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COMING SOON THE MAKING OF THE A&M ALBUM "JIMI B"
FEATURING PRAKASH JOHN, BB GABOR, MIKE SLOSKI, PETER FOLLET,
ROB GUSEVS, JODY COLERO and many more. "I began to hate
the album the more we recorded" |
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YOUR AD HERE |
 Goddess Of Nature
was another hit penned by Jimi. This fictional song captured
the hearts of many fans and radio stations across the country
and was certified a hit. The song was picked up by K-Tel Records
and sold over 11 million copies. These albums, now collector's
items, appear on EBay every so often. |
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IF YOU WOULD LIKE
TO ADD YOUR WEBSITE OR CONTACT INFORMATION TO JIMIB.COM WE'RE
GLAD TO INCLUDE YOU.SEND
US YOUR LINK. |
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BACK 2 RETROIKI |
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GO
BACK TO RETROIKI |
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Concert stubs are
a trip. Always looking for old tickets from any of our past shows. |
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VISIT
THE STORE |
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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) |
 The Great
Chameleon - Starring: Victor Altomare, Nick Mancuso,
Robert Davi and Stacy Keach.
The 3rd Street promenade in Santa Monica is somewhat eclectic
with its collection of dysfunctional characters and nouveau artists
displaying their talents. Restaurants and kiosks try to sell
everything under the warm California sun. This is the true vibe
of an area that for so many years has catered to the tourists
du jour and the Merchant of Venice type characters that align
both sides of the street. I was able to kill some time before
finding my way to The Broadway theatre where "The Great
Chameleon", a film that was part of the "American Flim
Market" (AFM), was premiering. The AFM is an annual event
that allows both visitors and the local industry an opportunity
to shop their projects in their respective fields.I was looking
forward to the viewing and the possibility of trying to understand
why so many critics were unable to find the essence of the Chameleon
and its meaning. Strolling the colorful block I found myself
defending my lack of contribution to the beggars and riff raff
that continued to ask for handouts. Don't get me wrong, I have
a place in my heart for the desperate in need... (read more) |
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Hello I'm RetroMan...journalist If you would like to
be a retro guest please email us with
a recent photo. |
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Tune in for next weeks
guest..................................NEXT WEEK OUR GUEST ??????? |
 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 59 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. JB |
 Toronto
- Prakash
and I met in the late sixties early seventies at a time when
PK was the hottest bass player happening and Abraham's Children
was quickly climbing the charts. It wasn't until the latter part
of the seventies, and after I decided to venture on a solo career
that I called him and asked if we could meet over cappuccino
to discuss the possibilities of recording an album. The meeting
went well. PK said he would arrange for some players and recommended
that we use Kensington Sound, a studio located in the old Kensington
Market district, a landmark area in downtown Toronto. We began
rehearsals and the choice of players couldn't have been better.
This was a very important session for me as I would take on the
title of producer. Although I had produced a few singles prior
when I was signed to United Artists Records, this was a bigger
challenge. PK brought in Mike Sloski on drums, a musician he
had worked with both live and in the studio, to create a solid
tight bass and drums bond. I was surrounded by pros and that
made the recording a lot less strenuous, as sessions can sometimes
be. Prakash kept it all together in the studio, always offering
suggestions that would prove to be solid parts in the song. Read
more about Prakash John in "The Making of the A&M album." |
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I have made an effort to find
many of the lost 45's, however there is a copy of "Thank
You" on the Polydor label, released only in Europe, that
I have never been able to find. A friend of mine sent me a postcard
that read, "listening to Thank You on the radio while driving
on the Auto Bahn...filling my head with great memories of the
West." |
THE TORNADOS - CHELSEA LONDON, ALAN CADDY - It
was in the early part of 1972 that I first met Alan. I recall
he was a slender man, that stood about 6' tall, with a very heavy
British accent. He was introduced to us by Gary Salter, then
president of Avenue Of America record label. Upon my initial
encounter with Alan we hit it off and I could see that I would
like this man. Gary had mentioned that he would... (more) |
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TALK OF THE TOWN - CONFIDENTIAL
BY LOLA - And since my editors threatened to pull my Jimi B review
if I mentioned his overwhelming physical characteristics, I can
tell you in my column that he is a prime candidate for next years
Sexy Awards. (groan) I'm not supposed to print the fact that
he is having a long distance affair with a famous NYC model---you
see it's all hush hush because her boyfriend might get a trifle
upset to hear about Jimi especially from me. |
 TORONTO
- SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of
Canada) symposium for Film & Television. Richard Crouse,
host of TV's "Reel to Reel", author of numerous books
on pop culture history and film critic for CTV's Canada AM. Jimi
and Richard hooked up for this pic after a panel discussion which
Richard hosted. The two compared notes on big Italian family
dinners, Richard's fiancé happens to be Italian. And of
course talked about Jimi's upcoming reality sitcom "All
About Me" produced by his production company, WOW2210 Productions
and in which he also stars. BU.................................
