Side A – Mainline
1. Joe Pass: ‘Round Midnight – 1974
2. McKenna Mendelson Mainline: Beltmaker – 1969 *
3. McKenna Mendelson Mainline: She’s Alright – 1969 *
4. McKenna Mendelson Mainline: One Way Ticket – 1969 *
5. McKenna Mendelson Mainline: Drive You – 1969 *
6. Return To Forever: Space Circus Pt 1 – 1972
7. McKenna Mendelson Mainline: Pretty Woman – 1968 *
8. The Esquires: Rave – 1964 *
9. Mainline: I am Normal – 1971 *
10. Mainline: Motorcycle – 1971 *
11. Mainline: One Time Loser – 1971 *
12. John McLaughlin: Dragon Song – 1970
13. Mainline: Game Of Live – 1972 *
14. Mainline: Dictator – 1975 *
15. Jon Hassell: Ba Benzele – 1978
Vintage Voices Segment 27 w DJ Dario
16. Led Zeppelin: Stairway To Heaven - 1972
Side B – Mr Joe (solo)
1. Mendelson Joe: Born To Cuddle – 1988 *
2. The Sultans Of String: Josie – 2017 *
3. Joe Mendelson: The Canada Song – 1972 *
4. Mendelson Joe: Hollywood Would – 1979 *
5. Mendelson Joe: Good Medicine – 1979 *
6. Mendelson Joe: Advertise – 1979 *
7. Frank Zappa: Peaches en Regalia – 1970
8. Mendelson Joe: Jack Frost – 1980 *
9. Mendelson Joe: Aerodynamic – 1981 *
10. Mendelson Joe: Not Safe – 1982 *
11. Mendelson Joe: The Loon – 1986 *
12. Lorne Lofsky & Ed Bickert: The Cupbearers – 1985 *
13. Mendelson Joe: Goo – 1988 *
14. Mendelson Joe: Puke (He Makes Me) – 2010 *
15. Mendelson Joe: Deemo Crassy – 2012 *
16. Ronnie Ross Quintet: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes – 1958
17. Mendelson Joe: Everything is Weird – 1979 *
*CanCon – 82%
And Now for The Particulars
RIP Mendelson Joe aka Birrel Josef Mendelson
b. July 30, 1944 Maple, Ontario / d. February 7, 2023 Ontario
Musician / Painter / Writer / Thinker / Truth Sayer
Side A – Mainline
1. Joe Pass: ‘Round Midnight
(Monk / Williams / Hanighen)
Virtuoso: Pablo Records – 2310 708
Johnstown PA
Joe Pass: guitar
Produced by Norman Granz, 1973
Recorded by Dennis Sands at MGM Recording Studios, Los Angeles
Joseph Anthony Jacobi Passalaqua b. Jan 13, 1929 New Brunswick NJ / d. May 23, 1994 (65) LA
I attended a Fugs concert with Geddy Lee at Toronto’s Massey
Hall in October, 1968 and the opening act was the McKenna Mendelson Mainline
who blew us away. And that was to be the final gig that bassist Denny Gerrard
would play with them. He was replaced by Mike Harrison, just out of ‘Grant
Smith and The Power’, in time for the Stink album.
Beltmaker and Security guard at Mr. Casual, Hank Davidson’s store in the Colonnade, Toronto
2. McKenna Mendelson Mainline: Beltmaker
(Mendelson Joe)
Stink: Liberty LBS 83251
Toronto, ON
Mike McKenna: electric guitar
Mendelson Joe: guitar, harmonica, vocals
Tony Nolasco: drums
Mike Harrison: bass
Produced by Liberty Records Staff
Recorded in London UK, June 11, 1969
Put an ad in the paper after leaving Luke & The Apostles. Joe answered
and formed MMM in the summer of 1968. First big billing was opening for the
Fugs at Massey Hall. Played the Rock Pile a few times (Attack of the 50 Foot
Penis) before relocating to London, England. Starved for 6 months, culminating
in the recording of Stink by Liberty Records, UK. All original songs by Joe.
