by Richard Skelly » Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:34 am
For five years and 3 1/2 albums, Howard Froese added second guitar, keyboards and harmonies to Chilliwack. Of Howard’s numerous contributions, the acoustic guitar solo in Baby Blue is the most enduring. Rather than use the main studio at Mushroom, Howard got patched into the console. As Bill Henderson strummed the supporting acoustic rhythm, he played the solo from start to finish. No edits necessary.
Howard quit Chilliwack halfway through the 1978 followup album Lights From The Valley. Original members Glenn Miller (bass) and Ross Turney (drums) also exited after the album was finished. Leaving Bill and 1977 addition Brian MacLeod to tour with new members.
For almost a year, Howard and Brian were bandmates. Both were destined to die young: Brian in 1992; Howard the following year. Glenn Miller died In 2011, Ross Turney about three years later. Bill Henderson carries on with a configuration of Chilliwack that does about 25 concerts per year.
In 2010, Chilliwack staged a 40th anniversary gala at the River Rock Casino Theatre in Richmond. Howard Froese’s musician son Tyson re-created that long-ago Baby Blue lead. Wowing the audience. And honouring his late father’s memory.