Hour One
1. Dale Hawkins: Suzie Q - 1957
2. The Diodes: Shape of Things To Come - 1977 *
3. Everett & Butler: Ain’t That Loving You Baby - 1964
4. The Newfoundland Showband: Christmas In My Home Town - 1972 *
5. Dick Nolan: Blue At Christmas - 1967 *
6. Ivan Hicks: An Old Christmas Card - 1985 *
7. Stan Hiltz Orchestra: Tumbala - 1974 *
8. Henry Townsend & Yank Rachel: Things Have Changed - 1980
9. John Kay & Sparrow: Square Headed People - 1968 *
10. The Kinks: Set Me Free - 1965
11. The GoGos: This Town - 1981
12. Jack Scott: The Way I Walk - 1959 *
13. Don Messer: The Dusty Miller Reel - 1942 *
14. The Flaming Groovies: Absolutely Sweet Marie - 1979
15. Bob Dylan: Love Minus Zero - 1965
16. Sultans of String: Blowin’ In The Wind - 2017 *
17. The Chambers Brothers: All Strung Out Over You - 1968
Hour Two
1. Jeff Beck: Constipated Duck - 1975
2. The Marathons: Peanut Butter - 1961
3. The Searchers: Bumble Bee - 1964
4. Smyle: Better Road Ahead - 1970 *
5. McKenna Mendelson Mainline: Don’t Give Me A Goose For Christmas Grandma - 1969 *
6. The Payolas: Christmas Is Coming - 1983 *
7. John Prine: Christmas In Prison - 1973
8. Micky Katz: Litvak Square Dance - 1958
9. Bobby Hill and His Canadian Country Boys: The Saga of Rocket Richard - 1955 *
10. Graham Townsend: The Rocket Richard Reel - 1963 *
11. The Fabulous Thunderbirds: Pocket Rocket - 1979
12. Jane Siberry: Hockey - 1989 *
13. Bob Burchill: Some People - 1980 *
14. Fludd: C’mon C’mon - 1972 *
15. The Beatles: Dizzy Miss Lizzy - 1965
16. Mike Malahini Scott & His Hawaiianaires: Hoe Hoe - 1983 *
CanCon = 52%
And Now for The Particulars:
Hour One
1. Dale Hawkins: Suzie Q
(Stan Lewis / Hawkins / Robert Chaisson)
45 bw Hi Heeled Sneakers by Tommy Tucker: Collectables COL 3429-B
St. Mary Parish LA
Dale Hawkins: vocal
James Burton: guitar
Produced 1957
Recorded 1957 at KWKH Radio, Shreveport, Louisiana
Collectables 45 released 1981
Delmar Allen Hawkins b. St. Mary Parish, Louisiana / d. August 22, 1936 / d. February 13, 2010 (73) Little Rock, Arkansas
He began recording in 1956. In 1957, Hawkins was playing at Shreveport, Louisiana clubs, and although his music was influenced by the new rock and roll style of Elvis Presley and the guitar sounds of Scotty Moore, Hawkins blended that with the uniquely heavy blues sound of black Louisiana artists for his recording of his swamp-rock classic, "Susie Q.” Fellow Louisiana guitarist and future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Burton provided the signature riff and solo.
2. The Diodes: Shapes Of Things To Come
(Barry Mann / Cynthia Weil)
The Diodes: Columbia Records Canada PES 90441
Toronto ON
Paul Robinson: vocal
John Catto: guitar
Ian MacKay: bass
John Hamilton: keys
Mike Lengyell: drums
Produced by Bob Gallo, 1977
Recorded and mixed by Hayward Parrott at Manta Sound, Toronto
Another hard luck band who released two LPs for Columbia (and Epic) in the late 70s. They were dumped after their records didn’t sell very well, moved to England and breaking up by 1982. Formed by students from the Ontario College of Art, they played their first gig opening for Talking Heads in January 1977. Their cover of ‘Wild in the Streets’ sound track song, “Shape of Things To Come” (by Max Frost & The Troopers) was written by the Brill Building’s songwriting team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil "On Broadway" "Only in America" "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and "We Gotta Get out of This Place".3. Everett & Butler: Ain’t That Loving You Baby
(Jimmy Reed)
45 single bw Let It Be Me: Vee-Jay Records VJ-613
Mississippi
Betty Everett: vocals
Jerry Butler: vocals
Produced by Jerry Butler, 1964
Betty Everett b. Greenwood, Mississippi November 23, 1939 / d. August 19, 2001 (61) Beloit, Wisconsin
best known for her biggest hit single, the million-selling "Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)", and her duet, on the A Side of this record, "Let It Be Me" with Jerry Butler.