RETROIKI |
 Buddah Records: Was the ultimate bubblegum
label . It was the home to 1910 Fruit Gum Company, Neil Sedaka
, Paul Anka, Abraham's Children, Ohio Express , Shadows of Knight,
David Cassidy, Melanie, Gladys Night and The Pips, and an endless
list of others. The founding member of Buddah was a visionary
man named Neil Bogart. Abraham's Children first met Neil, when
he was invited to attend a showcase of the band, in Toronto,
Canada. GAS Records , the Children's Canadian label , had set
up this elaborate concert showcase in the premier hotel, Inn
On The Park , Neil was flown in with around 15 other major US
labels. |
Goodbye Farewell was the first
Buddah Records release. Followed by "Gypsy" and "Thank
You" which Dick Clark played on American Bandstands rate
a record. Did they win...We asked Jimi and his memory seemed
a bit in the clouds. |
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SOUND
ADVICE = By Brian Wakil - Artist: Jimi B Album: Jimi B Label:
A&M SP9069 Leave it to Toronto to produce another fresh breeze
in what has lately become a progressively stale North American
scene. Jimi B is an artist and album that flaunts very periodic
flashes of imagination in writing and performance. In fact, Jimi
B. could quite possibly be the most exportable Canadian musical
talent this year, unless something dramatic surfaces. With the
assistance of well known Toronto performers, BB Gabor and Prakash
John, the album becomes a veritable catapult of influence and
style. The moments of excitement out number the more mainstream
two to one. If the Cars hadn't lost direction and interest and
was still producing albums as progressive and interesting as
its first, it would probably not sound unlike Jimi B. The big
difference here is that Jimi B hasn't yet sacrificed inventiveness
for strict formula. News Advertiser (more
reviews) |
THE SHOES By Vincenzo D. Bertucci
- Jack Lofton was the All-American Boy. A Harvard alumni and
active member of the alpha pi sigma fraternity. He graduated
top in his class, with a degree in Business/Marketing. His family
started the successful business, Lofton Investments, which later
merged and became Lofton, Kruger and Vincent, a billion dollar
a year, international investment group. Young Jack became Vice
President of the company as soon as he finished his schooling.
He met his wife, Rene, while yachting in the Caribbean over spring
break. They fit comfortably together, she being the daughter
of Harmon Fitzer, a shipping tycoon and were married soon after
graduation. They had two beautiful daughters, Rebecca and Amanda,
both of whom were attending St. Veronica's Girls Academy. They
lived an hour outside of Manhattan in an extravagantly large
(in the neighborhood of 6,000 square feet) English Tudor style
home, also occupied by their Irish nanny, Patty, and a slobbering
St. Bernard named Hillwood. It was the perfect life for the Loftons...coming in 2013 on audio books. Check
out "Murder in the Office" and "Bridge Uncrossed
" read by renowned actor Nick Mancuso. |
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Jan 20th 1973 Billboard ad. (we
have 3 copies 11X14 available, retro just
right for framing. This is Canadiana music history. Email
us for details and cost. Oh...I never understood the belly button
picture. |
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Danny Smith is a living legend that no one
knows, except for his friends and fellow musicians from Bands
like Jerry Doucette, Brutus, Zwol, Abraham's Children, Jimi B
and of course, The Police. Always in demand, his drumming is
as professional and precise as drummer's can be. It comes naturally
for Mr. Smith to groove and lock in like a tight ****** . As
a bass player I have always appreciated a percussionist who allows
room without getting busy. Dan is an extraordinaire musician
and first-class drummer. Watch
Danny on "Shake and All American Boy" video |
 DYK that
Jimi owned a restaurant in the OC for many years. Italian of
course. The food was to die for...one of Jimi's favorite dishes
Veal Marsala...Umm |
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Abraham's Children appeared on
Canadian Bandstand more than any other band. The crowds would
line up for hours waiting for the group to arrive so that they
could take a picture and perhaps get an autograph. Show host,
Grant Hoffman, recently called Marisa Lang, manager of AC, to
inquire if she had any footage from the show. Sorry Grant, that's
a big no. |
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Indiana - Guitarist Bryn Anderson
is busy recovering and working on new material for an upcoming
CD. Bryn was kind enough to sit in on the Abraham's Children
"Second Coming Tour" in 2004 that took the band to
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and California. |
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Toronto
Center Island (circa 70's) - Headlining the concert was newly
signed Captain Midnite's Dirt Feat. 30,000 people rocked to CMDF. (The
Toronto Star) |
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TALK OF THE TOWN - CONFIDENTIAL
BY LOLA - And since my editors threatened to pull my Jimi B review
if I mentioned his overwhelming physical characteristics, I can
tell you in my column that he is a prime candidate for next years
Sexy Awards. (groan) I'm not supposed to print the fact that
he is having a long distance affair with a famous NYC model---you
see it's all hush hush because her boyfriend might get a trifle
upset to hear about Jimi especially from me. |
 Although as
a band we had a lot of 45's, it was important to have a hit single
that would attract fans into buying the album. We were told by
CHUM super-dj, Scott Carpenter, that a record played on their
radio station would automatically mean sales of up to 6,000 copies. |
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After 50 years of music... the
bubblegum queen calls it quits. CHUM was the radio station for millions
of pop and rock lovers. A favorite of CHUM's was Abraham's Children
they would spin all their hits. |
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Postcards &
Musica Jimi Bertucci - BNO-092201 a collection of songs picked
by Jimi. An interview with Gord James of the now defunct 1050Chum
radio. A couple of pre-production ideas which we are sure will
morph into complete songs. Songs are very much like postcards.
