Tuesday, August 26, 2025

New Thunderbird single discovered!

 


Thanks again to the amazing C. Parker Dean for finding a "new" Thunderbird single. "Loving Leaving You" backed with "Collins Bay." 

This was the third Thunderbird single issued, I believe on September 5th 1975, and the 32nd single over-all. 

Now I have to get a copy for the archives! This story never gets boring!





Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Tim Stacy's incredible posthumous EP release!

 


The Thunderbird Records story never gets boring. In June of 1976 Tim Stacy, the bass player and vocalist for Charlie Louvin's backing band, "The Big Men," recorded four songs for Jim Allison, but we were never really sure which four songs he recorded.

Then in July of 2025 Parker Dean found amongst his cassettes one that Jim Allison gave him back in the 70's, and yes, you guessed it, it was Tim's four song demo.

Parker transferred the four songs to MP3's and I quickly put together the '76 Thunderbird EP.

The four amazing songs are:

1) Ten Miles From Home, written and recorded by Fred McKenna in 1972.

             Covered by Roger Quick in 1977, #29 on the Canadian Country Charts

2)  Especially For You, written by David Edward 'Ted' Brown

              Recorded in 1975 by Dug Bond & The Maple Street Show Band 

              Covered in 1976 by Charlie Louvin with Tim Stacy on vocals.

3)  I Like Beer Drinking Songs, written and recorded by C. Parker Dean in 1976


4)  I Don't Know How To Say Goodbye To You, written by Judy Lynn Gregson & Jim Allison, recorded for her 1975 demo with Tobacco Roads. 


Google 'Tim Stacy '76 Thunderbird EP' to find a site to download this amazing time capsule. 



                                                                 Tim Stacy 1953 - 2022

                 


Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The passing of Bob Silverthorn

 


SILVERTHORN, Robert "Bob" On Sunday, March 27th 2022 at the Brantford General Hospital at the age of 75 due to illness "Dad to Courtney, he will also be missed and fondly remembered by Gail, brother Gary (Bonnie),sisters Sandra, and Karen (Brian), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by brother Ronald (2000). Bob was born December 10, 1946, in Burford to Howard and Marion Silverthorn. He developed a love and talent for music/guitar in his early teens, playing with bands across Ontario even before graduating high school (NPC). A founding member of Whisky Hollow, he joked he needed job security and left the band for a career with Canada Customs; Bob continued playing part time and became announcer at Paris and Flamboro Speedway. We think he liked to hear himself. When Bob Retired from Customs with over 25 years of service, he especially enjoyed his trailer at the lake: fishing; puttering and spending time with Donna, and Akers friends. He also still loved playing with (Bob & Bev.). Despite his diagnosis, we really thought he would stay longer - but knowing Dad, he probably wanted to beat the traffic! Courtney wishes to extend sincere gratitude to everyone who has provided care, compassion and support: The Team at Juravinski Cancer Clinic, Staff at Bayshore, and Brantford General Hospital, Neighbours and Friends, Bob MaryAnn, and Keith. He is reunited with long-lost bandmates and friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McCleister Funeral Home, 495 Park Road N. Brantford. In keeping with Bob's wishes cremation has taken place, family and friends will be advised of a celebration of life at The Royal Canadian Legion Dunsdon Branch # 461, 9 Tollgate Road, Brantford on Sunday July 10, 2022 from 1-5 pm. Condolences and memories maybe shared with the family at www.mccleisterfuneralhome.ca

No doubt, a jam session is happening on the Other Side & if sadly, not for us. He never liked the Encore.
"Bob has left the building"

Bob usually kept in touch with me, and so when I hadn't heard from him for a while, I did a google search, and unfortunately my worst fears were confirmed, another member of Whisky Hollow crossed over to the other side. Bob was very instrumental in assisting me with my early research when I began the Brant County Sound Project in 2015. We enjoyed several beers together over the years as the project progressed and each of the three books were published. We also had a mutual connection with Gerry Risser, another phenominal Brantford guitarist. Bob was a gentle soul and a great musician, and he will be missed. 


Tuesday, November 9, 2021

"That Brant County Sound! The Discographies" is released as an eBook for the first time!

