There are plenty of local rock
musicians who boister the rosters of independent labels. Above
a member of Abraham's Children.
Peter Foldy had a big hit in the
70's called "Bondi Junction" that can still be heard
on many radio stations across Canada. Mr. Foldy lives in Los
Angeles and has directed several movies including "Silver
Man" "Widows Kiss" with Beverly D'Angelo "Tryst"
with Barbara Carrera and many others.
Emmylou Harris performed a couple
of her classic hits as well as some new material. The Sadies
from Toronto also performed. (story
on the right)
(Below) Dave Foley and Jimi chatting about Canadian
stuff at the Canada Day event in Los Angeles...Always nice to
know that you can catch up with friends no matter where you are
on this globe.
Jimi performs at
the famous Whisky to a sold out show.
Connie Stevens is perhaps one of
the most beautiful women on and off screen. Born Concetta Rosalie
Ann Ingoglia This multi-talented dynamic performer has captured
the hearts of millions via Broadway, TV, or as a Recording Artist.
She began singing as a teen and was the first artist to be signed
to the newly formed Warner Brothers Records. "Sixteen Reasons"
exploded on every chart across America and reached number one.
Growing up as teenagers we were consumed by two very important
things, girls and listening to the radio, not necessarily in
that order. I recall the first time I heard "Fortune Teller"
it jumped off the radio and right into my head. It only took
one listen to remember that incredible strong hook, as they called
it back then. The dj was so excited he couldn't find the words
to express himself. He finally calmed down and said, "that
was our very own Bobby Curtola a young Canadian boy that we will
be hearing a lot more from." Connie
Stevens, Jimi Bertucci, Bobby Curtola and Marisa Lang Beaco.
Photo by IWOF staff photographer Mike Bellissimo.
I Die With The Storm
Sad was the water that danced
on my body
Like tears of sorrow lost in the mist
She has vanished to vapor
Never to return
Taking my love that so burns
She will awaken on that day
Her pleasures alone
I'm only speechless within my own paradox of thought
God I want you badly
Am I a fool to make you such a necessity in my whole
Are these merely words of heat
How can you move me so deeply
I sleep with you in me
My walks are beside you
Just to hold you once would be revealed
My weakness you have discovered
You challenge my responsibilities
Across a universe that calls
Yet your passion is committed
I hang from your cliffs
The sins grow covering our eyes
The clashing wet releases the ropes
I die with the storm (Available at store)
Passion
and Innocence: Words and Music by: Jimi Bertucci.- 12606 Vista
Panorama was the ideal creative cave. On a clear day you could
see the arrogant Hollywood sign while at the same time listen
to the delayed booms of the Disney fireworks. The OC was the
alternative to Los Angeles, only designed to be more functional.
My days in the corporate world were coming to an end. I had decided
that to follow my heart, as corny as it sounded, was the best
medicine for my ever-changing direction. My friend Robert suggested
a bass player and a drummer who he knew worked well together.
I asked him to set up a jam and prepared about six songs that
I thought would be a good start and would allow me to evaluate
their playing experience. I was facing some difficult choices
in my life. I had become unbearable to live with often spending
hours in my studio filled with musical toys overlooking Catalina
Island. I managed to continue my writing as if it were my only
salvation. This song is one of those that is honest within itself.
The rawness of the story hits you in the face from the beginning.
It's straight and to the point and reveals the growth of an innocent
young man discovering all the passion the streets have to offer.
Some familiar names invite themselves to this garden party such
as Saint Francis, the gray stone almost Goth in appearance cathedral
that housed the infallabe Father George.Il Gato Nero was a cool
place for the big boys to hang out, play pool and share their
over-inflated stories. Every once in awhile one of the pretty
babes from the Italo hood would innocently blow us a kiss...It's
easier to write a song when you have lived it. While I sat in
my monster mansion of Utopia I could reflect, knowing that passion
and innocence were still a big part of my life. (if
no one is listening)
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. (the store)
HEAD HEART & BALLS - This is Peter Foldy's contribution to
the memories of the the.... the sixties. Written and the directed
by Mr. Foldy, this is a nice small film filled with familiar
rants that teens were subjected to in that colorful era. Lots
of pot smoking and silly conversations of magnified proportions.
When the group of teens decide to travel to Woodstock to see
the concert event of a lifetime. their parents don't think it's
such a great idea....go figure. I really enjoyed this flick,
good writing and lots of relatetive humor. HH&B, starring
Adam Carolla, was a favorite pick at The Raindance Film Festival
in London England. Look for Head Heart & Balls or Why I Gave
Up Smoking Pot, featuring the song "Workin For The Man"
by Abraham's Children...good choice.
