Comments on: Club Blue Note, The Regents and Peter Groschel

By: Roger pwley

Roger pwley — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:23:14 +0000

Sat in a couple of times with the Peepers when the guitarist was sick, Great band with Lou Mallia Danny O Mahoney George on drums and Guy on sax. Al used to push songs in on the juke box when the band took a break. They had live singers that sent chills up your spine.
First went there when the Silhouettes were playing. They were the best R&B band in the city, Howie on bass and Fred on drums now work for Jack Long. It is now the Medina restaurant and Basils is long gone.

By: Jim Warner

Jim Warner — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:24:34 +0000

I’ve been tempted to send this for some time but being an unknown and un-remembered in the music world, I refrained until now. Why now? Don’t know. Anyway, my memories of the old Club Blue Note are strong and fond. I worked with George Oliver back in the 60′s in the cartage dept. of C. P. Railway at the corner of Simcoe and Wellington Sts. I would go to the Club to listen to the music and wish I could be part of the scene so badly until one night the drummer failed to show and George, knowing I could play, asked if I would fill in. So there I was, with George on the ivories, Diane Brooks singing and others in the band, living my dream. For two nights I played and will never forget. Never and I’m now 67 years old. Just one of so many fond memories of the “old Toronto, Toronto the good”. Thank you. Jim

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:24:54 +0000

I am glad someone finally mentioned the peepers (see KOU above) They were the house band when I went. They were a very tight R AND B group. Saw a lotta great floor shows.

By: Paddy Martell

Paddy Martell — Fri, 27 May 2011 03:13:49 +0000

The ‘Note’ was the highlight of the 60′s, the music, the people. It was a place where we all came together & enjoyed….I remember, Al & Jeri & the ‘regulars’ going for Chinese food after the Note on Saturdays. The another restaurant we also went to was ‘Lindy’s’ – But of course, who can forget ‘Bassils’ across the street from the Note – the good old days….

By: kou mallia

kou mallia — Wed, 04 May 2011 03:56:10 +0000

I played organ and sang for The Peppers.. We were the house band 1965 – 66.
It was many years ago but it was great. It was the club.

By: Russ Strathdee

Russ Strathdee — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:01:45 +0000

Who knew? – that this little place up a long narrow flight of stairs with no liquor license would have such a significant impact on the lives of so many musicians and fans of Soul / R&B / Jazz? I think the only refreshment came from pop machines. I can remember another place that was significant back then – Fran’s Restaurant. That’s the only place in Toronto that I know of where you could get something to eat in the middle of the night, after playing at the Note… lots of other musicians would be seen there too. It brought everyone down to a common playing field, if you know what I mean.

By: Danny Guegueirre

Danny Guegueirre — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 21:17:56 +0000

Hi Pete
I’ve got the same memories as you. I think we went in there as the house band in 66or 67, been so long I’m not sure anymore. I played drums for the Statlers, and when we came out changed to Sweet Blindness. Loved playing the bluenote, and working for Al and Jeri,those were good times.One that sticks in my mind was playing with Domenic and Roy at the Hawk’s Nest.

Cheers Danny

By: Gale Brown

Gale Brown — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:28:05 +0000

I recall one night at the Blue Note when Joanne Brooks, in pigtails and knee socks, sat in a chair and sang a beautiful song –I believe by Anthony Newley…”Who Can I Turn To”? She was fantastic. Great memories, but sadly, no pictures of the Blue Note in the 60s.