 


Author Thom Ryerson proudly presents “That Brant County Sound! The Discographies” as an E-Book for the very first time! This very informative book was originally published in 2017, and has now been fully updated to 2021 with both new and revised biographies and some great new photos, many in full colour.

Perfect for audiophiles, this book lists a biography, a discography, complete track listings, and chart positions (where known) for over 70 artists based in the Brantford and surrounding area. The same information is also given for 6 local record labels; Burco, Counterpoint, M.B.S., Noro/NRG, Shotgun and Track Records.

The artists listed in the book include Marie Bottrell, Johnny Burke & Eastwind, Terry Carisse, Larry Coad, JK Gulley, Rockin’ Bobby Harris, Earl Heywood, Harry Hibbs, Kelly J., Larry Lee & The Leesures, Myrna Lorrie, Charlie Louvin, Harold MacIntyre, Fred McKenna, The Mercey Brothers, Roger Quick, Joan Spalding, Terry Sumsion, Gordie Tapp, Graham Townsend, Thomas Wade, The Walters Family, Whisky Hollow, Michelle Wright and many many more.

The e-book also features lots of rare and fascinating colour photos.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to own a great book detailing the intricacies of local country talent from the seventies and beyond.

Paper copies retail for $19.99, while the E-Book will retail for $6.98 at Amazon’s Kindle.

                                                   Buy the e-Book HERE!

Thom’s official website is http://mouton-music-canada.com/

Find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/4148997563

To purchase a print copy of “That Brant County Sound! The Discographies,”contact Thom Ryerson at thom@mouton-music-canada.com

That Brant County Sound! The Discographies,” by Thom Ryerson

ISBN 978-1-987940-11-4 (Print)
ISBN 978-1-987940-12-1 (Epub)


Saturday, August 14, 2021

Thom Ryerson Needs Your Help!

            

Do you have a copy of this tape? I'm hoping to release an anthology of Ryk and Jo Brennan's music either at the end of this year, or next spring, but one stumbling block is that I need the above cassette to finish the job. Only 500 copies were issued in Brant County over 1993, and I have had ads up looking to buy one for over a year. At this point I would be happy to either borrow or rent a copy so I can get a good scan of the cover, and make copies of the songs Dancing Harp, Jo's Waltz, Just A Lullaby, Poor Little Rich Girl, El Dorado, and Dandelion Wine. If you have one of these cassettes and would like to share or rent it out, please contact me at Thosryerson@gmail.com 




This is the CD that I'm hoping to release either at the end of this year or the spring of next year. It will be a 28 song compilation of everything that Ryk and Jo recorded between 1978 and 1997. They recorded one vinyl single, a record album, a cassette and finally a CD. This compliation will put eveything in one easy place an on one easy format. 















Monday, June 7, 2021

Author finally buys last two singles for his collection

                                           
Author Thom Ryerson was finally able to buy the last two elusive Thunderbird singles. He just decided to look in the Discogs records for sale section two weeks ago and found them both there, Dusty Road's "I'm Waiting for a Train," and Roger Quick's "Doing the best that I Can." 


This single was Roger's second highest charting record, peaking at #32 on the Canadian Country charts in 1977. This record and the one above it were the hardest to find, which means they may not have sold as well as some of thier others. 

This gives me 31 Thunderbird singles, released between 1975 and 1979. There could still be something out there I don't know about, because there never was a master list. I built up everything from my own reserach, beginning back in early 2015 as I slowly learned about Roger Quick's career. He was the catalyst for all of this, and I am in his debt. Marilyn Caswell and John Wedge were also very instrumental in my early days of research. 

The last thing I need now are the 8-Tracks. I still need Roger Quick's first album, "The Rainbow Special," and his fourth album, "The Roger Quick Show." I also need Dug Bond's debut solo album, "Leaving Loving You," and Dusty Road's 1976 self titled effort. 

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Canadian Hit Music Collection "Song Of The Day"

Bob Klein of the Canadian Hit Music Collection has informed us that "Inflation Blues" by Happy Tracks featuring Jim Allison is the newest addition to their archives. This is the second Brant Country Sound song to be picked as "Song of the Day."  