You attempt.You attempt to say a
lot within a small space. Some great songs some ok songs and
some treats. Jimi introduces his son Salvatore. A collection
of his photographic works can be seen at photosby. "Radio Tree"
"1965" a recollection of Jimi growing up and seeing
the Beatles." "I Wasn't Searching|" "Golden
Bells" one of my fav ...nice collection to own.(order) |
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TORONTO - My friend
Enrico has just completed the last episode of the hit TV series
"FlashPoint" so what's next you ask. |
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As a young boy Jimi would
spend endless hours playing his bass guitar and singing like
Paul McCartney... NICE
RETRO HAIR CUT JIMI... |
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Photo by Deborah
Samuel |
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Jimi first started
working with Deb around 1977. He had just put a new band together
called The Police. The up and coming pop star met her through
some mutual friends and was attracted to...(more) |
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Angelyne is a Hollywood legend
and landmark. Her claim to fame is this poster that has been
hanging in tinseltown for the past 20 years. Only in Hollywood.
For our dedicated tourists. |
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Abraham's
Children perform at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Canada.
They would attract the biggest crowd ever. An estimated 50 thousands
fans would show their appreciation. The stage was rushed with
hundreds of teens before the security personal could get them
off the stage. "The band signed almost 3000 autographs as
fans lined up for hours" said manager Jack Morrow. This
was the kick off to their highly acclaimed Lock Up Your Daughters
Tour. They would perform in 55 cities across Canada and the US.
It was non-stop. The band complained that they saw so many airports,
that at times, they would forget what city they were in. To catch
an AC live show was an unforgettable musical event (read
more at the AC website) |
 DYK that Jimi opened for James Brown. At
the ripe age of 14 he was in awe. When Mr. Brown asked "what
you doing here boy" Jimi stood up and said " I'm opening
for you sir " Many years later Jimi and James would make
contact again. Read about
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 than the
king of soul, Mr. James Brown and the Famous Flames. It would
be an unusual line-up. The Death was like a psychedelic in-your-face
type of a band and The Flames were as tight as a cork in a bottle
of Chateau Palmer Bordeaux wine. Nevertheless, we felt like we
were pros. Our dressing ...The King of Soul and The Death. |
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AC HITS has been one of
our all time best sellers and you know why...it contains all
the HITS and more. Get
it now. |
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Bear
State Coffee |
THE ONLY ALL-INCLUSIVE SUBSCRIPTION
Select a gear and coffee bundle from our boutique and get the
right coffee brewing gear to go along with that great coffee.
There’s no use paying so much for good coffee if you have
substandard gear. |
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Coco Chanel
I like fashion to go down to the street, but I can't accept that
it should originate there. |
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DYK that Jimi is one of the founders of the Italian
Walk Of Fame. Located in the heart of Little Italy in Toronto,
Canada. |
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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 "Wow how easy it is to
say that joy is drinking nonfactual kool-aid, when elisabeth
is clearly going off the same facts not to mention miss quoting
everything people say to get her lying point across yes she is
a pure republican. She gets upset when someone says something
positive about barack obama and start yelling over everyone including
barbara ....(order
the book)
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Friends and Links |
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Cathy Young is perhaps one of the
hardest working musicians in the GTA. She has embraced the Toronto
music scene for over 35 years and still going strong. Cathy and
Jimi have been making hit music since the seventies. Juno nominated
Ms. Young is always available to lend her talents out when needed. |
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DYK That Captain Midnites Dirty Feat had
to change their name because of the comic book. Lawsuit was pending...so
they change the name to Abraham's Children. |
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Jimi getting mobed
by the crowd. |
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Actor - director Robert
Davi |
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The Whisky was a great gig to
do. To be part of rock n roll history and perform at the Hollywood
landmark was awesome. Poster
savailable email
us for details. and cost. |
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Does anyone
have any tapings of the Canadian Bandstand show...please contact
us.
Needed for a documentary. |
 Wickless
Dynamite 1981: A&M Records BNOS4021 Words & Music by
Jimi B - Not too many writers will attempt to compose a waltz
and get away with it...unless you're Billy Joel, Strauss, or
Jimi B. His second single taken from the self-titled album, this
is about flirting with danger and imprisoned emotions. The 3/4
timing of the song carries itself with the traditional feel of
a waltz, and the poetic lyrics are profound, yet not. The train
tracks are real, and were the back drop for Jimi when he lived
in The Annex of Toronto, Canada. When Jimi gave Rob Guseve the
chord chart for the song he
quickly caught on and gave the song a memorable hook in the intro.
Recorded at Masters Workshop, Steve Vaughn engineer Paul Massey
assistant engineer. ( DYK that Paul Massey is George Lucas's main engineer.) |
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