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The Nylons (2003)
 Many hands
have been involved in the evolution of what has become a Canadian
institution and indeed, a legend in the international world of a
cappella music. In the late seventies, The Nylons were four out
of work actors, or as they say "between jobs." Toronto was a thriving
theatrical capital and emerging centre of telecommunications in
Canada, and down in the Queen St W. village, the music scene was
a flourishing hotbed of creativity. In the late evening hours of
Fridays and Saturday nights, after the "real" shows were over, there
was often a fashion event, a party or benefit going on somewhere
- something that provided a showcase of sorts for these actors-wanna-be-singers.
Naturally, equipment was at a premium, (namely a piano!) and many
compromises were made. As a result they ended up literally flying
without a net. "Outrageous" was a favorite word for some to describe
what they were doing, but after all, what could be more natural
and resourceful than singing straight off the floor? Thanks to their
friend, Toronto producer Taras Shipowick, The Nylons opened for
an initial 2 week run at a new, unlicensed cabaret, and got held
over for an additional six weeks. Toronto's newest "media darlings"
were born. Later on, they finished out the year 1979 with a four-month
engagement at a (this time, licensed) nightclub in Toronto, found
their core audience, and the rest was history. By the time they
released their first album in early 1982, self-titled "The Nylons,"
they had toured most of Canada, thus creating a demand for the record,
which went on to achieve platinum status in less than two months.
Likewise for the second album, which proved that The Nylons were
no flash in the pan, no mere novelty or "one-hit wonder", but rather,
a legitimate act that intended to stick around! As their longevity
indicates, along with the new album "Play On," this is an group
that continues to produce at the peak of form, and for whom the
only way is up.
For more information on the Nylons, visit their web site.
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