D'amico, Peter

Websites:  https://citizenfreak.com/artists/104459-tribe
Origin: Calgary - Edmonton, Alberta, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Tribe emerged as a Toronto-based rock band in 1970, led by the multifaceted Peter D'Amico, an Italian musician with a diverse skill set as a recording sound engineer, producer, singer/songwriter, and artist manager. Peter initially entered the music scene in Toronto as a bass player within the jazz circuit, contributing locally and engaging in session work as a bassist, including studio sessions for CBC in the late 1960s.

Over the span of seven years, Tribe were in a constant state of flux undergoing numerous lineup changes with 40 different musicians. Throughout this evolution, Peter D'Amico and Joe Wilderson remained the sole constant members. The band ventured into recording demos in various locations, including Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Montreal. However, a tragic turn of events unfolded when a group of children set fire to their storage unit, resulting in the total destruction of all recorded demos.

The album "Female Trouble," initially conceived as a demo, materialized at Big Harold's Records in 1975, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Comprising six originals and six covers, the album, unfortunately, lacks proper credits. Despite Peter's significant contributions in vocals, lead guitar, and arrangements, he was not involved in the production process, and all his tracks were laid down in a single day.

Tribe disbanded in 1977 while in Saint John, New Brunswick. That same year, Peter D'Amico and Joe Wilderson, accompanied by the former soundman turned electronic drummer, formed the duo 'The Pair Extraordinaire.' Establishing themselves in Truro, Nova Scotia, and performing in Saint John, they released the album "Live From The Maritimes" in 1978, exclusively distributed in the local Maritimes region.

Peter D'Amico, subsequently based in Calgary, Alberta, transitioned into a successful career as a music producer, winning nine aboriginal awards for his work with Dallas Arcand Sr. Other notable productions included Indian Jack's "The World of Indian Jack and His Friends" (with Willy Joosen, the Calgary Flames organist) in 1984 and The Nex'd "Surreal" (EP) in 1985. Later, Peter relocated to Edmonton, Alberta, where he owns Boxer Studio, Black Bear Records, and For My Lady Music.

Peter expanded his repertoire with noteworthy productions, such as "Thunderbird Spirit," an indigenous recording by Dallas Arcand Sr., released under his Black Bear Records label in 2014. Peter then embarked on his inaugural solo album, 'Nicotine and Cold Coffee,' in 2011, signifying a pivotal moment in his career. He continued his commitment to production, contributing to the indigenous children's album "Rez Dog Blues" for Dallas Arcand Jr. amid the 2022 coronavirus pandemic, where he skillfully played all the instruments.

In the face of adversity, Peter encountered a setback with a stroke affecting his lower body in October 2023. Displaying remarkable resilience, he swiftly recuperated and is presently immersed in the creation of his second solo album.
-Robert Williston