Part 4 of 4. Paul Miil's The Big Story of Small Potatoes, Niagara's Rock Music History 1964-1974

PART 4 OF 4.

The Big Story of Small Potatoes, Niagara's Rock Music History 1964 - 1974

Filmmaker Paul Miil explores the roots of the lost music scene of Niagara, circa 1964-1974.

Suitable for all audiences

Interviewees & Researchees: some on-camera and some off-camera;

Alex Piccirillo, Arne Nilsen, Bill Bruin, Bob Keep, Bob Luciani, Brendan O'Rourke, Brian Collins, Brian Daniels, Brian O'Mara, Carrie Anderson, Chris Irwin, Danny Taylor, David Fitzpatrick, Dayo Ingoldsby, Denis Brander, Derek Simon, Don Campbell, Doug Lauder, Ed Zalski, Felix Elia, Fraser Loveman, Garry Wirt, Gary Luciani, Gary Storin, Glen Gratto, Greg Fitzpatrick, Greg Ouzunoff, Harry McNulty, Heather Lindal, Jack Johnson, Jamie Rolston, Jerry Salfi, Jim Ugulini, Jimmy Johnson, Joe Colonna, Joe Szilagy, John Finley, John Stimac, John Young, Jon Libera, Lynda Johnson, Mark Campbell, Mark Lauder, Mike Lakeit, Nan Metcalfe, Omer Langlois, Patrick Bear Maloney, Paul Dickinson, Paul Riches, Paul Rose, Rick Leather, Rick Ostanek, Rick Rochon, Rob Monroe, Rod Morrison, Steve Doede, Stew Farago, Sue Campagna, Ted Mouradian, Terry Smith, Terry Walsh, Victoria Libera, Wally Tomczuk, Walt Wasylowich.

Filming Locations: St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Ridgeway, Fonthill, Thorold, Thorold South, Burlington, Welland, Hamilton, and Streetsville, all in Ontario, Canada.

Research Locations : Grimsby, Toronto, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Newfoundland, New York, New Hampshire, Las Vegas, California, Kentucky, England, and Points Unknown.

Bob Zbigniew Styrna, a guitarist from this scene joined Bob Seger's band "The Bob Seger System" in 1969-1970 during the "Rambling Gambling Man" period.

Bill Dillon, a guitarist from this scene later played with Bob Dylan, Ian Thomas, Ronnie Hawkins, The Pretenders. He's also done session work for Sarah McLachlan, Counting Cows, Daniel Lanois, Robbie Robertson, Edie Brickell, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell and hundreds of other studio sessions at the famous Grant Avenue Studio and elsewhere.

Dave VanDuzen, a guitarist from this scene later played with Motherload (1971) and Ronnie Hawkins (early 70's). While with Hawkins, Dave played with Frank Zappa, Gordon Lightfoot, Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson, David Clayton Thomas, Burton Cummings, Spencer Davis and others.

Glen Gratto, a drummer from this scene, toured with Bull Rush, Mohogany Rush and Rush.. all on the same bill. Glen later played with Lee Aaron, Frank Soda and a bunch of other cool bands like the Madcats with Grant Fullerton (formerly of Lighthouse - Listen to Harry McNulty cover Lighthouse's sunny days)

Gary Storin, a drummer from this scene, later joined The Stampeders... you know the "Sweet City Woman" dudes. Gary also introduced Paul Miil to the music of Tower of Power... great band.

Neil Peart, a drummer from this scene, later joined Rush.. That band that did La Villa Strangiato.

Jimmy Johnson, a tech from this scene, went on to work with Alex Lifeson (Rush), Tommy Shaw (Styx), Ted Nugent and virtually every guitar icon.. see www.gorgomyte.com for further info. Jimmy's nick name is Gorgo.

Ronn Metcalfe left the big band music scene in New York city to start a scene in St. Catharines, Niagara. Count Basie later expressed regret that Metcalfe had quit touring and returned to "St. Somewhere" (meaning St. Catharines). Metcalfe was also cronies with Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich and a bunch of other big cheese musicians.

A couple of bands in this documentary were recorded in New York and Toronto by Jack Richardson and Bob Ezrin. Jack Richardson produced The Guess Who, Alice Cooper, Bob Seger, Max Webster, Moxy and others. Bob Ezrin later recorded Pink Floyd, Kiss and Peter Gabriel as well as Nine Inch Nails, Jane's Addiction and The Deftones.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Paul Miil
• Niagara
• rockumentary
• jr flood
• bullrush
• hush
• walter ostanek
• neil peart
• looking glass
• mod beats
• rush

[erythroniumamericanu]

Excellent presentation. Unveils a musical world at the edge of my awareness and region that has inspired me for over 30 years. Grew up in Port Huron, Michigan. Something about music from the Great Lakes basin, especially across the river and toward the west end of Lake Ontario.

[POETRYandMOTION]

Most enjoyable look back. I recognize a lot of those faces and sure remember the same era in Toronto. Thanks for filling in some of the blanks!!! - scunny

[dragoonee]

thanks for the memories (JR Flood, Hush, Starlord)....what about Fat Rabbit?

[MARSHOMEWORLD]

I just watched all four of these and truly enjoyed it. This was a music scene I knew virtually nothing about. Thanks so much for creating and posting this.

[RUSH1200]

Neil Peart "j.r.FLOOD". RUSH. 1970.