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Feb. 3 1973
#119 Bubbling under the HOT100 |
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"No one could stand on stage
with us because Jimi was the...(more) |
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KING OF SOUL AND THE DEATH The year was 1966 if my mush of a brain
recalls and excitement was in the air. My new band, The Death,
was scheduled to open for none other ...(more) |
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I always thought Just Us was
the perfect band name, until we came up with Captain Midnites
Dirty Feat, a mouthful but well worth it. You know the story...and
we became Abraham's Children. In retrospect AC was the true name.
Promo photo when the band was signed to Sammy Joe's company Capricorn
Music Agency. |
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(cont'd from)
This means producing the kind of product that their programming
requires, and not taking advantage of the fact that under present
legislation, radio stations are required to play 30% Canadian
content. I feel be one of those records. Abraham's Children;
Brian Cotterill, drums: Ron Bartley, guitar: Bob McPherson, organ:
and Jimi Bertucci, bass who penned their hit single, have been
together in various, form, for more than five years. They, like
so many of their contemporaries, have hung on, hoping their day
would come, and knowing that when it did, they would be ready.
Under the capable guidance of independent writer/producer, Paul
Gross, the band finally came together. He believes that "Goodbye
Farewell" and Abraham's Children are "a super combination
that is only the beginning of what is destined to be the Canadian
success story of the year." (more) |
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 Through
The Eyes Of Vincenzo -
Words and Music by Jimi Bertucci - I don't suppose the title
gave it away. My youth was unique, in many ways it was an actor's
dream. I was able to manipulate the hand-me-down system and,
at times, my parents. Being thrown into a culture where it was
the norm to be bullied by territorial mangia cakes, my reactions
to certain comments or gestures had to be quick. At first a smile
was sufficient to diffuse the situation, but that eventually
wore thin with the leaders of recess control. Sooner or later
I knew my swords would have to be drawn and my stand made clear.
That day had come. It was lunchtime, my favorite period in what
was usually a long tedious school day. I was sitting on the steps
with a couple of new friends when suddenly my capicollo and pepper
sandwich on a panino went flying into the air, landing on the
dirty grounds of the schoolyard. As I stood up to confront my
assailant, he attempted to throw a punch my way, I ducked and
landed a right on his nose making it bleed profusely. His English
profanity was difficult to make out as he cupped his nose trying
to get the bleeding to stop. At that moment the huge wooden doors
flung open. "Both of you in my office!", boomed the
commanding voice. It was an awkward moment for me as I tried
to explain to the principal that this rude, freckled-faced, red-haired
boy deliberately knocked my sandwich out of my hands. There were
many great times as well. I found that my most impressionable
years were in elementary school. By the time I went to junior
high discovering new things became more like serious work, thus
my musical wants began to kick in more and more. I started to
understand the new ways of my social surroundings and took in
what the scene had to offer. My ideals, some of which have remained
with me, developed through my observations. Life is a continous
journey revealing, at times, the hidden mysteries locked deep
within our souls, only to discover we hold the key. (passion
and innocence) |
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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 |
 Michael
began his professional career in the Toronto Music Scene in 1971.
Through the years he has performed with such legendary artists
as Etta James, Martha Reeves, Ben E. King, John Baldry and Dusty
Springfield. Michael has recorded and toured extensivley around
the world with Bruce Cockburn and Mary Margaret O'Hara. He is
an accomplished Jazz drummer and has played with, among others,
Holly Cole and Moe Koffman. A favourite of other drummers, Michael
is the master of the groove and has performed his unique shuffle
on countless pop, rock and blues recording sessions featuring
such artists as Alannah Myles, Jimi Bertucci, Marc Jordan and
Martha and the Muffins and many more. IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT
DRUMMING CALL MICHAEL TODAY OR EMAIL HIM. msloski@sympatico.ca |
 MANNA -
Trippy trippy hippie dah dah. MANNA was one of the first bands
that Jimi put together. Along with Chet Paszkowski on drums and
Bruce Palait on guitar, the trio would rehearse vigorously everyday
in the basement of Jimi's girlfriend's at Bathurst and Dundas.
