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John Lennon: Life |
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Nov. 4 1972
GAS, a subsidiary of publicly
held Avenue of America Recording Ltd., plans developing an initial
five act roster before arranging worldwide label licensing deals.
Newly hired a&r director, John Stewart, is presently working
with two new vocalists, David George and Bennett. Vocalist Robert
Blthe and Abraham's Children are under contract acts. Buddah
recently began issuing "Goodbye Farewell" to its global
licensees. |
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Glenn Olive and Jimi met at the
age of 13. Glenn had a band called The Jr. Beetles at the time.
When the two got together it was magic. Jimi, with his Hofner
Beatle Bass, made quite an impression in the neighborhood and
Glenn, a bass player himself, thought it was really cool. They
formed their first band together called The London Tones and
would often play at St. Albans Boys and Girls Club in the Annex
of Toronto. Not long after, they added Ronnie Bartley. The young
mod band would play high school dances, community events and
whatever was available. |
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Want to know more about the songs .
Read how the tunes were developed, where and why. Click on title |
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Shake |
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Passion
and Innocence |
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Through
The Eyes |
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If No One
Is Listening |
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 LOS ANGELES CA JIMI BERTUCCI is best known as the founding member
and principal singer-songwriter for the ‘70s hit-making
band ABRAHAM'S CHILDREN. Born Vincenzo Donato Bertucci in Serra San Bruno, Calabria Italy, he
immigrated to Toronto, Canada at the young age of six. Jimi lived
in a large household of relatives in Toronto's "little Italy”,
including his Uncle Sam who could play a variety of instruments
including the accordion and mandolin. Over time, Uncle Sam's
musical influence over the young Vincenzo would become profound.
After being the lucky winner of tickets from "Sam the Record
Man", Jimi went to see the Beatles perform Live at Maple
Leaf Gardens in Toronto at the impressionable age of 13. It was
following that monumental experience that he became inspired
to envision his life as a musician. The surprise gift of a Hofner
Beatle bass by his parents sealed his fate. He soon met another
local musician Ron Bartley and Glenn Olive together they would
form their first group called "The London Tones." They
later added Bob McPherson and Brian Cotterill to the group and,
following a number of name changes including "Just Us",
the hit-making band "Abraham's Children" was born.
As the band’s principal songwriter, Jimi penned their first
national hit song called "Goodbye Farewell" while signed
to Gas Records. Other hits followed including Gypsy, Thank You
and Goddess Of Nature. The band toured heavily and extensively
to large enthusiastic crowds. Wanting to explore other avenues
with his music Jimi embarked in a different direction in 1976
leaving The Children behind. Quick to recognize his talent, United
Artists Records wasted no time in signing Jimi. Finally, having
the creative freedom he had craved, he produced a pop-influenced
band called "Space Patrol" and later "Angel",
a band more on the R&B side. While on the A&M label in the 80’s, Jimi
formed the band "The Police" which gained an enthusiastic
following but who, due to disputes with the label, soon split.
With his newly formed band Jimi B, Robert Hoelting, Mike Cherney,
Kelvin Womack and Bongo Fury , he decided it was time to get
back on the road and did just that, appearing at some of the
more popular places in Hollywood such as The Roxy, The Whisky
A Go Go, Club 369, The Vipor Room, Rumps and others. He continued
to record and tour all over the USA. As a prolific songwriter
and solo artist he released Through The Eyes of Vincenzo. along with numerous
other singles. Most recently, he has released some of his poetry
writings which are being critically well-received. In 2004, after
many requests from fans who wanted to see him in Canada, Jimi
reformed "Abraham's Children" and toured the great
white north. Although he was the only original member of the
band they played all the hits and satisfied a crowd that for
so long were anxious to see Jimi and The Children perform. In
2005 the band was back on the road again promoting Jimi's most
recent project, a new double cd set titled "Abraham's Children 30", that captures the last thirty years of pop music with his
band.This year Jimi released a collection of poetry that has
been well received in the literary world. Also in the works is
his involvement as writer and producer with his daughter Juli.
His plans remain to be committed to his art, including touring
and recording, and doing what he does best, exploring music to
its fullest, writing poetry, cooking, surfing and snowboarding.
