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PAGE 8, WHflBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MAROjI 29, 1989 Stonemason cemented hi musie, 13y Lorna MliUer. What can you say about a group whse music bas been described as celtic rock, ,eclectic folk, « folk and, roil' and coke rock? You can say that the electric sound of Crorndale touches kings and coramon man alike. "The group was formed in the spring of 1983,"l says Bob Watt, lead vocalist and songwritor. "Fin the only original member of the group left. We haven't had mucli publicity until this year. Were riding on 'the waves of a celtie revival and -trying to find our own niche." Watt, whose Celtic accent rolsa off bis tongue like clotted creain, is living proof of the Viking invasion of Britains shores. This big affable man is a stonemason by day. " This is my real job,4" he, saysé as we clinib over boards and cernent blocks of a new project in Whitby that Watt is woirking on. "But music is my love." Watt, Ian Anderson, Jay Adam and Millar Hodgart comprise the grolup. "The music is based on traditional sounds of Scotland and incorporates legends from as far back as 1310," Watt says. It also lias some overtones of southern blues." This is evident in the song, "Bl0ooms off the Rose," wbich Watt wrote in 1986 when ne waà *ging through a rough period in hfis own life. The cut is included in the new album. 1'Pipe Dreams.' '"We wrote a tribute to Matt McGuinn, the Glasgow poet and playwright of the 1950s and 1960s who died alone, and in poverty,"' says Watt with a sigh. "Ites too bad when a person dies alone -and in obscurity only to be lauded after bis death." After the first album, 'Mime to Spare,' wbich didn't quite bring the grou to proniinence but sold well among the group's harilcore fans, they re-grouped and <id some soul-searcbing, wrote new material and released ' Pipe Dreains,' the album that brought themn close to a Juno nomination. 'We were close," says Watt with a wistful sniile., 'We were in the running, one of the last groups stiil in there wben Murray McLaughlin was, nominated in our category. I was talIng to Murray at the Diamond Club and he was as surprised as usthat he was nominated in our category." Cromdale is heading in the riglit direction for recognition now. 'rWe have Richard Flohil, director. of theý Mariposa Festival, managing us now and we're looldng for a new record deal. negotiation with Green Linnet in Conecticut, U.S.A., says Watt. "Our records are available al over the world, but we need more publicity to put us over the top," he says. "WeV aren't a mainstreain group, like RPM., who produce repetitive rubbish," states Watt. "Our music is traditional, unique, fun and danceable. There is a story being spun in the lyrics. Itfs music with a message. " This year the group wiil be on tour, in London April 15, and later in Mariposa, Edmonton, and hopefuly, in Winnipeg for the folk festival. "If Canada Council for the arts provides the travelling money in time," adds Watt. He is going solo to Scotland in Juzýe for a festival and is looking forward to this with great anticipation. I ran folk clubs in Scotland for four years," Watt says. "That's whates wrong *with this (Whitby) area. Theres no university, 50 no, miusic clubs and not much theatre, sort of betwiy+ 'md between. the Unicorn, but.it's hard to find room for. five performers, instruments and a sound crew in places around here. "John Derringer of Q107 loves our stuif, but can't play ît on the air. We have been on CBC and Ryerson radio and got good feedback from that. And the Diamond Club management wants us back ta, open for any band. They were impressed when we opened for "Spirit of the West." With the succesa of 'Pipe Dreams' and a new album ini the works to be released before November to again attempt to get into the Junos, things are loolding good for Cromdale. (Cromdale is comprised of Watt, is also on guitar, Anderson on bagpipes, Citterni, whistles, synthesizers, nnd harmonica, Adamns on keyboard and synthlisizer, Hodgart on bass and electric guitar and backup vocals, Dawson oný drumns and Ron "Scooby" Moore as sound engineer. CROMDALE MEMBERS (from left) Jay Adams, Bob Watt, Tan Anderson and Millar Hodgart. "We Treat You Like A Star'. * e0 * uality Hairstyling W RBeasonable Prices Mon Tes. WcL h. 10amn.to 6pm. * hurs., 10 arn. to 8 pm., Sat.- 9, amn. to 5 pm. 25 Thickson Rd. N. (Armes from Belainys) 436-9220 "Vatdi thwe douy AwwasW.dzoesay NIghtf Spring fo rward Da ylght savings time. begins this weekend go turn docks ahead by one hour Satra might before trn ini. Thousands of Can'adans are waiting for the gift of a Iife-saving transplant. The Kidney Foundation of Canada urges you t)) sigil an organ donor card. 1 Corne in and enjoy Our new dinner theatre ~~ ~ feat uring:* L A Dinner: 6:.30 Hot and CoId Buffet Show: 8:00 Starting March 3th, "Last of the Red Hot Loyers" An English Comedy. Cati 571-1777 for reservationS 145 King St. W. Oshawa HAVE YOU DISCOVERED THE GOOD FOOD! PLUS. GOOD- SERVICE & A FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE DROP IN FOR LUNCH, DINNER or DRINKS! Rooeat RESTAU RANT 2080 Wentworth St. (Between Stevenson Rd.S. & Thickson Rd. S) WHITBY 434-8510 A