3's a Crowd (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Defunct | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Ottawa , Canada |
Area served | Canada, United States |
Key people | Bruce Cockburn, Colleen Peterson, David Wiffen, Trevor Veitch, Brent Titcomb, Cass Elliott (producer) |
| Products | Folk rock music, album Christopher's Movie Matinée |
3's a Crowd was a folk rock ensemble originating from Vancouver, active between 1964 and 1969, with its primary operations centered in Toronto and Ottawa. The band experienced moderate success on Canadian music charts and is distinguished for launching the careers of notable Canadian artists including Bruce Cockburn, Colleen Peterson, David Wiffen, Trevor Veitch, and Brent Titcomb. Additionally, they are known for their collaboration with Cass Elliott, who co-produced their only album.
History
Initially established in 1964 as the Bill Schwartz Quartet—a trio humorously named after a fictitious member—the group consisted of vocalist Donna Warner,[1] guitarist Trevor Veitch, and multi-instrumentalist Brent Titcomb. After their encounter at the 1964 Calgary Stampede, they moved to Vancouver, where they became regular performers at The Bunkhouse and finalized their lineup.[2]
By 1966, the band relocated to Toronto and gained management under Sid Dolgay, formerly of The Travellers. During their national tours, they incorporated bassist Brian Ahern followed by Ken Koblun—previously affiliated with Neil Young & The Squires and Buffalo Springfield. Koblun was soon succeeded by Comrie Smith. The group earned RPM's Top Folk Group accolade consecutively in 1966 and 1967.[3]
Their accomplishments on RPM charts resulted in a contract with Epic Records, through which they released singles such as "Bound to Fly," reaching #34 on Canadian charts, and a rendition of Gordon Lightfoot's "Steel Rail Blues." Later Epic singles "Honey Machine" and "When The Sun Goes Down" diverged from the band's artistic intentions, especially due to Epic’s attempt to position them as a comedic act, ultimately leading to contract termination.[4]
While performing at Ottawa's Le Hibou Coffee House, they reunited with singer David Wiffen. Wiffen brought in drummer Richard Patterson from his former group, The Children. This expanded formation gained visibility through CBC's Take 30, secured engagements at New York’s The Scene, and participated in the 1967 Mariposa Folk Festival.[5]
At Montreal’s Expo 67, an Ontario Pavilion coordinator enlisted them after a show at Toronto’s Riverboat coffee house. Members of The Mamas & the Papas, including Cass Elliot and Denny Doherty, discovered the band there. Elliot arranged a deal with Dunhill Records president Jay Lasker. The group recorded three tracks in New York with producer Rick Shorter before relocating to Los Angeles for album sessions; however, producer Steve Barri ultimately assumed primary production responsibilities.[6] Their album Christopher's Movie Matinée was issued in May 1968.[7]
Although Bruce Cockburn did not contribute as a performer on the album, three of his songs were included: "The Way She Smiles," "Bird Without Wings," and "View From Pompous Head." The album also marked Murray McLauchlan’s initial songwriting credit with "Coat Of Colors," which served as the B-side to "Bird Without Wings" (#61 on RPM charts). Vocals were distributed among Donna Warner, David Wiffen, and Brent Titcomb.[8]
3's a Crowd appeared on CBC programs such as The Juliette Show and Let's Go, opened for prominent acts like the Beach Boys in Ottawa (1968), and hosted their own CBC special titled Our Kind Of Crowd, which featured guests including Richard Pryor and Joni Mitchell.[9]
Following Ken Koblun’s exit due to fatigue, Wayne Davis joined as bassist. With Warner experiencing health challenges, Ottawa singer Colleen Peterson increasingly assumed her role.[10] The band toured Western Canada and Southern California venues such as West Hollywood’s Ash Grove and Glendale’s Ice House—occasionally supported by Jim and Jean.
Returning to Canada, they performed their album live alongside the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Massey Hall. In 1968, the National Film Board of Canada released a documentary titled Christopher's Movie Matinée which featured some of their music.[11]
Soon after the album's release, Warner departed due to health concerns; subsequently, Titcomb and Veitch also left. Manager Sid Dolgay obtained financial backing from producers Harvey Glatt and Sydney Banks to sustain the group. Early in 1969, Wiffen and Patterson recruited bassist Dennis Pendrith along with Bruce Cockburn, Colleen Peterson, and Sandy Crawley from The Children. RCA Victor released the single "Let's Get Together" backed by "I Don't Wanna Drive You Away," which reached #70 on RPM charts.[12]
This lineup toured across Canada supporting The Turtles and Gary Puckett & The Union Gap during summer 1969. They recorded Cockburn’s "Electrocution of The Word," promoted via a video presented at Ottawa SuperEX’s Youth Pavilion.[13] After relocating to Montreal, they became the house band for Sydney Banks' CBC program One More Time, hosted by Gilbert Price.[14] Crawley left to pursue acting; the remaining members completed several shows in the United States before disbanding by late 1969.
Post break-up
In 1973, Cockburn and Pendrith joined forces with Wiffen on his album Coast To Coast Fever. Wiffen achieved recognition as a songwriter, notably for "Driving Wheel". Pendrith collaborated with Tom Rush and Ian & Sylvia, established himself as a session musician, and eventually became part of the CBC. Bruce Cockburn attained international acclaim as a solo artist.
Peterson became involved with the Canadian production of Hair, later relocating to Nashville to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter, and subsequently joined Sylvia Tyson's ensemble Quartette; she passed away from cancer in 1996. Sandy Crawley ventured into acting and composing for films. Brent Titcomb toured with Anne Murray’s band; Murray recorded several of his compositions, including "Sing High, Sing Low" and "I Still Wish The Very Best For You".
Trevor Veitch moved to Los Angeles where he worked as a session musician, soundtrack composer, and songwriter, credited with "Gloria" performed by Laura Brannigan. Ahern established himself as a distinguished producer with credits that include Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and his spouse Emmylou Harris.
Richard Patterson performed with multiple bands and was developing a compilation for 3's a Crowd prior to his death in 2011; this project was left incomplete. Donna Warner, Wayne Davis, and Ken Koblun did not continue professional careers in music.
Details about Comrie Smith’s subsequent musical involvement remain scarce, although he was mentioned in Mojo magazine regarding Neil Young’s Archives CD collection. Smith, a lifelong companion of Young who contributed to some of his early recordings, died in 2009. Significantly, both Smith and Koblun had performed with Young during his early career, while Donna Warner provided vocals alongside him in Toronto.
Singles
- "Bound To Fly" / "Steel Rail Blues" (1966), Epic 5-10073
- "Honey Machine" / "When The Sun Goes Down" (1967), Epic 5-10151
- "Bird Without Wings" / "Coat of Colours" (1967), RCA Victor 4120
- "Bird Without Wings" / "Coat of Colours" (1968), USA, Dunhill D-4120
- "Let's Get Together" / "I Don't Wanna Drive You Away" (1968), RCA Victor 4131
- "Let's Get Together" / "I Don't Wanna Drive You Away" (1968), USA, Dunhill D-4131
- "Electrocution of The Word" (1968)
Albums
- Christopher's Movie Matinee (1968), RCA Victor DS-50030 (Canada, Australia)
- Christopher's Movie Matinee (1968), Dunhill DS-50030 (USA)
- Christopher's Movie Matinee (2012), Vintage Masters Inc.
Film
- Christopher's Movie Matinee (1968), National Film Board of Canada