Artist: Hometown Band, Album: Hometown Band, Song: Feel Good

The Hometown Band were a folk rock ensemble from Vancouver.  They were Shari Ulrich, Claire Lawrence, Geoff Erye, Robbie King, Doug Edwards and Edward Patterson.  The most notable member of the band at the time, may have been Claire Lawrence, who had played keyboards and saxophone with Chilliwack until his departure in 1971.  In later years, a multi-instrumentalist from California, who settled in Vancouver, named Shari Ulrich, would gain popularity as a solo artist.  The Hometown Band were originally put together to support Valdy.  Eventually, the band would sign their own deal with A&M and release their debut in 1976 entitled, Flying.  The title track did very well for the band which prompted their self titled sophomore release in 1978.  It didn't do as well as the debut single but they did win the Most Promising Group award at the Junos that year.  Feel Good was the single off the second album and was penned by Shari.  The band would lose their record deal following this album and by 1980, Shari had released her debut solo album with A&M.  Claire Lawrence would actually produce that album as well.  The late Robbie King, organist in the band, had some deep roots in Vancouver's musical history.  He was part of a popular sixties band called, Papa Bear's Medicine Show and worked with almost everyone in the industry.  Today their discography hasn't been re-mastered which means it is only available on vinyl.  At the time of this blog there were copies trading on Ebay and Amazon between $10 and $25.  You can hear the song, Feel Good, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjr3kBBDM08).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!