|
|
 MANNA (continued from jimi page)
They sat down and ordered ginger ales and cokes. The boys were
still a bit too young to indulge in the brews. Jimi walked up
to the owner, an older gentleman, and said, " what you need
here is a band like ours to attract an audience". "Really"
replied the owner. "Yes and we are the ones to do it"
said Jimi. "I tell you what, you guys bring your instruments
in tomorrow night and we'll see what you sound like, no money
understand, just free drinks", stated the owner. "
You have a deal ", Jimi said with a smile. He walked over
to Chet and Bruce and told them the exciting news. The next evening
the band arrived with a bunch of enthused friends. You could
see by the look on the owners face that he was pleased to have
people in his establishment. The band set up and the crowd showed
their appreciation from the get go. The band's music was young
and fresh and, looking over, you could see that the old Greek
owner had a smile of approval even though he kept saying it was
too loud for such a small place. Soon people would come down
off the streets to see what all the excitement was about. Needless
to say, the band was a hit at the El Patio. Over the next few
weeks the crowds would increase and the boys were actually getting
paid. When we spoke to Jimi about the Yorkville days he had this
to say. " It was a music revolution happening right before
our eyes. The Toronto scene was beginning. This would truly be
the start of what would later become musical history. I saw Joni
Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Coburn and so many incredible
performers. My biggest thrill occurred during our breaks when
I would go outside and sit with Neil Young and sometimes smoke
a joint, yes that's true. It was not uncommon for people to be
walking around the village smoking at that time. The flower power
was definitely among us." Manna continued to play many gigs
but, like most bands, internal problems would soon bring their
demise. Jimi Chet and Bruce had a reunion in 2006 that brought
them to George Semkiw's studio. They recorded only one song for
old times and they plan on getting together to work on some more
tracks. We wait and see. If you have any photos of Manna we would
be interested in seeing them. |
 Toronto
Canada: Ron
Bartley has been around music since before he was born. His parents
were the hit-making duo known as the Singing Sweethearts who
performed across the country. At a very young age Ron would pick
up his dad's Gibson Hummingbird guitar and mimic entertainers
such as Elvis,...(more) |
 Hello,
- If any of the members of AC are reading this, I certainly do
not expect them to remember me. Back in the ealry '70's AC came
to St. John's, NL for a concert at the local Arts and Culture
Center. Shortly after that, they returned to St. John's for a
series of gigs at a place called The Bella Vista. I hung out
with the band for those nights (I do believe they played for
3-4 nights) and got to know the lads. I still have their original
AC vinyl with Gypsy and Goodbye Fairwell cuts. Recently as I
was surfing on the internet I typed in the band's name (not thinking
for a minute that they were still together). To my pleasant surprize,
I discovered that they r still touring. I also understand that
they may be in St. John's for a concert. Is this correct? Like
I mentioned previously, I don't expect them to know me (Rick
is my name). I was a young kid who loved their music and saw
them each night they played here many many years ago. I hope
that you can give me some information about if and when they
're touring in our province. I also recollect that there was
a fifth member (guitar player who, if my memory recalls, jammed
with the Alice Cooper Band in the '70's). Anyways, hope to hear
from the lads if they come to "The Rock."Rick |
|
|