"B" Side Champs Bio - River City Blues Society

Introducing……..
Mission:
Continue to have fun doing what we all love to do, while at the same time ensure
each and every individual in attendance at each of our shows, comes along for the
ride.
~
Inspired by classic Rhythm & Blues of the 60's. Covering songs originally recorded out
of STAX studios, made popular by some of the most inspiring artists of that era. These
artists include Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Booker T and the MG's and
Sam and Dave.
“The Champs honor the past with energy and authenticity”
Longtime friends Rob Smith and Ted Wolstencroft do an amazing job of keeping everyone in the
pocket. Having spent so much time onstage together, it goes without question that each of them, most
definitely knows what the other is up to, at all times.
Rob Smith (Bass Guitar)
Rob began his musical journey early on in life seated at the piano at age 5. Following the piano, Rob
moved on to brass, where he found himself playing the trumpet during the years he attended junior
high. Then high school arrived, where Rob took on the classical guitar until graduation.
It wasn’t until age 17 that Rob discovered that bass guitar would end up being his weapon of choice.
He picked it up and has never put down.
Rob has not only mastered the art of playing this instrument, but has also over the years, vastly
expanded his abilities which now include building, modifying and customizing bass guitars. Many of the
instruments you’ll see Rob playing today have most likely in some way had an extra touch applied.
No matter what project Rob finds himself immersed in, you can be certain, when the curtain goes up
and the music starts, you will find this very talented musician poised and prepared to entertain.
Ted Wolstencroft (Drums)
For Ted, the interest in playing drums began at age 10 when his parents purchased his very first drum
set. Likely concluding prior, that the piano probably wouldn't fly.
In addition to playing drums Ted would also pursue his passion for hockey and baseball. It was during
those times that the drum set would be put on hold for periods of time. But not for long. It was 1976
when Ted was asked to "jam" with a few of his high school buddies. Needless to say the fuse was now
lit.
Over the years Ted has had the opportunity to perform, tour and studio record with various original rock
bands, cover bands, children's performers and Christian artists. In the process, he has been very
fortunate to acquire many lifelong friends along the way.
Ted has studied with many accomplished musicians, a list of names that would grow to include Glen
Lambert, Dave Schneider, Mitch Dorge and legendary Winnipeg drummer, Reg Kelln.
Additional achievements have Ted teaching as a private drum instructor for the past 20 years. All the
while passing his knowledge and expertise on to countless up and comers. Many of whom are out there
today, behind the kit, living the dream.
Ted thoroughly enjoys playing with the B Side Champs, as he firmly believes that the culmination of
immense talent and ever present camaraderie, has and will continue to be the key to the level of
success being achieved by the group.
He likens the experience to being at a circus. “Loads of fun, but much less smelly”.
The Champ's horn section consists of a very talented mix of players.
Let us begin with the youngest member of the band,
Deano Dean (Tenor sax).
Deano has been playing the saxophone for over 57 years and has been very fortunate, throughout his
career to share the stage with many class acts which include, Buddy Guy, Long John Baldry, The Shirells,
The Coasters and Wilson Pickett. The following video was recorded in New York City back in 1965 and
features Deano on the saxophone, sharing the stage with Mr. Pickett himself
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KFYUJ63nk8) Deano is a true showman in every sense of the word.
There is not a venue in town that hasn’t heard the name “Deano Dean” You can also find Deano
performing as front man for “The Deano Dean Band”
The Champs are very honored and fortunate to have Mr. Dean as a member of the family.
.
Andrew Littleford (Trumpet)
Having grown up in a musical family, Andrew knew at a very young age that music was his passion and
the trumpet was his voice. He began his studies in classical music, gaining a solid musical and
instrumental foundation. While studying classical trumpet at Brandon University, Andrew became very
interested in jazz and improvisation, completing his Bachelor Degree in Jazz Performance. He
maintained his classical interests and earned a Master’s Degree with distinction in Jazz Performance,
from the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA.
Jon Amadatsu (Trombone)
"A formally trained multi-instrumentalist, Jon considers himself fortunate to have had musically inclined
parents all during his childhood. While earning his Bachelor of Music degree, he focused his energies on
majoring in low brass studies (tuba and trombone) with a minor in jazz bass. It was during this time that
Jon started his performance career both as a band leader, and side man in numerous groups including jazz
trios and combos, a 20-piece big band, and a 5-piece blues/rock project. In addition to playing trombone
with The B Side Champs, Jon also plays bass with “The Deano Dean Band”. Both bands provide the
perfect venues to share his love of music and sharpen his skills, while at the same time absorbing some of
the raw passion of the other members. "
Colonel Dave Pletz (Alto sax)
Dave is always sure to bring something new to the stage with each and every performance. He would
definitely be considered the jokester of the group. There is no shortage of laughter when he's around, both
on and off stage. This infectious humor spills off of the stage and out to the audience every time. Not only
is Dave an incredible musician, but his technical skills relating to stage sound & lighting, has without a
doubt been a contributing factor to the level of success the band has experienced to date.
