Every generation is partial to music that defines their youth. So it stands to reason that since James Jackson grew up devouring Steppenwolf, Joan Jett, Cheap Trick and Eric Clapton, he would name his band Raised on Rock.
The relatively new five-piece is dedicated to playing the best rock on mainstream charts and makes its St. Albert debut at LB’s Pub this coming Saturday.
Jackson, formerly of Chronic Rock and True North, two standout regional cover bands, has always respected the vision of original artists – in particular Canadian recording artists.
“Canadian rock music of the 70s and 80s is probably the best or at least second to British rock music,” said James whose lively dance band ranges from The Rolling Stones and Credence Clearwater Revival to April Wine and Trooper.
In a special twist Raised on Rock’s set lists includes tunes that were mega hits in their day, but currently rarely played – songs such Poison’s Talk Dirty to Me, or Lita Ford’s Kiss Me Deadly or Joan Jett’s I Hate Myself for Lovin’ You.
“It’s important to replicate the notes and the sound. We try to find the exact sound and to harness it. We try to spark people’s memories,” said Jackson, lead male vocalist and rhythm guitarist.
Along with bassist Vance Maclean, the two St. Albert singers are opposite yet complementary.
“I sing mid to high and Vance does backup vocals. He’s a tall man with a low voice. He’s great for bringing in the low notes and he’s a very intricate bassist.”
Karen Smith, the lead female singer and percussionist, is a pop vocalist and hits the high notes her male peers are unable to reach.
“She sings a lot of the male originated high notes from the 80s hair bands. She can sing anything. Matter of fact, she sings Pink perfectly.”
Drummer Darryl Simpson is MacEwan College grad with a music diploma that emphasizes every musical genre.
“He’s very versatile. He can play anything. He plays rock. He plays country. He plays blues. He’s an all-around really good musician.”
And Lee Tulk is the other lead guitar and backup vocalist.
“He comes from a blues-country background and I’m a rocker and we’re very complementary. I lead the rock songs and when it comes to Eric Clapton or blues, he leads. He has a specific sound and he knows when to bring out that sound.”
Jackson, a retired sergeant and former MSE OP – that’s code for mobile support equipment operator (trucker), spent 25 years in the military.
He launched his music career during a six-month posting in Israel as a peacekeeper.
“Myself and a few other people got a rock band started and we played for whoever listened.”
Later during a four-year posting in Germany, he again played for military at all levels and was even flown to Cyprus to perform for the brass.
During his postings, he met Maclean and their military backgrounds and musical tastes made them a natural fit.
Raised on Rock plays three sets at LB’s Pub on Saturday, July 30 starting at 9 p.m.
