No stranger to the Rockyview Hotel, Wildcard is a six-piece party band that brings a full sound filled with tight harmonies to the table.

Some members of the band have been together for nearly thirty years – seasoned musicians who’ve played in various jazz, rock and blues ensembles, culminating together to bring the house to their feet.

Together the band has played many venues, everything from the corporate climate to the bar scene. Various members of the band have opened up for acts over the years, such as the Wallflowers, Blue Rodeo, Prairie Oyster, Emerson Drive and the Headpins.

But as one of the Rockyview Hotel’s regular party bands, this experienced group of musicians loves nothing better than coming out to Cochrane for a weekend gig.

“I love it out there.  It’s my favorite gig out of everywhere we play,” said lead guitarist and vocalist Gord McPhedran, who finds the weekend party crowd in Cochrane to be very friendly and welcoming.

Wildcard plays a gammet of everybody’s favorite songs — from ‘70s and ‘80s rock and pop to fan favorite country classics.

What McPhedran believes sets Wildcard apart from other working bands is their focus on tight harmonies.

It isn’t uncommon for bands to focus on one member of their band, whether it’s a powerhouse vocalist or a shining guitar player, rather than focus on the group as a unit. Wildcard has three vocalists, which allows them to deliver a dynamic range and a big, full sound.

As for the evolution of the music, McPhedran doesn’t believe all that much has changed over the years as far as playing in bars go. Many of the band’s top tunes have remained the same.

“(The style of music) hasn’t changed much.  If anything, I see a resurgence of ‘70s and ‘80s pop music,” said McPhedran, who seems amused that this generation of bar goers still favour the songs that he and his fellow bandmates have been playing for the last few decades.

There seems to be a permanance in classic rock, jazz and blues standards that more recent genres of music can’t seem to quite reach.

Currently, Wildcard features Gord McPhedran on lead guitar and vocals, Marc Lamontagne on the keyboard and harmonica, Ron Paquette on lead vocals, Gary Giesbrech on drums, Jeff Stillie on bass guitar, and the newest addition — young female vocalist Maureen Murphy — to add “the feminine touch” to the band’s sound.

The band is getting booked up well into 2010 and is looking forward to getting into the studio in the next couple of months, with goals of a CD release in the spring. McPhedran defines the band’s original music as country-rock and rock tracks.

Wildcard will be playing Dec. 11 and  Dec. 12 starting at 9 p.m. at the Rockyview Hotel.  Visit their website at www.wildcardband.com.

No related stories.

• Filed under Community | Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Comments are closed.