The founders of music know how to set things straight.
April Wine co-founder Jim Henman is a busy man. House concerts, internet concerts and touring around with April Wine front-man Myles Goodwyn. Just a few of Jim’s recent endeavors.
Right now, Jim has released his latest CD titled; Before You Go. A collection of songs that are pure at heart. The way music is meant to be played. No bells, no whistles – just a bunch of guys enjoying their souls.
Please listen below to my chat with Jim about the new disc and some stories?
Imagine how the world will appear in ten years? Imagine there is no safe zone at all? Homes and schools – the two places where kids should feel safe. A pair of sacred turfs now affected more and more by gun violence in the United States of America.
One of the co – founders of April Wine, Jim Henman , has been affected by the senseless shootings south of the border. He was so profoundly moved by the acts of violence – he wrote a song.
The song ‘Some of These Children’ is a poignant and stirring take on events that have affected everyone. Parents, teachers, relatives and the entire world.
Uncomfortable numb as they walk and continue their lives in shock and disbelief.
Jim Henman is donating fifty percent of all sales from the song to The Boys And Girls Club of Greater Halifax.This is a start to not only help the kids in Nova Scotia – to also send a message globally that us humans have had enough.
Please listen below to my chat with Jim and hear the song ‘Some of These Children’. Please share this as much as possible …
Click on the link below and buy the song.
Making a difference and sending a message can do something.
Starting with Mashmakhan , guitarist Brian Greenway has had a very colorful and fruitful musical career. The Wackers , The Dudes , April Wine and now two new entities to keep Brian’s musical chops fresh and alive .
Brian Greenway’s Blues Bus and Brian’s Attic Dust Solo Show.
Please listen belowto my chat with Brian about all the above and discover where you can go see and hear the music live for charity!
Brian? What’s Up?
Correction *The West island Blues Festival is June 16th – apologies.
For guitarist Paolo Stante– the less he thinks – the more he feels the music.
Just prior to the release of his third disc; At It Again – that is the essence of Paolo’s music. Experience through gigging and writing has brought less panic to Stante’s craft and in turn, At It Again is his most complete album thus far.
Please have a listen below to my chat with Paolo and discover some very good tunes and masterful guitar work.
The bands, the fans and the music all had big hair and the experience of going to a show was electrifying ? An event? An experience that sculpted you for life ?
Not to worry, that experience is back and once you attend a show by the band BackTraxx – your hairdresser will become very rich !
Please listen below to my chat with Pat McTurner and Ben Carr from BackTraxx.
In a music galaxy far, far away – a Canadian band altered the airwaves and sent Canada into an entirely different universe.
Crack of Dawn were the first black band to be signed to a major label (CBS) in Canada.
Otis Redding’s producer discovered them and the band sold more albums than Earth, Wind and Fire in Canada. They were headed for stardom yet they disappeared.
Until now …
Please listen below to my chat with Arvin Jones (Sax) and Trevor Daley (Trombone) as they explain Crack of Dawn.
Without Jim Henman – April Wine may have never been the same. Without The Henman Family, East Coast music may not have been the same.
Jim Henman ( bass) along with cousins David (Guitar) and Ritchie (Drums) started the band April Wine. Jim grabbed his old mate from a band called Woody’s Termites and recruited him to join April Wine. That fellow, Myles Goodwyn, along with April Wine – went on to unimaginable heights including an induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Long before the April Wine ‘family’ began, Jim was a member of another clan. This unit were named The Henmans and it contained ten kids.
These ‘kids’ have all gotten together and put out an album. It is the first time the family of musical ‘students’ have recorded together and for some – the first time writing songs.
Jeannie Henman
Please listen below as the eldest brother Jim explains the family, the songs and the thoughts behind the Henman Family Album.
In this ongoing saga which is known as the Jerry Mercer story – the drummer discusses the differences between the days of yesteryear and today when it comes to ‘the life of a musician’ in Montreal.
He also talks about some of his memorable moments including opening up for Steppenwolf at the Montreal Forum …
Please enjoy the interview and come back for more. Thank you.
