1980scanadianmusic

Earl Johnson, co-founder, guitar player and songwriter for Moxy, founder of the band TRIBZ. In this raw and revealing chat with host Dan Hare Earl shares: experiences from the early days of Moxy, including why he was kicked out of the recording session for the bands first album; internal band pressures and record company problems; the beautiful song he wrote for his late wife; what he discovered during the pandemic; forming the band TRIBZ and why that is important to him, and much more. Find out about Earl and TRIBZ @tribzmusic.com

Errol Starr Francis is a Juno award-winning singer/songwriter, sound engineer, producer, SOCAN songwriter of the year recipient, multi award-winner for TV and radio production, founder of Spa Music Stream and Peace Troubador. Errol may be best know for his 1989 hit song ‘Angel’, and in this chat with host Dan Hare, he talks about this and other hits songs from the ‘80s plus much more about his multifaceted 35 year music career including details on an upcoming documentary and his current band TRIBZ. Check out Errol @errolstarrfrancis.com, spamusicstream.com and tribzmusic.com

This is the 21st episode of our special series ‘Guest Glimpses’, short bits from longer conversations with previous guests. You’ll hear about 10 minutes of each guest’s 60+ minute chat with show host Dan Hare. Featured guests this week are:

LENNY SOLOMON - Jazz, pop, violinist, composer and studio musician who may be best known as the co-founder of the Juno award-winning folk-pop music group Myles and Lenny. In this short bit Lenny talks about: his use of the violin in pop music and why that was unique in the ‘70s; hanging out with Mick Jagger; creating albums, and more.

KEITH BROWN - author of the book 'Truly Unfamous', former president of Aquarius Records, and former tour manager for Donald K. Donald Productions. In this clip Keith shares tales from his book; unravels the mystic of Donald K. Donald; talks about life on the road with some famous Canadian bands, and more.

FRANK TROIANO AND MARK DOBLE - Frank, brother of the late Dominic Troiano and his former road manager, and Mark, author and Canadian music expert are co-authors of the book ‘ Domenic Troiano - His Life & Music!’. In this bit the two discuss: how and why the book was written; how beloved Dom was as a person and musician; the close connection between Dom and Frank, and more.

BOB BUCKLEY - composer, arranger, performer, producer, recording artist and conductor. He and his band Straight Lines had a number one single with ‘Letting Go’ which also won him a gold record. In this clip Bob talks about: teaching himself to write for orchestras when he was just 12 years old; combining orchestral music with contemporary rock and roll music; the formation of Straight Lines and the recording of the song, and more.

LISTEN to the full interview with each guest @linernotes.ca.

Sylvia Tyson is a legend in the Canadian music scene. She is a singer, songwriter, novelist, Order of Canada recipient, Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee and seven time Juno nominee. She was part of the duo Ian and Sylvia ('Four Strong Winds') with her then husband Ian Tyson but has also had a successful career as a solo artist and as a member of the group Quartette’. In this chat with host Dan Hare Sylvia talks about: her legendary career including the huge success of her first song 'You Were On My Mind' for the band We Five; her ‘play it as it lays’ approach to life and songwriting; her new album and final album 'At The End Of The Day’ (coming Nov. 3rd), and much, much more. Find out more about Sylvia HERE.

This is the 20th episode of our special series ‘Guest Glimpses’, short bits from longer conversations with previous guests. You’ll hear about 10 minutes of each guest’s 60+ minute chat with show host Dan Hare. Featured guests this week are:

GIL MOORE - drummer/singer and co-founder of the award-winning and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee band, Triumph. In this clip Gil talks drumming, the athleticism of Triumph as a ‘power trio’, the tool Triumph used to enjoy the ride, and more.

GRAHAM SHAW - composer, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, Juno award-winner and founder of the band The Sincere Serenaders. In this bit Graham talks about replacing Burton Cummings in The Devron’s, how living in L.A. is like being at an exhibition, and more.

