by Richard Skelly » Sat Jan 20, 2018 3:33 am
Back in Valdy’s early ‘70s heyday, fans might have thought he hailed from what then was called the Queen Charlotte Islands. That’s because he recorded for Haida Records, a label named after the dominant native culture on those islands (which have long since been renamed Hadai Gwaii). But Haida Records, like Its star artist, called Victoria home.
Founded by ex-Chilliwack manager Keith Lawrence, Haida flew Valdy down to Los Angeles to record with top session players such as drummer Jim Gordon and jazz-rock bassist Max Bennett. It was Bennett who co-wrote The Simple Life which was produced by Keith Lawrence’s brother Claire (formerly of Chilliwack and The Collectors).
As a frequent Quincy Jones sideman, Max Bennett most likely introduced Q to Valdy. Jones soon covered another early Valdy classic A Good Song. Renaming that tune Just A Man, Quincy actually sang the lead vocal, a rarity given his preference for instrumentals.
Bountiful times for Valdy who soon moved to Saltspring Island to start a family and relax in between heavy stretches of touring.