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Email us or call 416 941-9905
Toronto or 323 536-6668 Los Angeles ................................. BOB MCPHERSON |
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Bobby
was known as Nimble Fingers. Listen to Workin For the Man and
see why..............Visit the store |
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Toronto Canada: Bob
McPherson - One of the unique things about a band like AC was
the individualism that each member had. Bob was a maticulious
musician. His style was often compared to the likes of Keith
Emmeron, Rick Wakeman and some of the other more progressive
keyboard players. Bob was born in Curacao in the Dutch West Indies,
a small island between Aruba & Bonaire in the Caribbean.
His father was a pilot for KLM and moved them around to Holland,
Montreal, Ottawa and finally Toronto. He grew up in a family
that loved music and sports and his parents actively participated
in his early passion to play professional hockey, which thanks
to a serious ankle injury was not meant to be. His love of all
things musical were mostly honed by his mother who loved the
Hammond B3 and weaned him on the sounds of Earl Grant and Jimmy
Smith (who, Iater had the most profound privilege of doing sound
for, with his jazz quartet that included the late great Buddy
Rich & Stan Getz). His father once suggested to Bob that
he might want to learn how to make a living playing music after
he was fired from a menial job at the Ontario Science Centre
because he would continually be found playing the Hammond L100's
that were there at the time. Toronto's music scene in the late
sixties and early seventies was exploding with so many great
bands and musicians incorporating a blend of Funk and R&B,
they were creating a "Toronto Sound", and Bob wanted
to be a part of it. He quickly found himself pouring all his
energies into playing the B3 like the guys he had heard around
town. He searched out musicians in the Scarborough area where
he lived and began to form bands. Together with Brian
Cotterill they silenced the critics in the neighborhood when
they won the battle of bands at their high school with their
group "The Haymarket Riot". He received a lot of calls
because back then everybody wanted a guy who actually owned a
Hammond, but this one guy asked him where he lived and when Bob
told him he said he would be there in an hour. They barely hung
up the phone when an old ugly green Thames English Ford like
van, full of band gear and the word "Manna"
painted on the side pulled into his driveway. Jimi
and Ron had walked into his life
as though it was meant to be. They began charting out their future
as though it had already been written. Soon after Brian joined
and "Just Us" was born, and the rest is history. |
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I
was listening to the radio station tis morning and the DJ was
asking that if anyone that had Jimmy's ring and necklace brings
it into the radio station they would get a signed album, a poster,
a t-shirt and meet the band. Gee I wish I had the stuff. Your
show last night blew us all away. See you again. Debbie Johnson
- Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. (read more feedback
and send us yours) |
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 30 the cd that contains thirty years of
celebrated songs... some live... some never released... obscure
cuts...interviews...commercial radio ads...everything and anything...pre-production
"Would Mother Approve" pop rock anthem "I Do"
trippy dippy "Maybe Tomorrow" and a version of Strange
Feeling from the AC to Police transition period.... dorky GET IT NOW |
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Information/Write-up
(cont'd from
iUpdate) 5.The original members of Abraham's Children reformed
in 2000 and spent some quality time in Toronto's Amber Studios
with George Semkiw, as well as other sessions on occasion. A
deal was struck with Bullseye Records in 2001 to re-release TIME.
Then in 2004 the band marked it's 30th anniversary with 30, a
collection of Abraham's Children, solo Bertucci and new material
to rave critical reviews.
This Toronto, Ontario group's roots go back to the late sixties
as a band called Just Us and they were later known as Captain
Midnite's Dirty Feet (from an American comic strip), but when
the strip's owners would not allow the use of the name in the
U.S. they adopted the new moniker, Abraham's Children. A 1968
45, The Lovin' Things is also attributed to them.
They basically played melodic pop/rock and Goodbye-Farewell and
Gypsy in particular, were hits (the latter an international one).