3. McKenna Mendelson Mainline: She’s Alright
(Joe Mendelson)
45 single bw Better Watch Out: Liberty Records F-56120
Toronto ON
Mike McKenna: lead guitar
Joe Mendelson aka Mendelson Joe: lead vocal, guitar
Tony Nolasco: drums
Michael Harrison: bass
Produced by Liberty Records House Staff, 1969
Still one of the best bands Canada has ever produced. This is from their single, produced in mono!
4. Mainline: One Way Ticket
(Mendelson Joe)
McKenna Mendelson Mainline: Stink:Liberty Records LBS 83251
Toronto
Mike Mckenna: guitar
Joe Mendelson: acoustic guitar, harmonica, piano, vocals
Tony Nolasco: drums
Mike Harrison: bass & ape
Produced by Liberty Records house staff, 1969
Recorded at Liberty Records, London UK June 11, 1969
This was the first truly great Toronto based record of original Canadian
classics, recorded in London, England. It quickly became one of the most
popular Canadian albums sold in Canada. Having replaced Denny Gerrard, their
original bass player after only three gigs – the last being their Massey
Hall debut, opening for The Fugs – the band decided to relocate to the UK
in a reverse invasion and were hailed by the music press.
The band played their first European show at the Utrecht Pop Festival, December
1968, filling a prime timeslot vacated by the Jimi Hendrix Experience. However,
after starving for six months and getting a bit homesick, they returned to
Toronto shortly after the Stink album was released. Side One ends with Mendelson
Joe recounting how he was nearly mugged in Soho and got a bit freaked out.
The ‘Stink’ album was a cult hit, in fact, I’ve seen the album in second hand stores in the UK, going for 20 Pounds.
5. McKenna Mendelson Mainline: Drive You
(Mendelson Joe)
Stink: Liberty LBS 83251
Toronto, ON
Mike McKenna, electric slide guitar
Mendleson Joe: guitar, harmonica, vocals
Tony Nolasco: drums
Mike Harrison: bass
Produced by Liberty Records Staff, UK, June 11, 1969
6. Return To Forever: Space Circus Pt 1
(Chick Corea)
Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy: Polydor Records 2310 283
Chelsea MA
Chick Corea: keys, percussion
Stan Clarke: bass
Bill Connors: guitars
Lenny White: drums
Produced by Chick Corea, 1973
Recorded at The Record Plant by Shelly Yakus
Mastered at The Master Cutting Room by Tom Robstenek
MMM Released ‘Stink’ in the summer of ’69. It was so well received across
Canada that Jack Boswell, owner of C&W Paragon Records label was talked
into releasing a jam session recorded September ’68 by shady producer John
Irvine. Mr. Joe called it ‘the first Canadian bootleg’. The band never received
a penny for the rights to release it. It was raw, totally natural and fascinating
but Joe hated it.
7. McKenna Mendelson Mainline: Pretty Woman
(Roy Orbison / Bill Dees)
McKenna Mendelson Blues: Paragon Records 15
Toronto
Joe Mendelson: vocals, harmonica, acoustic guitar
Mike McKenna: lead electric guitar
Dennis Gerrard: bass
Tony Nolasco: drums
Produced by John Irvine, 1968
Recorded in Toronto September 5 -9, 1968
Mastered by Spectrum Stereo Services
Following a brief spell playing in The Ugly Ducklings and Luke & The
Apostles, guitarist Mike McKenna put an ad in a local paper (around May
1968) searching for blues enthusiasts interested in forming a band. Local
singer Joe Mendelson answered his ad, and together they came up with the
idea of forming The McKenna Mendelson Mainline.
But first came this bootlegged recording that stayed dormant until Stink
took off. It was recorded live, not in a proper studio, and was so raw that
fans loved it. But the band were totally ripped off and hated the way the
record sounded. The band had only been together for a few weeks when it was
recorded. It has since been remastered for release on CD by Pacemaker.
