the TRIXX Band (not exactly as shown)
... The end of an era has come as our beloved John Wood passes along the TRIXX Band
name to long time band-mates *Don & Carole - he leaves the band Jan. 30, 2010. We still feel that it is important
to tell you about John because we wouldn't have come together without him. Thanks JW for guiding us for so
many years! We love you as a friend and TRIXX Band Family member and we respect you for your talent. We also give
you a standing invitation and will welcome you as our guest on stage whenever you feel like getting your groove
on! Don and Carole
Let's start with our
founder ... John Wood (Bass, Sax & Vocal)
John had been forming his own bands since his first musical experience in the hugely successful
band "The COUNTDOWNS". From 1966 - 1969 the Countdowns' members, with their great vocal and musical stylings
were the rage of the era! And just like the more famous bands of the day they had it all, right down to the matching coloured
suits! They were a band to be reckoned with and John learned alot. This band had a great sound, great talent, while looking
sharp! John would make sure that any of the bands he'd put together in the future would have alot to offer too. The original
TRIXX BAND was formed in the mid 1980's. After years playing and travelling with the very popular disco era band "CHIC",
John settled back into the Windsor/Essex music scene and formed the TRIXX BAND while he attended school to attain an engineering
degree. (Way to go John! Always a leader!)
We'll miss you John ... but as I write this I'm actually
smiling because I know that you'll always be a part of this band be it as a guest or in forever in our hearts.
Don Henderson
(Leader, Guitar, Vocal, Musical Arrangement and Sound)
Eventually, Don joined the band in '89. John originally tried to talk him out of it stating that perhaps
Don may not be ready for such a change in repertoire and club atmosphere after just coming out of a couple of the hottest
groups in the city; "BARRELHOUSE & The PLAYER'S BAND." The Player's Band had ruled the west side for years through
the mid to late 1980's. (You'll remember them as the house-band at Tune-Ups. Don, not only the fabulous guitar player that
we know and love, was a successful entrepreneur owning and managing the Tune-ups Bar. While carrying on the nightclub business,
Don took care of musical arrangements and lead the Player's Band to their success. The Tune-ups
venue, Don will tell you matter of factly, " Always guaranteed him a place to play!" Another highlight for The Player's
Band was opening for Aretha Franklin in Detroit, MI.)
In contrast,
the TRIXX gigs were at Legion halls and local clubs in Essex County. Although the material varied greatly to what Don was
used to playing, Don was enthusiastic and loved the change. Always a "Player" no matter the band! And man can he
tweak that sound! Don takes over as new Band Leader Nov./09
Carole Deslippe (Lead Vocalist)
Answered an ad in the paper to audition in
early 1990. Again, while interviewing, John tried to talk her out of it. Saying... (you guessed it) that the TRIXX Band material
didn't suit what she was used to playing let alone that the atmosphere was totally different as well especially after being
in one of the most successful rock 'n roll groups in the city. "REFLEX" was at the top of the heap playing heavy
metal danceable rock throughout the early '80's, playing in all the "A" rooms in the city/county and travelling
to play in Detroit, MI. and Sarnia, ON. on a regular basis. She also sang for CONCRETE JUNGLE in 1990, another heavy metal
band! John remembers her audition like it was yesterday. He pictured a rocker in leathers maybe even riding in on a bike and
to his surprise, along came Carole, driving a mini-van, and nicely dressed in a mini skirt. He recalls how nervous she was
with her lyric page shaking in her hand, clenched tightly, desperate not to drop it. It didn't take long to make a decision,
a little Patsy Cline and Bette Midler and she settled into the groove. Carole became their new vocalist. She too loved the
change of material and singing alongside the fabulously talented Gene Davis (Keys and Vocals). Inspite of their different
backgrounds the band jelled and this version of the TRIXX Band played up tempo dance music through the end of Feb. '95 (with
the most talented Al Hughes on drums ('93-'95).
They enjoyed a house gig
at the Ottawa Tavern from Jan '94 til Jan '95 filling the house with friends and family every weekend. Truly one of the band's
best years! John, Carole, Don & Al continued to play in different bands until reuniting again early in 2002. This is when...
John "Bo" Labadie
(Drummer, Lead Vocalist)
joined. The audition call went out once again when the band found themselves
without a second lead singer which had been the format they had enjoyed in the past. John having recently played (Drums &
Vocals) in the band "JUMPER" came highly recommended to the rest of the band by John W. Of course the audition went
well and John came onto the scene while we were working at the RCL #143 joining mid way through the gig! What a guy! Johnny
on the spot! And a fine job too we might add! John L. started his musical experiences with "THE JETS" winning a
battle of the bands event in 1974! Highlights of his playing career include the following very successful bands that played
around bars in the city/county for years: "The MOVIES" (5yrs), "JUMPER" (10yrs) and "10 to ONE".
Fortunately for us, when Al (Drums) left the band, we didn't miss a beat. John L. left the front of the stage to take on the
responsibility of both Drums and Vocals.
Again, this version of the TRIXX Band is fortunate, having
talented musicians and building on lasting friendships. Lead on JOHN WOOD! More importantly, the best part of this story is
YOU! You come to listen... visit... dance and celebrate life...with the band. Thanks for all your support throughout the years!
The Best is yet to come!
the best part of this story is YOU! You come to listen ... visit ... dance and celebrate life with the
band. Thanks for all your support throughout the years! The best is yet to come! Best Regards, Carole, Don & John
TRIXX Band LIVE!
Check out our AT A GLANCE page. See where we're playing ... and please, visit http://www.trixx.ca/ again soon!