Jerry Butler, Jr. b. Sunflower, Mississippi December 8, 1939 (age 80)
the original lead singer of the R&B vocal group the Impressions, as well as a 1991 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
4. The Newfoundland Showband: Christmas In My Home Town
(Lassaye Van Buren Holmes)
Christmas In Newfoundland: Marathon Records DX 5141
Bell Island NL
Winston Saunders: accordion, fiddle, mandolin
Ray McLean: lead guitar
Bill Whalen: drums
Dave Noseworthy: bass
Mickey Andrews: steel
Sebastian Agnello: guitar
Produced by Jack Boswell, 1972
In 1971 the band recorded 5 albums in 3 days during a marathon session of recordings in Toronto. Guitarist Sebastian Agnello was hired for the session; he was a member of the Lords of London.
5. Dick Nolan: Blue At Christmas
(Ben Weatherby)
Atlantic Christmas: Arc Records AC 20
Corner Brook NL
Dick Nolan: guitar, vocal
Produced by Ben Weatherby, 1967
Recorded at Bay Studios, Toronto by Gary Starr.
Richard Francis Nolan b. Corner Brook NL February 4, 1939 / d. December 13, 2005 (66) Carbonear NL
6. Ivan & Vivian Hicks: An Old Christmas Card
(Vaughan Horton)
An Old-Time Christmas With Friends: Maritime Express ME1006
Upper Coverdale, N.B.
Ivan Hicks: fiddle, mandolin, guitar, vocals
Vivian Hicks: piano
Gary Morris: guitars, bass, keys
Manjo Norden: percussion
Tim MacLaggan: percussion
John Jewett: bass
Bill McCauley: keys
Keith Tyler: keys
Clarence Gallant: steel
Maurice Fleming: sax
Produced by Gary Morris, 1985
Recorded by Gary Morris at Prime Time Studios, Sussex NB
Vaughan Horton b. 6 June 1911, Broad Top Mountain, Pennsylvania / d. 1 March 1988 Florida
Other Vaughan Horton songs to be successfully recorded by other artists include ‘Address Unknown’ (Gene Autry), ‘Hillbilly Fever’ (Little Jimmy Dickens), ‘Sugarfoot Rag’ (Red Foley), ‘An Old Christmas Card’ (Jim Reeves), ‘Teardrops In My Heart’ (Marty Robbins and Rex Allen Jnr. ) and ‘Choo Choo Ch’boogie’ (Asleep At The Wheel). Horton was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association, International Hall Of Fame in 1971.
7. Stan Hiltz Orchestra: Tumbala
(Trad)
Kosher Style: World / Audat Custom Records WRC 251
Toronto ON
Stan Hiltz: keys, vocals
Leonard Shacter: trumpet, vocals
Arnie Wiskin: percussion, vocals
Lawrence Sereda: sax, flute, clarinet
Len Lytwyn: drums
Marty Hiltz: trumpet, trombone
Danny Colomby: guitar, bass
Produced by Stan Hiltz, 1976
Getch yer draidles out!
This was basically a wedding and bar mitzvah band who were one of the more popular ones in Toronto in the 1970s. As far as I know, this is their only album.
