 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 together they would form their
first group called "Just Us." They later added Bob
McPherson and Brian Cotterill to the group and, following a number
of name changes, 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 in the 90's, 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 tour and
record 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
-- Photo by John R. Rowlands |
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Translated lyrics
La Merica
From the balcony I watch
you
Do you remember that white guitar?
My father works in the mountains
To make money so we can eat
I was afraid of the night
On a ship that was larger
Than my eyes could see
Eleven days on the ocean
We left everything in search of
La Merica La |Merica
Published by James-Bert/Publishing
2008 Socan 'Ascap |
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La merica dvd features 3 Calabrese Songs |
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order
the complete cvd |
includes
Shinda |
 The 90's
were a new adventure for Jimi. After
almost ten years of living in California and not performing,
his decision to play live was a revelation as he puts it. Although
he helped music companion Robert Slap on a collection of new
age cds for the VOTS record label, his hunger to get active in
rock was beginning to erupt. In 1993 he would put together once
again a line-up of well seasoned musicians that would simply
be know as JIMI B. Rehearsing in a 13,000 square foot mansion
high up on a hill in Orange County, Jimi and his band would spend
hours preparing to rock the clubs and concert halls.The first
gig would be at the famous Galaxy Theatre with no other than
The Rankin Family, a Celtic band from Canada that was well known
internationally. While backstage, John Rankin approached Jimi
and told him that one of the very first concerts he attended,
was with his band Abraham's Children in Nova Scotia Canada. The
reception was incredible as they hit the stage. Jimi would ask
"do we have any Canadians here, EH" the crowd roared
with enthusiasm. The next few years would see JIMI B playing
some of the hottest venues in Los Angeles and Hollywood. His
name was beginning to cause attention and interest by some of
the bigger promoters and record labels. When his friend Kelvin
passed away he would once again take a break In 2001 he reunited
with his old AC bandmates Ronnie, Brian and Bob in Toronto, Canada
at George Semkiw's Amber Studios to record some new tracks that
would eventually end up on the 30 CD. (read
about Jimi and the 80's) |
 Sitting on the edge of the bed in my Toronto apartment,
I pulled on my black jeans and Beatle boots. Looking in the mirror,
I combed my long hair and straightened the collar of my black
leather jacket. It had to have been during the 70's. I was preparing
myself for going out to a musical function of some sort when
the phone rang. I answered, only to hear a very distinctive,
yet familiar, voice. It was Liberace, announcing that he was
in town for a week of performances at the O'Keefe Center. He
said, "I thought we could maybe get together and have dinner
and, since you're the famous one in this town, I'll trust you
to make the arrangements." We gabbed for about ten minutes
before I decided on a place called Gatsby's in the downtown district.I
couldn't remember if I had eaten there or not, but I'd heard
good things about it. I made reservations for eleven people.
Finally, the time had come. I pulled up around the corner and
let the valet park my 1949 Thames, decked out with interior purple
and green lights, bean-bag chairs, paisley carpet on the walls
and bamboo delineating the front and back seats. I arrived at
the restaurant about ten minutes early to make sure everything
was kosher. I approached the somewhat feminine maitre'd explaining
I had a table reserved for eleven. He took one look at my tight
Harley t-shirt and unshaven face and nearly laughed. It looked
like this guy thought I was joking or something, that is, until
Liberace and his posse emerged from a stretch limo, at which
point I announced, "These are my...(read
more) |
 Subway 9 1997:BNOS4031 Words & Music by Jimi
Bertucci Recorded at Eis Cafe Studios in Long Beach, California.
I love this song. When we asked Jimi what the song was about
he explained. " My uncle Nazzarano worked for the (TTC)
Toronto Transit. He would tell me all these stories about the
characters that would ride the trains late at night. At times
he would be aware of some of those people that were indecisive
about life and new that some of them would try and jump. Although
his English was not that great he managed to talk many of them
out of jumping." One of the lyrical lines in the song says.
Fellini would be proud of this circus underground." Jimi
was very familiar with riding the tube. If you missed the last
train number 9 you were screwed. Features Mike Cherney on guitars,
Dave Valdez on Drums, Robert Hoelting on keys and backing vocals,
Jimi Bertucci bass, acoustic guitar and vocals. (get it NOW!!
On The Radio) |
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 BANJOS AND GUTTER PUNKS - San
Francisco - California: When one decides to give back, as the
saying goes, you often wonder what are the motives behind these
grand gestures. Warren Hellman is a a good soldier. For the past
seven years this banjo loving 72-year old billionaire has provided
the lost generation of tye-dye afficianados weekends of colorful
entertainment. It's a time when the not so fortunate.(read more)
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Keith Elshaw In The Grooves
- Q107 FM Jimi B. Jimi
B A
& M 9069 - Jimi ( Bertucci ) B's career has been incubating
for 10 years since he fronted " Abraham's Children, "
a band which had a lot of success in Canada. Through ups and
downs he has been writing material which documents a young man's
odyssey through the streets, his encounters with society's special
cases, his romantic dreams, and philosophical notations. A bassist
primarily, his music has a rhythmic attitude which is appealing.
The lyrics are catchy, poetic, topical. Jimi seems to be the
kind of performer we expect to be a star and sing to us about
our vulnerability whilst living in the grand style. He sounds
more like a New Yorker than a Torontonian- or maybe it 's just
that now we've grown up and can produce and recognize star qualities
in ourselves. Jimi B is a classy artist, and his debut album
should be well received, because it is all in the grooves - (more reviews and news). |
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JIMI I FORGOT TO MENTION
YOUR CONCERT WAS INCREDIBLE AND YOUR SINGING IS PURE ROCKi LOVED
IT AND SO DID ALL THE PEOPLE WITH ME. SEE YOU IN LA - Nick Mancuso.
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Whether you are producing
a multi-million dollar commercial or a small budget film, James Bert
Publishing can
provide a catalog of songs and music that can compliment the
end results.Since 1973 we have been providing hit-making music.
Drop us an email and let us be part of your next
winning project. Or call us in Toronto 416 400-0283, in Hollywood
909 450 7802. |
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 " I will never forget the
tragic morning of August 24th. I can still feel the anguish and
unsettling in my stomach with just the mention of..(get it now) |
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The Pop Rock Collection
a great
gift idea. 25 Cards and envelopes with a special message
inside |
New
York lights they steal your money strip you bare in the night...(the lyrics)
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