BANJOS AND GUTTER PUNKS
- SAN FRANCISCO, CA 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 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 and curious seekers bask in Golden
Gate Park and pretend that life doesn't get any better. I personally
have never been a big fan of hillbilly picking corn eating music,
but by the day's end I was so impressed with the multitude of
talent that my appreciation level rose to unexpected heights.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
7 as it was billed, attracted a couple of hundred thousand people
over the blue-sky weekend. The eclectic collection of music that
was provided on five different stages was enough to appeal to
a spectrum of ear candy lovers. Of course there were the many
that just wanted to catch a peek of nostalgia, but for the most
part they were dedicated to the sounds that filled the warm air.
Hellman, our master investment banker, knows a good thing. The
city loves him for all the revenue and the people appreciate
the mogul that shares his wealth.....I arrived on Sunday due
to unarranged plans, that's another read. Ok ok let's talk about
the performers.....There was sound everywhere. The stages pumped
out music continuously for three days. The list of artists reads
like an hors d'oeuvres tray of some of the finest pickers and
crooners; Earl Scruggs, Del McCoury, Doc Watson, T-Bone Burnett,
Nick Lowe, yes I said Nick Lowe, John Prine and Toronto's own,
the Sadies. Now, I have to admit I missed their performance but
a friend of mine who happened to be there all three days said
the psychedelic foursome were awesome. And what would an outdoor
event like this be without a few Gutter Punks. This is the latest
export from San Francisco's concrete dwellers. Their presence
did not go unnoticed. I was approached by what some would say
was just a dirty faced Dickens character and asked if I would
like to take a photograph of some original San Francisco Gutter
Punks...how could I refuse. He held his hand out and said, "it
will cost you". I reached into my pockets and all I could
come up with were Canadian coins. He said that would work. They
posed in a proud manner for their portrait. One of them asked
where this would end up and I told him the name of the website.
He said, "I'll check it out".....Wait a minute, this
gutterman looked like he slept at the county dump and smelled
even worse...a computer? Who am I to question. One of the main
attractions for me was Emmylou Harris, looking quite informal
and sporting that signature hair. As a veteran performer of HSB
her set provided a little southern comfort that the crowd drank
up. Emmy has touched on everything from folk to country and a
bit of pop. She wooed her audience with familiar songs and then
some. When Earl Scruggs broke into the theme from The Beverly
Hillbillies that was it, my childhood flashed before my eyes.
I would recommend to all that next year you find your way to
SF and yes wear flowers in your hair, and enjoy this contribution
that Warren provides for us. Photos by Jimi Bertucci. Read more
about the concert at http://www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.
CANADA D'
EH - HOLLYWOOD
CA - There's something magical, without getting
too ethereal, when a group of people can get together for a common
goal and enjoy the spirits of a traditional patriotic celebration.
The host was funny and charming, innocently jabbing his American
cronies and praising the humbleness of Canada. I think. Dave
Foley, the unassuming actor that has been on a few television
series including Kids In The Hall and Talk Radio, was comfortable
and proud as he displayed his loyalty of the Great White North
to several hundred transplanted Canucks in the audience. There
were cameras there to interview the celebrities, and I guess
many of them were... only I was unfamiliar with any of the dozen
camera huggers. Our Bondi Junction man Peter Foldy was there
smiling and sending nods across the room to old buddies that
marathoned on the free Labatts Beer. The red carpet which was
inside only to be overwhelmed by an over-lit Canadian flag made
the point. It was an interesting event. The Troubadour is a Hollywood
landmark. The list of artists that have performed there is endless.......
