Official band’s Biography taken from Bandcamp:
The original Northwind band was founded in 1968 by Roland Ernest and Jan Stepka.
They were inspired originally by bands such as the Doors, Cream, the Moody Blues, the Beatles, and Procol Harum.
They 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 they created and performed an original Rock opera entitled “Looking Back.” In 1972 they 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.
In 1972 the band released “Last Day at Lokun,” recorded at Oakland University on a two track tape, mixed to one track as a demo. There was a limited vinyl pressing. The music here was ripped from an acetate pressing that degrades on every playing and suffers from noise. The music still serves to show what Northwind did in the beginning, and the track “Last Day at Lokun” is one of the best Northwind songs written.
“Distant Shores” is the best work by Northwind.
The first track “The Sentient Man” is probably not the easiest entry to Northwind music. It’s long and complicated.
Of the pieces on this album, I recommend listening to Stepping Softly before deciding whether you like Northwind or not.
— Jan Stepka
Discography
[1972] Northwind (Woods of Zandor) (Not On Label)
[1972] Last Day at Lokun (Not On Label)
[1978] Distant Shores (Not On Label)