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.
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.
March 29th saw 2 birthdays. First a big happy birthday to Terry Jacks who turned 75. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Terry is most noted for his monster hit, “Concrete Sea”. He also had a major international hit as a member of the Poppy Family with the tune “Which Way You Goin’ Billy’.
Our second birthday wishes go out to Sue Foley, a fine blues guitarist and singer/songwriter. She was born in Ottawa, Ontario 53 years ago. A prolific artist, she has released 15 albums since her debut in 1992. The attached video is an excellent introduction to her work, if you are not acquainted.
Today’s birthdays in Canada’s music scene are Melissa Auf der Maur, who has played in Tinker, Hole, Smashing Pumpkins, Chelsea and The Hand Of Doom and a solo career turning 49 and Grimes (full name Claire Elise Boucher) turning 33. Grimes has 5 albums, 2 EP’s and 11 singles to her credit.
Hope you each has a great day.
The next installment of The Maplelist is Faber Drive at number 121. This group hails from Mission, British Columbia. The band formed in 2004, the current members being lead vocalist Dave Faber, lead guitarist Jordan Pritchett, bass guitarist Jeremy Liddle and drummer Seamus O’Neill. They were discovered by Chad Kroeger of Nickleback and were signed to a record deal with his 604 record label. They released 3 albums on that label. “Seven Second Surgery” in 2007, “Can’t Keep A Secret” in 2009 and “Lost In Paradise” in 2012 Their initial release was an independent EP, “Faber”, that was released in 2006.
The band had some early success, being nominated for a Juno in 2008 as “Best New Group Of The Year”, and won the same category in the Canadian Radio Music Awards.
They faded from sight in about 2014, but have recently been recording, releasing 2 demos in 2020. Good band, a comeback would be welcomed.
To give you a flavor for their sound, I give you the SOCAN number 1 song award winning tune “Tongue Tied”, followed by the very energetic “G-Get Up And Dance”.
And the Canadian artists that won Grammys are:
