Gary Quackenbush was (and kinda still is) the guitarist with Grande-era Detroit rockers the SRC. The Scot Richard Case was around from ’66 to ’72, putting out an excellent self-titled debut in ’68, and following it with two cultish and cool records. They were Grande Ballroom regulars throughout that period, though they didn’t go on to be as revered as the likes of the Stooges, the MC5, etc. Here in Detroit though, the SRC band and its members are still beloved, and the occasional reunion shows are well attended.
Until we get another one of those, however, Gary Quackenbush is going to be playing every Thursday night at the New Way in Ferndale. This place has had some cool residencies in recent years, including Jimmy McCarty’s Mystery Train, and Rachel May & Billy Reedy (of Broadzilla and Novadriver respectively). Quackenbush is the latest guy faced with the unenviable task of trying to draw a crowd, midweek, week after week.
He has the tunes to do it, mind. Early on, he whips out “I’m So Glad” and “Get the Picture.” Vocalist and bassist Kim Fox seems to do a decent job singing the old SRC numbers, and the instrumentals are far from dull.
The fact that we can go see a musician like Quackenbush, for free, and hear all of the old SRC songs and more played extremely well is a real gift. It’ll be interesting to see how the night evolves over the coming weeks.
Follow @City_Slang