( many more pages to read about Jimi enjoy ) Marisa Lang Management
-- Upper photo by Deborah
Samuel |
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 Harvey is still pursuing
his comedy schtick and Maury is there to support him. Although
his humor needs work or perhaps a writer.Harvey insists that
he made the right choice.
A WOW2210
PRODUCTION |
 TORONTO, ON - What have we here mon
ami?....why, it's our pop rocker friend Jimi Bertucci, the incredible
Doug Riley and the rebel of soul David Clayton Thomas. The three
caught up at the 2ND Annual Domenic Troiano Tribute "We
All Need Love". It was a who's who of musica Canadiana moguls
and entertainers. From the aging artists, ex-record executives,
engineers, roadies, radio personalities and some others that
just wanted to be there to honor one of the most talented musicians
ever to emerge from the great white north. Held at the prestigious
Palais Royale on Toronto's picturesque lakefront, the night could
not have been more perfect. The venue has recently undergone
an impressive face lift that even further enhanced the classic
deco look it was once known for. The big moon reflected its almost
full light off the calm dark lake. The music echoed for miles
in celebration and the memories of a great artist danced on the
glistening waters. The gala was emceed by seventies radio personality
John Donabie. Guests and performers included Brenda Russell,
John Finlay & The Checkmates, Doug Riley, Bernie LaBarge,
Wayne St. John, Howard Ayee, Sam Consiglio, Shawne Jackson, Prakash
John, Jay Jackson, Bob Seagarini, Seb Agnello, George Semkiew,
Tom Wilson, Roy Kenner, Mike Sloski and many many others. We
drank, sang to familiar songs and conversed about our friend.
We all had stories or accolades to spread around...speaking of
which, Jimi had a bone to pick with DCT. He walked up to David
and insisted that he apologize for his rude behavior when Jimi
was a mere 13 year old curious young boy. During that time, Jimi
could often be found at the top of the stairs of The Concord
Tavern where DCT and The Shays would rehearse. One day while
Jimi was soaking in the sounds ears afull, Mr. Clayton walked
up behind him, grabbed him by his shirt collar and told him "if
you don't leave I'm going to throw you down the f***in stairs".....wow
was that not so cool.... David pondered for a minute and said
"Jimi, I can't remember, I threw so many people down the
stairs". The celebratory festivities also included a silent
auction where one-of-a-kind signed photographs the likes of Sylvester
Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Justin Timberlake, etc. etc.
were up for bid. Proceeds benefited the Toronto East General
Hospital where Domenic was treated and eventually lost his battle
with prostate cancer in 2005. It was truly a magical setting
to honor a Canadian musical icon. |
 BRAMPTON, ON I was somewhat out of the
Burgess loop. His voice resonated broadway or stage with a mature
and seasoned delivery. Serenading our senses with familiar songs
and melodies, the focused crowd appreciated his rendition of
You Lift Me Up a song that Josh Grogan made popular recently.
The 100th anniversary of the O.P.P. brought in the heavyweight.
Michael Burgess is an icon. How do I know that? Because I googled
him. The more I read about this talented man the more his story
has been adapted by other artists with a passion that for their
craft is more grandeur than life. Michael has done it all theatre,
film, tv and occassionally stands on the ice. Mr. Burgess continues
to penetrate the inquisitive newbie ears such as myself and remind
us that we must grow. |
When A&M records released
the Jimi B album, the company recommended that Jimi embark on
a promotional tour. He put together an awesome band that included
Steve Webster on bass (who would later play with Billy Idol),
Gary Breit on keys (who would end up with Brian Adams), Asher
Horowitz on guitars and Shaun Isenberg on drums and percussions.
