User:Batwood03104/sandbox

Oak NH Band

Oak was a NH based rock band formed in Berlin, NH in the summer of 1969. The band was formed as a result of a number of "jam sessions" that included Brad Atwood (Drums & founding member), Michael "Twig" Goulette (Bass & founding member), Randy Labnon (Saxes, Flute & founding member), Fred LaBerge ,(Guitar, Keyboards), Tad Pfeiffer (Guitar) and other local musicians who would sit in from time to time. "Traffic" was a very big influence and the first official song learned was "Dear Mr. Fantasy". As summer ended, LaBerge left for college and Pfeiffer (a summer resident of nearby Randolph, NH) went home for the fall. Rick Pinette (Keyboards, Guitar, Lead Vocals) was called in to replace LaBerge. Rick had played in other bands with Brad, Twig, and Randy. This lineup, Atwood, Goulette, Labnon, Pinette became the first official Oak group. Having spent the fall and winter preparing a songlist, Oak played it's first performance in Berlin at St. Anne's Hall in March of 1970. Oak played many other local engagements throughout the following months into the fall of 1970.

The band, now began to focus on original material and Rick Pinette became the principal songwriter. As with many bands of the time(and today)songs were formed around "jams" that morphed into finished compositions. During this time, the first two Oak songs emerged. "More Than a Friend" and "Steppin' Out" were written, arranged and included in Oak's live sets. At about this time, Oak was fortunate enough to win a "Sunn Battle of the Bands" in Rumford, ME, and caught the attention of Ed Boucher who was the owner of EAB Studios in Lewiston, ME. Though Oak did not win the finals of the battle in Lewiston, Oak did record at EAB studios. During the recording sessions for this single a former bandmate was recruited to join the band. Andy Daigle (Keyboards) who had played trumpet with Brad, Randy and Rick in "Train" (an 8 piece brass band in 1967-68) was included in the recording sessions. Oak released their first 45 rpm single on their own label "Acorn Records", the A side being "More Than A Friend" and the B side being "Steppin' Out". To this day, copies of this 45 still turn up.

The band continues to play many local gigs in NH, ME and VT and as all the members go off to college at UNH Durham, Oak becomes a "UNH Band" playing many of the college Frat houses at UNH, Dartmouth, UVM and high schools in the southern NH area. Into 1972, Rick writes many new songs and over time and after many life changes, Brad & Rick end up in the Portland ME area.

Because of this move, Mike "Twig" Goulette and Randy Labnon leave the band and Rick and Brad meet up with Bruce Noel and Ricky Albert who were members of a Portland band named "Pegasus" ("Maine's Finest Rock Band") and their manager Brian Labbe. This grouping results in a one off gig as "Lord Crimshaw's Legend". Shortly after, it was determined that "Oak" had more of a presence the band went out as Oak. As happens often happens with bands, members come and go. Noel and Albert left and to replace Noel, a young, bass playing "fan" was brought in Nick Noiseux from Biddeford ME. He was very enthusiastic and talented and was a good addition to the live band. However, when Oak secured a season long engagement at The Sandbar in OOB, ME and it was found that Nick was underage, a new bass player had to be called in and Bruce Noel returned to the band. Oak became a staple in OOB, ME and also at this time recorded a full LP worth of original material again at EAB in Lewiston, ME.

Studio owner Ed Boucher and Producer Bobby Hearne "shopped" the tapes to all the major record companies in New York City. Many companies "held" the Oak tapes for consideration. Epic Records and A&M Records all responded positively though no deal was offered. This is one of the real "oddities" of Oak's history.

Boucher and Herne, during their promo trip to NY ran out of Oak tapes and called to ask for more to be prepped and delivered to NY. Rick (sick with the flu) and Brad drove to the Studio in Lewiston and made extra copies, and drove them straight to NY. As it turns out, Mercury Recordsis the appointment for the morning and they pass on the band. MORE TO COME.