Lou Molinaro

CHRISTMAS in May.

 
Howdy Folks...
 
Hope you are all doing well.  I have to tell you that I have been extremely busy working on shows for the upcoming weeks.  For an example, Brian Auger will be appearing at Club Absinthe on Thursday June 7th.  Richard Lloyd of the infamous band Television will be playing on May 11th at Club Absinthe, and the proto-type Punk Rock Guitar slinger - Cheetah Chrome visits Club Absinthe on June 22nd.  How cool are these shows?????????????
 
On April 11th, I had the pleasure of interviewing Bob Bryden in support of a Revived version of the incredible Psyche band Christmas. 
 
As you know, I am originally from Oshawa.  So where Christmas. As a kid, I thought that Christmas were world famous.  I remember going into a record store called Wilson & Lee (long before the days of Star Records) and seeing these 8x10 glossy pics of Christmas on their walls. 
 
As a kid, I believed that if you had a promo glossy on the walls of Wilson & Lee, then you were a somebody.  Looking back, I recall acts like Rush (with John Rutsey, not Neil Peart), Thundermug, Triumph, Mainline, and Shirley Eikhard on their walls.  Oh, I must tell you that this is circa 1974 - 1975.
 
Having Bob Bryden come visit me on my radio show and speak about Christmas was a personal treat.  I remember buying a Christmas record called LIES TO LIVE BY, and not really understanding that genre of music.  You must remember at that time, I was 10 years old, 11 max.  I bought the record because of the Wilson & Lee wall of fame.  However later on, I appreciated so much more about a band that I personally think was the Canadian Prog Rock prototype. 
 
My grade 11 Computer Science Teacher, Mr. Lafrance told me to get the 1st Christmas record because the live pic on the back of the record jacket was taken at Oshawa Central Collegiate Institute.  He also mentioned that the record was quite trippy. I attended OCCI from 1978 - 1983. 
 
On April 11th, Christmas Revived included Gaven Dianda (Double Feature Creatures, Flashing Lights, The Satisfaction, The Saffron Sect), Katie Iarocci (The Flamingo Go's & The Saffron Sect) plus 2 other members from the Saffron Sect - sorry....bad memory!
 
The show was in support of San Fran's garage blues icons BLUE CHEER.
 
Christmas Revived were amazing.  The energy that Bob Bryden and company displayed was genuine honest Psyche energy.  You know, the kind of energy that makes wallpaper jiggle.  Most of the set was from the HERITAGE album.  However there were a few surprises from Reign Ghost (Bob Bryden's previous band before Christmas).  I also think that they performed a track from Christmas' debut record.  Oh, for all of you record collectors, this debut record was just sold on E-Bay for close to $2500.00 US!!!!
 
I spoke with Bob after the show and told him that there was so much magic that happened on stage.  I think that this reformation is a no brainer.  Gaven Dianda was brilliant adding his own chops where Bob Bulger used to rip into timeless guitar trips. 
 
I would highly recommend seeing this revival next time they are in town.  Also, knowing Bob fairly well, he let me in on a bit of a secret.  Yet to be revealed.
 
Lou "Bustin' Out Tonight" Molinaro
 

THE SAM LAWRENCE 5 - Hamilton Should Be Proud

.
 
This past Friday, April 6th, the Sam Lawrence 5 hosted their 5th annual Joe Strummer Tribute.  Glen The Hamilton Kid (Fellow Jamilton Blog Author), Rob The Champ, and Diky Llibakcor once again put their hearts out for all the right reasons.
 
If you do not know who Joe Strummer is, then perhaps none of my postings should make any sense to you, whatsoever. 
 
The trio known as the Sam Lawrence 5 (number pertains to more beer tickets per "band" member...or so the myth goes)  are the Hosts of STEELCITY ROCKERS.  Each year, these dudes call upon their fellow Hamilton musicians and ask them to perform Clash/Strummer songs for the cause of the evening.  For the past few years, The SL5 have been donating gate receipts to local school music programs.  Musical enrichment at the grade school level is an area that the SL5 are very much in support of. 
 
On April 4th, I was invited to a Sam Lawrence 5/ Joe Strummer rehearsal.  They visit a downtown locale, weekly, for their own material.  However, for the past few months, The SL5 have shifted their personal lives to the back of the ice box.  They meet 2-3 times per week, and solidify their interpretations on the multitude of Strummer and Clash picks.  Local musicians who participate in this event submit song titles to the Five - and in return, The SL5 become the musical backbone for these special guests.
 
So, as I was enjoying a room warm Steeler beer during the SL5 practice, I was reminded once again of Hamilton Pride.  Three Hamilton Punks (aka Sam Lawrence 5) reach out and make a change in our city.  There are still folks who do not like the "real' punk culture, generations, or ethics.  In 2007, there are still people who tag Punk with negativity. 
 
People of the World........How can you tag any sort of negative label towards a group of musicians and fans that believe in community support?  Should I remind you of the plethora of Punk Bands that also support Anti-Racism causes?
 
Folks, I am aware of the fact that there are plenty of other musical genres that give and support proudly.  However, I am only trying to make a point that Good Ol' Punk Rock deserves to be shifted in everyone's A-Team category.
 
The Sam Lawrence 5 are the classic example of Working Class Heroes, whose ethics are pure.  They also represent culture, art, generosity, and passion.  While their wallets are not padded enough to give financially, they give with the priceless talents that they were born with. 
 
Guests who participated this year were:
 
Bob Bryden
Members of Problem Children and Wet Spots
Buckshot Bebee
The Responsibles
Chris Houston
Tim Gibbons
Mark Foley
Bob Lanois
Marble Index
Sean Royle from High Voltage
The Snot Rockets (who came in from Buffalo NY)
Members of Dik Van Dykes
Burnin' Ethel
Robot Revolution
Members of Spoild Rotten, Darryl Gould, and Riotstar, and many others...
 
Not bad, uh?
 
Congrats once again to the Sam Lawrence 5, as well as to all of you who supported this fine annual cause.
 
Bravo, HAMILTON!!!!
 
Lou Molinaro