“Leaving Just Isn’t Fair” taken from the LP ‘Mr. Lee’s “Swing’n Affair”(Bacchus BA 1115) 1997 re-issue
original album released on Lee-Mo Records, 1968
The Rock Shop | “Mr. Lee’s “Swing’n Affair” | (Bacchus) 1997 | I’ve been asked to say a few words about four rather unique guys who compose The “Rock Shop!” I guess I’m as qualified as anyone because I’ve known them, both collectively and individually, for some time. My only hope is that I can do them justice.
ALAN CLARK, the professed leader of the group, is a multi-talented musician with a flair for writing music and art. He’s most easily recognized by his strong, driving voice and his seemingly endless wit and humour. Alan must have discovered the long sought secret of perpetual motion because you’ll never find him standing still, whether performing or just going through his daily routine.
A local boy since the age of seven, he’s well known in the area as an outstanding artist in the pop music field. Alan has been with other groups over the past few years, and after what might be termed a very tiring search, has found a home and a place to express himself, in The Rock Shop. Besides playing lead guitar, Alan also plays bass guitar and organ. Wherever there are girls, you’ll most likely find Alan; wherever you find Alan, you’ll most likely find girls.
JOHN DALBECK is the “tall one” in the group, and stands out in many more ways than his height. A self-made guitarist, John has practiced his way into an extra-ordinary rhythm and lead guitar player. By any standards, he can hold his own with the rest and is able to command respect wherever he appears.
Not limited to just playing his instrument, John has one of the clearest ballad voices on the current scene. Ask any young lady present while John is singing, and I’m sure you’ll discover that he is able to communicate where mere words may fail.
He also has a knack for being able to write music, but this could be due to the fact that he has so many personal experiences to call upon. If his songs sound melancholy or blue, it’s because John has lived the blues. If the song is up-tempo and brite, you can believe that at one time or another, sunshine has come into his life. Although not nearly as out-going as Alan, John does have his moments, but he seems happiest when he’s just “doing his own thing!
The young artist who provides the all important bottom to the instrumentation. PAT EDWARDS, better known to friends merely as “Pat!” During a tour in the service, Pat gained a degree of fame as a bass player in the coastal region of northern California. Though he’s been gone for sometime, you can still hear them mention his name in the music circuit of the area, and for a good reason.
As a bass guitarist, Pat won’t have to step down for any one, and as a vocalist, he may be able to give some pointers. The versatility and drive of this musician makes him readily recognizable whenever and wherever he performs.
Whether lending vocal assistance to Alan and John, or vice versa, you’ll know that Pat is there, and he’ll make you feel as much of the music as he does. Never one to be underestimated or taken lightly, Pat is never just in the background. But always sharing the limelight with the other members of the group.
The Rock Shop | “Mr. Lee’s “Swing’n Affair” | (Bacchus) 1997
Last, but by no means least, is PETE STEVENS whose job it is to provide the essential element to the music. To say that Pete provides the basic rhythm or beat would be the understatement of the decade. If you don’t believe me, go and see The Rock Shop in person!!
Going far beyond the essential or barely essential rhythm patterns, Pete lends his entire soul to the beat. His love for music and his dedication to it give him a quality as rare as that of a flawless diamond. He, along with John and the others, has also been looking for a place to truly vent his creativity, and has found the combination at last.
Not given to flattery, Pete accepts his talent with a desire to progress, and rarely thinks of himself as a gifted musi-cian. As an individual, Pete is probably the most serious and stable performer in the group. He’s always first in professionalism and is always ready and willing to do anything for a friend. I know!!
So there you have them – Alan, John, Pat and Pete – better known as The Rock Shop. Since this is their first album, it’s only fitting that you should know a little about them. Don’t be misled into believing that you’ve heard the last of them, however, because you’ll be reading about them again in every pop chronical before long. Their sound is their own – it’s the sound of today The “Rock Shop!”
A friend, Jimmie James
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