Description

Madrigal (Band), a classic example of the ‘sunshine-pop’ genre of rock music, was formed by Peter Boynton (vocals & piano), John Swainson (bass & vocals), Don Simpson (drums & vocals) and Rick Henderson (guitars & vocals) in 1968 during their days at Willowdale Junior High School north of Toronto. They had been spotted by Greg Hambleton, owner of Tuesday & Axe Records, who produced & engineered a re-recording of his song “I Believe In Sunshine” (originally recorded by A Passing Fancy). The track was released in 1970 on Greg’s Tuesday label (GH102), reached the national Canadian Top20 (#16) and spent six weeks riding the Top40 radio and sales charts. The song was included in their debut album originally titled ‘Sunshine And Baked Beans’, now re-issued as Sunshine (A538). Managed by Bob Roper of Direction South Management, Madrigal toured extensively across Canada.

The follow up single was 1971’s “Hallelujah” b/w “Freedom”. In the United States that same year, Shelby Singleton’s Sun Records (SSS Intl label) licensed and released the album and both singles on blue colored vinyl.

Peter Boynton went on to join Red Rider with Tom Cochrane, earning several gold and platinum records. Don, now living in Vancouver, founded a Vancouver Island whole foods distribution center, PSC Natural Foods. Rick operates Reception Connection in Dunnville, Ontario with his son Marcus, setting up A/V systems for bars & clubs. John played bass in Leigh Ashford and later became a cabinet funiture maker in his own firm, Hodges Landing.

Credits

All songs published by Axe Music
Production & Sound: Greg Hambleton
Recorded at Sound Canada 1970 &1971
MP3 Bonus track: “You Got It Wrong”
ⓟ & © 1971, 2016 Greg Hambleton
Axe Records A538

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