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| Who needs bass? Bruce Chaput (lead guitar) and Bob Allain (rhythm guitar). All photos courtesy of Bruce Chaput. |
The Notations hailed from the city of Framingham, Mass., home to the famed Continental Recordings studio, at which they recorded their only 45. Despite cutting a record with two solid original songs, the band remained virtually unknown for more than half a century. Sadly, both Bob and David Allain have passed away, but founding member Bruce Chaput graciously fills in the details of The Notations.
Band members + instruments played
Bob Allain initiated the band. Bob was 14 years old when we first started playing. He played rhythm guitar. His guitar of choice was a Fender Jaguar.
David Allain was Bob’s younger brother. He was only 13 year old when we started and played the drums.
Bruce Chaput was 15 years old and played lead guitar. He played a Guild Starfire IV.
Mark Chaput was Bruce Chaput’s cousin and joined the band after they had been together for a couple years. He was 16 years old when he joined. Mark played bass.
Over the course of our playing years, there were several individuals who stepped in to play piano or organ for one or two gigs.
Where did the band attend high school? Year(s) active?
We started playing in 1964, or should we say, started learning. We took guitar lessons for about two years at the Framingham Music Center. David also studied drums for several years. Bob, David and myself attended Framingham South High School. Mark Chaput attended Algonquin Regional High School where he was also Class President for his Senior Year. We played together as a band until 1968. At which point Bruce graduated high school and departed for the Navy.
Venues played, and any memorable gigs or opening spots for bigger bands?
We played high school and college venues. We played at Framingham South High School and Algonquin Regional and several local night clubs that allowed minors. We also played many mixers at Saint Vincent Nursing School in Worcester.
We played a fundraiser for Senator Edward Brooke and made a TV appearance with Captain America in Boston. One of our more memorable gigs was opening for Teddy and the Pandas.
What songs did the band cover? Any other originals besides the two on the record?
Initially we played mostly Beatles songs coupled with the Stones and Beach Boys. After a couple years, we began writing our own music which comprised the majority of our music.
How did the Cori recording session come about?
After writing several songs, we decided we’d like to record “Mr. Ringmaster” and “I Need No Misery.” We quickly identified CORI given that they were located in Framingham where we lived.
Any other recordings besides that one?
“Mr. Ringmaster” and “I Need No Misery” were the only two songs we recorded.
Did anybody go on to other bands afterwards?
Bob Allain went on to start a second band, Generation XYZ. Bob relocated to Orlando, Florida and also became a music teacher. David Allain went on to graduate from Framingham State College with a Master’s degree and started a painting company. Mark Chaput went on to become a notable head chef for many five star restaurants and private country clubs. Bruce completed his service in the Navy and went on to graduate from Northeastern University.
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| The Notations in true "basement walls" style! From left: Bob Allain, David Allain, Bruce Chaput. |
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The band as a four-piece, with Mark Chaput (rear left) and a pal (front left).
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NOTATIONSMr. Ringmaster / I Need No Misery
Cori (CR 31009 • UB-483/484)
1966 (songs copyrighted October 1965)