"Inflation Blues"

by: Happy Tracks

Released in 1975. "Inflation Blues" by Happy Tracks, is a great upbeat Country song! It was recorded at Mercey Brothers Sound studio and is available on Thunderbird Recordings, courtesy of our good friends at Mouton Music Canada.

To visit the Canadian Hit Collection web-page, please click on this link:  Song Of The Day





Friday, July 31, 2020

Gary and Everill Muir on CD!



Gary and Everill Muir - Bright Fine Gold - The Best Of  (Aug 17th 2020)

Before Gary and Everill Muir recorded for Thunderbird Recording in 1976, they had a previous folk career based in New Zealand. This brand new CD collects all their New Zealand folk music and the two songs for Thunderbird all in one place. Twenty-three great songs transferred from vinyl to digital files at the Mouton Music Studios. This collection spans their entire career from 1965 to 1977. This collection is being released as a digital CD, a physical CD, and can be listened to at YouTube as well. This wonderful collection is available for $19.99 Canadian, postage paid to anywhere on the planet, and also from Thom Ryerson personally. The digital versions are available at i-Tunes and Amazon Music, and can also be viewed at YouTube.  

Here is the track listing:



Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Social Distancing and accompanying single

Thom Ryerson's newest solo CD, Social Distancing, is getting a world-wide release at HearNow, all the major on-line music platforms, and also in a physical CD. (At CD Baby) This 13 track disc is strictly an acoustic affair with Jeremy Chambers on the guitar and Stan Antone on the drums and production. This CD is the second volume of a planned four disc collection. This CD is available person-to-person from Thom, or by mail order. 

The 13 tracks are:

Forever The Same
Change (A Part Of You)
So Frustrating 
The Top (Save Me) 
My Friend Jerome 
Social Distancing 
The Fine Art (Yours Alone) 
Don't Call Me Down 
Stick With Me 
In My Hour Of Need
Guilty (My Deity) 
Pandemic
Do Anything (Uninhibited) 

The CD's are $12 each person to person, or $15 via mail to anywhere on the planet. Just e-mail                 Thom here and let him know if you're local or global 

To Check Out the CD, swing over to HearNow



The Single


Released April 9th 2020

Listen to the whole CD at YouTube



Saturday, October 26, 2019

Thom Ryerson's new CD gets a world-wide release!


Although this is Thom Ryerson's third solo CD, it's the first one getting a world-wide release at both CD Baby, all the on-line music platforms, and in a physical CD. This disc represents Thom's 16 best tracks with the various band's he had worked with from 1986 to 2011. It's also the first volume of a planned three CD's. The disc is available person-to-person from Thom, or by mail order. 

The 16 tracks are:

Slacker Anthem
Small Town
That Power Over Me
Not Your Toy
Surreal
The Prophecy
Prey Time
Chainsaw
Sex Camper Weekend
The Dominatrix
Save Me
Ad Lib To Fade
Nuthin' At All
Are We There Yet?
Going Down
All I Want To Do Is Love You Better Than Anyone Else

The CD's are $12 each person to person, or $15 via mail to anywhere on the planet. Just e-mail           Thom here and let him know if you're local or global 

To Download the CD, swing over to CD Baby




Monday, August 26, 2019

Your Brant County Sound Headquarters



       
The music! Seventeen Thunderbird artists sing and play their hits on two hit filled CD's. Lovingly transferred from the original vinyl to CD for the very first time, ever! Available on i-Tunes, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, Google Music, CD Baby and physical CD. Each CD is $19.97 each. 


              

The books! Three volumes for each stage. The Story (412 pages), The Pictures (204 pages), & The Records (276 pages). 

1) The Ballad of Jim Allison & Thunderbird Recording  $24.97
2) In Pictures                                                                    $14.97
3) The Discographies                                                        $19.97

Order the Thunderbird Super-pack, all three books and both CD's for $75.00, plus postage if mailing is required. Save $24.85 off the retail price!

Email Tom Ryerson here!

Thunderbird Recordings existed in Brant County from September 5th 1974 to December 21st 1978, and was founded by James Arthur 'Jim' Allison. The label issued 31 singles and 5 albums. For the two CD collections, we used only one version of songs, which were issued in stereo and mono in some cases, and singles that were issued twice. 


