A Brief History
Honing their songcraft at the dodgy Moscow Drug Club with B.B. Gabor in the late seventies, Leon Stevenson and Denis Keldie put together a first rate crew of session players soon to be known as "The Extras" . Along with producer David Bendeth the group recorded their first L.P., Bit Parts - (1980) released on indie label Ready Records and featured musicians: Leon- Vocals & Syncussion, Denis- Keyboards & Vocals, Paul Armstrong- Drums & Vocals. Doug Mackaskill-Guitar, Peter Follet- Guitar, David Bendeth- Guitar, Bernie LaBarge- Guitar, Dennis Pinhorn- Bass, Tom Griffiths- Bass. The album, a ska-tinged new wave fun fest, spawned the hit single and hilarious condom conumdrum "Circular Impression".
Their sophomore effort enlisted the help of producer Paul De Villiers (Mr. Mister). The Road To Zambando - (1982) and featured musicians, Leon- Vocals, Denis- Keyboards, Michael St. Clair- Guitar, Tony Craig- Drums, Howard Ayee- Bass, Paul Booth, Debbie Fleming and David Blamires- Background Vocals. The single "Turning It Out" marked a departure in style from their first LP but intriguing nontheless.
The Extras third album The Watcher (1983) was produced by: M. James, Kevin Doyle and The Extras and featured musicians: Leon- Vocals, Denis- Keyboards, Pat Rush- Guitar and Paul Daiter- Bass. Special guests: Earl Seymour- Saxophone & Bass Clarinet, Brad Watcher- Percussion & Simmons Drums, Randall Coryell- Drums.
1985 saw the release of the single and video "Can't Stand Still" from their funky and fourth L.P. Extropolis. The critically acclaimed animated video can be seen on You Tube. The touring Extras featured guitarist Michael St. Clair (Jupiter Jones, Wayne St. John) and bassist Bryant Didier (Whitenoise, Jane Siberry). They played all across Canada including Massey Hall, The Masonic Temple (only after the secret meetings), the college pub circuit and other fine drinking establishments and concert venues.