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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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THE PLAYERS |
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SONG - Don't Close
Your Eyes |
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W&M - Jimi Bertucci |
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Drums - Dave Valdez |
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Bass - Bob Feldman |
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Guitar - Gregg Fisher |
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Guitar - Vinnie Defloria |
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Keys - Robert Hoelting |
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Vocals - Jimi Bertucci |
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BGV- Robert Hoelting,Vinnie DeForia,
Jimi B |
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Studio - Desert Moon Recording Studio Anaheim
CA |
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Engineer - Barry Wood |
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Producer - Jimi Bertucci |
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Park City, Utah. Comedy-drama
“Real Time”, featuring the hit song Goodbye Farewell
by Jimi Bertucci, makes its debut at the Slamdance Film Festival.
The movie stars Randy Quaid as a hired hit-man who gives a compulsive
gambler, played by Jay Baruchel, one hour to live. |
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SYSTEM
2000
ALL THE A/V
YOU'LL EVER NEED |
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 Songs are very much
like postcards. You attempt to say a lot within a small space.
Order your copy now. store |
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 BNOrecordingUSA our own label since 1996.
Because we wanted to keep our integrity.(order now) |
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SERRA SAN BRUNO is high
up in the mountains of Southern Italy. You get there on a twisting
road that snakes up through the highland forests. Trees hang
over the road to create a tunnel that filters the sun and cools
the air. Snow signs warn that, in winter, this could be a more
tortuous trail. But today the road is clear. We pass few cars.
And you have the feeling that you are experiencing something..(more) |
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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, The Galaxy Theatre, Rumps
and others. He continued to record and tour all over the USA.
As a prolific songwriter and solo artist he released Jimi B,
Through The Eyes of Vincenzo,
Best Of Jimi B, Postcards & Musica along with numerous 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. In 2009 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, and enjoyin life.
Jimi is also the co-founder of the Italian Walk Of Fame in Toronto, Canada. Marisa
Lang Management -- Photo by Deborah
Samuel |
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Italian Walk
Of Fame
- As a
young boy in the new world, my dreams were heightened by endless
possibilities. Growing up on Grace Street, the melting pot of
a pulsing environment made me street smart, with a passion to
explore the newness of my surroundings. My hood had it all, musicians,
athletes, politicians, actors, novelists …this eclectic
gathering of determined ethnic opportunists would eventually
roar to recognition. Our struggles were those typical of newcomers
to a culture that was complacent in many ways. My roots and traditions
of human nature can be attributed to a community that made me
feel secure and safe. The Italian Walk Of Fame will be a reminder
of all those that dream and never stop dreaming n |
 THE GUITAR MAN - TORONTO
- 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. JB |
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We enjoy hearing from you. Please
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DAVID MARSDEN - ONE ON ONE ON RADIO - My fascination
with pop culture has always been entertained by the very special
individuals I had the pleasure of meeting over the years. Of
course, it helps if you, yourself, have some of these qualities
as well. Growing up in the 60's in Toronto, Canada, I found that
the choices for convincing entertainment were still an import
product. Then one day I turned on the TV to see this lanky, good-looking,
young man with an Everly Bro's haircut. The show was called Mickey
A Go Go, and for the first time, I was watching a local show
that appeared as American as apple pie. |
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MORE 80's - After the demise
of The Police...let's back up. The Police were beginning to attract
a lot of industry attention. Early on, they would pack every
club where they performed. Jimi Bertucci, Danny Smith, Laurie DelGrande
and Ron Bartley were rockers...(more) |
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Hey Jim
... I just YOU TUBE'D the song GYPSY ... wow ... I was 20 years
old in 1973 and did that song ever give me goose bumps today
... I remember definitely seeing Abraham's Children in all of
those festivals...(more) |
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Being Italian:
Italos
are proud of their cuisine contributions and culinary skills.
They are masters of the untamed flame. The traditional aromas
are like a time machine. No sooner do you walk through the door
when you are taken back in time - the dinner table typically
set with breaded veal cutlets placed next to those perfectly
round meatballs glazed with tomato sauce filled our nostrils
with yummy nostalgia. My father's award-winning wine (not) from
"la cantina" was like a religious figure in the middle
of the table. He would hold up his glass to the penetrating light
and comment on the beauty of its bouque. I was never a fan of
his wine, unlike my sister who joined in on the grape revelation
whenever the moment allowed. Yes Italians are, in many ways,
designers of eccentricities and sculptors of guilt. My mother's
words still echo in my head of how she struggled during my birth…like
it was my fault. Time has a way of influencing the traditional
fabric of our heritage. My kids were born with a silver computer
in their mouths and became fashionistas at a very early age.
Guess and Gap were as popular as Nutella at our house. Now don't
get me wrong, I recognize that I have, in many ways, spoiled
their thirst for tradition, but with growth comes wisdom, I hope.
