Local band The Trough is raising money for the March of Dimes Foundation with their first studio release, called "Cover Story."

 Thus far the band has collected over $500 in donations via CD and T-shirt sales to benefit the charity that supports Halifax-area children with physical disabilities.

 The group recorded five songs - all cover tunes, hence the album name "Cover Story."

 The songs are "Centerfold" by The J. Geils Band, the Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Running," "It's My Life" from Bon Jovi, "White Wedding" by Billy Idol and from Elton John, "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting."

 The Trough won the studio recording time when they captured the 2009 Rock for Dimes corporate battle of the bands title.

 "The whole purpose of the CD was really to offer it to venues that wanted to know how we sounded," said John Swain, a Bridgewater chartered accountant who does vocals and plays keyboards for The Trough.

 "We kind of wanted to pick a nice cross-section of the type of stuff that we do and that CD kind of gives you a real good flavour for what you get when you hire The Trough to do a gig."

 Other band members include Philip Leefe (lead guitar), J.C. Reddy (vocals), Mark Winfield (rhythm guitar), Greg Black (bass) and Shawn Allen (drums).

 "Cover Story," recorded in a day at Ferguson Music Productions in Dartmouth, is the band's first studio album. Roughly 40 of 100 CDs have been sold.

 Mr. Swain said it's been good exposure for the group and raises money for a great cause.

 They hosted a CD release party in Pine Grove, August 28.

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 Mr. Swain said the experience with Ferguson's was so pleasant that they hope to record more music.

 The band returns to the Rock for Dimes competition October 29 where they intend to defend their title at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax and also present the proceeds received from the shirt and album sales to the foundation.

posted on 09/07/10