You know the internet is really the greatest tool of the 21st century. You can search for literally anything or anybody at the click of a computer button.

Unfortunately some of the greatest things to look for that are Canadian are often over looked. For example, the great Rock/Jazz guitarist, our own Dominic Troiano. He actually lived around 17 houses away at 356 Sammon Ave., East York, from where we live now! He also created a song called 356 Sammon Ave. on his solo debut in 1972 called “Dominic Troiano”.

While in our back yard a couple of years ago, our little old neighbour Sofie’s son and I were doing some work in her garden for her. After we had finished, I brought up Dominic’s name. He looked at me with this puzzled look on his face. I asked him if he knew anything about him and he told me that he hung out with his younger brother and played cards with them. He also said that Dominic was trying to learn guitar all the time. I said ” Trying to learn guitar you say?”.

I’ve looked him up on line to only find little bits and pieces of him and his successes. Youtube has no Bush videos and there is no official Dominic Troiano site. I looked for his death, after realizing that he passed away 6 months after the fact, only to find small little blurbs here and there. Come on now, this guy was a guitar god!

He helped create the Toronto Sound in the 60’s thru 70’s. He replaced Robbie Robertson of the Band, while Robbie was with Ronnie Hawkins. Dominic started the band Mandala and Bush in 1970. He also was with the James Gang Band with Troiano replacing the guitarist Joe Walsh. Mr. Troiano also joined The Guess Who as Randy Bachman’s replacement.

Can you imagine playing with other artists such as Joe Cocker, Donald Fagen, Diana Ross, David Clayton-Thomas, Etta James, and produce albums for bands/singers, including his ex-wife Shawne Jackson. Well Dominic did! Now to top things off he was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1996. Not a bad resume to have hanging around your neck. I think that if I was playing a guitar in the 12th Fret and he walked in the store I would more then likely put it down and try to be a fly on the wall, wouldn’t you?

Think about it, this is the guy who replaced a guitarist called Joe Walsh. Then this guy named Joe Walsh gave his Gibson ’59 Les Paul to non-other then Mr. Jimmy Page. This gift gave Mr. Page his signature Les Paul look! Imagine giving Jimmy your guitar and have him actually use it, regularly!

I found the bassist, Prakash John, from Mr. Troiano’s band Bush and found some real neat little stories about him and his band’s adventures. Prakash John’s son, Jordan John, is quite the musician in his own right. I guess apples really don’t fall to far from the tree.

I researched some more and found the best tribute to this giant of guitar at the 12th Fret site and it was very nicely done. Hats off to you folks!

Domenic Troiano sadly passed away on unfortunately, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He succumbed on May 25, 2005. He was 59. Once again, this is another great one that I didn’t get to see live.

Dominic Troiano RIP

Keep on Jammin’