Getting tired of working 2 blogs. Retired now and way busier than ever. Consolidating everything into my main page at http://www.johnlorieh.com. If you want to, please follow me there. The music will be a regular event, mixed in with photos and travel entries. We would love to see you there. This blog will go dark in November.
This Week’s Birthdays in Canadian Music – August 1 to 7, 2021
A busy week for birthdays, so let’s get started. We have so many that we will split things up into 2 posts. I will try and do a second post tomorrow, personal stuff takes precedence.
First up is Andre Gagnon, a pianist, composer and actor who turned 79 on August 1. Born the youngest of 19 children in Saint-Pacome, Quebec, he began composing music at the age of 6. He released his first album in 1974. Among his many accomplishments, he has received Juno Awards for Instrumental Artist Of The Year in 1974 and in 1995. He has released over 40 albums in his career, an incredible catalogue of work. Out of extensive library, I chose “Wow” to showcase and celebrate his birthday.
Second up is Tim Bachman, born August 1, 1951. Have a great day Tim. Tim is a vocalist and guitar player, best known as a member of Brave Belt and Bachman Turner Overdrive. He was a founding member of BTO, which featured, and how cool is this, his brothers Randy and Robbie and Fred Turner. The band went on to sell 30 million records worldwide. He left the band in 1974 and rejoined in 1984 for a reunion tour. To help celebrate, please enjoy my favourite BTO tune, “Blue Collar”.
Garth Hudson celebrated his birthday on August 2. He was born in 1937 and is best known as the keyboardist and sometimes sax player for the immortal group “The Band”. He and Robbie Robertson are the only surviving members of this influential and groundbreaking troupe. His awards are deserving. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Juno Hall Of Fame in Canada, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and is part of Canada’s Walk of Fame. Amazing musical pedigree. Again, a personal favourite, “The Weight”.
This Week’s Birthdays in Canadian Music
We have two birthdays to make note of this week. First a Canadian institution, Geddy Lee (Gary Lee Weinrib), the lead vocalist, bass player and keyboardist for one of Canada’s greatest bands, Rush. He celebrated his 68th birthday on July 29th. He initially joined Rush in 1968, and they began the trek to superstardom. The band is now the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, having been inducted in 2013. The song I have chosen is Tom Sawyer, one of their finest, and a great showcase for one of the finest voices in rock. Happy birthday Geddy.
The second celebration is for Paul Anka, a Canadian treasure and pioneer. Born on July 30, 1941, Paul is turning 80. An early international star, with hits like, “Put Your Head On My Shoulder”, “(You’re) Having My Baby” and many, many more. In addition to performing, he is also an accomplished songwriter. Among the songs he has written are, the Tonight Show Theme, the English lyrics for Frank Sinatra’s big hit “My Way” and “She’s A Lady”, a Tom Jones signature song. He also co-wrote “This Is It” along with Michael Jackson. Please enjoy another of his major hits “Diana” and wish him happy birthday.
The MapleList Number 942 – Malajube
And we are back. Today’s MapleList group is Malajube, our first Francophone member, number 942. Canada is officially a bilingual country, French and English. The province of Quebec is the centre of Canada’s Francophone culture.
Malajube was formed in the early 2000’s in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. Their first album was released in 2004 and received instant rave reviews and became staples of the Quebec radio scene. The album is titled “Le Compte complet” and is worthy of a listen.
Prior to going on hiatus, the band consisted of:
Julien Mineau – Vocals, lyrics and guitar
Francis Mineau – Drums
Mathieu Cournoyer – Bass
Thomas Augustin – Keyboards and vocals
On the awards front, the band was short-listed for the 2006 and 2009 Polaris Music Award and has garnered 3 Felix Awards, the Quebec Music Awards.
I have chosen a live version of a very catchy alternative tune, “Montreal -40°C”. Enjoy, great song.
This Week’s Birthdays in Canadian Music
Happy birthday to Mike McKenna, born on April 15th a few years ago. He has an extensive CV in Canadian music. A short list of bands he has been with over the years are listed here.
- Luke and The Apostles
- The Ugly Ducklings
- McKenna Mendelson Mainline
- Mainline
- Downchild Blues Band
- The Guess Who (After Burton Cummings left)
The track I have selected is from McKenna Mendelson Mainline’s debut album, “Stink”, released in 1969. The track is “One Way Ticket”. It holds up well.