8. Henry Townsend & Yank Rachel: Things Have Changed
(Henry Townsend)
Mule: Nighthawk Records 201
St Louis, MO
Henry Townsend: piano, vocals
Yank Rachel: mandolin
Produced by Bob Shoenfeld & Leroy Pierson, 1980
Recorded by Steve Fuller at Multi Sound Studios
Henry "Mule" Townsend (b. Shelby, Mi October 27, 1909 – d. September 24, 2006 Mequon, Wi)
James "Yank" Rachell (March 16, 1903 or 1910 Brownsville, TN – April 9, 1997 Indianapolis, IN)
Townsend was one of the only artists known to have recorded in nine consecutive decades. He first recorded in 1929, and remained active up to 2006. By the mid 1990s, Townsend and his one-time collaborator Yank Rachell were the only active blues artists whose careers had started in the 1920s. Yank bought his first mandolin at age 8, in a trade for a pig his family had given him to raise. Both made their recording debuts in 1929, Townsend solo and Rachel as a member of the Three J’s Jugband. On February 10, 2008, Townsend was posthumously awarded a Grammy, his first, at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards.
9. John Kay and The Sparrows: Square Headed People
(John Kay)
45 single bw Twisted: Columbia Records - 4-44769
Toronto ON
John Kay: rhythm guitar, lead vocals
Dennis Edmonton: lead guitar, vocals
Nick St. Nicholas: bass, vocals
Goldy McJohn: keyboards, vocals
Jerry Edmonton: drums
Produced by Al Lawrence for Camalus Productions, 1967
Recorded by Tim Geelan
The album John Kay and The Sparrow was recorded 1967, released 1969. By then the band had moved from Toronto to California, Dennis Edmonton left to become Mars Bonfire and the band changed their name to Steppenwolf after replacing Edmonton with Michael Monarch. After their monster hit Born To Be Wild, Columbia Records decided to capitalize on releasing recordings they made as The Sparrow.
10. The Kinks: Set Me Free
(Ray Davies)
Kinks Greatest Hits: Marble Arch MALS 1403
London UK
Ray Davies: guitar, vocals
Dave Davies: lead guitar, bg vocals
Mick Avory: drums
Peter Quaife: bass
Produced by Shel Talmy, 1965
Recorded at Pye Studios in London, April 13-4, 1965
Originally released on Kinda Kinks, the band’s second album released back in 1965. This was the first major release by the band to feature a softer side which lead them into the charts with songs like Dedicated Follower of Fashion, A Well Respected Man and Sunny Afternoon (as opposed to the rockier songs like You Really Got Me or All Day and All of the Night).
11. The GoGos: This Town
(C Caffey / J Wiedlin)
Beauty And The Beat: IRS Records SP 70021
Los Angeles CA
Belinda Carlisle: lead vocal
Charlotte Caffee: lead guitar, keys, bg vocal
Gina Schock: drums
Kathy valentine: bass, bg vocal
Jane Wielin: rhythm guitar, bg vocal
Produced by Richard Gottehrer and Rob Freeman, 1981
Mastered by Creg Calbi
RIP Jack Scott
12. Jack Scott with The Chantones: The Way I Walk
(Jack Scott)
The Best of Jack Scott: Stardust CD-1019
Windsor ON
Jack Scott: vocals
The Chantones: bg vocals
Produced 1959
Giovanni Domenico Scafone Jr b. Windsor ON Jan 24, 1936 / December 12, 2019 (83) Warren, Michigan
RIP Don Tremaine
13. Don Messer Band: Dusty Miller Reel
(Trad)
The Good Old Days: Apex / MCA - TVLP-79052
Tweedside NB
Don Messer: fiddle
Charlie Chamberlain: guitar
Rae Simmons: clarinet
Cec MacEchern: electric guitar
Warren McRae: drums
Duke Neilson: bass
Waldo Munro: piano
Produced by Alan Guettel & David Pritchard, 1979
Donald Graham Tremaine b. Boston MS 1928 / d. Halifax Dec 15, 2019
was born in Boston to Canadian parents and moved to Halifax as a youngster in 1931. Quit school after Grade 11 and went into the military where he learned radio. Tremaine was the first newsreader for CBC in Nova Scotia in 1954. He hosted CBC Radio's Information Morning in Halifax from 1971 until his retirement in 1987. He was best known across Canada for being the announcer on Don Messer's Jubilee TV show, beginning in 1959.
