Kays. The band had to do shows all summer at the stores selling the product Tee Kays. This single was only availaible during these promotions : it was not in record stores. Believe me : it’s kind of ultra rare !
The Chantels on that record were : Henri Picard (keyboards, singer), Bob Martini (guitar), Jean-Pierre Laberge (drums), Robert Monette (guitar), Pierre Deschenaux (bass). They were from Montreal and recorded 6 singles between 1965 and 1968. Their first single was in English. No problem for a lot of people from Montreal : they can speak English and French!
These informations comes from : Rendez-Vous 1997, a publication of Sarma, Quebec City.
I’m positive : this is the same Chantels band. A few years ago, sixties specialist Richard Baillargeon wrote many articles on Québec’s bands and there was one about the Chantels and this song was listed in the discography.
Thanks Mario, good work!
I notice the lineup is different than on the other 45s:
“Groupe originaire du quartier Rosemont à Montral, formé de Pierre Laberge (guitare), Claude Martin (guitare rythmique) remplacé plus tard par Robert Monette, Pierre Descheneaux (guitare basse) et Jean Laberge (batterie), par la suite un autre membre s’ajoutera à la formation “Raymond Bourgeois” (chant).”
Translates as: “Group originating in the Rosemont district in Montreal, consisting of Pierre Laberge (guitar), Claude Martin (rhythm guitar) replaced later by Robert Monette, Pierre Descheneaux (bass guitar) and Jean Laberge (drums), with the later addition of Raymond Bourgeois (singer).”
Quotes from http://www.retrojeunesse60.com/chantels.html
What happened to Henri Picard?
On the picture sleeve, there’s a keyboard player singin’ in a microphone. That’s probably Henri Picard. On the rendez-vous 97, there’s a picture of the band playin’ live on this jeans promo tour and there’s also that keyboard man singin’. We can also see two gogo dancing girls ! Too bad I don’t have a scanner…
By the way, this is the first time I write something to you. Believe me, I’m very found of what you are doing and I always comes many times a week. Like many others, I was listening to the Pebbles & Nuggets all the time in the early 1980’s.
Perhaps you can try to get in touch with Richard Baillargeon. I think he knows in a better way the sixties music in Québec than the retro jeunesse web page. Try to find something under the name SARMA on the internet or get in touch with Les Disques Mérite, because Richard have written most of the liner notes of the reissues cd’s of that company. They have a web page. They know how to get in touch with Richard Baillargeon.
For those of you who wish to reach me, here’s my contact info:
Cell: 514-827-6567
I am now operating a recording studio in Granby and I am in charge of sound for the shows at the Cabaret de Granby : http://www.cabaretdegranby.com
And by the way, I am the only lead singer on the Les Misérables records…
Cheers to all.
I am Henri Picard,
Just found this site 19 July 2007.
At the time of this 45, I wrote the songs Shaggy Baggy Joe, and Have you ever felt blue. They were recorded in the RCA studio on St-Antoine st in Montreal next to Harlem Paradice Bar. The musicians at that time were, Henri Picard; (Vocals, keyboard). Pierre Laberge (lead guitar). Bob Martini (where are you?) (rythm guitar). Pierre Descheneaux (bass). Jean Laberge (drums).
Pierre & Jean Laberge are twins and sons of the late Louis Laberge (former president of CNTU CSN).
Henri Picard eventually left les Chantels to sing with another group called Les Miserables; (Gerry Bribosia; lead guuitarist where are you?) and I ended my carrer singing with a group from Montreal called Evolution.
Hello Henri – great ot hear from you!
So you were singing on Les Miserables classics like “Vivre avec toi”, “Ecoute-moi”, and “La Chemise a pois cravates a fleurs”? All fantastic records! We’d like to hear more about your time with the Chantels, Miserables and Evolution… get in touch at chas_kit@garagehangover.com
Henri Picard joined the band Les Miserables after the LP was recorded. He sang and played keyboards with Les Miserables for a few years, then the band sort of fell apart.
Hi Henri!
My mother’s godfather was Raymond Bourgeois, who just passed away.
We also just learned about his time with The Chantels and we would like to know more about it.
You can email at this adress: dompierredavid@gmail.com
Thabk you for your time.