Until their new web-page is ready, see them at http://www.myspace.com/thecovertband.
My son Ryan got together with three other young guys back in about 1999-2000 to pull together a band. Their initial goal was to compete in their high school's "Battle of the Bands".
The original band consisted of Blaise Finnessy on vocals, Darrell Wallace on guitar, Tim Lall on drums and my son Ryan Nicholls on bass.
Originally the band called itself "What the Funk". They did well, and continued hammering away at learning their craft. As sometimes things happen, suddenly, Tim moved away to New York, and they needed to fill in the beat. Enter Graham Shaw, a slightly-built man whose energy on percussion belies his size. The new band was born. They've been together through thick and thin, learned how to work together, how to have disagreements and move past them.
And along the way, they've learned their instruments and how to write songs. Man, do they know how to do both! They all have become virtuosos of their respective instruments. However, that hasn't stopped them from branching out and learning new instruments, styles and techniques.
The final pieces of the puzzle were the change of name and their stage presence. In early 2007 they changed the name of the band to SPIES (The Covert Band), which sort of pokes a little fun at the fact they are well known in the industry for their skills at writing and playing, but no-one actually seems to know them as the group.
That final piece is stage presence. It's en elusive quality, one that requires risk. The risk is you look like an asshole in front of a crowd. That is entertainment. People paying to see a show, want to see a show!
On March 29, 2008, the band earned the first in a major series of attention-getting events. That night, amid the chill of March and the noise surrounding Earth Hour, the guys made their mark - they won Bandwarz 2008, the winner-take-all event that gathered them some outstanding prizes, and more importantly, the respect of the industry and their peers.
They hit the stage like a hurricane, blasting their way without stopping through song after song, each of them putting their all in every note, chord, beat and transition. The crowd took notice. The judges took notice. Rogers Television cameras captured every second. It was riveting to watch.
What follow are just a few shots from that show. I have almost 140 to choose from. As Ryan's dad, just recently reconciled with him after too long apart, I got to be there, to savour in his deserved pride at a job well-done, and to join him in his celebration. I am so proud of Ryan and the boys in the band, words elude me...
Blaise actually got the show rocking with his 6 foot leap from the risers.
The band in full swing.
While each member brings with him his own knowledge, skills and abilities, above all, SPIES is a band, and they work collaboratively that way. It earns them success, which makes a statement all its own.
Apparently Darrell can jump too.
A big Finish!
The guys of SPIES in alphabetical order...
BLAISE FINNESSY
Blaise's voice and multi-instrument contributions set him apart from many other front-men. Be it a djembi, guitar, percussion or his soaring voice, Blaise is a powerful force.
DARRELL WALLACE
Darrell has made huge strides from the days when he hacked around on a guitar. He is truly a gifted player, and I'm not sure I've seen that much energy before. He was everywhere on stage, in the audience, on the risers.
GRAHAM SHAW
Graham is a quiet-spoken foundation player. He sits at his kit and provides both a steady beat and provides imaginative percussion to each song. SPIES trademark signature and timing shifts are a challenge to keep sounding "just right".
RYAN NICHOLLS
I am so proud of Ryan and his dedication to learning his instrument to the best of his abilities. He has set a course for his musical life I envy. He has done what I would have liked to, and never had the courage. He has courage. I admire him.
After the set...what's that I smell?? Could it be the smell of victory?
The guys knew they had a great set. All of the judges sought them out to provide encouragement and best wishes. There was even a story out there about an industry exec comparing the boys to Nirvana.
Here's the thing: when people go to a show they pay to be entertained. The guys did exactly that. It was a joy to watch.
Victory is theirs!
Each of the guys thanked various people, places and things.
Pour that champagne into something!
The band and their posse each enjoyed champagne from the trophy. Even I got a belt from the thing. Calls were being made to share the success, pictures taken interviews granted. Heady times!
Savour the moment with your loved ones!
Ryan and Robin enjoy the band's success. Note Blaise enjoying the champagne. We're not sure what Darrel's doing (suppressing a burp?)