Sadly this incredible line up would never see a live gig. The
budget that A&M proposed for the tour was sorely lacking
and Jimi refused to go on the road. Although touring was out
of the question, he did agree to doing some radio interviews
and TV appearances across Canada. After a few months, A&M
Records once again approached Jimi to do some live dates. It
was during this time, at one of A&M's regular promo meetings,
that Jimi walked into their office and informed them that he
was moving to California and wanted nothing more to do with them...Ok
we left out the part about cocaine. |
 Motown Music Arranger, David Van De Pitte, dies
at 67...I remember working with David at RCA studios in Toronto
Canada. I was in awe to be musically connected with this icon
arranger. His unique and innovative style had my ears perched
ready to be filled with notes and melodies that would become
the trademark sound for Abraham's Children. Actually, it was
that Van De Pitte sound that he made so famous with such great
artists as Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”
album, considered to be a masterpiece and one of the greatest
contributions to soul music. He arranged the sensual “Let’s
Get It On” album, “Ball of Confusion” and “Psychedelic
Shack” by the Temptations, “Darling Dear” by the
Jackson 5, "I Hear the Bells” by the Originals, “Keep
on Truckin’ ” by Eddie Kendricks, “Indiana Wants
Me” by R. Dean Taylor, “If I Were Your Woman”
by Gladys Knight, "If You Really Love Me” by Stevie
Wonder and "Thank You" and "Gypsy" by Abraham's
Children among many others. I learned so much in such a short
time from this creative soul that I continue to find myself applying
the wayfaring knowledge he generously left with me. |
 WALKING ON THICK ICE
- What is it like to
know and have a friend for half a century? It is awesome. It
was a see-your-breath cold winter Saturday afternoon. I made
my way up the back alley to the park holding onto the garages,
slipping and sliding on my new skates . Harbord Park was the
meeting ground for the adventurous young kids of the neighborhood
that needed a safe environment without feeling threatened by
their lack of new cultural and social skills. The sounds of hockey
sticks slapping on the hard manmade ice was as new to me as French
fries or hot dogs. I sat on a bench and watched as a group of
boys in mismatched uniforms skated back and forth trying to get
the puck between the two humps of snow that represented the net
or goal. My eyes were drawn to one player who was as fast as
a train. His moves were like a confident dancer displaying accuracy
and speed. This young man made his way towards me, stopped and
asked, "Why don't you join us?" I told him I didn't
know how to skate. "That's crazy, come here." He took
my hand and said, "Hold on." I was gliding by his side
when he suddenly let me go and I felt the cold wind in my face
before falling. He quickly came over and asked if I was ok. I
assured him I was fine at which point he introduced himself.
"My name is Sam, what's yours?" "My name is Vincenzo."
"Ok Vince, you come here tomorrow and we're going to get
you skating, how's that?" I was so thrilled and swaggered
home to tell my mom and dad that Sam was going to teach me to
skate. For the next couple of months I dedicated myself to the
becoming a hockey player. Day and night I would find myself racing
up and down the rink. At times my mom would have to come to the
park to retrieve me. I ended up playing on the school teams.
Although Sam was only a few years older than me, he was wise
before his time. His teachings reflected not only hockey but
life. He would often pull me aside and explain that this thunderous
game was more than just skating and stick-handling. It was about
concentration and team work. Sam Ciccolini's lessons stayed with
me for the rest of my growing years. I eventually learned how
to become an adequate player and my dad even thought there might
be potential for me with the NHL...however I discovered music
and the rest is Jimi B history. (photo Sam, Connie Francis and
Jimi) |
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DYK that Jimi was born in Serra San Bruno Calabria
and arrived in Canada on a ship called La Roma. He managed to
bring along his favorite toy. |
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TORONTO SUN Seventies-era Toronto bubble-gum pop
band Abraham's Children are reuniting tonight for a show at the
George Weston Recital Hall at the Toronto Centre for the Arts.
The performance...(more) |
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THE BLOG |
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Blogger Enough! I sometimes get
angry with myself for allowing temptation to provoke and encircle
my conventional attributes. With age comes wisdom. With wisdom
comes the serious contemplation of one's moral contribution to
the growth of humanity. As an artist I look within the soul to
gain perspective. If I am misguided by the embodiment....(order the book) |
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THE MALIBU SERIES.
I remember landing in Los Angeles. It was around 1:30 in the
morning and what seemed like an endless tiring flight. The only
person I knew in LA was my agent David Levinecalled him and got
his answering machine, telling me...(read more) |
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