Upon reaching the age of understanding I began to realize how
hip it was to be Italian. Oozing with culture, the vision to
implement, scouting the road less traveled, whispering with a
humble heart. Being Italian is being a good person and following
a positive direction. |
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 (cont'd from u-tubio) ...to stop Graham Electronics from developing
and selling the "backplane" a printed-circuit board
that allows electronic signals to pass from one part of a computer
system to another with minimal signal degradation. Rod Bolton,
president of Electronics Solutions, said his former director
of engineering, Leonid Besprozvanny, who has a doctorate in electrical
engineering, left his company in July and joined Graham Electronics,
taking the technology for the backplane with him. But Graham
officials say their backplane design is completely different,
and an injunction is merely an attempt by a larger company -
Electronics Solutions - to eliminate legitimate competition.
"What we have developed here is totally different. This
is a case of them trying to stifle us, said Vincenzo Bertucci,
president of Graham Electronics. The flap started last July when
Besprozvanny left Mira Mesa based Electronics Solutions, which
is a subsidiary of Zero Corp., a multi-million dollar electronics
firm. Before he left Electronics Solutions, Besprozvanny was
involved in the development of the backplane. The company hired
an outside consulting firm to assist in the design, and it spent
$170,000 on the project, Bolton said.
The backplane took six months to develop and it hit the market
last August, Bolton said. Upon leaving Electronics Solutions,
Besprozvanny rehired the same outside consulting firm, Electro-CADD
of San Diego, to design an identical piece of equipment, alleges
Bolton. "It's like coping a test," Bolton said. "They
copied our test and they didn't have to study." Bolton said
his company wants Graham Electronics to cease development work
on its own backplane because it "pirated" Electronics
Solutions' "trade secret." Bertucci at Graham Electronics
said the premise of the injunction is "ridiculous."
A product no longer retains "trade secret" protection
once it is released to the market, for more than six months,
he said. Also, the backplane being developed by Graham Electronics
is completely different from the one being sold by Electronics
Solutions, Bertucci said. Graham's backplane uses three signal
layers, while Electonic Solutions ' uses four signal layers,
he said. The Graham backplane would have a special signal-routing
system that does not exist on the Electronic Solutions back plane.
Also, Graham's backplane would probably use six pin power plug.
Electronic Solutions' power plug has ten pins, Bertucci said.
"We have built a better mouse trap and they're angry,"
Bertucci said. " They simply don't want the competition."
Besprozvanny, a Russian native, said he has many years of experience
in the backplane technology, and designing another backplane
from scratch was easy. And although the same consulting firm
was used by Graham to design the new backplane, Besprozvanny
said Electro-CADD strictly guarded the plans it developed for
Electronic Solutions. "They promised us that they would
generate the database completely from scratch," Besprozvanny
said. Bertucci said he believes the petition was filed solely
to keep Graham Electronics from debuting its design at a national
trade show Feb. 14 - 17 in Long Beach. The case is scheduled
to be heard at 9:00 am Feb 13 in San Diego. Bolton said competition
has nothing to do with the injunction petition. " Frankly,
we wouldn't be wasting our time or money if we didn't feel we
had a case. We have reason to believe they have used our technology
and we're going to do something about it. San Diego Business Journal |
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 A RITUAL OF SORTS. The day could not have been more perfect.
The sun bathed against the warm blue skies while the sounds of
the city added a rhythmic groove to the morning streets. Watching
the setup for this yearly occasion, which has grown to be an
important punctuation in the international circle of who's who,
makes one believe the enormous validity of this event. Emmy-winning
actor Joe Pantoliano put it honestly when he said, "I had
no idea of the size and scope that the Italian Walk of Fame was."
The three creative forces behind this cultural choo-choo train
steam rolled over the negative asphalt of patronization of its
early days and delivered an important piece of culture to a city
that is known for its originality and global respect.
This cosmopolitan playground waves many flags, so it's no surprise
that this diverse cornucopia of a metropolis is an attraction
in itself. Jimi Bertucci, Marisa Lang and Sam Ciccolini have
put the glitter and brass in an area of the city that was beginning
to show signs of complacency. The Italian Walk Of Fame is now
a legitimate tourist attraction…I kid you not folks. During
the last four years since its inception the community, and the
globe, have watched this annual event blossom into a mega-cocktail
of entertainment. There is an incredible aura in the air when
neighboring countries unite to celebrate, no matter the cause.
The unveiling of stars has become a ritual of sorts. The crowd
shows enthused appreciation during the red carpet ceremony as
people cheer and wave their autographical memorabilia, desperately
trying to get a signature. Beverly D'Angelo, upon receiving here
Common Spirit Award, exclaimed "this is the best day of
my life." Yes, it is indeed a bit Hollywood as the white
and black stretch limos open their fantasy doors bringing us
larger than life characters. Ingeniously these three amigos have
not only engraved the names of poignant individuals on the golden
glitter granite, but have managed to add a bit of history to
what would otherwise be a blasé piece of aging cement.
The organizers of the Italian Walk Of Fame have a vision and
within that continuum the pursuit of cultural awareness and education
will remain in the forefront of their endeavors. JB |
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 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 Shawn Eisenberg 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. |
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Bear
State Coffee |
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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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VDB . 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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Friends and Links |
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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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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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DYK
- that Jimi came over
to America on a ship called La Roma. |
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