In the mid-1970s, a young Toronto band called Abraham’s Children found themselves on the North American charts with the songs “Gypsy” and “Goodbye, Farewell,” written by bassist/vocalist Jimi Bertucci. It was actually an introduction to the wider music world for the singer/songwriter, who had dedicated himself to rock and roll at the age of 13 after seeing The Beatles at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens in 1964.
Fast forward nearly five decades and Bertucci is still making catchy pop-rock. His latest release is Bouquet On Pink, a six-song EP that shows Bertucci’s skills have aged like a fine wine. From the title track’s classic crunch (which wouldn’t sound out of place on a Guided By Voices record), to the majestic “Feel” and jangly “Turn Around,” Bertucci puts on a master class in power pop composition.
Leading the way is Bouquet On Pink’s producer Daniel Wonacott, former bassist for California post-hardcore band Finch, whose sonic touch makes Bertucci sound as powerful as he ever has. Balancing that is the EP’s lyricism, inspired by the Marc Chagall painting of the same name that adorns its cover. Bertucci says all of the songs are connected to that painting in one way or another.
Having survived the rock and roll wars – Bertucci was a familiar face in L.A., as his bands regularly played venues such as the Whisky A-Go-Go, the Roxy, the Viper Room and others – he’s happy at this point in his life to make music on his own terms and at his own pace. Still, Jimi Bertucci remains one of Canada’s greatest unsung rock ‘n roll heroes, and Bouquet On Pink is living proof.
