by Richard Skelly » Tue Oct 10, 2017 2:02 am
What an inspirational tune! Flying was co-written by Joe Mock (formerly of Vancouver psychedelic band Mock Duck) and soon became a show stopper for his new alt-folk group Pied Pumpkin. The trio, which also featured Rick Scott and Shari Ulrich were soon beloved in Western Canadian, stealing shows at festivals and selling copious numbers of indie albums they self-produced, presses and sold after gigs.
Many Pied Pumpkin fans were heartbroken when Shari took her unique voice and violin stylings to The Hometown Band. Assembled as a supporting group for Valdy, it also featured ex-Chilliwack reeds/keyboardist Claire Lawrence, ex-Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers organ/piano wizard Robbie King, ex-Skylark bassist/guitarist Doug Edwards and drummer Geoff Eyre. After successfully collaborating and touring with Valdy, the band put out a couple of outstanding albums. Flying was wisely resurrected from Shari's Pumpkin past and new fans across Canada fell under its spell.
After continuing as Pied Pear, and Joe Mock relocating to Asia, the original Pied Pumpkin has staged several reunions. Last year, a reconstituted Hometown Band assembled for some Valdy gigs. Sadly, it lacked Robbie King (died in 2003) and an ailing Doug Edwards who passed in November.
To these ears, Flying remains in the top ten Vancouver-origined songs of all time.