John Rowlands, photographer to the rock of all ages, was clicking
like a lens junkie waiting for another hit of windex. My eyes
feasted on a smooth stomach and a bellybutton you would introduce
yourself to, only to find out later it belonged to Kelly Slatterey,
a sultry young woman from Ontario now living in California strutting
the stage, holding her hair back and throwing her vibrating hips
in our faces. If sex appeal could help sell more cds in pop these
days Kelly was definitely sharpening her tool. Nice tummy. The
evening provided some music with Tal Bachman, the son of legendary
musician Randy Bachman. His solo performance at times was overpowered
by the the noise of the over-zealous crowd but there were many
that gave him some dedicated attention when he played his hit
" She's So High". My surprise of the night was the
group Soul Decision. I'm not sure from where these talented young
men hail, but their commercial r&b pop roots were a welcome
to the room. Excuse me.... I spot Jimi Bertucci on the red carpet
eating up the camera. He's talking about the upcoming tour with
his band Abraham's Children that starts in September and focuses
mainly in the Ontario area. Toronto, Burlington, Kitchener, Huntsville
and others will be included on the tour known as Written In Stone
AC2005. Have a good one Jimi.The hip-hugging crowd began to groove
more as the evening progressed .......it's funny, I could never
decide if I liked going to these ladeedaddi affairs. I suppose
the perpetual smiling and toe-tapping to the music wasn't all
bad, free imported beer, ok you're right, you would have loved
to have been there...So in conclusion, I say....when a room is
filled with uplifting kaos does it really matter what we choose
to celebrate or where.....Yes Marisa, there are Canadians in
L.A. cheers... (Photo by John R. Rowlands)
THE KILLING
ROAD - WE had a philosophy
on the road: You can spend the night, but don't use my toothbrush
in the morning. How preposterously arrogant. But as much as some
don't like to admit, rock n roll is a cavalier art. From the
first day I picked up a guitar, I felt my confidence was enhanced
drastically, and in the process the recognition of my talents
exuded. I remember the first gig I performed at was a dance at
a boys and girls club. After we finished our set, I was swarmed
by pretty girls wanting my sole attention. That was the beginning.
My instrument became my addiction. Endless hours were spent honing
my craft, in the basement of my parents' home. I would sometimes
feign illness so that I could stay home from school to play my
guitar. My feelings of proliferation were a constant battle,
I needed to exercise my brain, now more than ever, and it was
this piece of wood and plastic that propelled the movement. It
being the sixties didn't help either. The musical revolution
had begun and I wasn't accustomed to the rapid changes and digression
from previous norms. Then again, why should I have been? I was
only twelve. I could feel the growth the more I bonded with my
tool and my direction was leading me to more progressive paths of music. One
of my early, negative encounters occurred while I was watching
this band rehearse. The bass player had this awesome Fender Jazz
Bass that he made rock hard. The leader of the band (let's say
his name was DCT) noticed me at the top of the stairs. He picked
me up by my jacket and proceeded to throw me down the stairs
screaming "I don't want you f***in' hanging around here"...
to think this guy would eventually be a big recording artist.
Go figure. This definitely gave me a different outlook, one that
I would not inherit. I soon landed a gig a with three brothers
that had heard of me from another musician. We practiced intensely
for an upcoming show, this would be my first professional performance.
Everyone in the neighborhood was looking forward to it, because
we were opening for James Brown and The Famous Flames. Despite
the clashing genres and extreme differences between the styles
of our music, the local promoter who booked the gig was a friend
of ours and showcased our heavy talent on the same bill as the
Godfather of Soul. The audience was relatively receptive, after
all, we were ahead of our time, although further from what they
expected than was comprehensible We ate up the attention as if
we were already famous, loving the fact that someone asked us
to autograph their ticket stub. To think I could be possessed
by such a musical carousel, the surreal spin was frightening.
Life as it was, was no longer. I know this has touches of poetic
streams, but the fact remains that I could think about nothing
else, aside from music. High School was put on the back burner
and my struggles to convince my parents to rescue me from the
institutional demands for my time were finally realized when
they signed me out of the ninth grade.
I would soon be in a band that played totally original music,
and gained exposure as the house band at the El Patio, an underground
club that attracted an eccentric crowd. Our popularity was on
the rise and our live appearances were becoming more frequent
and further away from home. We were often booked in smokey, beer-drinking
rooms and no one stopped to ask how old I was, they just knew
I was in the band. One of these dark, musty, imitation-leather
filled spaces would be my nucleus de la vita. Club 813 was a
predominantly Jamaican hangout, and the smell of curried lamb
filled the air as much as the ganja and the tunes that four white
...(read more)
DYK that Jimi owned an Italian restaurant in Fountain
Valley California. Guess what it was called.
SURVIVING JANIS
JOPLIN
- A woman like no other, Peggy's fast-paced stories burn a hole
through the fabric of time, allowing me a quick vision of the
whirlwind of changes occurring in San Francisco...(more)
THE BLOG
Blogs suck you in
deep. They are the one-armed confident slots flashing triple
sevens, verbal swashbuckling bravados, the lion-filled font forums
disguising the confused poets frightened by the transition. Unsure
if the hate was real, I found myself becoming a hyper-critic
piranha on the springboard of opportunity. I not only wanted
to bite my opponents, I wanted to watch them bleed. ..(order the book)
Art.com:
Free Shipping over $24.99 with coupon code JANARTUS. Expires
February 8, 2012.
