Middleton, Tom - One Night Lovers

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	One Night Lovers	03:11
	2	There Ain't a Whole Lot I Can Do	02:54
	3	She Won't Let Me Fly Away	03:02
	4	Comeback	03:03
	5	Take Me Back	02:45

Side 2

		Track Name	Length
	1	Marie	02:13
	2	I'll Comfort You	02:37
	3	Sweet Virginia	02:53
	4	Safe in Your Arms	02:32
	5	I Need a Harbour for My Soul	03:08

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Information/Write-up

Digitally transferred on January 4, 2025, from the original test pressing, Tom Middleton’s work continues to highlight his contributions to the Canadian pop music scene in the 1970s. A native of Victoria, British Columbia, Middleton first made his mark as a member of the local band The Marquis before embarking on a solo career that saw him release two well-received albums with Columbia Records.

Early Career: The Marquis
Middleton’s musical journey began with The Marquis, a band that toured extensively throughout British Columbia and Western Canada during the late 1960s. Featuring members like Jerry Adophe (later of Chilliwack and Jim Byrnes), the band performed popular covers and developed a loyal regional following before disbanding in 1969.

Solo Career: Breaking Out
Following the breakup of The Marquis, Middleton pursued a solo career. In 1971, he approached local broadcaster Michael Easton for guidance, which led to a management contract and a deal with Columbia Records. Through his collaboration with producer Mike Flicker and manager Howard Leese (both associated with the band Heart), Middleton recorded his debut album, It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference, in 1973.

The album’s title track, "It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference", written by Todd Rundgren, became Middleton’s most significant hit, spending 15 weeks on the RPM Top 100 Singles chart and breaking into the Canadian Top 40. A fan of Rundgren once noted, “I’ve been a Todd Rundgren fan since the mid-70s, but it was Tom Middleton’s version of Todd’s ‘It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference’ that I heard first, and I still like it better than the original.” Middleton also recorded another Rundgren song, "Just One Victory," which, while not as impactful as his rendition of the title track, remains a strong addition to his catalog. Both tracks were recorded in Vancouver in 1973, showcasing Middleton’s ability to reinterpret and bring new life to established material.

The album also included tracks like "Just One Victory" and "One More Chance," further solidifying Middleton’s reputation as a talented pop artist.

Second Album: One Night Lovers
In 1976, Middleton released his sophomore album, One Night Lovers. Produced by Bob Gallo, the album leaned into light pop with rich harmonies and polished production. The title track, written by Paul Davis, reached #35 on the charts, followed by "I Need a Harbor for My Soul," which also received moderate radio play. Despite the success of these singles, Columbia Records opted not to renew Middleton’s contract later that year, prompting his early retirement from the music industry.

Later Years: Reunions and Performances
Although he stepped away from professional music, Middleton reunited with The Marquis in 1990 for a fundraiser and continued to make occasional appearances at blues and jazz festivals, as well as club dates along Canada’s west coast. By the mid-2000s, Middleton had largely retired from music, turning his focus to a career with Canada Post.

Legacy
Tom Middleton’s brief but impactful career left a mark on Canadian pop music, particularly with his standout single "It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference". His blend of melodic pop and heartfelt lyrics, combined with his engaging live performances, cemented his reputation as one of Victoria’s notable contributions to Canada’s music scene. His version of Todd Rundgren’s "It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference" remains a fan favorite, often regarded as superior to the original. Today, Middleton’s music continues to resonate with fans of 1970s Canadian pop.

Tom Middleton: vocals
Don V. Lorusso: guitar; backing vocals (tracks A5, B5)
Rick Capreol: guitar
Dwayne Ford: keyboards
Gary Gray : keyboards
Jacek Sobbota: keyboards
Gary Holt: bass
Jørn Andersen: drums, percussion
Carl Otway: drums
Larrie Londin: drums
Diane Pirie: backing vocals
Judi Richards: backing vocals
Judy Tate: backing vocals

Produced and arranged by Bob Gallo
Engineered by Rick Capreol and Gary Grey, assisted by John Naslen
Remix engineering by Rick Capreol and Bob Gallo
Recorded at Manta Sound, Toronto, Ontario

Album design by Trevor Bailey
Back photography by John Rowlands
Cover photography by Miller Services

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