Mr. Henman – and that IS MR. Henman, recently toured for the first time in a long time …
Along the way, he played with his cousin David and hooked up with Myles Goodwyn for a listen to Myles’ soon-to-be-released C.D.
It has been a long journey for Jim, a musical man whose knowledge and love of ‘old school music’ – just may make the co-founder of April Wine, famous once more ….
Jim Henman is very happy with the way his life turned out …
Considering some people would have regrets for leaving a rock band that would go on to become one of Canada’s largest, Mr. Henman went on to a very productive life with nothing but feelings of pride for his old mate; Myles Goodwyn.
A life that is more productive than ever. Musically and movie-wise. Say what?
If a person passes away, a famous person such as an actor or musician – their death is considered a tragedy. A loss which sends ripples across the global seas at breath – taking speeds through the countless media outlets positioned to do – just that.
Everyday, thousands perish by way of disease, accidents,criminal behavior, war or plain old age. Everyday people whose lives may have been important to their immediate families, give a final ( and often painful), farewell to the few saddened people who knew them well. The media take no notice and justifiably so. A full page story is not physically possible for every death or else – news of corrupt politicians or cheating sports stars would remain hidden. Society would not stand for that. Sex, scandal and ultra-ordinary events sell. Well meaning souls crossing the great, infinite divide into worlds unknown – do not. Such is the society we have built. Such is the society in which we dwell…
Recently, a musician by the name of J.J. Cale passed away at the age of 74. Recently, an educator and trumpeter by the name of Laurie Frink passed away at the age of 61. Two people important in simular ways. Two people – different in simular ways …
True music lovers know the name Cale. Passing music listeners may know the name Cale. Millions do not …
Cale was one of those guys. A more behind -the -scenes guy who did not seek or obtain the high profile life lived by the likes of Eric Clapton and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Ironic because if it were not for Cale – arguably, an entire generation of music fans may not know of Clapton and his earlier work. Cale was responsible for Clapton’s biggest and highest selling hit; Cocaine. A song which placed Clapton immediately into the living rooms of millions globally. A tune which opened the ears to millions of people into not only Clapton’s back catalogue – Eric’s immense guitar – playing talent. The song; After Midnight – another Cale gem made popular through Clapton. A friendship and mutual admiration held in high esteem by both men until Cale’s untimely passing.
Cale was a masterful guitar player and songwriter.
Clapton aware – along with many artists who covered his songs, that in Cale – a storyteller existed. A spinner of tales blessed with the ability to provide an easy going listening experience through his guitar playing and laid back vocals. One listen to ‘Clapton; Live at Budokan‘ and it easy to tell – Clapton adored and emulated Cale to the highest degree.
After midnight, we’re gonna let it all hang out
After midnight, we’re gonna chug-a-lug and shout
We’re gonna cause talk and suspicion
Give an exhibition
Find out what it is all about
After midnight, we’re gonna let it all hang out
After midnight, gonna shake your tambourine
After midnight, it’s gonna be peaches and cream
We’re gonna cause talk and suspicion
Give an exhibition
Find out what it is all about
After midnight, we’re gonna let it all hang out
After midnight, we’re gonna let it all hang out
Jon Weldon Cale was born on December 5, 1938, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He passed away on July 26, 2013.
Cale’s syle included a blend of many styles. Jazz, Blues and Folk remain at the forefront yet it was Cale’s ability to place his own unique stamp on these genres which set him apart from most songwriters. Every once in a while – someone like Cale arrives and silently influences an entire world. A messiah of music whose students implement his sounds into their music both consciencely and unconscienciously. The latter – one of the highest forms of flattery for any type of artist.
Cale’s only Top Forty hit recorded by himself; Crazy Mama – a true glimpse into the man’s pyche and a taste of what would come and what existed beforehand. Cale’s perhaps one shot at becoming famous and on the path to ‘Rock Stardom’ derailed by the man himself for refusing to Lip Synch the tune on American Bandstand. A man’s refusal to be bought and to sustain his moral integrity. Sometimes the poets of the world must be virtually unnoticed to be noticed. Sometimes – performers like Cale, need to be who they are and somehow, the are the only ones who know it.