                                  James Arthur 'Jim' Allison
                                             1932 - 1994




Friday, August 23, 2019

They're Here!

We here at Thunderbird Recordings/Germanicus Records are very pleased to announce that the two Volumes of Thunderbird Music is now available on CD as of today, August 23rd 2019. The track listings to these CD's will be found by scrolling down this page.

At retail the CD's are available exclusively at:

The Merrifield Bookshop, 471 Dundas Street, Woodstock, ON, N4S 1C2  519-539-4220

The Brantford Bookworm, 331 Brant Avenue, Brantford, ON, N3T 3J8   226-938-1628

Grooves Records, 236 Dundas Street, London, ON, N6A 1H3, 519-640-6714

At the retail level each CD will sell for $19.97 plus the sales tax. They will also be available by mail order from our head office for $20 each, plus $5 shipping. This fee will be the same whether you order just one disc, or both. So with postage you'd be looking at $25 for one CD, or $45 for both CD's mailed at the same time. In the USA, this will be payable in US funds.

To accommodate the CD format, there has been a slight change to the CD's.  Don Oatman's hit "Just for You," has been taken off the A-Sides and moved to the B-Sides, replacing his version of "Feelings." So, Feelings is not available on the CD format at all, only the Download format. We apologize to Don for this, but we had to keep the CD's under 79 minutes.

The A-Sides CD has 28 tracks, while the B-Sides CD has 27 tracks. This discs are packed!

We are all very excited to have this music available on Compact Disc! Thanks again to Andrew Foster and Stan Antone for their unparalleled contributions to this project. It wouldn't have happened without either of you!

 




                            The A-Sides Track Listing.                            .

01.  Dug Bond & The Maple Street Show Band - Living On Pogey 02.  Happy Tracks - Here Comes The Night Again 03. Tom Destry and the Wild West Show - Tanner’s Wine 04. The Bridgeman Family - Twinkle Toes   05. Floyd C. Martin - Save A Little Corner Of Your Heart For Me 06. Whisky Hollow  - Cinderella  07. Desert Fox - High school rock and roll 08. Tom Jacobs - Memories Never Quit  09. Parker Dean - I Like Beer Drinkin’ Songs  10. Roger Quick - Southern Ontario Farm Boy  11. Charlie Louvin - A World of give and take   12. Peter Hern - I can smile (And say your name)   13. Don Oatman - The Love I Give To You 14. Roger Quick - One More Chance  15. Dusty Road - Country Pickin’ Man  16. Don Oatman - Easy Life 17. Jan Stevens - A Little Girl’s Dream 18. The Muir Family – Brantford City  19. Dusty Road - I’m Waiting For a train  20. Roger Quick - Change Your Name to Mine  21.  Jan Stevens - Loneliness 22. Dusty Road - Jennifer  23. Roger Quick - Turn On Country  24. Roger Quick -  Ten miles from home  25. Les Childs & Dusty Road - (She’s Got Me) Turning In Circles  26. Roger Quick - Doing the best that I can  27. Roger Quick - Give Me (A Roof Over My Head)  28. The Brennans – Strawberry Wine.


                           The B Sides Track Listing                                .                               
01. Dug Bond & The Maple Street Show Band - Especially For You   02.  Happy Tracks - Inflation Blues  03. Tom Destry and the Wild West Show - Season of  Love  04. The Bridgeman Family - Old Saint Nicholas Came To Town  05. Floyd C. Martin - The Good Times Outweigh The Bad   06. Whisky Hollow- Old Nate 07. Desert Fox – People  08. Tommy Jacobs - Don’t Put Off Until Tomorrow  09. Parker Dean - Reason’s That I Love You  10. Charlie Louvin - If I could only win your love  11. Peter Hern - Happy Song  12. Don Oatman -  Just for You 13. Dusty Road - We’ve Lost The Memories 14. Don Oatman - Walk Hand In Hand  15. Jan Stevens - Tomorrow I’m Going To Love You More 16. The Muir Family - The Homecoming  17. Dusty Road - I’m Tired Of Not Knowing Why  18. Roger Quick -  Hired Men  19. Don Oatman - Green Green Grass of Home 20.  Jan Stevens - Someone Else Will  21. Dusty Road - Dusty Road  22. RogerQuick - Say You’ll Stay Until Tomorrow 23. Roger Quick – Crazy   24. Les Childs                                                 & Dusty Road - Canadian Cowboy   25. Roger Quick - Let The Whole World Sing It                                         With Me   26. Roger Quick - Why Me   27. The Brennans - Dee-I-Diddle-I-Day  

Charlie Louvin's 1976 album, "A World of Give and Take," is also due to be released this year on CD, probably in mid-September. The price will be the same as the Thunderbird CD's. 











