meet the band...
My involvement in the CD was to be strictly peripheral. I was around when Lacon and Lyla were working on the music for the three songs he wrote. It was a pretty amazing process as Lacon was working in Saskatchewan at the time and he and Lyla figured out the music over the phone. I offered my limited comments and suggestions, but was definitely a spectator and not a major participant in the process.
The CD was recorded in Regina with Jerry’s band Poplar Creek playing the music and singing the lyrics. Jerry sent a copy to Lacon and Lyla and they both agreed that something wasn’t quite right with the singing, especially on “Who Stole the Keeshka”.
Much discussion ensued on what to do to fix the three songs written by Lacon and ‘Keeshka’. Lacon suggested that I sing on the CD as he thought I had a “Frankie Yankovic voice”. I thought the only thing I shared with Frankie Yankovic was the first five letters of his last name! However, I nervously accepted the job.
I had to practice for a week and a half as I am not a singer and have no formal training. My “voice coach” Lyla cracked the whip on me during practice, using the intimidation techniques of a Romanian gymnastics coach.
We travelled to Regina, with Lyla more than eight months pregnant, and re-recorded Lacon’s three songs and ‘Keeshka’. Lacon sang back-up vocals on all four songs which added to the recording. It was a long day but I think everything came together by the end of the recording session and most importantly, Lacon was pleased with the finished product.
Although I still think my contribution to the CD diminished the quality of the three excellent songs Lacon wrote, I was glad to be a part of it and appreciate Lacon having the faith to include an untested “shower vocalist” on his polka masterpiece.
Trent Yanko
Darrell showed an interest in music at an early age. His biggest influence was his father, Leonard, who had played rhythm guitar all his life. At the age of nine Darrell's parent's bought him his first snare drum. From there his love of music grew stronger and he got his first drum kit at age thirteen. By the time Darrell was fifteen he was already on stage performing with experienced musicians, many of them becoming mentors to him.
At eighteen Darrell was playing in his own band. Throughout the years he has played with a number of bands and has also written and recorded some of his own original work. Currently he divides his time between the two bands he plays with, Poplar Creek and Second Spin. When he's not playing he enjoys spending time with his wife Susan, two daughters Amie and Alyssa and grandson Luckus.
My interest in music started as a very young child as my dad was and accordion player in a band. I started singing harmony at the age of 5. Music played and important part in our lives as in those days there were no TV's. Radio batteries were dead most of the time and the winters were very long.
I used to sing harmony in my dads band. I played in my dads band chording on a palm beach guitar. As time passed I played in a band and quit when we had children. My wife encouraged me to get back playing again.
I was asked to play guitar for the Jaroslav CD. I thank Jerry and his son Lacon for this opportunity. This was my first CD and am glad I am part of it
Ken Sparrohawk
I have played music most of my life, beginning with guitar lessons at the young age of 8 years old. I also love to play banjo and bass guitar. I have been in several bands throughout the years and it has been an honour to be asked to participate in the studio sessions for Jaroslav. I am very proud to be a part of this family project. I hope you enjoy. I would like to thank Lacon and Jerry Kowalchuk for giving me this opportunity.
Lorne Perehuda