TOM LAVIN - guitarist, vocalist, front man and founding member of the Juno award-winning and legendary Powder Blues Band. In this clip Tom shares why he moved from Chicago to Canada, the early Chicago music scene, and more.

BOB KLANAC & NICK PANASEIKO - journalist Bob Klanac, author of ‘Promo Man: Backstage Tales From the Vinyl Jungle’ and Nick Panaseiko, the promo man himself. In this bit Bob and Nick share how Nick created the term ‘promo man, Nick’s ‘tricks’ to promoting Kiss songs on radio and more.

Listen to the full interview with each guest @linernotes.ca

This is the 19th episode of our special series ‘Guest Glimpses’, short bits from longer conversations with previous guests. You’ll hear about 10 minutes of each guest’s 60+ minute chat with show host Dan Hare. Featured guests this week are:

CHRIS TAIT - singer-songwriter and producer, best known as the lead singer and guitarist for the gold record selling band Chalk Circle. In this bit Chris talks about how the band got started, getting to the next level and their broad musical style, and more.

JEAN MARC - founder and singer/songwriter for the group The Box. In this clip Jean Marc discusses the influence of French music on the band, why he took over production of the band’s videos, and more.

ANDY CURRAN - singer/songwriter, producer, manager, Juno award-winner and the founding member and bass player for the popular ‘80s rock band Coney Hatch. In this bit Andy shares how instrumental Kim Mitchells was in the success of Coney Hatch, tidbits on how opening for Trooper prepared them for touring with Judas Priest, and more.

GEOFFREY KELLY - recording artist, co-founders and co-songwriter for the band Spirit of the West. In this clip Geoffrey talks about collecting records, how traveling in Europe led him to a music career in Canada, why the band “shook up” folk music, and more.

Listen to the full interview with each guest @linernotes.ca

This is the 18th episode of our special series ‘Guest Glimpses’, short bits from longer conversations with previous guests. You’ll hear about 10 minutes of each guest’s 60+ minute chat with show host Dan Hare. Featured guests this week are:

BARRY MUIR - bass player for The Payolas, Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts, The Blue Shadows and a prolific solo artist. In this bit Barry talks about the ‘70s music scene in his home town of Saskatoon, why his time with The Blue Shadows was the most fulfilling musical years of his career, and more.

BRAD MERRITT - the bass player and co-founder of 54-40. In this bit Brad talks signing with a major U.S. label, how their eclectic sound serves them well, and more.

DREW ARNOTT - vocalist, keyboard player, percussionist and songwriter for the '80s Juno nominated band Strange Advance. In this bit Drew talks about doing lights for Sweeney Todd shows, the superstar performer who help the band land a big record deal, and more.

PAUL ANDREW SMITH - songwriter, and producer, and is best known as the guitarist, keyboard player and vocalist for the band Wednesday. In this bit Paul shares the unique story of how Wednesday formed, meeting Elton John and recording one of his songs, and more.

Listen to the full interview with each guest @linernotes.ca

Frank Mills is an iconic Canadian musician, three time Juno award-winner, two time SOCAN classic award-recipient, keyboardist, composer & arranger of 20 gold/platinum albums, producer, writer, and noted TV host/performer. In this fascinating chat with Dan Hare Frank shares many highlights from his 81 years including: the traumas he experienced as a teen that shaped his life; his connections to Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, Liona Boyd and other artists; how he ended up living in Vermont; his one career regret; why he won’t play in public these days, and so much more. Find out about Frank @ frankmills.com

Geoff Eyre is a drummer/singer best know for his time with The Hometown Band. In this chat with Dan Hare, Geoff talks about: The Edmonton based band he was in as a teenager which opened for The Who, Cream, The McCoys and others; the experience of working with Valdy, Straight Lines and The Headpins; his uncredited work on Terry Jack's biggest hit; playing on The Moody Blues single ‘Your Wildest Dreams’; punching a fellow musician and much more.