8. The Esquires: Rave
(Blackwell)
Introducing The Esquires: Capitol Records - T-6075
Ottawa ON
Gary Comeau: lead guitar
Clint Hierlihy: bass
Paul Huot: guitar
Richie Patterson, drums
Produced by Clint Hierlihy, 1964
Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Montreal
First Published in Canada August, 1964
After their return from UK, the band broke up for a few months. When they
got back together, shortening their name to just ‘Mainline’, they replaced
Mike Harrison on bass with maritime country musician Zeke Sheppard. Canada
Our Home And Native Land, the follow-up to Stink, had some hit songs on it
like ‘Get Down To’, ‘I Am Normal’ and ‘Motorcycle’. It was produced by Adam
Mitchell, late of the Paupers.
9. Mainline: I Am Normal
(Mendelson Joe)
Canada Our Home And Native Land: GRT Records 9230-1011
Toronto, Canada
Zeke Sheppard: bass, mandolin, harmonica
Tony Nolasco: drums
Michael McKenna: guitar
Joe Mendelson: guitar, bass, harmonica, vocal
Produced by Adam Mitchell, 1971
Recorded & Mixed by Fred Catero at Pacific
Recording Studio, San Mateo, CA
Recorded April May 1971
Cover Art: David Andoff
10. Mainline: Motorcycle
(Mendelson Joe)
Canada Our Home And Native Land: GRT Records 9230-1011
Toronto Ontario Canada
Zeke sheppard: bass
Tony Nolasco: drums
Mike McKenna: lead guitar
Joe Mendelson: guitar, harmonica, vocal
Produced by Adam Mitchell, 1971
Recorded by Fred Catero at Pacific Recording Studio, San Mateo CA
Recorded April – May, 1971
Cover Art: David Andoff
11. Mainline: One Time Loser
(Joe Mendelson)
Canada Our Home And Native Land: GRT Records 9230-1011
Toronto Ontario Canada
Zeke sheppard: bass, mandolin
Tony Nolasco: drums
Mike McKenna: lead guitar
Joe Mendelson: guitar, harmonica, vocal
Produced by Adam Mitchell, 1971
Recorded by Fred Catero at Pacific Recording Studio, San Mateo CA April – May 1971
Cover Art: David Andoff
12. John McLaughlin: Dragon Song
(John McLaughlin)
Devotion: Douglas Records 4
Doncaster UK
John McLaughlin: guitar
Buddy Miles: drums
Harry Young: keys
Billy Rich; bass
Produced by Alan Douglas and Stefan Bright, 1970
As Mainline, the band released two albums, ‘Our Home And Native Land’ and
the live ‘Bump n’ Grind Revue’, recorded at the classless Victory Burlesque
Theatre on Spadina Ave as a Moses Znaimer simulcast broadcast on CHUM-FM
with strippers. Comedian Joey Bishop’s brother, Rommy, was the MC. By this
time, Mendelson Joe was a well-known entity in Toronto, driving his big motorbike
down Ossington Avenue (usually with a guitar hanging off his back). I’m not
too sure who’s motorcycle was recorded to accompany this song.
13. Mainline: Game of Love
(Mendelson Joe)
The Mainline Bump n Grind Revue: GRT Records 9230-1015
Toronto ON
Mendelson Joe: guitar, vocals
Michael McKenna: guitar
Tony Nolasco: drums
Ted Purdy: bass
Ronnie Jacobs: horns
Zeke Sheppard: harmonica, vocals
Adam Mitchel: harmonium
Daisy DeBolt: vocals
Leo Trotter: tenor sax
Rummy Bishop: Announcer
Produced by Adam Mitchell, 1972
Recorded by Jay Messina, Carmine Rubino, Jack Douglas & Frqank Huback
w Record Plants Mobile, live at The Victory Burlesk theater, Toronto
14. Mainline: Dictator
(Joe Mendelson)
No Substitute: Taurus Records – TR 103
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Joe Mendelson: vocals, guitars, harmonica, drums
Michael McKenna: guitar
Adam Mitchell: mandolin, percussion
Produced by Adam Mitchell & Mendelson Joe, 1975
Recorded by Alan Thorne at Thunder Sound, Toronto
Mastered at Sterling Sound, NYC
The 1975 Reunion LP ‘No Substitute’, was hardly that. It was more like a
Joe solo album featuring Joe singing Joe songs, playing most of the instruments
with Mike McKenna on electric guitar. It was a companion LP recorded around
the same time as Joe’s second solo album, Sophisto in 1975. Photographs on
No Substitute by Mr. Casual, Hank Reuben Davidson.
