Listening To More Jazz Lately

When it comes to my musical tastes, I generally like listening to rock music which is what I grew up with. As I got older, I got more interested in blues and jazz music. When I was younger and working as a theatre technician, I got to work on all sorts of concerts at the venues I worked at. Jazz music grabbed my attention when I was in college and after once I was tech. My favourite jazz music was by: Manteca, UZEB, The Rippingtons, David Sanborn, and from a hometown artist, Jim Clayton. Jim Clayton released his first CD called "Jim Clayton's Greenhouse - Muskoka" in 1997. Once I got a hold of this disc, I have always loved it. This is one excellent jazz CD! I would recommend it to any jazz fan. Jim Clayton has recorded more music since that first CD but, living here in Sarnia, I find it hard to get good jazz music CDs in the music stores around here. For some reason, the stores just don't stock it because, jazz music is not that popular around this city. I am sure you could find the CD in the music stores in the bigger cities. Jim Clayton is now a native of Toronto, ON. where jazz music rules!

For an excellent review of the Jim Clayton's Greenhouse - Muskoka CD, go to the following link on the jazzreview.com web site.

http://www.jazzreview.com/cdreview.cfm?ID=704

"The Works - From Out Of Nowhere" circa 1989

Hey Everyone,

Does anyone remember a Canadian rock/metal band by the name of "The Works"? Back when I was attending Humber College - Toronto - 1989-90, I was introduced to the band "The Works". I lived next door to Brian Malone, the lead vocalist of the band. Brian was a nice guy and he gave me a stack of free tickets to see "The Works" play at The Diamond Club in Toronto (not sure if that place still exists???) I tried to give away the tickets to anyboby and nobody wanted them so, I just went to the concert myself. The band had released their CD under the name, "From Out of Nowhere" and MuchMusic was playing a couple of their videos in heavy roatation. I thought they were a great band but, most people have never heard of them before. I have been doing web searches to find out where the band members may be hiding these days but, not finding much there. Mostly getting hits for a few people who have the CD in their CD collections. I have even tried finding them on Myspace and Facebook but, still no good hits. If anyone reading this post happens to know of the band and/or know of where the band is now, then please contact me directly and let my know any info. My email address is: rgbehro@hotmail.com

I have posted a couple pics of the front and back of the CD cover for "The Works - From Out Of Nowhere" - 1989 (see pics at top of post)

Cheers!
Ron Behro

Here is an update for this post:

I just found out that the current "Phoenix Concert Theatre" in Toronto, ON is on the same premises as the former "Diamond Club". The Phoenix is located at 410 Sherbourne St. Check out the picture below.

Canadian band "MANTECA" is back!

When it comes to music I mainly listen to rock, classic rock and the blues. I also enjoy listening to some jazz music and have a few favourites. This year one of my favourite Canadian jazz bands got back together after 15 years and recorded a new CD called "Onward". I first discovered Manteca when I attended Humber College in 1989 for Theatre Arts -Technical Production. At that time Manteca was at the height of their career. After listening to their live CD called "Fire Me Up - Live", I was hooked! I found a youtube video of Matt Zimbel, a member of the group talking about the new album "ONWARD". "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome one of Canada's hottest bands....MANTECA!!!

Click this link to see the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CywQWVa6I58