Gary Brenner (Keyboard/Organ)
Gary Brenner, mild mannered choir director by day, insanely gifted organ player by night. For years he
has perfected his keyboarding craft both as a sideman and a producer. Gary plays everything, every style
of music. If you've had a bar-mitzvah in Winnipeg, he was probably playing in the Klezmer band. If you
were sitting back in a dingy blues bar listening to your favorite blues guitar player, that was probably him
on keys. Gary flies under the radar. Calm on the surface, he never takes the limelight but then you hear
him play and it is sublime.
Carl Strempler (Guitar)
Carl began his musical journey on a home electronic Hammond organ in his early teens. He migrated to
Trumpet and then finally found a home playing electric guitar. A mainstay of the Winnipeg Gospel Music
scene since the early 80's, Carl has played for events from the Burton Cummings Theatre to the MTS
Centre to being the first guitar player to strike a chord at Investors Group Field.
Carl's musical influences are broad and varied playing in everything from country to blues to rock to
smooth jazz. With the "B" Side Champs, Carl explores the seminal guitar styling of one of his heroes,
Steve Cropper.
Rick Davie (Lead Vocals)
Rick Davie was born August 22, 1967 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Youngest of 6 kids and son of “Winnipeg
Philharmonic Choir” baritone William J. Davie.
As a young man starting out Rick was actually in fact a very shy individual. Lacking the self-confidence
required to carry out even a simple one on one conversation with another individual. It wasn’t until his
late teen years when friends and family came to realize Rick possessed a hidden talent. A talent that had
been kept hidden for many of his younger years. With much persuasion and persistent encouragement,
Rick did eventually let his guard down and agreed to further entertain the notion that his voice might
actually be something people would be interested in listening to. Over the years Rick has enjoyed the
front man position for a number of groups covering many different genres of music, including country,
classic rock, newer rock, pop, soul/funk, R&B and even a bit of hip hop with his son Dustin.
Now 30 years later, it would seem very evident that Rick’s undying passion for performing is still very
much a large part of his life. The front and center spot onstage will most certainly continue to be
occupied by this veteran Winnipeg performer.
The "B" Side Champs (60’s R&B revue)
featuring:
Rob Smith – bass guitar
Carl Strempler – guitar
Gary Benner – keys
Ted Wolstencroft – drums, percussion, vocals
Ken Krotowich – percussion & vocals
Rick Davie – lead vocals
Deano Dean – tenor saxophone
Colonel Dave Pletz – alto saxophone
Andrew Littleford – trumpet
Jon Amadatsu - trombone
Media links:
Mustang Sally
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bc5PRc9mxY
Opening instrumental - Can’t Turn You Loose (recorded live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W22qcT0yPY
Stormy Monday Blues - (short Clip alto sax solo)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qI7AKjM4tA
99 1/2 - (recorded live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTyP7dN8VB0
Treat Her Right - (recorded live) The Park Theatre
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFqNNsuZE5E
Mustang Sally_Messin with the Kid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEYU8kmxT2I
The Music:
Can’t Turn You Loose - Otis Redding
Sweet Soul Music – Arthur Connelly
Be My Guest - Fats Domino
Mr. Pitiful – Taj Mahal
Blue, Blue World – Roomful of Blues
Sugar, Sugar - Wilson Pickett version
99 and a Half - Wilson Pickett
Treat Her Right – Roy Head
I Can’t Stand the Rain – Albert King
Knock On Wood – Eddie Floyd
Soul Man - Sam & Dave
1000 Dances - Wilson Pickett
Twistin the Night Away – Sam Cooke
Stormy Monday Blues – Albert King version
I Thank You – Sam and Dave
Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett
I Feel Good – James Brown
Green Onions – Booker T. and the MGs
Bring It on Home – Sam Cooke
Messin With the Kid – Buddy Guy & Kid Rock
Dancing In The Streets – Martha and the Vandellas
Wrap It Up - Sam and Dave
Stormy Monday Blues – Albert King version
Shaky Ground – Delbert McClinton
Uptight – Stevie Wonder
Gimmie Some Lovin – Sam and Dave
Funky Broadway – Wilson Pickett
Just Like Dynamite – Roomful of Blues
The Thrill Is Gone – B.B. King
The Happy Song – Otis Redding
My Girl – The Temptations
Reet Petite – Colin James
Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett
Hold On – Casey James version
Nothing Can Change – Sam Cooke
Soul Stew – Band Introduction (King Curtis inspired)
When I First Met You - Deano Dean Original
634-5789 – Wilson Pickett
Unchain My Heart – Ray Charles
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebsidechamps
Website:
http://www.thebsidechamps.com
Band Info:
info@thebsidechamps.com