Thursday, August 22, 2019

Last Call For The Original Version of The Yellow Book



I wanted to let folks out there know that I have just one copy left of the first edition of 'That Brant County Sound!' book, also known as the Yellow Book. Besides my one copy, there are also limited copies still available here....

The Merrifield Bookshop, 471 Dundas Street, Woodstock, ON, N4S 1C2 519-539-4220

The Brantford Bookworm, 331 Brant Avenue, Brantford, ON, N3T 3J8 226-938-1628

The Oxford Bookshop, 262 Piccadilly Street, London, ON, N6A 1S4 519-438-8336

Once I'm totally sold out, I plan to release a revised edition, so if you'd like a copy of the original, this is your time to act now. The revised edition will add some new information plus fix a couple of mistakes I made when I was guesstimating. Only Jim Allison knows for sure what really happened, but I've done by best. Thanks for your continued support, Tom Ryerson



Tom Ryerson & Roger Quick - Nov 2015

Monday, December 10, 2018

All 30 Thunderbird singles are now on-line at CD Baby

Author Tom Ryerson is very please to announce that all thirty of the Thunderbird Recording singles are now available for purchase from CD Baby. The music will also be sold at Amazon MP3, Apple iTunes, and YouTube Music. I will post the YouTube links as soon as they come up. I want to thank both Stan Antone and Andrew Foster for their fantastic help in pulling this project together, and just before Christmas too! The sound quality from the old vinyl singles is now stunning in their new digital form. As well, I'm also releasing a special single from each compilation, the two Christmas songs recorded by The Bridgeman Family in 1975. Here are all the new releases and their links at CD Baby.



Thunderbird Recording - The Singles 1975 - 1978 - A Sides (Dec 10th 2018)

This special collection complies all 30 of the Thunderbird A-Sides from the original vinyl singles.                              This collection puts them all in one place for the very first time. The lead single                                 from this collection is 'Twinkle Toes' by the Bridgeman family.  

                                                       Check out all the A-Sides at CD Baby



Thunderbird Recording - The Singles 1975 - 1978 - B Sides (Dec 10th 2018)

                      This special collection complies all 30 of the Thunderbird B-Sides from the original vinyl singles.  This collection puts them all in one place for the very first time. The lead single from this collection is 'Old Saint Nicholas Came To Town' by the Bridgeman family.  

Check out all of the B-Sides at CD Baby



The Bridgeman Family - Twinkle Toes (Dec 11th 2018)

      This special single release celebrates the new collection of all 30 of the Thunderbird A-Sides from the original vinyl singles. This collection puts them all in one place for the very first time. 



            The Bridgeman Family - Old Saint Nicholas Came To Town (Dec 11th 2018)

      This special single release celebrates the new collection of all 30 of the Thunderbird B-Sides from the original vinyl singles. This collection puts them all in one place for the very first time.   


Mouton Music Canada at YouTube

We invite you to follow the link below to the official Mouton Music Canada channel
on Youtube, here you can subscribe to the channel, and have access to all 60 songs
on the two Thunderbird Compilations. You can listen to the music, click if you like 
it, and even leave a comment. We encourage you to do this!


Mouton Music Canada channel at YouTube

Click the link above and listen to the music!



These are all the 29 Digital Partners the above music has been serviced to.



