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Dr. Music

From Alfawiki
Dr. Music
Company typeMusical group
IndustryMusic
Founded1969
FounderDoug Riley
Headquarters
Toronto
,
Canada
ProductsJazz music albums and performances

Dr. Music was a jazz ensemble originating from Toronto, established in 1969 by the producer, arranger, and musician Doug Riley. Throughout its existence, the group released three albums and toured extensively throughout Canada, with Riley serving as the consistent driving force despite frequent changes in the lineup.

History

In 1969, Doug Riley took on the role of music director for The Ray Stevens Show and assembled a 16-member band featuring both vocalists and instrumentalists for the 1969–1970 season; this ensemble evolved into Dr. Music. Following the show's cancellation in 1970, the band persisted in recording and performing across Western Canada. Riley collaborated with producer Terry Brown to establish Toronto Sound Recording Studio, where Dr. Music laid down tracks between 1970 and 1971.

Subsequently, Dr. Music worked alongside Canadian vocal duo Terry Black and Laurel Ward, transitioning towards a sound that emphasized vocals more prominently. Their self-titled debut album, Dr. Music, was released in 1972 by GRT Record Company and included popular tracks such as "Sun Goes By", "One More Mountain to Climb", and "Try a Little Harder". The album was produced by Riley and co-arranged with Steve Kennedy, blending gospel influences with jazz rock stylings.

Although "Sun Goes By" achieved considerable acclaim, the group disbanded soon after the album's release, enabling Riley to concentrate on studio production at Toronto Sound Recording. In 1973, he reassembled Dr. Music as a smaller seven-piece band that toured nationwide and issued Dr. Music II. This formation dissolved by 1974.

Riley maintained his involvement in television music production, serving as music director for Keith Hampshire's Music Machine during 1973–74. In 1974, he created a third incarnation of Dr. Music to act as the house band for the show, recording the album Bedtime Story at Toronto Sound Studios. This release featured jazz compositions by Riley along with contributions from Claude Ranger and Don Thompson, showcasing elements of progressive jazz rock.

Throughout the 1970s, Dr. Music remained an influential jazz outfit within Toronto’s music scene until their disbandment in 1977. Riley later revived the group in 1984 with fellow musicians, culminating in the album Dr. Music Circa 1984.

1972 Dr. Music

Doug Riley (keyboards), Laurel Ward (vocals), Rhonda Silver (vocals), Brenda Gordon (vocals), Terry Black (vocals, harmonica), Diane Brooks (vocals), Trudy Desmond (vocals), Michael Kennedy (congas), Steve Kennedy (vocals, tenor saxophone, flute), Brian Russell (vocals), Terry Clarke (drums), Kenny Marco (guitar), Doug Mallory (vocals, guitar), Don Thompson (bass, vibraphone, percussion), Bruce Cassidy (trumpet, flugelhorn), Gary Morgan (clarinet, baritone saxophone, alto flute), Keith Jollimore (vocals; baritone, alto & tenor saxophones; flute), Barrie Tallman (trombone)

1973 Dr. Music II

Doug Riley (keyboards), Doug Mallory (lead vocals, guitar), Wayne Stone (drums), Michael Kennedy (vocals, percussion), Steve Kennedy (vocals; tenor & alto saxophones; flute), Keith Jollimore (vocals; baritone & tenor saxophones; flute), Barrie Tallman (trombone)

1974 Bedtime Story

The lineup featured Doug Riley on keyboards, Doug Mallory handling lead vocals and guitar, Claude Ranger on drums, Bruce Cassidy playing trumpet and flugelhorn, Don Thompson covering both electric and acoustic bass, Dave Brown also on drums, Steve Kennedy contributing vocals along with tenor saxophone and flute, Keith Jollimore providing vocals plus baritone and alto saxophones and flute, and Barrie Tallman on trombone.

Albums

  • Dr. Music (GRT of Canada) (1972) peaked at #23 CAN
  • Dr. Music II (GRT) (1973) reached #78 CAN
  • Bedtime Story (GRT) (1974)
  • Dr. Music Circa 1984 (CTL) (1985)

Compilations

  • Retrospective (GRT) (1975)

Singles

  • Try A Little Harder (GRT) 1971 peaked at #78 CAN
  • One More Mountain To Climb (GRT) 1971 reached #14 CAN
  • Gospel Rock (GRT) (1972) peaked at #65 CAN
  • Sun Goes By (GRT) (1972) climbed to #23 CAN
  • Long Time Comin' Home (GRT) (1972) reached #28 CAN

Post Dr. Music

Following their time with Dr. Music, several members advanced to significant careers. Don Thompson distinguished himself as a jazz bassist and pianist, earning two Juno Awards. Both Keith Jollimore and Bruce Cassidy became members of the Canadian rock band Lighthouse. Doug Riley, who was often called Dr. Music himself, continued his work as a performer, composer, and arranger.

Riley's extensive collaborations encompass over 300 recordings with notable artists such as Moe Koffman, Anne Murray, David Clayton-Thomas, Gordon Lightfoot, the Brecker Brothers, Bob Seger, Ray Charles, Molly Johnson, and Natalie MacMaster. His solo discography includes Dreams (1976), Freedom (1990), Con Alma (1994), and A Lazy Afternoon (1997). He was honored with Jazz Report's "Jazz Organist of the Year" award consecutively from 1993 through 2000 and was inducted into the Order of Canada in 2003.

Brenda Russell (née Gordon), who contributed to Dr. Music in 1972, went on to produce nine solo albums and authored the Grammy-nominated track "Piano in the Dark." The title song from her fourth album Get Here gained worldwide recognition, especially through Oleta Adams' successful cover version.

Russell also co-created the musical score for the 2005 Broadway production of Alice Walker's The Color Purple, which was produced by Oprah Winfrey. This work garnered Tony and Grammy nominations for Best Score and Best Musical Show Album respectively.

External links

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