Art.co.uk: Free
Shipping over £19.99 with coupon code JANARTUK. Expires
February 8, 2012.
James Bert Publishing Since 1973
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 producing hit-making music.
Drop us an email and let us be part of
your next winning project.
Passion and Innocence: Words and Music by: Jimi Bertucci.- 12606 Vista Panorama was the ideal creative cave. On a clear day you could see the arrogant Hollywood sign while at the same time listen to the delayed booms of the Disney fireworks. The OC was the alternative to Los Angeles, only designed to be more functional. My days in the corporate world were coming to an end. I had decided that to follow my heart, as corny as it sounded, was the best medicine for my ever-changing direction. My friend Robert suggested a bass player and a drummer who he knew worked well together. I asked him to set up a jam and prepared about six songs that I thought would be a good start and would allow me to evaluate their playing experience. I was facing some difficult choices in my life. I had become unbearable to live with often spending hours in my studio filled with musical toys overlooking Catalina Island. I managed to continue my writing as if it were my only salvation. This song is one of those that is honest within itself. The rawness of the story hits you in the face from the beginning. It's straight and to the point and reveals the growth of an innocent young man discovering all the passion the streets have to offer. Some familiar names invite themselves to this garden party such as Saint Francis, the gray stone almost Goth in appearance cathedral that housed the infallabe Father George.Il Gato Nero was a cool place for the big boys to hang out, play pool and share their over-inflated stories. Every once in awhile one of the pretty babes from the Italo hood would innocently blow us a kiss...It's easier to write a song when you have lived it. While I sat in my monster mansion of Utopia I could reflect, knowing that passion and innocence were still a big part of my life. (if no one is listening)
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. (the store)
HEAD HEART & BALLS - This is Peter Foldy's contribution to the memories of the the.... the sixties. Written and the directed by Mr. Foldy, this is a nice small film filled with familiar rants that teens were subjected to in that colorful era. Lots of pot smoking and silly conversations of magnified proportions. When the group of teens decide to travel to Woodstock to see the concert event of a lifetime. their parents don't think it's such a great idea....go figure. I really enjoyed this flick, good writing and lots of relatetive humor. HH&B, starring Adam Carolla, was a favorite pick at The Raindance Film Festival in London England. Look for Head Heart & Balls or Why I Gave Up Smoking Pot, featuring the song "Workin For The Man" by Abraham's Children...good choice.
BANJOS AND GUTTER PUNKS - SAN FRANCISCO, CA 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 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 and curious seekers bask in Golden Gate Park and pretend that life doesn't get any better. I personally have never been a big fan of hillbilly picking corn eating music, but by the day's end I was so impressed with the multitude of talent that my appreciation level rose to unexpected heights. Hardly Strictly
Bluegrass 7 as it was billed, attracted a couple of hundred thousand people over the blue-sky weekend. The eclectic collection of music that was provided on five different stages was enough to appeal to a spectrum of ear candy lovers. Of course there were the many that just wanted to catch a peek of nostalgia, but for the most part they were dedicated to the sounds that filled the warm air. Hellman, our master investment banker, knows a good thing. The city loves him for all the revenue and the people appreciate the mogul that shares his wealth.....I arrived on Sunday due to unarranged plans, that's another read. Ok ok let's talk about the performers.....There was sound everywhere. The stages pumped out music continuously for three days. The list of artists reads like an hors d'oeuvres tray of some of the finest pickers and crooners; Earl Scruggs, Del McCoury, Doc Watson, T-Bone Burnett, Nick Lowe, yes I said Nick Lowe, John Prine and Toronto's own, the Sadies. Now, I have to admit I missed their performance but a friend of mine who happened to be there all three days said the psychedelic foursome were awesome. And what would an outdoor event like this be without a few Gutter Punks. This is the latest export from San Francisco's concrete dwellers. Their presence did not go unnoticed. I was approached by what some would say was just a dirty faced Dickens character and asked if I would like to take a photograph of some original San Francisco Gutter Punks...how could I refuse. He held his hand out and said, "it will cost you". I reached into my pockets and all I could come up with were Canadian coins. He said that would work. They posed in a proud manner for their portrait. One of them asked where this would end up and I told him the name of the website. He said, "I'll check it out".....Wait a minute, this gutterman looked like he slept at the county dump and smelled even worse...a computer? Who am I to question. One of the main attractions for me was Emmylou Harris, looking quite informal and sporting that signature hair. As a veteran performer of HSB her set provided a little southern comfort that the crowd drank up. Emmy has touched on everything from folk to country and a bit of pop. She wooed her audience with familiar songs and then some. When Earl Scruggs broke into the theme from The Beverly Hillbillies that was it, my childhood flashed before my eyes. I would recommend to all that next year you find your way to SF and yes wear flowers in your hair, and enjoy this contribution that Warren provides for us. Photos by Jimi Bertucci. Read more about the concert at http://www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.