This is the 17th episode of our special series ‘Guest Glimpses’, short bits from longer conversations with previous guests. You’ll hear about 10 minutes of each guest’s 60+ minute chat with show host Dan Hare. Featured guests this week are:

CRAIG MCCAW - founding member of The Poppy Family who chats with Dan about meeting and working with Terry and Susan Jacks, and how his sitar playing made its way into Poppy Family songs.

KEITH SHARP - founder of the iconic Canadian music magazine Music Express, shares how an interview with The Stampeders was the catalyst for Music Express and discusses meeting Bryan Adams and being along for his first world tour.

(MR.) ZERO - founding member of The Kings and co-writer of the bands big hit ‘This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide’ tells Dan how he got his name and info on the bands fast rise (and fall) in the U.S. market.

MICHELLE MCADOREY - lead singer and co-founder (along with Blue Rodeo’s Greg Keelor) of Crash Vegas talks about songwriting, the impact the London scene on her as a musician, and her introduction to the dark side of the biz.

Listen to each full interview @ linernotes.ca. Just search for the guest by name.

This is the 16th episode of our special series ‘Guest Glimpses’, short bits from longer conversations with previous guests. You’ll hear about 10 minutes of each guest’s 60+ minute chat with show host Dan Hare. Featured guests this week are:

ROY FORBES (BIM) - is one of Canada’s best known songwriters and performing artists. He is also a producer, film composer, songwriting mentor, radio host and popular music historian. In this bit Roy shares details on how he entered the Vancouver music scene, his connection to John Lee Hooker, Chilliwack and other well-known artists, and more.

GREG FRASER - is the founder and lead guitarist for the Juno nominated ‘80s rock band Brighton Rock. Some highlights Greg shares include what it’s really like to be a touring band, how Brighton Rock formed and where the name came from, and more.

GEORGE BELANGER - is lead vocalist for the hugely popular ‘80s band Harlequin. In this clip George talks about joining Harlequin, becoming “chattel” for CBS records and what that meant, and more.

ANDRES del CASTILLO - is the singer/songwriter behind the Juno-nominated band Eight Seconds, best known for the hit song 'Kiss You (When It's Dangerous)’. Here Andres reveals why learning cover tunes gave him an advantage as a songwriter, where the name Eight Seconds really came from, how winning a local contest provided validation and more.

Listen to the full interview with each guest @linernotes.ca

This is the 15th episode of our special series ‘Guest Glimpses’, short bits from longer conversations with previous guests. You’ll hear about 10 minutes of each guest’s 60+ minute chat with show host Dan Hare. Featured guests this week are:
MYLES GOODWYN - lead singer, songwriter, guitar player of April Wine, discusses his 2016 autobiography; recording and working on hit albums; producing for April Wine and more.

RIK EMMETT - vocalist, songwriter and guitarist for Triumph talks about how the music of the 1060s influences him; what it means to be a “high singer” and what Steve Perry said to him about that; his feelings on being in Triumph, and more.

DAN HILL - singer/songwriter, producer known for his huge 1977 hit ‘Sometimes When We Touch’ shares stories on performing and recording throughout the world; how timing worked in his favour; the names of famous entertainers who have recorded his songs, and more.

ROLF HENNEMANN - retired, iconic sound engineer/producer with more than 30 international Gold and Platinum Records who has engineered classic albums for Heart, Chilliwack, Prism and others discusses how he got his start; working in L.A.; why being an engineer is a bit like being a psychologist and more.

Listen to the full interview with each guest @ linernotes.ca.

This is the 14th episode of our special series ‘Guest Glimpses’, short bits from longer conversations with previous guests. You’ll hear about 10 minutes of each guest’s 60+ minute chat with show host Dan Hare. Featured guests this week are:

PAUL HOFFERT arranger and keyboard player for Lighthouse, talks about the unusual way he met Skip Prokop, the uniqueness of Lighthouse and more.

CHRIS HOOPER, dummer for the Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees The Grapes of Wrath shares information on how punk influenced the band, having control over their records and videos and more.