These young lads, all of 16 years of age, had big and aspiring
dreams. Their music was original with a touch of psychedelic
frosting. They would tour, if you called getting to gigs touring,
in an old 49 English Thames that Jimi owned. For all those that
are not familiar with this type of vehicle, it was an English
Ford van, the same one you see parked on the Beatles Abbey Road
cover. Their big break came when they went to Yorkville in the
heart of downtown Toronto, the hottest place for established
up and coming bands... Groups like John Kay and SteppenWolf,
which at that time were called Jack London and the Sparrows,
David Clayton Thomas and The Shays, A Stitch In Tyme, The Myna
Bryds, Jon Lee & The Checkmates and countless others. Jimi,
Bruce and Chet were walking along Yorkville and heard the sounds
of acoustic guitars playing in a place called The El Patio. The
room was empty and smokey and the musty smell of beer overwhelmed
the sounds of silence. They sat down and ordered ginger ales
and cokes. The boys were still a bit too young to indulge in
the brews. Jimi walked up to the owner, an older gentleman, and
said, " what you need here is a band like ours to attract
an audience". "Really" replied the owner. "Yes
and we are the ones to do it" said Jimi. "I tell you
what, you guys bring your instruments in tomorrow night and we'll
see what you sound like, no money understand, just free drinks",
stated the owner. " You have a deal ", Jimi said with
a smile. He walked over to Chet and Bruce and told them the exciting
news. The next evening the band arrived with a bunch of enthused
friends. You could see by the look on the owners face that he
was pleased to have people in his establishment. The band set
up and the  crowd
showed their appreciation from the get go. The band's music was
young and fresh and, looking over, you could see that the old
Greek owner had a smile of approval even though he kept saying
it was too loud for such a small place. Soon people would come
down off the streets to see what all the excitement was about.
Needless to say, the band was a hit at the El Patio. Over the
next few weeks the crowds would increase and the boys were actually
getting paid. When we spoke to Jimi about the Yorkville days
he had this to say. " It was a music revolution happening
right before our eyes. The Toronto scene was beginning. This
would truly be the start of what would later become musical history.
I saw Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Coburn and so many
incredible performers. My biggest thrill occurred during our
breaks when I would go outside and sit with Neil Young and sometimes
smoke a joint, yes that's true. It was not uncommon for people
to be walking around the village smoking at that time. The flower
power was definitely among us." Manna continued to play
many gigs but, like most bands, internal problems would soon
bring their demise. Jimi Chet and Bruce had a reunion in 2006
that brought them to George Semkiw's studio. They recorded only
one song for old times and they plan on getting together to work
on some more tracks. We wait and see. If you have any photos
of Manna we would be interested in seeing them. |
 SPACE PATROL - From left Jimi B, Peter Verity , Glen Wilson
and "Ruddy Fab" As Jimi continued his relationship
with United Artists Records he began to grow immensely. His writing
could be tailored to the needs of the project he was developing
or producing. One of these projects was Space Patrol. A group
of musicians from the Ajax area just east of Toronto. Although
the members had very little recording experience Jimi would do
his best to make all involved to feel comfortable and at ease.
The band recorded 4 songs at Eastern Sound, Toronto......but
only "Burning Love" and the B side "We Can Fly"
would be released on the United Artists label. The band would
go on the road and do some scattered dates in the Ontario, and
Eastern Canada. Jimi did not want to tour or travel. He recommended
the group seek another singer bass player to replace him....he
had other projects to produce and wanted to spend more time closer
to home and in the studio. The band would eventually find a replacement
and would continue to tour across Canada. Peter Verity continues
to write and perform . He recently returned from Nashville where
he played to full houses. Space Patrol released only one song
and the rest are in some vault at EMI...to bad. Want an 8X10
promotional copy for your collection email
us. |
 ANGEL - When the folks at United Artists
Records first heard "Winning Side" the band's first
single, a look of astonishment came over their faces. "Did
I hear you say the word queer?" asked President Stan Kulin.
A silence had descended on the room that could be cut with a
knife. Keith Patton, head of A&R exploded with excitement,
"it's awesome. I love it, and the sax". Alan Matthews,
head of marketing and promotion, was having a problem with it.
