TROOPER
''TWO FOR THE SHOW''
JUNE 26 1976
34:28
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1 Two For The Show 04:27 (Ra McGuire)
2 Gypsy Wheeler 03:31
3 Santa Maria 02:56
4 Loretta 03:21 (Brian Smith, Tommy Stewart)
5 The Boys In The Bright White Sports Car 03:00
6 Ready 03:27
7 Watcha Gonna Do About Me 03:28
8 I Miss You Already 04:48
9 What's Gonna Happen Now? 05:26
Tracks By Brian Smith & Ra McGuire, Except 1, 4
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Harry Kalensky/Bass Guitar, Vocals, Chimes
Ra McGuire/Harmonica, Lead Vocals
Brian Smith/Lead Guitar, Vocals
Tommy Stewart/Drums, Percussion, Vocals, Lead Vocals On 4
Randy Bachman/Lead Guitar On 1, 7
Barry Keene/Congas On 6
Frank Ludwig/Keyboards, Vocals, Lead Vocals On 2 (Alternating Lead)
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ABOUT THE ALBUM/OFFICIAL
Released in 1976, "Two For the Show" became Trooper's first gold album. The title song went to #1 and "Santa Maria" top five. The album later went platinum.
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REVIEW/AMG
Mike DeGagne
Trooper's second album finds the band getting into the gist of developing radio-tailored rock & roll, thanks to the production help of Randy Bachman. Three of the album's tracks, "Two for the Show" (the obligatory ballad), the lighthearted "Santa Maria," and the roistering guitar-built "Boys in the Bright White Sports Car" all made the Canadian Top 40, verifying the fact that the bandmembers were advancing in their songwriting and in their ability to create marketable music. Even on the non-singles like "Ready" and "Whatcha Gonna Do About Me," it's evident that Bachman's focus was aimed at the merits of a strong hook and a gripping chorus, which in turn escalated Trooper into the same category as country mates like April Wine, Loverboy, and Prism. What's even more noticeable is the added energy coming from vocalist Ramon Maguire, especially on "Sports Car," and from the significant contributions of Frank Ludwig's keyboards, which help to give the band a more confident and professional sound, particularly in comparison to Trooper's self-titled debut album released a year prior. It was with Two for the Show that Trooper won Canadian fans over, even though they wouldn't win a Juno award (Canada's equivalent of a Grammy) for another four years.
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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
John Bush
Vocalist Ramon McGuire formed Trooper (originally Applejack and later Winters Green) in 1972. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalinsky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band for his Legend label and released "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" in 1975. The group's self-titled debut appeared the same year; it was followed by Two for the Show (1976). Soon after, Frank Ludwig became Trooper's piano player and Kalinsky was replaced by Doni Underhill. Ludwig played on Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977), Thick as Thieves (1978), Flying Colors (1979) and Hot Shots (1979), but was then replaced by Rob Deans. The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) were the last albums recorded for Warner Music, but Trooper is still active.
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