Topaz

Lead Guitar: Mark Wenski
Saxophone-Synths-Vocals: Bruce French
Bass Guitar-Vocals: Dana Sulikosky
Drums-Vocals: Rick Warren

Above: At the Westward Ho Tavern Glen Eden Auckland 1979

Above: Takapuna Rugby Football Club Hall

Above: Drummers are always obscured in photos - so here`s a good one of Topaz drummer Rick Warren

Above: Topaz and Friends Jam Party L to R: Dana Sulikosky (bass) - Rick Warren (drums) - Mark Wenski (guitar) - Bruce French (trumpet) - Keith Clark (keyboards)

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TOPAZ 1979 - 1981 A versatile band playing a wide range of music, held several residencies during it`s existence, Te Atatu Tavern, Potters Wheel, Glenfield Tavern, White Horse Inn Pakuranga, Westward Ho Taven, Pioneer Tavern Henderson, Bruce French departed the band early 1980 for a saxophone solo career, Dana, Mark and Rick carried on as a funk/rock three piece band.

Topaz did not use booking agents, but organized all residencies through trust offices and pub managers/owners, Waitakere Licensing Trust, Portage Licensing Trust and lion Breweries Head office Khyber pass Rd.

Things were truly great for commercial cover bands in those days, as musicians we had to front up at the Trust`s offices every Thursday to collect our pay, cash to each bandmember came in a brown envelope, and yes we all had to file our tax details at the offices, so in fact during the residencies we were employees of the Trust.

In between residencies Topaz went on regular road tours throughout the North Island of New Zealand, Onekawa Hotel, Ahuriri Tavern, Albion River Bar and Sandown Park Gisborne where they backed Billy T James during 1981 Springbok Tour. (Information and pictures C/- ricko.co.nz NZ Circuit Bands and Musicians)

When "Topaz" came to an end Mark Wenski teamed up with Rick Warren to form "Nightshift Duo" and Dana Sulikosky formed a duo with soloist Becky Bush named "Hi Heels"

Below: Sound clips Recorded live at the Glenfield Tavern Auckland 1978.

Below: Early days of "Topaz" - Bruce French singing "Gold" Sound recorded on a standard cassette tape during a practice session .

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