"How do I market a song that has the word queer in it?"
After a couple of hours of debate UA decided they would make
it the B side of the single "All American Boy". When
Alex Sharpstone of CFTR radio heard "Winning Side"
she decided to put it into rotation. Many other stations followed
suit and soon the record was being played on many of the AM and
FM stations across Canada. Soon after Angel's one and only tour
across Canada the group disbanded. Mark Bajona, Chris Bennett,
Ron Benedict and Jimi Bertucci were Angel. (listen to Winning Side) |
 Having had the opportunity to work with
the Rezza Brothers. I can confidently say that these talented
musicians have it going on. In a day and age when recording has
been reduced to cupboard space and electric power, I am amazed
by the quality of the finished product. Jeff Gunn, Lucas and
Adrian have found the formula to create stylish and hip sounds.
These three minds not only manage to compose unique vibrations
and release them to inviting ears, but also manage to maintain
a grip on reality knowing that hard work and sensibility will
allow them the freedom to make it happen. They are currently
working on a new CD which is expected out soon. Jimi and the
Rezza Brothers will be back in the the studio soon laying down
some new tracks.(listen to Esperanza) |
 The Police performed at The Piccadilly
Tube in Toronto, Canada. A short distance down the road at another
popular club, The Horseshoe, another band performed with the
same name, only they were from England. While The Tube was filled
to capacity, The Horseshoe appeared to have a coffee house atmosphere
which was odd because the club was more of an alternative club
that attracted up and coming bands with an edge. In August of
2000 during Stings tour, Jimi B had a chance encounter with Sting
. They reflected back upon their early days when they were both
performing in Toronto, within blocks of each other, headlining
with the same name...Police. They laughed about it all and reminisced
about those wondrous days of yore. Quoting Sting..."Hey,
it could have gone either way!"...Pictured on the left are
Ron Bartley (guitars & vocals) Danny Smith (drums) Laurie
Del Grande (guitar and keyboards) Jimi B (bass & Vocals).
Recently some tapes of The Police recorded live somewhere in
Canada surfaced. Depending on the quality, look for a release
on BNOrecordingUSA in the near future. THE POLICE was Danny Smith
drums, Laurie Del Grand keys & guitar, Ron Bartley guitars
, vocals and Jimi B bass, vocals During this performance the
band was visited by four police officers. Two in uniform and
two in plain clothes. They approached the stage a flashed their
badges. The crowd reacted wildly thinking this was part of the
show. Their manager quickly came over and asked what was happening.
The one detective said they had a bench warrant for Jimi Bertucci
and Laurie Del Grande for not appearing in court on a certain
date. The two officers agreed that they could finish the set.
They posted the uniformed police on each end of the stage. When
the set was over Jimi and Laurie were cuffed and escorted towards
the exit. The crowd cheered and yelled for an encore and still
thinking this was all part of the show. They were put in the
back of a squad car and taken away. |
 Variations on Gould
Toronto - CBC Radio "I have an extra ticket
and you have to come!!!" My mind was racing like a Guinea
pig in an annoying spinner. Everything I ever thought about the
CBC would soon become clearer to me. We arrived at the Glen Gould
Studio, in the heart of Toronto . A fair portion of this lustrous
real-estate is dedicated to a man, a musician, a genius, that
played piano. I can hear them all in unison, PLAYED PIANO. And
while the kind folks of the great white north continue to invest
their tax dollars in support of the arts programs in Canada ,
the CBC was looking pretty good. The reception for this monumental
celebration convinced me that class still finds its way around
town. Had it not been for that annoying buzzer that begins way
too soon like a last call for snooting....this would have been
a perfect cultural evening, well at least for me. I forgot to
mention that this Mardi gras was a ten-day affair. I was thrust
into the pits of fortune for but one of these tux and running
shoes eventful evenings. When Andre LaPlante hit the stage, I
can honestly say I did not have a clue who this gentleman was....he
appeared to look like a classical pianist and I expected just
that. Before I tell you how awesome this artist was, let me explain
the importance of this gala. Glen is a Canadian icon, a local
boy who became one of the great musicians of the twentieth century.
