Paul Martin, a guitarist, singer-songwriter, and music publisher from Toronto who was best known for being part of the Blushing Brides, passed away on Feb 24, which was also his 67th birthday. The cause of death has not yet been officially disclosed.
The Blushing Brides trace their roots back to the late ’70s when vocalist Maurice Raymond joined Martin’s Kingston-based band Consilium. According to the Canadian Pop Encyclopedia, “In early 1979, two Kingston, Ontario musicians, Maurice Raymond (vocals) and Paul Martin (guitar), decided to fill the musical gap left by their favorite band The Rolling Stones during long absences between tours. Soon they began creating a tribute band called simply The Blushing Brides.
“They teamed up with bassist Martin Van Dijk, drummer Ricco Berthiaume and second guitarist James ‘DB’ Green and set out to imitate one of rock and roll’s most iconic bands while gradually incorporating original songs into their setlist as they gained popularity. The group became a perfect outlet for fans longing for Stones-like music during a time when ‘tribute bands’ were virtually unheard of.
“Critics quickly praised them as a model for what the ‘real’ Rolling Stones should sound like. The Blushing Brides’ fan base grew rapidly; soon they found themselves performing at amusement parks with audiences exceeding 10,000 people.
“A major record label bidding war erupted in 1980 when RCA Records offered them a five-year recording contract. Their rise in popularity was swift since tribute acts were rare at that time; naturally they thrived in Quebec where the Stones had always drawn large crowds.”
The group’s first album, Unveiled, was released in 1981 but would remain their sole full-length release under The Blushing Brides name. Their song “What You Talkin’ About,” inspired by the Rolling Stones’ style, became a hit single. To enhance their appeal in Quebec’s market, they re-recorded four tracks in French and released a self-titled EP there.
It wasn’t long before the band started adding more original content to their shows. As noted by Canadian Pop Encyclopedia: “the band felt it was better to shift focus from imitating the Stones toward promoting their own songs if they wanted to sell albums. A tour with Chilliwack ended poorly; after wrapping up those gigs they returned home facing debt and without a record deal. Raymond ventured south for an ill-fated solo career but came back shortly thereafter. In 1983 The Blushing Brides regrouped hoping for another chance at recording but failed to attract any labels’ interest. They reverted back to playing Stone’s covers live instead.”
After some lineup changes and being dropped by RCA before releasing a second album, a new formation emerged in 1984 featuring Raymond, Martin and Van Dijk along with former road manager Richard Diamond on guitar; ex-Goddo drummer Doug Inglis; Mike Mozak on saxophone; plus occasional keyboardist Cam Butler & Sasha Tukastch from Platinum Blonde. This lineup again made waves performing extensively across Eastern Canada and into the U. S., averaging over 200 shows annually while continuing personnel changes over six years.
A different group led by Raymond but without Martin (who departed in 1990) later formed as The Brides signing with Toronto’s Strawberry Records (distributed by A& M) releasing their self-titled debut album in 1995 that didn’t achieve significant commercial success though they continued gigging around clubs performing both original work alongside classic Stones tunes.
Best Canadian Bands wrote: “Raymond and Martin occasionally reunited under various configurations for special shows on both sides of the border until The Blushing Brides brand resurfaced early this century when Raymond took them back to basics billing themselves as ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Tribute To The Music of the Rolling Stones.’
In 2008 American journalist Steven Kurutz Like A Rolling Stone: The Strange Life Of A Tribute Band exploring life behind two competing Rolling Stones tribute bands: Sticky Fingers vs. The Blushing Brides.
Over recent decades much of Martin’s energy went into projects inspired by Bob Dylan such as The Dylan Tree and Kensington Shake. Formed in 2006 comprising five notable GTA musicians including Richard Kahl along with Paul Martin himself plus Doug Inglis among others
A feature story from Inside Halton mentions: “All members contribute vocals often harmonizing or taking turns singing verses within songs – however they don’t cover Dylan’s works verbatim instead opting for alternate renditions interpreted through other artists’ lenses,” Kahl said.
The Dylan Tree gained traction regionally before evolving into another Dylan-inspired group called Kensington Shake while also seeing Martin active within various local outfits alongside his good friend Matt Greenberg who explains his history collaborating musically with Paul through multiple ventures ranging from Blushing Brides down through Kensington Shake right up till Boo M (Brothers of Other Mothers – two solid years performing at North America’s premier venue Matador), even duo Pablo Plays With Mattchezz.”
Martin launched an online music platform called Martinworks aimed at connecting musicians seeking opportunities within film/TV scoring contexts according to Greenberg noting how he provided resources enabling fellow artists showcase original creations commercially thus allowing them earn extra income albeit likely spending more than earning just helping fellow musicians flourish overall saying:”I must mention though primarily focused upon music throughout his life he also had an accounting background providing guidance helping others navigate financial difficulties particularly concerning taxes having numerous clients whom benefited greatly – that’s truly who he was.”.{“text”:””}{“text”:”
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“} The deep affection shared amongst Toronto’s music community towards Paul became evident following news surrounding his passing spreading quickly leaving fellow players/bandmates reflecting fondly about him when contacted subsequently relaying heartfelt tributes through Billboard Canada.
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“} Derek Downham (The Beauties & Andy Kim): “Paul had such passion regarding Bob Dylan’s work starting up ‘The Dylan Tree’. I got asked once joining keys playing alongside him presently touring now under Kensington Shake where we cover exclusively all things written by Dylan.” Meeting him over two decades ago via my old manager Sascha Tukatsch connected us greatly along our journey together..”..
John Hammond passed away February twenty-eight due cardiac arrest aged eighty-three..
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“} The deep affection shared amongst Toronto’s music community towards Paul became evident following news surrounding his passing spreading quickly leaving fellow players/bandmates reflecting fondly about him when contacted subsequently relaying heartfelt tributes through Billboard Canada.
{“text”:””}{“text”:”
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“} Derek Downham (The Beauties & Andy Kim): “Paul had such passion regarding Bob Dylan’s work starting up ‘The Dylan Tree’. I got asked once joining keys playing alongside him presently touring now under Kensington Shake where we cover exclusively all things written by Dylan.” Meeting him over two decades ago via my old manager Sascha Tukatsch connected us greatly along our journey together..”
Sincere praise follows suit regarding everyone recollecting experiences shared honoring someone so special among family/friends alike all urging support networks during these trying times ahead navigating loss gracefully focusing memories built around positive moments spent alongside those lost reminding us collectively whenever gathered anew we recall strengths pulled forth celebrating lives lived fully despite eventual separations occurring beyond life itself resonating deeply..”
