David Clayton-Thomas is featured here in the first of a two-disc, double shot of Canadian goodness on the fabled Red Leaf Records label. Born in Surrey, England but raised in Willowdale, Ontario (a neighbourhood within North York, Ontario) David Clayton-Thomas became a popular figure in the Toronto R&B scene on the Yonge Street strip. Recording and performing with his band the Shays and also backing another Canadian legend Ronnie Hawkins on occasion he quickly became a legend himself. 'Walk That Walk', released in 1965 and recorded in Toronto features flavours of the famous John Lee Hooker blues number 'Boom Boom', another prominent figure David used to perform with. The flip is an uptempo shuffle version of Little Richards 'Kansas City'. The following year David would release his highly controversial anti-war anthem 'Brainwashed'. This disc would be his first foray into the jazz-rock genre. Two years later he would join Blood, Sweat and Tears as their lead singer and become an international star.
Check out David's official website.
Here's a Discography of David's early recording career plus a small biography.
The Red Leaf label started in I believe 1965 and was very short lived. This label, based in Toronto, featured many local acts of the time and is regarded as highly collectible.
David Clayton Thomas and his Quintet - Walk That Walk (Red Leaf 65001)
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