These both figured on their album. Indeed, Gypsy was the stand-out
track and one of several melodic pop rockers which included How
To Be A Lady, Thank You and Children's Song. Side two is a little
more progressive and the rockier Woman "O" Woman catches
the ear. Recommended. In 1974 they veered towards a heavier sound
and became known as The Children. Shawn O'Shea formed a new group,
Bang, in 1976, which also featured Ron Bartley. (read
more) |
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 (cont'd from Brians
page)....To think I could be possessed by such a musical
carousel, the surreal spin was frightening. Life as it was, was
no longer. I know this has touches of poetic streams, but the
fact remains that I could think about nothing else, aside from
music. High School was put on the back burner and my struggles
to convince my parents to rescue me from the institutional demands
for my time were finally realized when they signed me out of
the ninth grade. I would soon be in a band that played totally
original music, and gained exposure as the house band at the
El Patio, an underground club that attracted an eccentric crowd.
Our popularity was on the rise and our live appearances were
becoming more frequent and further away from home. We were often
booked in smokey, beer-drinking rooms and no one stopped to ask
how old I was, they just knew I was in the band. One of these
dark, musty, imitation-leather filled spaces would be my nucleus
de la vita. Club 813 was a predominantly Jamaican hangout, and
the smell of curried lamb filled the air away from home. We were
often booked in smokey, beer-drinking rooms and no one stopped
to ask how old I was, they just knew I was in the band. One of
these dark, musty, imitation-leather filled spaces would be my
nucleus de la vita. Club 813 was a predominantly Jamaican hangout,
and the smell of curried lamb filled the air as much as the ganja
and the tunes that four white boys were jamming on stage.away
from home. We were often booked in smokey, beer-drinking rooms
and no one stopped to ask how old I was, they just knew I was
in the band. One of these dark, musty, imitation-leather filled
spaces would be my nucleus de la vita. Club 813 was a predominantly
Jamaican hangout, and the smell of curried lamb filled the air
as much as the ganja and the tunes that four white boys were
jamming on stage...(read more) |
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Jimi B |
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Shawn O'Shea |
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What is Bobby doing? |
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Order it on iTunes
it has all the great songs... |
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 Elton John Saves The Day (cont'd from Jimi page)...The
taxi dropped me off at "Eastern Sound" an upper crust
studio located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Canada. It was
the Rodeo district of TO as they called it. Expensive cars, clothes
and women that just walked out of a Cosmopolitan ad. I tipped
the cab driver well, only because I didn't have a smaller bill
and besides the driver thought I was some important rock star.
As I approached the gate of the recording studio, I noticed this
huge mountain of a man standing tall and protective... or so
he appeared. I walked towards him and attempted to go around
him; he quickly pushed me away and said, "No one is to enter
the building".1 tried to explain to him that I was 2 hours
late for my session, and that the record company United Artists
was not happy with me. He told me to get lost. We started arguing
and at one point I made another attempt to go around him; once
again he pushed me, except this time I pushed him back. This
annoyed the giant and he began to get very physical with me.
Web exchanged a few punches, which I can attest he got the best
of me. I was probably half his size.A crowd was starting to gather
and as I looked up...(read more)
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It was an experience
in the studio. You think about the idea of possibly venturing
out once again. You listen to the creative songs we would challenge
once again and say damn they are good. Watch the video.>>> |
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"Goodbye
Farewell" |
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NOT!!! |
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Bubblegum hits might prove their lasting power
by remaining on top of national charts, but this is not the only
way to show just how timeless the essence of certain talented
musical artists and their work can be. Abraham's Children
saw their heyday back in the seventies when they broke out
of the Canadian rock scene with multiple radio friendly hits
(which are still being played frequently up in the great white
north) and had the opportunity to perform their act world-wide
to millions of fans. In fact, "The Fab-Four of Canada"
are looking to reunite for another tour to promote their newly
released Best Of Album. Unfortunately they missed out on the
chance to give back to Toronto last month at the huge SARS benefit
led by such notable acts as The Rolling Stones, The Guess
Who and Rush. Neverless, they are still in demand as cd orders
are rolling in from all over the globe. Everyone wants to taste
the nostalgia thickly embedded in this classic masterpiece...the
fat lady hasn't sung and it's not over yet...(courtesy) Ciao
Magazine California August 2003 |
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This message is for Bob. I know you probably
get a ton of emails and messages. I feel foolish writing at my
age now. I met you years ago at a concert in Regina Saskatchewan,
don't worry you were a complete gentleman. After the concert
you invited myself and a friend back to your hotel for drinks.
