BW Pawley and Plum Loco

Playing over 100 dates a year makes PLUM LOCO one of the tightest rock & roll bands around. Fans from all over pack into clubs and theaters to see PLUM LOCO whenever they play. Recent performances with Ronnie Hawkins, Garth Hudson and The Laws (to name a few) have helped hone their skills on a larger scale. From sold out shows at their hometown’s Stratford Festival, to their weekly matinees at a small club in London, PLUM LOCO continue to thrill audiences with their energetic live show and powerful musicianship. Don’t miss your chance to see the traveling rock, blues and country band that is PLUM LOCO.
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B.W. PAWLEY & PLUM LOCO
Biography
The story goes like this: 30 years ago B.W. (Brian) Pawley, John Till, Ken Kalmusky and Billy Hilton decided to make great music together. They recently recorded a CD of music which brought together the results of their musical odyssey. With the passing of the bassist Ken Kalmusky soon after the recording session, John’s son Shawn Till has picked up the bass playing. When you blend creativity, diversity and boundless talent the result is PLUM LOCO.
B.W. PAWLEY:
Front man for the band and lead vocalist B.W. Pawley was reviewed by the Toronto Star during his RCA recording days as being one of the most distinctive vocal s stylists in the business, north or south of the border. B.W. played alongside Ronnie Hawkins in the 80’s and even had their own television show together. He currently resides in London, Ontario.
JOHN TILL:
Lead Guitarist John Till was born in Stratford Ontario. After playing in The Revols as a pre teen, John went on to play guitar for Ronnie Hawkins. In 1969, John left Hawkins and to play lead guitar for Janis Joplin’s Kosmic Blues Band. When that band disbanded John remained with Joplin to form The Full Tilt Boogie Band and record on the album "Pearl". John played live with her, including at the legendary Woodstock Festival ’69, and until the time of her death in 1970. John can be heard on numerous albums and has recorded with various other artists including Jesse Winchester, Peter Yarrow and Louisiana legend Bobby Charles. John was recently featured in the best selling DVD “Festival Express”. He currently resides in Stratford, Ontario
SHAWN TILL:
The newest addition to Plum Loco is bass player Shawn Till. Shawn has played in numerous bands in the Stratford area. As, lead guitarist with Somehow Hollow he toured the United States, Europe and Canada. He is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Shawn is the son of guitarist John Till.
ORIGINAL MEMBERS:
KEN KALMUSKY
BILLY HILTON:
Drummer and vocalist Billy Hilton started playing in 1958 around Southern Ontario with the Dew Drops, Ron Frey & The Capers as well as Johnnie Stevens & The Canadians. He performed with the Supremes and recorded with various Motown artists. Billy Hilton passed away in 2009 in London, Ontario. He is gone but will never be forgotten.
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B.W. Pawley & Plum Loco Live Review
By Scott Wilkinson 2007 London Blues Society
Plum Loco was a wee bit late starting their set since they were coming off a matinee and basically ran in the door and plugged in. B.W. Pawley & Plum Loco have been described as “truly Canadian musical treasures”. Between the band members they have shared the stage with such musical luminaries as Ronnie Hawkins, Janis Joplin, The Band and Bobby Charles, to name but a few. B.W. (Brian) Pawley is the front man and rhythm guitar. Back in the early 80’s, Brian was a regular on the Ronnie Hawkins’ CBC television show “Honky Tonk”. Lead guitarist, John Till, can do amazing things with the Fender. Whether it’s smokin’ lead flourishes or rhythms that sound like a Hammond B-3, this man brings it to the stage. Mr. Till was wing man for Janis Joplin until her untimely death and can be most recently seen on the DVD “Festival Express” a 1970 film chronicle of Janis, The Grateful Dead, The Band, Buddy Guy and others on an amazing Canadian tour by rail. John can also be seen on the film “Woodstock” grinding through some heavy blues with Janis. Billy Hilton on drums, has been playing music for years and goes back with Ronnie Fray to the days of the Capers. He also did some backing for traveling bands, most notably the Supremes. Shawn Till (John’s son) fills out the band on the fat strings. This young man can hold the bottom line nicely. A good hard shuffle or some heavy fills, Shawn has come by his musical capabilities honestly. Many in the audience have followed this band for 30 years and several people that had never seen these guys before, commented on how much they enjoyed them. Their infectious groove can switch easily from country to blues to R&B seamlessly. They are one of our local favorites and can be seen most Saturdays doing a matinee from 4-7 at “Sam & Bill’s Sports Bar” on Dundas Street across from the old McCormick’s. Do yourself a favour and check these guys out, you will not be disappointed.
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