1975 was also the year that Mr Joe found some paints in the garbage and decided
to see what he could do with them. From then on, when he performed, he wore
overalls with shorts that were covered in paint. He refused to perform anywhere
where smoking was permitted. He used to play at small venues, like The Ritz,
with Colin Linden who looked like father and son.
15. Jon Hassell: Ba Benzélé
(Jon Hassell)
Music & Rhythm: Passport Records - PD 7501
Toronto ON
Jon Hassell: trumpet
Michael Brook: mbira
Aiyb Dieng: talking drum
Brian Eno: synths
Produced by Jon Hassell, 1981
Recorded at Ontario College of Art November 14, 1982 by Paul Fitzgerald
Live Mix: Richard Henderson
Remix by Michael Brook
Jon Hassell b. March 22, 1937 Memphis, TN
Vintage Voices Segment no. 27
DJ Dario and Laura Gillis
16. Led Zeppelin: Stairway To Heaven
(Jimmy Page / Robert Plant)
Untitled: Atlantic Records – SD 7208
London
Jimmy Page: guitars
Robert Plant: vocals
John Paul Jones: bass, keys, recorder
John Bonham: drums
Produced by Jimmy Page, 1971
Mastered and mixed by Jimmy Page
Side B – Mr Joe
1. Mendelson Joe & The Shuffle Demons: Born To Cuddle
(Mendelson Joe)
Born To Cuddle: Anthem Records – A1-1056
Toronto ON
Mendleson Joe: guitar, bass, percussion, harmonica, vocals
Dave Parker: tenor sax
Mike Murley: tenor sax
Jim Vivian: double bass
Richard Underhill: also / baritone saxes
Stitch Wynston: drums
Janice Powers: keys
Ben Mink: violin, mandolin
Colin Linden: guitar, bass, percussion
Produced by Colin Linden with Mendelson Joe, 1988
Recorded by Bob Doidge at Grant Avenue Studio, Hamilton
Mixed by John Whynot and Colin Linden
Dedicated with Great Respect to Margaret Laurence
Tell Above Ground Arts and Gwartzmans, getting Joe on my show 1990. 20 years
later (after I recovered) I had him on again and he was in top form. Even
complimented me for doing my homework and started writing me letters. Even
sent me a book about Psychopaths called ‘Without Conscience” by Robert D.
Hare, PhD
Mr. Joe has recorded some fine albums since leaving Mainline in the early
70s. But this one was one of the best! It was the brainchild of Geddy Lee
who wanted Joe on Rush’s label, Anthem Records. Utilizing the incredible
violin playing of Ben Mink and Production wizardry of Colin Linden, who also
supplies bass and guitar. But the real stars on this album (other than Mr.
Joe) are the Shuffle Demons. That's what sets this particular album apart.
And it worked so well!
2. Sultans of String: Josie
(Sultans of String)
Ten Years Of Music: Fiddlefire Records MKC 2070
Toronto ON
Kevin Laliberté: flamenco guitar
Chris McKhool: violin
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 Mastering
3. Joe Mendelson: Canada Song
(JB Mendelson)
Mr Middle of the Road: Nobody Records 9230-1027
Emsdale ON
Mendelson Joe: guitar, foot, vocals
Produced by Mendelson Joe (as Joe Mendelson), 1972
Recorded at Eastern Sound, Toronto by Stuart Taylor
From Joe’s first solo album, released as Joe Mendelson (as was Sophisto) just after Mainline broke up for good.
4. Mendelson Joe: Hollywood Would
(Mendelson Joe)
Not Homogenized: Boot Records BRP 2104
Emsdale ON
Mendelson Joe: Vocals, guitar, foot, harmonica
Edward William Purdy: bass, keys, guitars, bass drum, synths
Jorn Andersen: drums, percussion
Ben Mink: violin, mandolin
Gord Neave: drums, percussion
Dianne Heatherington: bg vocals
Produced by Edward William Purdy & Mendelson Joe, 1979
Recorded by Daniel Lanois at Grant Avenue Studios, Hamilton ON
Mastered at JAMF, Toronto
Joe signed a three LP deal with Stompin’ Tom’s Boot Record label, releasing
three great albums in three years. Excellent production and performances
by Joe and his backup players. Not Homogenized was produced by Daniel Lanois
at Grant Avenue Studios in Hamilton. The Boot LPs also saw the first collaboration
between Joe and Colin Linden which went on to last through the 1980s.