Saturday, October 13, 2018

Thunderbird Related music on-line

My label, Mouton Music Canada currently has eight CD's by Thunderbird related artists available at the on-line independent music store, CD Baby. The eight digital albums can be downloaded by track or by the entire album. The music is also available at Spotify, i-Tunes, and Apple Music. By clicking on the title you will be taken directly to the CD baby page. The CD's are:

Gary Austin                                           Easy Lovin’                          Traditional Country
Canadian Rhythmaires                           Cayauga Hotel 1973                          Live Recordings
Canadian Rhythmaires                           The Jim Allison Experience                 Live Recordings
Judy Lynn Gregson & Tobacco Roads   Love The Country                              Traditional Country
Charlie Louvin                                       A World of Give and Take                 Grand Ole Opry Star
Roger Quick                                          Looking Back                                     Hits 1975 - 1995  
Gerry Risser                                          Christmas Guitar           Classical Guitar Christmas        
Terry Sumsion                                        New Directions          Brant County Superstar

Also coming in late November or early December will be:

Thunderbird Recordings       Singles 1975 - 1978          The A-Sides
Thunderbird Recordings       Singles 1975 - 1978          The B-Sides 


Here are the top Spotify songs thus far:

Judy Lynn Gregson & Tobacco Roads - Take Me Home Country Roads
Judy Lynn Gregson & Tobacco Roads - Song I Wrote For You Dad
Canadian Rhythmaires - Uncle Blackwell's Breakdown
Jerry Risser - Away in a Manger


Here are the top Apple Music songs thus far:

Jerry Risser - Listen People
Judy Lynn Gregson & Tobacco Roads - Song I Wrote For You Dad
Judy Lynn Gregson & Tobacco Roads - Take Me Home Country Roads
Judy Lynn Gregson - Bug Bug Bug
Judy Lynn Gregson - Rocking Chair Jig
Jerry Risser - To Jesus, From The Ends of The Earth
Jerry Risser - Ave Maria
Jerry Risser - What Child Is This?
Jerry Risser - Away In A Manger
Jerry Risser - Have Yourself A Very Merry Little Christmas
Jerry Risser - Mananitas
Jerry Risser - Little Drummer Boy
Jerry Risser - Snowdrops
Jerry Risser - Angels From The Realms Of Glory
Jerry Risser - The Coventry Carol/We Three Kings
Jerry Risser - God Rest You Merry Gentlemen/Good King Wenceslas


Here are the top i-Tunes songs thus far:

Judy Lynn Gregson & Tobacco Roads - Take Me Home Country Roads
Judy Lynn Gregson & Tobacco Roads - Rhinestone Cowboy
Judy Lynn Gregson & Tobacco Roads - Lievre River Waltz
Charlie Louvin - Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain
Terry Sumsion - But For The Grace Of God There Go I
Terry Sumsion - Don't Let The Morning Come




Mouton Music Canada at YouTube

We invite you to follow the link below to the official Mouton Music Canada channel
on Youtube, here you can subscribe to the channel, and have access to all 60 songs
on the two Thunderbird Compilations. You can listen to the music, click if you like 
it, and even leave a comment. We encourage you to do this!



Click the link above and listen to the music!





Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Welcome!


'That Brant County Sound! The Ballad of Jim Allison and Thunderbird Records.' is available as of July 21st 2017, contains 412 pages and will retail for $24.97.

The book is available from the author for $25, as well the book can be mailed to you in Canada free for a limited time, just email Tom at thosryerson@gmail.com for the payment details. The book can be mailed outside of Canada, the author will get a quote for the shipping and get back to you.

As well the book is available from these four retailers:

The Merrifield Bookshop, 471 Dundas Street, Woodstock, ON, N4S 1C2  519-539-4220

The Brantford Bookworm, 331 Brant Avenue, Brantford, ON, N3T 3J8   226-938-1628

The Oxford Bookshop, 262 Piccadilly Street, London, ON, N6A 1S4   519-438-8336

The Four Seasons Home & Garden Decor, 214 Main Street, Parkhill, ON, N0M 2N0  519-294-6617

The book details are:

"That Brant County Sound! The Ballad of Jim Allison and Thunderbird Recordings."
ISBN 978-1-987940-02-2 (Paperback), and  ISBN 978-1-987940-03-9 (E-Book) 

The second book is called "That Brant County Sound! In Pictures."
ISBN 978-1-987940-09-1 (Paperback), and  ISBN 978-1-987940-10-7 (E-Book)

The third book is called "That Brant County Sound! The Discographies."
ISBN 978-1-987940-11-4 (Paperback)  and ISBN 978-1-987940-12-1 (E-Book)

The first book (Yellow one) will be all text with some pictures, the second book (Brown one) will consist of hundreds of black and white photos and limited text, while the third book will include a short biography and the complete discography of all the musical groups mentioned in the Yellow Book.

