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Grand Junction
 
 
 
Grand Junction Country Band first formed as a going concern in 1973 included founding members Dave Tyne on bass guitar and vocals,Mike Tyne on pedal steel guitar,Lance Clarke on Lead guitar and vocals,with Duncan Watt on Drums.
The band released their first single on the ATA label in 1974 called Walking All Over Georgia.

1975 Mike Tyne leaves group to tour with Slim Dusty's Travelling Country Band,and is replaced by Colin McIntosh on steel guitar,and Peter Brown takes over on Lead Guitar.

1976-Alan Trudinger(aka Alan Stewart) joins Grand Junction ..boards and vocals along with Keith Longman on drums.

1977-John Fraser replaces Keith as drummer.

1978-Peter Johnson replaces Peter Brown on vocals and lead guitar

1979-Grand Junction enters the very first Starmaker Quest & wins from over 600 entrants Australia wide.

1980-GJ tours Australia with Charley Pride & later that year supports US country music legend,the late Johnny Cash on Aust tour.GJ records "Married Women" which breaks through onto the national pop charts reaching as high as number 18 in the Top 40.

1981-Doug Rowe(ex Flying Circus)replaces Peter Johnson as lead guitarist & produces the bands first album simply titled "GRAND JUNCTION".This self penned album is released on RCA & raised the bar in country music recordings in Australia,each member of the group contributing words & music.Extensive touring follows,gaining many fans & friends.

1982-Grand Junction wins GOLD GUITAR at Tamworth CM awards for Best New Talent.Later in year they tour with such noteable overseas artists as the late Roger Miller,rock legend Leon Russell & US country music stars The Amazing Rhythm Aces.GJ also records beautiful heritage album with the late Australian C&W legend Smokey Dawson with Doug producing.Later that year,John leaves GJ to get married & raise a family & is replaced by John McKinernie (ex Saloon).

1983-Grand Junction tours non-stop & later that year Lance & Doug leave due to the relentless time spent on the road. The late Ian Young (lead guitar) & champion banjo player Jenny Shimmin take their place.At the end of that year,Ernie leaves band to spend more time with family & is replaced by the late Jimmy Hill as drummer for the band.

1984-Extensive touring continues with GJ finding time to sign with J&B & record "MOST WANTED" ,an album of coversongs songs most frequently requested by fans.

Later that year Dave Tyne leaves the band to return to the screen printing trade,eventually moving his family back to his hometown Kempsey N.S.W. He organises Mac Clark(ex Reg Lindsay Band). to take his place on Bass Guitar and vocals.

1985-Alan keeps GJ going,with various talented musicians including Kevin Kirby(drums) & Gary King(lead guitar),eventually winning the coveted "MO" awards for Australia's Best Country Group.

1986-Grand Junction ends work commitments & Alan decides to change the name & go in another direction.

2008-Dave contacted by Toyota Starmaker & invites Grand Junction to help commemorate their 30th anniversary.He tracks down Alan,Lance,Doug & John (the most successful lineup).Not only do they agree to perform,they decide to reform & record another album called The Return,due for release early in 2009.

SO AFTER A SMALL BREAK OF 27 YEARS (WHICH IS UNIQUE IN ITSELF) GRAND JUNCTION IS BACK!!!!

You are invited to listen to a selection of some tracks off our 1981 first album just to remind you of that unmistakable GRAND JUNCTION sound.Dave,Lance,Alan,John & Doug firmly believe the new CD "THE RETURN" will be a must for your music collection.Its a blend of original songs written by the band,covering a wide scope of country music from humourous songs,happy songs,sad songs,trucking songs,sing-along songs & good old country-rock with a touch of blue grass thrown in for good measure!!

Contact Us: grand.junction@hotmail.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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