The Northwest Company (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | mid-1960s |
| Headquarters | Haney (Maple Ridge), British Columbia , Canada |
| Products | Garage rock music |
The Northwest Company was a Canadian garage rock ensemble originating from Haney, British Columbia, active between the mid-1960s and early 1970s. Although they did not attain widespread national recognition, they stood out as one of British Columbia's most favored groups. Their signature energetic style, highlighted by the track "Hard to Cry," has been featured on collections such as the History of Vancouver Rock and Roll series.
History
The band initially formed under the name the Bad Boys in Haney (present-day Maple Ridge), British Columbia. The founding members were Rick McCartey (lead vocalist), Ray O'Toole (lead guitar and vocals), Vidor Skofteby (rhythm guitar), Gowan Jurgensen (bass guitar), and Jerry Ringrose (drums). Their early shows were marked by matching suits and dynamic stage performances, characterized by a loud, aggressive sound propelled by distorted guitars and powerful chord progressions.
Under the guidance of manager Dale Clark, they secured a contract with Grenadier Records. In July 1967, the band recorded five songs at Telesound Studios in Vancouver, including "Eight Hour Day," "Get Away from It All," and "Hard to Cry." Their initial single, "Hard to Cry" backed with "Get Away from It All," gained moderate radio exposure in Vancouver. Following the departure of drummer Ringrose, Richard Stepp joined the lineup, coming from the band the Questions. The group then signed with Apex Records, releasing singles such as "Time for Everyone" backed with "She's a Woman" and "Can You Remember" backed with "The Sunday Dog." Early in 1968, London Records took on the band and issued "Eight Hour Day." After McCartey left, vocal responsibilities were distributed among remaining members.
In 1971, The Northwest Company inked a deal with Coast Records based in North Vancouver, producing two singles recorded at the same studio used for the McCabe & Mrs. Miller soundtrack; these releases were distributed through London's Canadian branch. Among these was "Rock 'N' Roll Lover Man," which displayed influences from Small Faces and Humble Pie. That year also saw Leslie Law replace O'Toole on rhythm guitar before O'Toole eventually rejoined. By 1973, the band's roster consisted of O'Toole, Jurgensen, Law, and Stepp. Upon signing with Stamp Records that year, they released "The Bandit" backed with "There Ain't Nothing Wrong With Rock And Roll," which achieved modest success within Canada. Despite their regional popularity, the band dissolved in late 1973 following their sixth single release.
After disbanding, Ray O'Toole became a member of the well-regarded country rock group Blue Northern. In 1983, their song "Rock 'N' Roll Lover Man" was included on History of Vancouver Rock and Roll, Volume 3, while three tracks from their 1967 recording session appeared on Volume 4.
Membership
- Rick McCartey (lead vocals)
- Ray O'Toole (lead guitar and vocals)
- Vidor Skofteby (rhythm guitar)
- Gowan Jurgensen (bass)
- Jerry Ringrose (drums)
- Richard Stepp (drums)
- Zak August (guitar)
- Leslie Law (rhythm guitar)
Discography
- "Hard to Cry" b/w "Get Away from it All" (Grenadier, 1967)
- "Time for Everyone" b/w "She's a Woman" (Apex, 1967)
- "Can You Remember" b/w "The Sunday Dog" (Apex, 1967)
- "The End is Autumn" b/w "Eight Hour Day" (London, 1968)
- "Rock 'N' Roll Lover Man" b/w "Let it All" (Coast, 1971)
- "The Bandit" b/w "There Ain't Nothing Wrong with Rock and Roll" (Stamp, 1973)