5. Mendelson Joe: Good Medicine
(JB Mendelson)
Let’s Party: Boot Records – BRP 2110
Emsdale ON
Mendelson Joe: vocal, guitar, harmonica, foot
Colin Linden: guitars
David R Hayes: bass
Bruce A Moffet: drums
Laurie Conger: Keys
Danny Greenspoon: guitar
Amos Garrett: guitar
Dianne Heatherington, Nancy White: vocals
Produced by Mendelson Joe & Colin Linden, 1981
Recorded by Danny Greenpsoon at Inception Sound, Toronto
Mastered by George Graves at Lacquer Channel, Toronto
6. Mendelson Joe: Advertise
(Mendelson Joe)
Jack Frost: Boot Records - BRP-2109
Emsdale, ON
Mendelson Joe: vocals, guitar, foot stomping
Edward Purdy: bass, guitars, synths
Colin Linden: guitars
Bucky Berger: drums
Gord Neave: drums
Hazel Walker: vocals
Produced by Mendelson Joe & Edward William Purdy, 1980
Recorded by Daniel Lanois at Grant Avenue Studios, Hamilton & Doug McClement at Comfort Sound, Toronto
Mastered by George Graves at Lacquer Channel, toronto
7. Frank Zappa: Peaches en Regalia
(Frank Zappa)
Hot Rats: Bizarre Records / Reprise Records RS 6356
Los Angeles CA
Frank Zappa: guitar, octave bass, percussion
Ian Underwood: piano, oganus maximus, flute, clarinets, sax
Ron Selico: drums
Shuggy Otis: bass
Produced by Frank Zappa, 1969
Recorded by Dick Kunc, Whitney Studios; Jack Hunt, TTG; Cliff Goldstein, TTG; Brian Ingoldsby, Sunset Sound
8. Mendelson Joe: Jack Frost
(M Joe)
Jack Frost: Boot Records - BRP-2109
Emsdale, ON
Mendelson Joe: vocals, guitar, foot stomping
Edward Purdy: bass, guitars, synths
Colin Linden: guitars
Bucky Berger: drums
Gord Neave: drums
Hazel Walker: vocals
Produced by Mendelson Joe & Edward William Purdy, 1980
Recorded by Daniel Lanois at Grant Avenue Studios, Hamilton & Doug McClement at Comfort Sound, Toronto
Mastered by George Graves at Lacquer Channel, toronto
9. Mendelson Joe: Aerodynamic
(Mendelson Joe)
Let’s Party: Boot Records BRP 2110
Emsdale ON
Mendelson Joe: Vocals, guitars, harmonica, foot
Colin Linden: guitars
David Hayes: bass
Bruce Moffet: drums
Lauri Conger: keys
Danny Greenspoon: guitar
Amos Garrett: guitar
Dianne Heatherington, Nancy White: vocals
Anna Marya Smith: party
Produced by Mendelson Joe and Colin Linden, 1981
Recorded by Danny Greenspoon, Inception Sound, Toronto
Mastered by George Graves at Lacquer Channel, Toronto
The cover for ‘Let’s Party’ was a highly controversial painting by Joe of
a cigarette smoking party where all the individuals were portrayed with anus
heads and cigarette hands (with teeth) which was quite revolutionary for
a country music label. The album is one of the strongest, best produced records
of Joe’s career with several memorable songs and a great cast of musicians.
10. Men Mendelson Joe: Not Safe
(Mendelson Joe)
Not Safe: Ind Cassette
Emsdale ON
Mendelson Joe: guitar, vocal
Colin Linden: electric guitar
Produced by Mendelson Joe, 1982
Recorded by John Oswald at The Music Gallery, Toronto
Mostly sold at Ring Music, Toronto
This is from a cassette that was basically only sold at Ring Music, then
located on Harbord St in Toronto signed in gold ink by M Joe. He claimed:
“I put Not Safe out on cassette because no record company would touch it
because it’s not too safe.”