We talked for a couple of hours and you had your road manager
drive us home I thought that was really nice of you. I always
tell my kids about your amazing show at the Arts Center. Hope
life is good for you. Best regards Janice M. Regina Sask. |
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AIRPORTS
GREAT PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH WE WOULD OFTEN RUN INTO FANS... |
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Hi Bob hope this finds its way
to you. Do you remember playing the Mandarin in Regina. We met
there, I believe Abraham's Children was playing for a couple
of shows and I saw both of them. Thanks for taking the time to
talk with me. That was really nice. Ruth F. Regina Saskatchewan |
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 Whether you are producing
a multi-million dollar commercial or a small budget film, James
Bert Publishing can
provide a catalog of songs and music that can compliment the
end results.Since 1973 we have been providing hit-making music.
Drop us an email and let us be part of
your next winning project. Or call us in Toronto 416 941-9905 |
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Feb. 3 1973
"GYPSY"
#119 Bubbling under
the HOT100
March 10, 1973
Abraham's Children
scored their biggest hit when Gypsy peaked in the Canadian top
10. |
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Long time my friend.
Hope all is well. Would love to see you play sometime when your
in town...I'm guessing 40 years since 70 Hucknall..
I'll never forget sitting outside your basement door listening
to you guys rehearse.Rick R. Canada. |
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Bobby was one of
my all time favourite rock stars. I loved watching them on Musical
Friends with their outrages outfits and colorful shoes. Hope
you come back to Montreal. Your friend and fan Monique LaSalle
- Quebec City, Quebec (read more feedback) |
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This is one of the very few
sites that offers exclusive items and music of Abraham's Children
and Jimi Bertucci (more) |
I know that Brian Cotteril
had passed away a couple of years ago I was able to see him and
jam with him. Does anyone know what happened to Bob McPherson
would,nt mind getting in touch with him tried all the Agincourt
people.
Thanks Eugene |
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I was listening to Workin for
the man trying to figure out you break. It's awesome, I have
the first part and after that can't seem to get it all.
Oh well I will keep trying. Your show in Montreal was great.
Gil M. Trios Rivieres ADVICE By Briaakil |
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Bob I thought you were one of
the finest keyboard players around. You always reminded me of
Keith Emmerson, right down to his look. Anyway, God Bless an
old fan. Oscar H. BC |
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GET
THE POETRY... |
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AC rehearsed at least 6 hours a day
in their downtown studio. |
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Hello in there, My Name is
Chris and I found a 45
from my dad's collection that has become a summer national anthem
to me and my friends. Hot Love (Paul Gross) by CAPT'N MIDNITES'
DIRTY FEET produced by Alan Caddy and distributed by Avenue of
America Recordings. I am interested in finding a recording that
may be a little better than my 45. Elusive search led me here.
Do you have any information that may help?
Cordially (in the summer time),
Chris Blasciuc |
Hi there, What was the original
name of the band? And why can you not find their
song Hot Love (In the Summertime) anywhere? Haven't heard it
in
decades but remember it had a cool mood. Is there a download
of it
somewhere. Thanks.
Jon Boyd |
Jon & Rose
Boyd
Re: Hot Love
The original name of the band was Captain Midnites Dirty Feat.
Hot Love was released as the groups first single. When the band
changed it's name (because of legal reasons) to Abraham's Children
The song was re-released as the flip side to "Goodbye Farewell
" the bands first international hit. Hot Love is available
at www.thechildrenrock.com
Visit
the site and get the facts and history of Canada's Fab 4
Thank you for your enquiry.
Jonathan Greene V.P. Promotions |
Alfie Loreti
Toronto Ontario Canada
Looking forward to receiving the sticker it will be appreciated
and treasured. talk2us |
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YOUR AD HERE |
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Michael Childs
Michael Childs Goddess of Nature
Probably one of the most popular song of that time from the canadian
pop music.?YT |
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