Recently, j have had the honor and privilege to participate in an episode of Musicographie Quebec of Musimax on the theme of the history of black music in Quebec. Several prominent Afro-Quebecois characters are presented, including Oliver Jones, Peter Perpall, and, of course, George Thurston. Unfortunately, the issue in question is no longer available for viewing on the website Musimax (it has been for some time - hence the very existence of this blog entry!). So you can maybe stream recovery Musimax one of these four.
Following this exercise very interesting, I decided to push my research career Georges Thurston.
It goes without saying that George Thurston is the most famous black musician in history Quebec music. We know him very well for his years Boule Noire, the disco era, when he gave us some of the most successful dance 70s. Do you enjoy life like me , Far from the city, love love ... lark! Figurehead disco Quebec, he also became an author, composer, arranger and producer for several other artists.
But less is known about its beginnings. And it's particularly this time 65 to 76, I wear my research.
Georges Thurston was born in Bedford in December 1951. He was abandoned at birth, would then grow to St. Jerome, in various foster homes.
In 1965, he joined the group of R & B Zinconnus, with whom he gave his first concerts. Seems that the band has recorded anything. I'm curious to know if pictures exist.
It was not until 1968 that Thurston launches its first record in this case, the 45 laps around I want to talk about today. Visa label on it that are marketed the first two songs recorded by George. This is twice the American soul.
On a first face found Without me, the only French-language adaptation (to my knowledge) of Out of sight a classic Soul Brother Number One , James Brown. Interestingly, some music historians argue that Out of sight, launched in 1964 in the United States, was one of the first songs recorded funk.
You have to admit, it grooves solid!
At the very least, it would be on this record that James Brown would have, for the first time used a new rhythmic pattern that would define the future of funk. Following its successes, such as Papa's got a brand new bag (1965), Cold Sweat (1967), Funky Drummer (1969/1970), Mother Popcorn (1969) and Get Up (I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine) (1970), the Godfather of Soul fashioned funk and even rap roots.
You have to admit, it grooves solid!
At the very least, it would be on this record that James Brown would have, for the first time used a new rhythmic pattern that would define the future of funk. Following its successes, such as Papa's got a brand new bag (1965), Cold Sweat (1967), Funky Drummer (1969/1970), Mother Popcorn (1969) and Get Up (I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine) (1970), the Godfather of Soul fashioned funk and even rap roots.
Georges Thurston - Without me
Georges Thurston was probably not aware at the time of recording this song, all the historical weight it could carry. But his instinct was certainly pushed the right track, foreshadowing a career very funky!
Georges Thurston - Girl
On the other side of the first 45 laps, found Girl , a pleasant adaptation of French My Girl the Temptations, the Motown gargantuan success. The arrangements are interesting Thurston added, without being revolutionary. That's enough to recognize a promising talent in awakening the young musician - who was only 17 at that time! All told, small pop songs like that, tastefully decorated, it charms me.
Besides, I'd be curious to know who was the band that accompanied Thurston on this record? Is this was the Zinconnus? Or The 25th Regiment?
Toward 68/69, George Thurston joins a group already known, changing: The 25th regiment. My friend S.ébastien, the blog Heritage PQ explains very well the history of the 25th Regiment here. Here the 25th Regiment in action, just weeks after the arrival of Georges Thurston in the group.
During this transformation in search of new sounds, The 25th Regiment launched an array of 45 towers, including an excellent cover of the Dutch Venus Shocking Blue and Any All- Dressed , one of the funkiest songs of the 25th Régiment.Vous can download these pieces on the blog Square Head.
George Thurston, TV service in the 25th Regiment (1968).
The little dog is the kind of pop songs that The 25th Regiment recorded, probably to please his producers. The group begins to move towards a more straightforward rock sound from this time. But still ... they all look! Afro and long hair flying V! Interesting story found on Quebec Info Musique about flying V guitar by Georges Thurston: " note that it was a unique model belonging to Carol worked out by the father of one from a modest Silvertone and a pine board. "
Upon dissolution of the 25th Regiment In 1971, George Thurston from one adventure. He recorded two solo laps remaining 45 that I will try to cover in some future articles.
meantime, ask about history of black music in Quebec !
If you read this and you knew Mr. Thurston, have stories to tell or want to share photos, memories, information, etc, contact me at the following address: felix_b_desfosses [at] hotmail [dot] com.
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