BIOGRAPHY

In 2020, Rob Loree left Gananoque, Ontario (Ganja Town) to return to his Southern Alberta Roots. Leaving his banjo behind, and then his car in Blind River, he arrived in Calgary during the pandemic. Rob is referred to by many as “The Lost Loree”.

 

Michelle Baker met Rob Loree online shortly after. No, it wasn’t a dating website, it was a musical outlet called “Quarantunes”.   Rob was mesmerized by Michelle’s haunting harmonies and cheeky spirit. A Saskatchewan farm girl, Michelle had been performing on the prairies with her sister and father since she was five, and she won the “Singing the Blues” contest at the Calgary Blues Fest in 2015. A friendship began, and the first seeds of “The Combiners” were planted.

 

Michelle approached her longtime friend Laurene Palmiere in 2022. They had been performing together in various iterations since 2014, often praised for their “sister-like harmonies”.  Michelle said, “there’s someone I want you to meet”.  Laurene, originally from Vancouver Island, had been working on her second album “the Gold” with producer Kit Johnson, and Michelle was eager to connect Laurene with Rob. Michelle introduced Laurene to Rob at a Mikey’s Juke Joint Jam and “The Combiners” seed began to sprout.

 

The Trio started jamming in Michelle’s Ironwood Hair Studio, “Riff’s”, bringing together Rob’s vintage country vibe, Michelle’s foot stomping fun, and Laurene’s love for crooning. They threw around some names, performing their first event as “the Riffter’s”, but soon found out that was taken. “The Northern Commandos” was mentioned but wasn’t quite right. “Rob and His Prairie Harem” was also suggested. Michelle had a name in her back pocket, “The Combiners” and the rest is history.

 

Rob’s dream band was missing something, and he knew exactly what, or rather, “who”, that was. He wanted his close friend Joni Brent to join them. He told Michelle and Laurene about his idea, and they were ecstatic!  It took Rob a year to convince Joni, but Joni is the bassist for The Combiners.  She is a songwriter and performer based in Calgary, Alberta and has written and performed with The Lovebullies, Bryson Waind & The Diamond Hitch String Band, Rosehip, Roadside Turnout, No Limbo Lasso, Sacred Heart of Elvis, Jane West and other performers. Her songs and/or instrumental performances have appeared on stage, television and numerous albums and singles. She has been a music creator and performer for over 30 years.

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In 2023, The Combiners had their first show as a 4-piece band, and quickly became one of Calgary’s favourite bands, entertaining folks with their talent, wisdom, and humour.

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