Format: 45
Label: Goodgroove G-5004
Year: 1968
Origin: Vancouver, British Columbia - Toronto, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Genre: rock, psych
Keyword:
Value of Original Title: $200.00
Make Inquiry/purchase: email ryder@robertwilliston.com
Release Type: Singles
Websites:
No
Playlist:
Ontario, 1960's, Psych, British Columbia
| Track Name | Length | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Realize | 03:00 |
| Track Name | Length | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drifting in the Wind | 03:30 |
45-Raja-Realize
Drifting in the Wind b/w Realize
No Video
After a brief stint as Three to One, the band re-emerged in 1968 as The Raja, continuing with the same lineup: John Renton (guitar, organ, vocals), Brian Russell (lead guitar, vocals), Derek "Derry" Norris (bass, vocals), and Claudette Skrypnyk (drums). Managed by Ron Scribner, they performed extensively in Toronto, including shows at The Flick, The Scene at North Toronto Memorial Arena, and CNE’s Time Being event. A highlight of their live career was sharing the stage with The Mandala at the CFOX Spectacular in Montreal.
In 1968, The Raja recorded their only single, "Realize", a haunting track that blended a menacing guitar and vocal intro with a melodic popsike chorus. It was produced by Tony DiMaria at Arc Sound Limited and engineered by Gary Starr at Bay Studios in Toronto. The B-side, "Drifting in the Wind", provided a gentler contrast to the A-side’s darker mood. Though their single failed to chart, "Realize" became a cult favorite in later years, with mint-condition copies fetching high prices among collectors.
Despite their innovative sound and growing presence in Toronto’s live music circuit, The Raja disbanded in 1969. Brian Russell went on to become a house musician and arranger at Arc Sound Ltd., contributing to numerous projects, including the Heads of Our Time album The Subtle Art of Self Destruction. He also became a sought-after session guitarist, working with artists like Anne Murray and Roger Whittaker, and appearing regularly on the Tommy Hunter Show on CBC television. Later, he toured with Roger Whittaker for over a decade.
-Robert Williston
Listen to Three to One: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/304056-three-to-one-see-emily-play-b-w-give-me-love
Listen to Brian Russell: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/299093-russell-brian-and-brenda-supersonic-lover
John Renton: lead vocals, 12-string guitar, harmonica, organ
Brian Russell: lead guitar, vocals
Derek "Derry" Norris: bass, vocals
Claudette Skrypnyk: drums
Produced by Tony DiMaria at Arc Sound Limited
Engineered by Gary Starr
Recorded at Bay Studios, Toronto, Ontario
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