| If You're Lookin' liner notes: |
| Formed from the Dundas, Ontario folk group Ian, Oliver &
Nora, their record, If You're Lookin', became one of the biggest
selling singles in Canada in 1970. The band is remembered as the first rock group 'in residence' with a major symphony orchestra. Under the direction of Boris Brott, they performed numerous concerts with the Toronto Symphony and the Hamilton Philharmonic. Regulars on the concert circuit, the group also appeared frequently on Canadian television, in their own specials and as guests on Music Machine and Take Thirty, among others. Managed by John Harris and Dave Paget, Tranquillity Base were always critically acclaimed for their vocal abilities. In addition to their hit single they recorded an album which remains in the vaults at RCA. The group and the company A&R man could not agree on a musical direction and so nothing was ever released. When Ian Thomas decided to leave the group it signalled the end for Tranquillity Base. He of course went on to fame as a solo artist and in 1973 had his first big hit with Painted Ladies. |
| Painted Ladies liner notes: |
| The musical fraternity in Canada has tended to somewhat overlook the
very significant contributions of this Hamilton born singer-songwriter. He
began singing in the '60s as a member of a folk trio Ian, Oliver &
Nora. They were later joined by two other musicians and became
Tranquillity Base. In 1973 Ian started recording solo and had a
smash hit with his self-penned debut single, Painted Ladies. It reached
number 4 in Canada and number 34 in the U.S. That year Ian won the Juno
Award for Most Promising Male Vocalist. Though much of Ian's subsequent
work did not quite attain similar hit status, his albums were almost always
best sellers and he successfully toured the U.S. and Canada. He also did
extensive work on Canadian TV and radio and showed a flair for comedy. Ian's
brother Dave Thomas worked with Ian for a while before
joining the SCTV comedy team. Ian has always been a well respected composer – his songs have been recorded by Chicago, Santana, America and many others. Ian is currently working on a new album that should be out before the end of 1990. |
