Summer has kicked in here in Toronto, and the air has sweetened, with the many flowering trees adding to the mix. I've been working on the new album, with Bryden Baird adding trumpet and flugelhorn to some cuts, and Kathryn Rose contributing backing vocals. There's some funky reggae songs I wrote that I'm trying to finish, along with some rock tunes. Keep you posted on all of that! In the meantime, have yourself a good time in the sunshine and hit the parks!

Here's wishing everyone a very Happy New Year and best wishes ahead for 2021!  It's been a difficult year for most, but we can and must persevere by coming together. For my part, I really missed playing live and performing for ALL of you this year, and miss playing with my compadres and bandmates Great Bob Scott, Rich Underhill, Perry White and Donne Roberts. 

Thank you for supporting my recent single "Lonely Days" this fall. In addition to finishing up the next album, I'm putting together A BRAINFUDGE RETROSPECTIVE of live recordings over the next few months, so look for some BAMBOO CLUB LIVE, LULA LOUNGE and THE SUPERMARKET LIVE. There's some really cool recordings from 2008 and 2015.

Cheers!

Chris B.

Lonely Days

New Single Out now

Release Date Sept 25.2020

 

MY HEAD IS SPINNING

It's been an incredible time for everyone around the world these last few months, and I hope that you are all staying safe and well. We'll get through this together. Let's support our communities, seniors and the most vulnerable.

Here in Canada, because of COVID-19 requirements, I've been self-isolating, organizing, preparing and recording. Sometimes I've been going bonkers, with a daily walk helping get through that. As with most entertainers and songwriters around the world, I've been hit hard by gig cancellations, sessions etc. I hope to be able to offer a live stream series online and will keep you all posted on that. In the meantime I've been working on finishing recording a bunch of new songs that I'll put out over the next few months. Stay tuned for more updates to come.

BELOW is a new video that echoes what many of us are feeling these days. It's the last in a series from last year, I hope you like it.

If you like what I do and would like to contribute to my ongoing creative pursuits, there is a DONATE button on this page.

Be well, take care of each other, and stay safe!

Here's one for the times.

When I wrote "A Better Day Will Come" a few years back, I was on a low note. I was thinking about my life and how many times I'd been uprooted from things I love, whether it be friends or lovers; when I grew up I moved every three or four years from one continet to another, such is the life of an air force brat. Being taken away from newly formed friendships was difficult every time my family moved, but it built a resilience of character and many good things and experiences came from it. I thought there is a message of hope in any situation no matter how disheartening it is. 

PRODUCTION Video created by Russ Goozee and Chris Bottomley. Directed by Goozee/Bottomley. DOP - Russ Goozee (csc). Editing - Goozee/Bottomley. Camera - Russ Goozee, Chris Howell, Chris Bottomley. Shot in Toronto, Canada - March/April 2019. Video performers - Chris Bottomley, Donne Roberts & Great Bob Scott.  MUSIC CREDITS Song Lyrics & Music by Chris Bottomley. Produced by Chris Bottomley & Jono Grant .  PERFORMED BY CB - Bass & Vocals. Donne Roberts - Guitars. James Gray (RIP) - Keyboards. Great Bob Scott - Drums.

Terence Sidney Joseph Bottomley - August 12/1929 - February 12/2019 

 A photo of my Dad, Terry Bottomley, back in the day, when he was a proud man in uniform. Father, soldier, traveller, adventurer, spinner of tales and jolly Yorkshire humour.

I'm sad to say that he's passed away, peacefully, at 4:45 AM the morning of February 12, at the age of 89.

He had been battling Alzheimer’s the last few years.

I have nothing but love and respect for this man from Bradford, England, who emigrated to Canada on a boat in 1953, and created a life with his wife Denise, myself, and my three brothers. 

My Dad loved travelling, shows, soccer and golf, and loved being around people. He had a gentle nature, quick wit, a jolly laugh and was mischevious to no end, with the occasional angry outburst thrown in for good measure. He also had a fondness for literature and philosophy of life, with keen observations and insights.

He served in the British Army in Palestine in the 1950’s and was in the Canadian Armed Forces for 22 years, raising a family of four whilst travelling to postings in Toronto, Ottawa, London, England. Cold Lake, Alberta. and Lahr, West Germany, before finally settling down in Guelph, Canada.

I get most of my musical side from my Mom, but Dad could sing quite a tune too, and he listened to Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Willie Nelson, The Beatles, and British crooners Max Bygraves and Harry Secombe. 

His favorite football team was Liverpool. He got all us boys into sports and I owe all my athletics to him.

He always supported my brother John and I with our musical endeavors, often loaning the forest green AMC family station wagon to our band TULPA to get to gigs on numerous occasions. Man, that thing got us to New York City, Boston, and all around Canada! He stood up for us once when our gear was unceremoniously tossed out of a club at the Army Base in Lahr, phoning the right people to get it back. 

For all that knew and loved him, his funeral will be held on Saturday, February 23 in the City of Guelph, Ontario. Here are the details.

https://memorials.gilbertmacintyreandson.com/terence-bottomley/3650709/

 

Love you Dad,

You were the best Dad anyone could of wanted! 

 

Chris xo

February 12/2019

Season's Greetings! 

Season's Greetings to everyone!

Wishing you all the best in peace, love, and giving, for this holiday season.

Cheers,

Chris xo

More Live Video 

Fall Greetings and Salutations!

After a beautiful weekend of giving thanks with family and friends, I'd like to share this most recent video with you, another in our series live from The Lula Lounge. This particular piece is an improv composition by Bottomley, Johnson, Roberts, Scott und Underhill. It always leads to something special on stage, this time captured on video by DP/Camera Russ Goozee, and cameraman Blain Thrush. Ably edited with a live feel by Ron White. Thanks to Don Vandenheuvel for Live Mic Recording & Howard Laurie for Board Mix.

Thank you ALL, a great team!

Please come to my next show/taping at The Lula Lounge on Friday November 3

 

 

 

Golden Daze video arrives in June! 

 

 

 

Song "Golden Daze" from Bottomley's CD "Bright Eye Day"

 

BUY - https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chrisbottomleybrainfudge

 

Created by Russ Goozee and Chris Bottomley
DP - Russ Goozee
Editing - Bottomley/Goozee
Colour Timing - Roman Lapshin
Thanks to Ron White, Veronique Morency, Russ
Shot on location in Toronto and Guelph, Ontario

 

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