Rest in peace John Weldon Cale. The world is a far better place for not knowing you very well …
Laurie Frink
New England Conservatory is mourning the death of faculty member Laurie Frink, a renowned trumpeter and educator. Frink died at her home in Manhattan on July 13 at age 61.
“One of the leading brass pedagogues of our time, Laurie Frink will be sorely missed, as a teacher, as a player and as a friend,” said Ken Schaphorst, Chair of NEC’s Jazz Studies Department. “I noticed immediate improvement in the playing of every NEC student who worked with her. She was also one of the most accurate and musical lead trumpet players I’ve ever heard.”
Laurie Frink, born on August 8, 1951 in Pender, Nebraska, played trumpet with Benny Goodman, Gerry Mulligan, Mel Lewis, Bob Mintzer, John Hollenbeck, Dave Liebman, Andrew Hill, Kenny Wheeler, Maria Schneider, Darcy James Argue, John Hollenbeck and Ryan Truesdell.
Her diverse career included several Broadway shows, radio and television jingles, movie soundtracks, and guest appearances with artists such as the Talking Heads, David Bowie, and David Sanborn. Her versatility as an artist led to performances with the Manhattan Brass Quintet, the Saturday Brass Quintet, the Gramercy Park Brass, and Concordia.
With fellow NEC faculty member John McNeil, Frink coauthored Flexus: Trumpet Calisthenics for the Modern Improviser, which the New York Times called “an essential resource for many trumpeters since its publication a decade ago. The book’s exercises and études came from Ms. Frink’s reservoir of strategies for addressing physical issues on the horn, especially where a player’s embouchure, or formation of lips and facial muscles, was concerned.” She was well known for her insightful ability to solve physical difficulties experienced by many brass players.
“Laurie was known by many as an extraordinary teacher,” said McNeil, “She was one of the best trumpet players in New York, a great sight-reader, a knowledgeable and consistent lead player and an extremely popular human being. You get to be popular, of course, when you save peoples’ careers over and over, as she did mine (twice).”
McNeil notes that some “90% of the outstanding jazz and studio players in New York were her students at one time or another, and many great players world-wide as well.” Her students at NEC included trumpeters Jake Baldwin, Dave Neves, Josh Gilbert, David Adewumi, and Tree Palmedo, as well as trombonists Michael Prentky and Eric Stilwell. Outside of NEC she taught Dave Douglas, Ambrose Akinmusire, Jon Crowley and many others
Considered the foremost authority and teacher of the Carmine Caruso method, she attracted professional brass players from around the world. Her personable style contributed to Frink’s success as a clinician, lecturer, and conductor. In addition to her work ranging from junior high school wind ensembles to professional jazz orchestras, she was also a featured artist at the International Trumpet Competition in Kiev, and the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Goteborg, Sweden, and a member of the ITG Board of Directors.
NEC’s Jazz Studies Department was the first fully accredited jazz studies program at a music conservatory. The brainchild of Gunther Schuller, who moved quickly to incorporate jazz into the curriculum when he became President of the Conservatory in 1967, the Jazz Studies faculty has included six MacArthur “genius” grant recipients (three currently teaching) and four NEA Jazz Masters, and alumni that reads like a who’s who of jazz. Now in its 44th year, the program, headed by Ken Schaphorst, has spawned numerous Grammy winning composers and performers.
As Mike West writes in JazzTimes: “NEC’s jazz studies department is among the most acclaimed and successful in the world; so says the roster of visionary artists that have comprised both its faculty and alumni.” The program currently has 114 students; 67 undergraduate and 47 graduate students from 12 countries.
John Weldon Cale and Laurie Fink …
Two different people who have left the world a better place. Two folks who demonstrate that obtaining mass fame is not becessary to label a death tragic .
At least that was what April Wine co – founder Jim Henman thought in 1969.
” I do recall wanting to quit university and approaching my cousin David with the idea of starting a band and try to make it.” Says Jim from his home in Nova Scotia.” David came up with the name and asked me to try to bring Myles Goodwyn on board.”