CANADA D' EH - HOLLYWOOD CA - There's something magical, without getting too ethereal, when a group of people can get together for a common goal and enjoy the spirits of a traditional patriotic celebration. The host was funny and charming, innocently jabbing his American cronies and praising the humbleness of Canada. I think. Dave Foley, the unassuming actor that has been on a few television series including Kids In The Hall and Talk Radio, was comfortable and proud as he displayed his loyalty of the Great White North to several hundred transplanted Canucks in the audience. There were cameras there to interview the celebrities, and I guess many of them were... only I was unfamiliar with any of the dozen camera huggers. Our Bondi Junction man Peter Foldy was there smiling and sending nods across the room to old buddies that marathoned on the free Labatts Beer. The red carpet which was inside only to be overwhelmed by an over-lit Canadian flag made the point. It was an interesting event. The Troubadour is a Hollywood landmark. The list of artists that have performed there is endless....... John Rowlands, photographer to the rock of all ages, was clicking like a lens junkie waiting for another hit of windex. My eyes feasted on a smooth stomach and a bellybutton you would introduce yourself to, only to find out later it belonged to Kelly Slatterey, a sultry young woman from Ontario now living in California strutting the stage, holding her hair back and throwing her vibrating hips in our faces. If sex appeal could help sell more cds in pop these days Kelly was definitely sharpening her tool. Nice tummy. The evening provided some music with Tal Bachman, the son of legendary musician Randy Bachman. His solo performance at times was overpowered by the the noise of the over-zealous crowd but there were many that gave him some dedicated attention when he played his hit " She's So High". My surprise of the night was the group Soul Decision. I'm not sure from where these talented young men hail, but their commercial r&b pop roots were a welcome to the room. Excuse me.... I spot Jimi Bertucci on the red carpet eating up the camera. He's talking about the upcoming tour with his band Abraham's Children that starts in September and focuses mainly in the Ontario area. Toronto, Burlington, Kitchener, Huntsville and others will be included on the tour known as Written In Stone AC2005. Have a good one Jimi.The hip-hugging crowd began to groove more as the evening progressed .......it's funny, I could never decide if I liked going to these ladeedaddi affairs. I suppose the perpetual smiling and toe-tapping to the music wasn't all bad, free imported beer, ok you're right, you would have loved to have been there...So in conclusion, I say....when a room is filled with uplifting kaos does it really matter what we choose to celebrate or where.....Yes Marisa, there are Canadians in L.A. cheers... (Photo by John R. Rowlands)
to more progressive paths of music. One of my early, negative encounters occurred while I was watching this band rehearse. The bass player had this awesome Fender Jazz Bass that he made rock hard. The leader of the band (let's say his name was DCT) noticed me at the top of the stairs. He picked me up by my jacket and proceeded to throw me down the stairs screaming "I don't want you f***in' hanging around here"... to think this guy would eventually be a big recording artist. Go figure. This definitely gave me a different outlook, one that I would not inherit. I soon landed a gig a with three brothers that had heard of me from another musician. We practiced intensely for an upcoming show, this would be my first professional performance. Everyone in the neighborhood was looking forward to it, because we were opening for James Brown and The Famous Flames. Despite the clashing genres and extreme differences between the styles of our music, the local promoter who booked the gig was a friend of ours and showcased our heavy talent on the same bill as the Godfather of Soul. The audience was relatively receptive, after all, we were ahead of our time, although further from what they expected than was comprehensible We ate up the attention as if we were already famous, loving the fact that someone asked us to autograph their ticket stub. To think I could be possessed by such a musical carousel, the surreal spin was frightening. Life as it was, was no longer. I know this has touches of poetic streams, but the fact remains that I could think about nothing else, aside from music. High School was put on the back burner and my struggles to convince my parents to rescue me from the institutional demands for my time were finally realized when they signed me out of the ninth grade.
