An
alert reader may remember that I played
with Larry in The Cabarets back in the late 70’s. I also had met Steve
Meggison when we had played a gig together in a pick-up band.
In any case, sometime in 1994, guitarist Steve Moorehead left the band
and I got a call from Kelsey. I’m not sure who’s idea that was, but I
am glad I got that call.
I
hadn’t met Kelsey, but he assures me
that he’d seen me playing in Connexion, and the fact that I’d learned
the entire lengthy solo in My Sharonna caught his attention.
I
played in Armadillo for a longer period
of time than I’d spent in any other band and enjoyed every minute of
it. That may seem odd in that I really don’t listen to country music,
but my appreciation for good musicianship and good friends will always
override other considerations.
My
job in Armadillo was as second, or
mainly, rhythm guitarist. This was a new experience. In every other
band I’d been the lead guitarist but Kelsey had that territory well
covered leaving me free to contribute in other ways. It was almost
relaxing, because, being hyper responsible, I’d always felt the whole
weight of every song on my shoulders. Now I could just sit back and add
to the song or support what the others were doing so well.
Hard
to explain.
From
sometime in 1994 until we left
Brandon in 2001 Armadillo was a big part of my musical life. When I had
to leave, fortunately their original guitarist Steve Moorehead was back
in town and ready to step in. I’m always happy to see them all.
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The
Portfolio
(From
the original Armadillo Website ca. 1998)
The
Armadillo Story
ARMADILLO
is a
versatile country band
from southwest Manitoba. Their set list often contains Classic and New
Country with a handful of classic rock tunes thrown in for good measure.
Their
goal is
to please the serious
country listener/dance crowd as well as entertain the rockin'
party
crowd.
![](Armadillo/Arm2.JPG)
The
"Unauthorized" Biography
Formed in the
early 1990's Armadillo has
become a fixture in the local music scene. Its members include:
Kelsey
Schoonbaert: Being born the illegitimate son of John Lee Hooker
and Loretta Lynn
was a mixed blessing to young Kelsey as he was growing up. Despite the
impression his father's music made on him, it was his mother's
influence that was to guide him at first. However, he soon gave up his
ambition to act in Crisco commercials and took up guitar playing. The
world is a better place today.
Steve
Meggison:
Steve's influences include Mountain Music (Turtle Mountain) and
obscure African rhythm instruments. His "day job" as a farmer means
that he has both independent wealth and almost unlimited spare time.
This has allowed him to become one of the outstanding bass players and
vocalists in Manitoba.
Larry
Gould: Having
grown up in the country music capital of Manitoba (Melita), Larry is a
veteran of the music scene. He started playing drums at the age of two.
By the time he was four he was playing in bars. By the time he was
eight he was behind bars. He spends most of his band money on beer,
music, and women. He just wastes the rest.
Sandra
Schoonbaert: Sandra is an accomplished singer, who also plays
keyboards, mandolin,
guitar and drums, and hopes to become more versatile soon. As a
teenager Sandra was kidnapped and brainwashed by the rock group April Wine. She is in
fact the only country singer today to have
recognized the subtle but unmistakable April Wine influence in the
music of Patti Loveless. She not only has spotted Elvis on numerous
occasions, but has him living in her basement.
Ken Storie:
Ken
was adopted by
Armadillo after they found him in the back seat of a Greyhound bus, out
on Highway 41. Or was it Route 66?
His memory is somewhat impaired, but he's pretty sure he was playing at
a high school dance in Kelsey's home town the night Kelsey was born (or
perhaps conceived).
Countryfest Photos
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This just has to be Kelsey and I
hammering out the dual guitar solo in Can't Get Enough.....
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