Artist: Oakley, Album: Oakley, Song: Rock 'N' Roll Gypsies

Oakley were a hard rocking band from Nova Scotia that released their one and only self titled album in 1980.  They were Ritchie Oakley, Wayne Nicholson, Bruce Dixon, Bill McCauley and Doug MacKay. Ritchie Oakley was actually in a popular Maritime band called Soma prior to this band.  Soma had opened Eastern tour gigs for Santana, Sly & The Family Stone and Chicago during their run.  Oakley toured the country with April Wine and also opened for the Doobie Brothers.  They had a number of singles off this record.  I personally love the album opener, Rock 'N' Roll Gypsies.  It's a hard chugging tune with some Boston-like psychedelic keyboards.  Great tune.  The band would release a follow up single in 1982 but a sophomore release would not materialize before the band members decided to go their separate ways.  All of the members in the band have remained in the Maritime music community working as session players or producers.  The band has reformed a number of times in recent years to play the odd show but mainly in Eastern Canada.  The band has also released their one and only album on CD but it has only been available for purchase at shows.  It remains a rarity today.  At the time of this blog, there was one copy trading on Ebay for $10.  You can hear the song, Rock 'N' Roll Gypsies, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77BFH-Ur7x8&feature=channel_video_title).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!