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When the fusion of Country music and Light Rock took place, my musical direction was obvious. The band "Shine" was born. For an undertaking of this kind to be successful, the right combination of musicians had to be chosen.
Robert "Bobby" Biggs became the drummer. Bobby had played Country with "Phil Stewart And Mornin' Sun" and also "Hughie York and Saddletramp." Bobby had also played with Bruce Wheaton and "Molly Oliver." The bass guitar player was Butchie Flint. Butchie had been living in the Toronto area, working across Ontario, Detroit and New York. Butchie had worked with such groups as "SpyroGyra" and "Tower Of Power." Lead guitarist Paul Benteau had just finished his commitment to a group called "Riser." This was a seven piece show band doing a version of "Jesus Christ Superstar." Donnie Rogers, a native of Sudbury, was just finishing up with "Molly Oliver" as well. Donnie played keyboard and sax. This combination was just a little too extreme to survive, and consequently there were personnel changes. Butchie Flint went back to Ontario. Donnie Rogers pursued a solo career. The new bass player was Bo Hanson. Bo, an easy going gentleman, had worked with Frank McKay and numerous other high profile groups. Larry Garden came on stream playing keyboard. If I had to describe "Shine," I would say we had the 'Headhunter sound' before there was a "Kentucky Headhunters." I like to think we were just a little ahead of our time. |