11. Mendelson Joe: The Loon
(JB Mendelson)
Fragile Man: Health Records – CSPS 2690
Emsdale ON
Mendelson Joe: vocal, guitar, foot
Produced by Mendelson Joe & Colin Linden – 1986
Recorded by Brock Fricker live to 2 track digital
Mastered by Joe Finlan
12. Lorne Lofsky & Ed Bickert: The Cupbearers
(Tom McIntosh)
The Quartet of Lorne Lofsky and Ed Bickert and Friends: Unisson Records DDA-1002
Toronto ON / Hochfeld, Manitoba
Lorne Lofsky: guitar (left channel)
Ed Bickert: guitar (right channel)
Neil Swainson: bass
Jerry Fuller: drums
Produced by Bill Hemmerick and Ted OReilly, 1985
Recorded by Ted OReilly, Phil Sheridan and Joe Finlan at McClear Place Studios, Toronto
Following is a set of Joe truths that might just offend some people out there.
Beware. There’s songs about Puke, Cucka Poopoo and Stephen Harper.
13. Mendelson Joe: Goo
(Mendelson Joe)
Born To Cuddle: Anthem Records A1-1056
Toronto ON
Mendelson Joe: guitar, bass, percussion, harmonica, vocals
Colin Linden: guitar, bass, percussion
Produced by Colin Linden with Mendelson Joe, 1988
Recorded by Bob Doidge at Grant Avenue Studio, Hamilton
Mixed by John Whynot and Colin Linden
Dedicated with Great Respect to Margaret Laurence
In the 1970s Mr Joe tried getting a US recording contract but was only offered
horrible management deals which were a waste of time. After releasing a couple
of cool albums that flopped, Joe went into the studio for Rush’s manager,
Ray Danniels, who had recently established SRO management and Taurus Records.
Geddy Lee was always a fan of Joe’s so the scene was set to release the Mainline
Reunion album and a solo one by Joe. After that he recorded some of his best
albums for Boot Records (Stompin’ Tom), then did some indie cassettes before
being picked up, this time for Anthem Records. Excellently produced by one
of Joe’s protégés, Colin Linden, and utilizing the resources of the Shuffle
Demons to back him up, this album got Joe a lot of attention but not a lot
of record sales.
In 2000, Joe published his biography entitled ‘Alien: Strange Life and Times of Mendelson Joe on ECW Press, Toronto.
14. Mendelson Joe: Puke (He Makes Me)
(JB Mendelson)
Spoiled Bratland: Old Bold Records - No Serial
Emsdale ON
Mendelson Joe: guitar, foot, vocals
Produced by Mendleson Joe - 2010
Mastered by Michael D'Amico
15. Mendelson Joe: Deemo Crassy
(JB Mendelson)
Canuckian: Ind.
Emsdale, ON
Mendelson Joe: guitar, foot, vocals
Produced by Mendelson Joe, 2012
Recorded by Andre Wahl
Mastered by Brock Fricker
16. Ronnie Ross Quintet: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(Jerome Kern)
Stompin' With The Ronnie Ross Quintet: Ember Records International Ltd – EMB 3323
London UK
Baritone Sax: Ronnie Ross
Bass – Pete Blannin
Drums – Andy White
Trombone, Piano – Eddie Harvey
Trumpet, Mellophone – Bert Courtley
Produced 1961
Recorded 1958
17. Mendelson Joe: Everything Is Weird
(JB Mendelson)
Not Homogenized: Boot Records – BRP 2104
Emsdale ON
Mendelson Joe: Vocals, guitar, foot, harmonica
Edward William Purdy: bass, keys, guitars, bass drum, synths
Jørn Andersen: drums, percussion
Ben Mink: violin, mandolin
Gord Neave: drums, percussion
Dianne Heatherington: bg vocals
Produced by Edward William Purdy & Mendelson Joe, 1979
Recorded by Daniel Lanois at Grant Avenue Studios, Hamilton ON
Mastered at JAMF, Toronto
Heard over:
