McKenna Mendelson Blues

Canadian blues musicians Mike McKenna and Joe Mendelson got together in 1968 after the former advertised in a Toronto newspaper looking for like minded musicians. Mendelson was a vocalist who also played harmonica and slide guitar while McKenna was a hot young blues guitarist who had been a stalwart of the Toronto live scene in bands such as Luke and the Apostles and The Ugly Ducklings. Together with bassist Denny Gerrard and drummer Tony Nolasco they started out on the Yorkville, Toronto live scene as McKenna Mendelson Mainline. Within a few short months bassist Denny Gerrard left and was replaced by Mike Harrison. With their live audiences growing Paragon Records asked the band to commit some demos to tape in September, 1968. There was no real contract in place with Paragon the band headed to the UK to pursue a deal. this lp was released rather quietly as the band was overseas, killer fuzz all over and long jammed tracks. this is their debut album.

Mike McKenna: guitar
Joe Mendelson: vocals, harmonica, slide guitar
Dennis Gerrard: bass
Tony Nolasco: drums

Produced by John Irvine
Re-mastering at Spectrum Stereo Services
Recorded in Toronto, Ontario on September 5th and 9th, 1968

Photography by John Rrvine
Color design by Mark Lithofilm
Art direction by Jack Umpleby