Playing mostly as a sideman for other bands, Dennis Fox could be referred to as Powell River’s most sought-after bass player. That status might result from a shortage of good local bass players, but Fox’s stature as a strong bass player is more than likely the reason demand for his talent is so high. The local musician is also a prolific songwriter. The only band he plays guitar for is his own: Dennis Fox and Whoever Rocks.
How many bands do you play with?
I play bass for Sam Hurrie, I'm a sideman for Ron Campbell and the Blues Busters, I play with Wendell Beeching in Rockfish and, of course, there’s Dennis Fox and Whoever Rocks, where I play electric guitar. I get a co-credit with Ron because I write a lot and do a lot of original songs with his band. I wrote four songs and co-wrote one on an album Ron recently produced.
When did you start playing?
I took accordion lessons at age six and then saxophone. I learned to play electric guitar in about 1969 before I was playing bass in 1973 with my stepfather’s combo. Once my stepfather came into the picture in about 1965, music became more a part of our family.
Do you prefer playing live, recording or songwriting?
I prefer playing live music. As far as playing bass and guitar, it's hard to pick between them. The guitar is a challenge for me to try to be as good as some of the people I play with. Sam Hurrie, at 71 years old, is just the most awesome player I've ever had the pleasure to play with.
Are you from Powell River?
I'm from Texada, originally. On Texada as a kid, I was listening all through the formative years while the ’60s bands were up-and-coming and on the radio. I was also listening to my father's combo, which was more about ’40s and ’50s country and a little bit of ’50s rock and roll. You can imagine the ’60s on Texada; in those years, we were pretty isolated.
When is your next show?
The Great Pumpkin Caper on Halloween night, Dennis Fox and Whoever Rocks at McKinney’s Pub.
For more information, go to facebook.com/mckinneyspowellriver.
