Official Site: The original Northwind band was founded in 1968 by Roland Ernest and me (Jan Stepka). We were inspired originally by bands such as the Doors, Cream, the Moody Blues, the Beatles, and Procol Harum.
We were later heavily influenced by ELP, Yes, King Crimson, and Genesis. Echoes of these styles are found in the Distant Shores recordings.
The band went through four membership changes. The first incarnation was a trio with drummer Steve White. In 1970 we created and performed an original rock opera entitled "Looking Back.” In 1972 we recorded an untitled demo album featuring the song "Last Day at Lokun.”
Tom Iacaboni replaced Steve White on drums when Steve White left the band to pursue the guitar. In 1974 Tom, Jan and Roland recorded the world famous (in collectors' circles) Northwind demo album in Roland's family's basement. This album is often erroneously referred to as "Woods of Zandor.” Tom was at heart a jazz drummer, and when he left Northwind, Tim Cahill joined on drums and percussion. For a short period, Bob Pascoe contributed his rock guitar to Northwind's sound. Northwind performed mostly in clubs at that time and created a reputation in Canada. This period largely had the band playing covers of other rock bands' material.
In 1977 returning to original music, Roland took over guitars and the band added the talents of Rob Foster on wind instruments. In 1978 we recorded our magnum opus "Distant Shores” in Roland's family's basement in Sterling Heights, Michigan. One song, "Just Yesterday,” was released as part of a local radio station's compilation of Detroit area bands' music entitled "Home Grown.”
Tim Cahill's religious calling conflicted with his perception of the rock and roll lifestyle leading him to leave secular musical performing. Howard Wells joined the band on drums and percussion for rehearsals while Roland and the band's manager Ron Geddish vainly persued a record contract. These efforts included a trip to California to visit record companies.
Northwind broke up in 1978 largely because of this failure. In the end, the "Distant Shores” songs were never performed outside of Roland's basement.
01 - The Sentient Man 7:46 02 - Stepping Softly 3:22 03 - When Dreams Are Lost 6:49 04 - Pretty Face (You're Just Another) 3:53 05 - Silly Little Will 6:41 06 - Jamaica 3:12 07 - Where to Now 9:37 08 - Just Yesterday 3:16 09 - As It Stands 5:27 10 - Distant Shores 8:50
Roland Ernest – composer, guitars, keyboards (Just Yesterday), vocals Jan Stepka – keyboards Rob Foster – winds Tim Cahill - drums, percussion, vibes Joseph Dedischew – sound Special credit to: Howard Wells – drums, percussion (after Tim Cahill left) Comment on Distant Shores from Clay Gaunce WRFL radio host, Lexington, Kentucky USA
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