RIP Roy Loney, founder of Flaming Groovies
14. The Flaming Groovies: Absolutely Sweet Marie
(Bob Dylan)
Jumpin' In The Night: Sire Reecords SRK 6067
San Francisco CA
Cyril Jordan: guitar, vocal
Chris Wilson: guitar, vocal
Mike Wilhelm: guitar
George Alexander: bass
David Wright: drums
Produced by Cyril Jordan and Roger Bechirian, 1979
Recorded by Roger Bechirian at Eden Studios, Advision Studios, London UK
Roy Loney b. 1946 / d. Dec 13, 2019 San Francisco (73)
The band started in San Francisco in 1965, led by Roy Loney and Cyril Jordan.Loney left the band in 1971 to pursue other interests. He was born on a Friday the 13th and he died on a Friday the 13th. He was being operated on when he died.
15. Bob Dylan: Love Minus Zero / No Limit
(Bob Dylan)
Bringing It All Back Home: Columbia Records CS-9128
New York City
Bob Dylan: guitar, harmonica, vocal
John Boone: bass guitar
Al Gorgoni: guitar
Bobby Gregg: drums
Paul Griffin: piano, keyboards
John P. Hammond: guitar
Bruce Langhorne: guitar
Bill Lee: bass guitar
Joseph Macho, Jr.: bass guitar
Frank Owens: piano
Kenny Rankin: guitar
John B. Sebastian: bass guitar
Produced by Tom Wilson, 1965
Recorded at Columbia Recording Studios, NYC, January 1965
The song uses surreal imagery, some of which recalls Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven"
16. Sultans Of String: Blowin’ In The Wind
(Bob Dylan)
Ten Years Of Music: Fiddlefire Records MKC 2070
Toronto ON
Chris McKhool: violin
Kevin Laliberté: flamenco guitar
Eddie Paton: guitar
Drew Birston: bass
Rosendo León: drums
Anwar Khurshid: sitar
Produced by Chris McKhool, 2017
Edited for Vinyl by John “Beetle” Bailey at The Drive Shed Recording Studios, Toronto
Mastered by Peter Letros at Wreckhouse Mastering and Paul Gold at Salt Masterin
Violinist Chris McKhool was putting out some pretty interesting solo albums in the early 2000s when he met up with flamenco jazz guitarist Kevin Laliberté and that’s when everything began to click. Fusing their wild sounds with world music, they formed the basis of the Sultans of String. Since then they’ve released several well received albums that have generated a lot of interest. What a treat to finally hear them on vinyl!! It’s a totally different experience. Ten Years of Music is a compilation album of earlier works but it sure works to my liking.
17. The Chambers Brothers: All Strung Out Over You
(R Clark)
The Time Has Come: Columbia CS 9522
Los Angeles CA
Lester Chambers: harmonica
Joe Chambers: guitar
Willie Chambers: guitar
George Chambers: bass
Brian Keenan: drums
Produced by Tim Obrien, 1968
Recorded by Fred Catero & Roy Segal
Hour Two
1. Jeff Beck: Constipated Duck
(Jeff Beck)
Blow By Blow: Epic Records WPE 33409
London UK
Jeff Beck: guitars
Max Middleton: keys
Phil Chenn: bass
Richard Bailey: drums, percussion
Produced by George Martin, 1975
Recorded by Denim Bridges at AIR Studios, London
Geoffrey Arnold Beck b. 24 June 1944 Wallington, Surrey, England
2. The Marathons: Peanut Butter
(Hilde Brown Barnum / Martin Cooper / Fred Smith / Cliff Goldsmith)
45 single bw I Don’t Know by Willia Mabon: Collectables COL 3458A
Los Angeles
Don Bradley
Carl Fisher
Dave Govan
James Johnson
Ricky Owens
Produced 1961
The five singers who sang on "Peanut Butter," a popular R&B novelty tune, were really the Vibrations masquerading as the Marathons. The group initially began recording as The Jay Hawks, and had a hit in 1956 with "Stranded in the Jungle" (US #18). After a few lineup changes, the group hit again in 1961 with the song "The Watusi"
The song was also recorded by a Halifax rock band called The Five Sounds in 1965.