BLAIR PACKHAM, singer/songwriter for The Jitters recalls his early days as a producer, forming the Jitters, the band’s “revolving door of drummers” and more.

JACK LAVIN, founder of Powder Blues Band tells tales of his time in San Francisco during the hippie movement, coming to Vancouver, working with legends like Chuck Berry and more.

Listen to the full interview with each guest @ linernotes.ca.

Bassist, songwriter, recording artist Johnny Sinclair is a founding member of The Pursuit of Happiness and the co-founder of Universal Honey and Tucker Lane. In this chat with Dan Hare, Johnny shares: his move from Saskatoon to Toronto in the early 1980s; the beginning and end of The Pursuit of Happiness; writing songs with Leslie Stanwyck and their personal and professional relationship; how Universal Honey and Tucker Lane came to be; recording and touring today versus the 1990s and so much more. Find out about Johnny, Leslie and both bands @UniversalHoneyBand.com and TuckerLane.ca

Dave Chesney, known as “The Ches”, is a former radio executive, record company promoter and music business veteran. In this fascinating chat with Dan Hare, Dave talks about: the profound affect of meeting Johnny Cash; his job at CBS records and working with acts such as Cheap Trick, Boston, Eddie Money and others; thoughts on country stars versus rock stars; stories about George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Trooper and others, and so much more. Find out about Dave @whiterocksun.com

The extraordinary Juno award-winning Sass Jordan is Dan Hare’s guest on Liner Notes. In this revealing and raw chat Sass talks about: her absolute focus on music; her disastrous interview of KISS; how Kevin Costner was responsible for her duet with Joe Cocker; touring with Joe Cocker; almost singing lead for Van Halen; her love of life and so much more. Find out about Sass on her website sassjordan.com

This is the 13th episode of our special series ‘Guest Glimpses’, short bits from longer conversations with previous guests. You’ll hear about 10 minutes of each guest’s 60+ minute chat with show host Dan Hare. Featured guests this week are:

ERIC ALPER, 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year, shares some of the perks and pitfalls of this challenging role.

IAN CRICHTON, guitarist of the Canadian progressive-pop-rock-band Saga, talks about the start of Saga and it’s continued staying power.

DAVID HAYES, chief recording engineer and mixer, reveals how he got his start and how he ended up at Little Mountain Sound in Vancouver.

DONI UNDERHILL, former base player and backup vocalist for the Juno award-winning band Trooper, chats about his early days in the Toronto music scene and some highlights of his time with Trooper.

Listen to the full interview with each guest @linernotes.ca.

This is the 12th episode of our special series ‘Guest Glimpses’, short bits from longer conversations with previous guests. You’ll hear about 10 minutes of each guest’s 60+ minute chat with show host Dan Hare. Featured guests this week are:

TOM LOCKE, author of 'Moments In Time, Stories About Artists and Songs Of The 50s, 60s, And 70s' who talks about how he came up with the concept for the book and shares some tidbits from it’s pages.

CINDY CHURCH, singer/songwriter and two time Juno nominee who discusses her various projects, including her time with Great Western Orchestra, and her stellar solo career.

DAVID WILLS, best known for his time as lead singer for the band Stonebolt, who shares his take on the magical music of the ‘60s, his early band experiences in Seattle (where he is from) and how he joined Stonebolt.

JOHNNY FERREIRA, professional saxophonist, long-time member of Colin James' bands, author of books and courses on how to play sax, who reveals how he took up the saxophone, the experience of working with Colin and his iconic sax parts on Colins most well known songs.

Listen to the full interview with each guest @ linernotes.ca.

Drew Arnott is the songwriter, vocalist, keyboard player, and percussionist for the '80s Juno nominated, esoteric and weird band Strange Advance. In this follow-up chat with Dan Hare, Drew talks about: being back on tour and how different it is today;; the fabulous reception from fans for the bands new album ‘Strange Advance 4’; upcoming shows; his songwriting and mentoring of new artists and much more. Find out dates for Strange Advance shows, and much more, on the bands website @strangeadvance.com