This album ‘Still Here’ and the follow up ‘Glider’ are a good representation of Ian Thomas’ AOR work, it is quite atmospheric in places, and when they crank it up a bit, they sound similar to the UK band Pilot in their more AOR-ish moments.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Ian Thomas Band
ALBUM: Still Here
LABEL: GRT
SERIAL: 9230-1067
YEAR: 1978
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada
LINEUP: Ian Thomas – vocals, guitars * Dave Cooper – guitars * Dave Sawyer – bass * Hugh Syme – keyboards * Mike Oberle – drums
<TRACK LISTING: 01 Just Like You * 02 Sally * 03 I Really Love You * 04 Clear Sailing * 05 Still Here * 06 Coming Home * 07 Faces * 08 Tinkerbell * 09 Tycoon
WEBLINKS: Wikipedia Page
Background
Bit of a legend on the Canadian scene is Ian Thomas. A product of Dundas just west of Hamilton Ontario, Ian has been an all round seasoned muso for years in Canada. Still active today as one of the three notable leaders of the Canadian Songwriters Guild (along with Stan Meissner and Bill Henderson of Chilliwack fame).
Anyway, onto this bit of history. This album ‘Still Here’ and the follow up ‘Glyder’ are a good representation of Ian’s AOR work. It is quite atmospheric in places, and when they crank it up a bit, they sound similar to the UK band Pilot in their more AOR-ish moments.
The Songs
Hugh Syme’s keyboard and piano work is spatial and interesting, and topped off by some lyrically inspired moments, as evidenced on the album’s epic moment ‘Faces’. I have played this song so many times over the years I never get sick of it.
The lyrics are so poignant. That atmospheric richness is shown on ‘I Really Love You’, while the album is full of little gems like ‘Clear Sailing’, the grandiose ‘Coming Home’ and the title track ‘Still Here’ (with that neat chorus hook ..’doo de doo doot’..).
In a way, I would not be surprised to find out if Alfie Zappacosta was in some way influenced by Ian’s work, because vocally they sound similar, and the aforementioned atmospherics reappeared on the debut Surrender album the following year.
In Summary
As a testament to Ian’s work, this album eventually saw daylight in CD format thanks to Wounded Bird’s 2010 reissue. It finally got the credit it deserves many years later. However, there l is still an absolute treasure trove of music in the Ian Thomas vault.
On a closing note, some of you would have noted Hugh Syme has earned something of a reputation for his album cover designs. Some of his are the Rush albums, Red Rider‘s ‘Neruda’, Wrabit‘s ‘Tracks’ and a whole host of others.
Ian Thomas Band on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