He continues.
“I went to Antigonish where Myles was living at that time and told him our plan. I thought he might want to join but I was not sure until about a week or so later.”
Seven days later, Myles did join and April Wine was born. It marked the second time Jim Henman and Goodwyn played together. The duo were once part of a group named Woodies Termites between the years 1965 – 67. It was in that band, Jim and Myles wrote songs together for the first time. It was not the first time for Jim however.
“I had been writing songs since I was 12 or 13.” Says Jim. “I don’t know when Myles started but we both wrote for our old band and we collaborated with one of the other members … ” He continues. “I still have that tune on tape. It reminds me of the Animals’ sound.”
It was around that same time when Myles wrote “You Won’t Dance With Me” – a hit for April Wine later on.
Jim Henman grew up a bIg fan of country music and the blues. All types of blues …
“In the 50s, I was listening to country on the radio. Jimmy Rogers and the Singing Brakeman, which was white country blues from the 20’s and early 30’s. In the 60’s – I was mystified by the McCartney / Lennon and Richards / Jagger compositions. I lalso enjoyed the Loving Spoonful and especially John Sebastian’s writing.”
As the 70’s commenced, Jim discovered the likes of Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Neil Young and Arlo Guthrie. He also uncovered some real blues from the 20s and 30s. As the 70’s commenced, Jim also discovered the bad side of music …
” I was very attracted to the dark side of rock and roll life … the destructive side. It was dangerous for me and I developed problems very young. I really was not serious about having a “career” as a working musician nor did I have the first clue on how to do it. The party side and a poor work ethic worked well together. After 2 years of that I was lost, depressed and confused. The only way to fix everything was a job and geographical change.”
After stints playing in three bands – Prism, Termites and Wine, Jim left the music business and went into Medical Laboratory work, the furthest thing from songwriting. After all these years, he holds Myles Goodwyn in very high esteem.
“I respect what Myles has done with his talent.” Says the father of two full grown children. “He lived his dream and did it well. If I had stayed I would have died. I have no regrets about leaving.”
Jim Henman married in 1977 and has lived near Martinique Beach on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia since 2001. He is very close to his cousins David and Ritchie. He also was close to the late Jimmy Clench, the bass player who took his place in April Wine. Wine’s former drummer, Jerry Mercer, is also a close friend since 1970 and Jim has known Brian Greenway since 1977.
Henman, since 1990 – has stayed with old blues as his music of choice. The Delta and Piedmont styles mostly. He played bass out of necessity in the old days and was a self- taught and simple player. Over the years, he has played bass in studio sessions and with a few small dance bands but sees the acoustic guitar as his instrument now.
Henman’s proudest musical moments have come more in the past twenty years. More specifically – his proudest songwriting moments.
I wrote a song called “I Will Get Over You” for Jeannie Beks CD “More Than My Share ” in 1992. “Journey”, a tune from the Musical I co-wrote in 1999 called “Death The Musical ” which has gone on to take on a life of it’s own.”Down’s Really Up” which I co-wrote for the Special Olympics, and “Starting Today ” a tune that was a single released in 2008 for a local band here in Halifax. I have a few of my own compositions on my new CD which are simple but I like them melodically and lyrically.”
“Say Hello” and “Just Between You And Me” are two of Jim’s favourite Myles Goodwyn songs and he is very good friends with Myles. The two are close to being the Canadian version of Jagger and Richards in terms of longevity. Myles and Jim met at the age of fifteen. The only other Canadian artists with a long span are Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush along with Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings from the Guess Who.
“I once challenged Burton Cummings to an arm wrestle while I was drunk.” Adds Jim. ” I lost …”
Myles, according to Jim was supposed to play on his recent cd; “Same old Feeling”.Unfortunately, things did not work out as planned. The pair of “Woodies Termites” exchange emails, phonecalls and visit after shows whenever they can.
If only they could meet in Upper Canada Village. That would be poetic, just like writing a song.
