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In the summer of 1980 the song "Can I Come Near" was an official hit single across Canada residing in the top 10 for a considerable period. This song along with the following singles "French Lady", "Roll All Night", came from their debut album on Capitol Records (1980) recorded in Los Angeles at Record One Studios (Linda Ronstadt, Pablo Cruise albums were recorded there). These 2 other singles also charted well in Canada. The album was produced by Kenny Edwards (Linda Ronstadt's long-time bassist and producer of Karla Bonoff's spectacular debut album).
This Capitol Records album put Graham and his Sincere Serenades firmly in the "Big Leagues" as one of Canada's premiere Pop/Rock groups. Managed by the powerhouse team of Bernie Fielder and Bernie Finklestein: - the "Two Bernies" from Toronto ( managers of Bruce Cockburn, Dan Hill, Murray McLauglin and Rough Trade), Graham and his Serenaders were very well positioned at this point in time in the Canadian music business. Graham Shaw was awarded the Juno for "Most Promising Male Vocalist" in 1980 and the band toured Canada supporting the wild and crazy Dr. Hook (Cover of the Rolling Stone). The band's players included of course Graham Shaw on lead and harmony vocals, keyboards, lead / rhythm guitars (acoustic and electric), harmonica, percussion and occasionally trumpet and kazoo, Gord Osland (aka Oz) on drums/percussion and backing vocals, Gary Stefaniuk on electric bass (and very occasional background vocals), Ilena Zaramba on backing vocals and percussion, Susan Lethbridge on backing vocals and percussion, and Danny Casavant on lead/rhythm guitars (acoustic and electric) and backing vocals.  The next phase of the bands evolution involved a change in personel. Original Lead Guitarist/Singer Danny Casavant was replaced by Paul O'Neal another great Winnipeg guitarist/vocalist who added his own personal style and guitaristic touch to the Serenaders next album recorded on the True North recording label owned by Bernie Finklestein. The album was recorded in Winnipeg at Century 21 Studios, engineered by Ralph Watts, and produced by Eugene Martynec and was titled "Good Manners in the 1980's". This release produced the radio hits "Jolene" and "I Just Can't Say No To You" along with a wealth of other great tunes on it's grooves (remember VINYL?).
The group's lifespan was from 1977 til 1983 and holds a very special place in the history of Canadian Pop/Rock history along with enduring music which has been long out of print and was never released in CD form. The vinyl records are both considered collectors items and fetch high prices - when you can find them. This is about to change in the near future as the wheels are in motion for licencing the master tapes and compiling them into a newly available CD product. We would like to keep in touch with all of you who visit this site and encourage you to sign up on our Fan Club list so we can keep you up to date on future releases and other developments in this rekindling of one of Canada's true musical treasures. Simply enter your name and email address in our Fan Club and you will get regular updates. Please check the LINKS section to access Graham Shaw's personal site as well as others. Thanks for visiting our new site;- it will grow and change so please visit us often. |
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