3. The Searchers: Bumble Bee
(Fullylook / Baker)
45 Single bw A Tear Fell: Pye Records – 772
Liverpool UK
Frank Allen: bass, lead vocals
John McNally: lead & rhythm guitar, vocals
Mike Pender: lead vocals, lead & rhythm guitar
Chris Curtis: drums, lead vocals
Produced by Tony Hatch, 1964
4. Smyle: Better Road Ahead
(Don Demmans / Ray Durritt / Pete Rihbany)
Smyle: Columbia Records ES-90017
Burlington ON
Ron Demanns: guitar
Peter Rihbany: bass
Ray Durritt: guitar
Tim Regan: drums
Produced by John Williams, 1970
Recorded by Terry Brown at Toronto Sound Studio
Smyle got together in Hamilton ON in 1967. In 1969 they moved to Toronto after touring the teen circuit for a couple of years. In Toronto they recorded a single "Glory, Glory" which became a hit and secured them a recording contract with Columbia Records. Unfortunately for them, there were no Canadian content laws back then and their 1970 album received little or no airplay. Columbia dropped them and they called it quits after releasing two more 45s independently.
5. McKenna Mendelson Mainline: Don’t Give Me A Goose For Christmas Grandma
(M Joe)
Stink: Liberty LBS 83251 / EMI C2 0777 7 26590 2 6
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Mike McKenna: lead guitar
Mendleson Joe: guitar
Tony Nolasco: drums
Mike Harrison: bass
Produced by Liberty Records Staff, UK, June 11, 1969
6. The Payola$: Christmas Is Coming
(Paul Hyde / Bob Rock)
Hammer On A Dream: A&M Records SP 4958
Vancouver BC
Paul Hyde: vocals
Bob Rock: guitar
Christopher Livingston: keys
Chris Taylor: drums
Mick Ronson: bg vocals, keys
Barry Muir: bass
Produced by Mick Ronson & Payola$, 1983
Recorded at Little Mountain Sound by Bob Rock and Mike Fraser
Mixed by Bob Rock at Little Mountain Sound
Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Masterdisc, NYC
7. John Prine: Christmas In Prison
(J Prine)
Sweet Revenge: A&M Records - SD 7274
Maywood, Illinois
Reggie Young: elec guitar
Grady Martin: dobro
Jerry Shook: harmonica
David Briggs: organ
Mike Leach: bass
Kenny Malone: drums
Produced by Arif Mardin, 1973
Recorded by Steve Ham at Quadrafonic Sound Studios, Nashville
8. Micky Katz: Litvak Square Dance
(Mickey Katz)
Mickey Katz Plays Music For Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs & Brisses: Capitol Records T1021
Cleveland OH
Mickey Katz: vocals
Produced 1958
Meyer Myron Katz b. Cleveland, Ohio, June 15, 1909 / d. April 30, 1985 (75) Los Angeles
A Jewish American singer and comedian, Katz was accused of making stereo-typical sketches of Jews while popularizing Jewish music and humor. He was very successful in the late 1940s and 50s, recorded several albums that sold very well.
9. Bobby Hill and His Canadian Country Boys: The Saga of Rocket Richard
(Bobby Hill)
78 rpm bw Montreal Canadiens Square Dance: Sparton Records
Montreal QC
Ron Scott: mandolin, vocal
Bobby Hill: guitar
Jean Carignan: fiddle
Tommy Woods: banjo
Produced 1955
Recorded at CFCF Radio Studio
A ballad about the suspension of Maurice Richard and the St Patrick’s Day riot in Montreal. Even though the song was only released in the Montreal area, the song was a news item in Boston where the apparent stick swinging took place, reported the song and reprinted out the lyrics. The record sold over 4000 copies in a week.