I would always hear his name, not in an Elvis or Beatle way but
more like in an I'm cool, I know who he is way. He broke international
musical grounds and continues to deeply provoke the listening
ear. During this festival of back-patting, many performers paid
tribute to this legend in their own musical way. Mr. LaPlante,
I later found out, was named an Officer of the Order of Canada
.....dah..I could list all his achievements but that would only
reveal that I read his bio in the program. I want to write about
what I heard from this genius ivory tickler. I know I will probably
sound so cliché, he was a virtuoso boy, do I need piano
lessons.....The less said of this man the more. When the string
quartet, which was made up of Erika Raum (violin), Aisslinn Nosky
(violin), Steven Dann (viola), and David Hetherington (cello),
joined Mr. La Plante I was taken to a mystic place feeling the
passion of each string as it resonated through my head. How wonderful
to be treated to a natural high. If the CBC continues to display
this kind of adventure I will stop saying they are a foo foo
organization. |
 THE PIG AND THE ARTISTS
The Bourgeois
Pig, on Franklin Avenue, stands directly across the street from
the Chateau Marmont look-alike, the Hubbard Celebrity Centre.
The Pig makes a mediocre cup of coffee and the garage sale furniture
that decorates the eclectic room blends well with the patrons,
as they sit and read movie scripts that will never see the light
of day. I would often visit this trendy java hole when my presence
was needed in LaLa land. Today I was meeting up with my friend
Nick. We sat outside on unbalanced wrought iron chairs, smoking
cigarettes and looking like the starving artists that we were
as we conversed about things soon forgotten. The waiter behind
the bar was familiar with me and knew my order. I took my too-dark
chai tea and started making my way back to my seat outside when
I spotted a familiar face. He was sitting talking to someone
with his back to me. I excused myself and told him that his friends
back in TO send their regards. With a warm but curious smile
he shook my hand and gave me a hug. I mentioned that my buddy
and I were sitting outside and would love if he joined us. What
are the chances three Italo-Canadians would wind up in Tinsel
town chatting about their Toronto roots. Sounds like a potential
sitcom. After about thirty minutes of laughter and conversation,
which at times included the Calabrese dialect, my actor friends
discovered that they had both worked on the same movie "ZOS:
Zone of Separation" without ever meeting. The giant orange
sun was calmly setting as the evening began to descend on us.
We drank, we laughed and we became good friends that day, only
to be brought together once again in celebration by the Italian
Walk Of Fame. (photo by Mike Bellissomo) |
 Woa, a rare photo of
la mama schmoozing with movie star Gianncarlo Giannini. Jimi
introduced his mom to the co-star of the new James Bond movies,
"Quantum of Solice" and "Casino Royale".
Mr. G was in town for his induction into the Italian Walk Of
Fame. The actor was the first male to be honored in the category
of entertainment. Also recognized that evening were hockey legend
Phil Esposito, singer and actress Connie Francis, Commissioner
of the OPP Julian Fantino, business mogul Ruddy Bratty and Mr.
Little Italy himself, Johnny Lombardi. These talented individuals
now have stars placed in the sidewalk of Toronto's famous Italian
district of Littly Italy. Toronto has the largest community of
Italians outside of Italy. (photo by George O.) |
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DYK that the model above is Stephanie Lang...you guessed
it, Marisa's daughter. Steph can also be seen in the Italian
Walk of Fame commercial that was shot in Little Italy. |
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FRIENDS
AND LINKS
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THE BLOG |
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At one point,
I pretended to be a doofus in order to relate to some of the
lame posters who took no time to consider their less than important
contributions. My blog name was babbaloo. My posts were written
in the most idiotic way I could muster. My grammar was atrocious
and my English less than educated. I plunged into the pages like
a mad person, ripping at the very soul of the confident writer,
trying to draw out his or her passion for intelligence...(order the book) |
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Superman, c.1981 |
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Diabolik
and Eva II |
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Corremio Certosa 2005 Premiato - Elton John Saves The Day - My Dinner With Liberace - Trippy Dippy Manna - Police Busted - Saywhat