The Yellow Book will be out July 21st 2017, while the Brown Book should be out in Oct/Nov 2017. The third book should be ready in early 2018.

On June 20th 2016 Tom was interviewed by Rogers Cable TV about this new book. To have a look at the interview please click on this link. That Brant County Sound Interview

Although the scope of the book seems small at first, it actually has swollen into a very large and encompassing project, including not only the sixteen homegrown Thunderbird artists, but many other major players in the Canadian Music Scene that are in the end, connected to That Brant County Sound. The sound is of grass roots old time country music made in the late sixties and all the way up to the present day. The Thunderbird artists include JK Gulley & Dusty Road, Roger Quick and the Rainbows, The Brennans, The Fearless Five (aka The Bridgeman Family) and Whisky Hollow. The better known artists still within the circle of research include The Mercey Brothers, Marie Bottrell, Terry Carisse, Harry Hibbs, Terry Sumsion & Stagecoach, Johnny Burke & Eastwind, Ruth Ann Wallace Onley, Whiskey River, Thomas Wade & Wayward, and Michelle Wright.

Tom Ryerson and Don Oatman at the No. 6 RCAF Dunville Museum on July 2nd 2016 at the Open House there. Don was involved with Thunderbird from 1976 to 1978. I have now talked to at least one representative from 12 of the 16 Thunderbird acts on the roster. Where are you Floyd C. Martin, Peter Hern, Desert Fox and The Brennan's? 

This web presence will explain the set up of the book, and everyone who is included. At this moment in time I am still getting information up on all the acts in the book. Keep checking back.    

My name is Tom Ryerson, and I came to this project with over thirty years of research experience, a great respect for bluegrass music, and ten self-published fictional novels. "That Brant County Sound!" will be my second fact based book, but like "A Bigger World," will still have a great readability.


Thanks to Glen Silverthorn for getting the word out, because of the above article, Bob Silverthorn got in touch with me, and he has been a fantastic asset to my research.

Dug Bond and the Maple Street Show Band were the very first act signed to Thunderbird, and they issued at least one single and the label's debut album. The single was 'Living on Pogey,' issued in May 1975, while the album was called 'Leaving Loving You,' and came out in October 1975. Left to right is the late Bob MacEachren, Bob Robbins, Dug Bond, George Baughan, and Brian Holliwell. By the time the band was at this stage (July 1975), founding members Terry Sumsion, Craig Sumsion, Jack Lewis and Wayne Heimbecker had left and were doing their own projects. By September 1975 Brian Holliwell had left the band and had been replaced by Lester Martin.

Although Whisky Hollow only issued one single with Thunderbird, 'Cinderella,' in November 1975, they were technically signed to the label for a short time, probably about six months. Left to right we have Jerry Ammerman, Bob Silverthorn, Jim Windle and Len Wilde. This promo photo is awesome! A great big thanks to Bob Silverthorn for letting me use his photos on this blog.


Tom and Gary Austin. Gary played with Jim Allison in the Canadian Rhythmaires from 1971 to 1974, and went solo with his backing band, 'Easy Lovin', 1974 to 1995. Gary's been a fantastic help with the early days of Jim Allison's musical history. Photo taken July 5th 2016.

Tom and Roger Quick in Ailsa Craig on November 8th 2015


It was a great pleasure to be able to include an old family friend, Gerry Risser, in
this project. Gerry ran a music shop and studio on Colborne Street in Brantford for at least fifteen
years. I remember being in his studio in 1974 and being in awe. Maybe he was the reason I grew
a love for all facets of music?

Tom's author page at the O.C.C.I. website

Tom is a member of the Oxford Creative Connections Inc. group which is comprised of  45 artists, 
4 authors, 10 photographers, 1 sculpture, 3 heritage sights, and 2 theaters. Pleas have a look
at all the other books Tom has written or co-written.