10. Graham Townsend: The Rocket Richard Reel
(G Townsend)
Fiddling Favorites: Banff Rodeo Recordings RBS 1116
Toronto, ON
Graham Townsend: violin
Produced in 1963
Graham Craig Townsend b. Toronto ON June 16, 1942 / d. December 3, 1998 (56) Barrie, ON
11. The Fabulous Thunderbirds: Pocket Rocket
(Kim Wilson)
Girls Go Wild: Chrysalis Records CHM 41250
Austin TX
Jimmy Vaughan: guitar
Kim Wilson: vocals, harmonica
Keith Ferguson: bass
Mike Buck: drums
Produced by Denny Bruce, 1979
Recorded by Rob Sullivan at Sumet-Bernet Sound, Dallas, May 79
12. Jane Siberry: Hockey
(Jane Siberry)
Bound By The Beauty: Duke Street Records - DSR-31058
Guelph ON
Jane Siberry: guitar, piano, vocal
Toddy Borowiecki: keys, accordion
Ken Myhr: guitar
John Switzer: bass
Stich Wynston: drums
Produced by Jane Siberry & John Switzer, 1989
Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Masterdisc, NY
13. Bob Burchill: Some People
(Bob Burchill)
Hugs...: Will O' Wind - WOW 002 - vinyl
Dublin, ON
Bob Burchill: guitar, vocal
Ken Kalmusky: bass
John Till: electric guitar
Murray Scott: keys
Toby Small: drums
Glen Soulis: winds
David Woodhead: guitar, steel
Layna Basson: bg vocal
Pat Kell: bg vocal
Dorit Learned: bg vocal
Produced by Bob Burchill, 1980
Recorded by Bob Doble at Maxim Canada, St. Pauls, ON
Started performing with his dad, a fiddle player. Got inspired by Bob Dylan. Eventually moved to Stratford ON & ran the espresso machine at the Black Swan, home to Perth Co. Conspiracy, which he joined in 1970. His album Cabin Fever (1975) was the first recording to feature the young David Woodhead & guitarist John Jackson. Burchill has kept busy ever since. Now living in London ON and still recording.
14. Fludd: C’mon C’mon
(Brian Pilling / Ed Pilling)
….On!: Daffodil Records – SBA 16020
Toronto ON
John Anderson: drums
Peter Csanky: keys
Greg Godovitz: bass
Brian Pilling: guitar, lead & bg vocals
Ed Pilling: lead & bg vocals, harp, percussion
Produced by Lee De Carlo & Brian Pilling, 1972
Recorded by Lee De Carlo, Sy Potma, Rick Capreol at Manta Sound, Toronto
15. The Beatles: Dizzy Miss Lizzy
(Larry Williams)
Beatles VI: Capitol Records Canada – T 2358
Liverpool UK
John Lennon: vocal, rhythm guitar, Vox Continental organ
George Harrison: double-tracked lead guitar
Paul McCartney: bass
Ringo Starr: drums, cowbell
Produced by George Martin, 1965
Recorded by Norman Smith at EMI Abby Road Studios, London
In Canada we got this song on Beatles VI but in Britain it was released on Help. They recorded it along with another Williams tune, "Bad Boy", on the same day: May 10, 1965
16. Mike Malahini Scott & His Hawaiianaires: Hoe Hoe
(Sam Koki)
Live At The Waikiki: Maple Records MA 1014
Toronto ON
Jamie Nolan: guitar
Al Gardner: drums
Paul Butler: keys
Mike ‘Malihini’ Scott: Hawaiian steel
Produced by Mike Scott & Jamie Nolan 1983
Recorded and Mastered at Fiesta Studios, Toronto
Supposedly recorded at the Waikiki Restaurant, Kitchener ON
This album was recorded in the studio. There is nothing ‘live’ about it. They crudely dubbed in audience response after each song had faded into silence but it’s a great song to end the program with.