Two cousins sat down in the Old Mill Tavern in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The year was 1969. They ordered a pitcher of beer and complained of the lack of momentum their music had gathered.
They thought of putting a new group together. A band which would consist of the brother of one of the beer drinkers on drums and the other; a former member of the other ale quaffer’s band.
They ‘stole’ the singer / guitarist away from his band in Cape Breton, started rehearsing in one of their parents’ basements in Sackville and – just like that, one of Canada’s most successful rock bands were born …
The men in question were David Henman on guitars and vocals, Ritchie Henman on drums, Jim Henman on bass and Myles Goodwyn on vocals and guitars. The name of the band …?
” Myles agreed to join us, and we had planned to start out as a cover band. That all changed the moment Myles played us a couple of songs he wrote.” Says David Henman. “All of us have slightly different memories of how we formed but these are the basic facts.”
According to David ; Myles, long known as the leader and principle songwriter of April Wine, took control from the beginning in the songwriting department.
“He very quickly established himself as the most gifted and most driven musician and songwriter in the group. No one questioned that fact.”
April Wine hosted a lot of their own shows in the early days and one of the very first gigs Henman remembers was for a theatre group. The band had became involved with the actors at the Neptune Theatre and wrote music for a 13th (?) century play called; “The Lion in Winter.”
Aside from particular items like the above, Henman’s memories of the first four years of the group are vague. He does remember being obsessed with writing songs and recalls why he and Myles were worlds apart in their songwriting ideas.
” Myles was more commercially – oriented and I was more experimental.” States Henman on the two very different approaches to songwriting.”I was also into music like Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa while Myles was into r and b and blues.”
Goodwyn’s technique is apparent from the start of Wine’s career. ‘Fast Train‘ was one of the first songs Myles wrote and evolved into the band’s first hit. A song which to this date – remains David’s all time favourite April Wine song.
A fast train was what April Wine was now on in the music business. The year was 1970 and things were going quicky …
“We signed with Terry Flood management and Aquarius records.” Says David . “We recorded our first album; ‘April Wine’, with Bill Hill producing. The second one – ‘On Record’, was produced by Ralph Murphy and it marked the first without my cousin.”
Jim Henman, one of the founding members – left and was replaced by Jim Clench.
As the band were recording their third album; ‘Electric Jewels‘ – David and Ritchie left the band in a mutually – decided split.Myles was now the last original member when he and Clench decided to keep the band going …
“I was invited to join a reformed April Wine but my brother wasn’t.” Says David . “Ritchie and I have always been pretty loyal to each other, so I decided to abstain”. All these years later, David Henman has no regrets for his decision to not rejoin the band just before they hit it big.
“No. No regrets. I was young and given to temptation. My sense is that I ‘d have ended up a casualty ( of rock ).” Declares David.
Despite the split, David and Ritchie have kept in touch over the years with Myles. David says they are, in many respects – a family.
” I have been a fan and an admirer of Myles Goodwyn from day one. We often run into each other and these past couple of years he has invited me to join the band on stage.” An offer which Henman took with a smile.
Ritchie and David Henman’s departure from one of the-soon-to-be iconic Canadian Rock Bands did not dissuade the duo from carrying on.
The brothers formed a band named ‘Silver’ following their departure and the band played constantly for a couple of years. The music was a mixture of covers and David Henman originals. Once that music formation ran it’s course, the brothers discovered themselves playing with a familiar name to April Wine fans;
‘All the Young Dudes’, the brother’s new band which performed all originals during it’s year of existence, featured Bob Segarini and a young guitar player named Brian Greenway ( Brian eventually landed with April Wine in 1977 and remains to this day).
In 1976, David then struck out on his own with ‘The Debutantes’.
Between then and now – bands with names like; ‘Sensible Shoes’,’ Dancer’ and ‘The Business’ came and went.
Finally, in 2003, David Henman starting recording and playing under his own name. Something he continues to do in his basement studio in Bolton, Ontario.
In a galaxy far,far away from turntables!
Please stay tuned for part two and more of Henman’s story ….
Rick Keene Music Scene 