Polychrest Posted January 10, 2021 Share Posted January 10, 2021 Michael "Rabbit" Fonfara was a must-see performer for wannabe keyboard players back in 1960s Toronto. Never the star, but always tasteful, tight, flashy when needed. Had a productive career in the big leagues right until the end. Renowned Canadian keyboardist Michael Fonfara Quote "I like rock and roll, man, I don't like much else." John Lennon 1970 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drawback Posted January 10, 2021 Share Posted January 10, 2021 Thanks for posting. I remember Rhinoceros, and of course Downchild. RIP. Quote ____________________________________ Rod Here for the gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiefDanG Posted January 11, 2021 Share Posted January 11, 2021 I really enjoyed Mr. Fonfara"s playing. Apricot Brandy was a big song in my youth. The Rhinoceros album pictured above has a great version of I Don"t Want To Discuss It, thanks to his playing. I also have an album 2B3 with him on it. RIP Quote Professional musician = great source of poverty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skipeb3 Posted January 11, 2021 Share Posted January 11, 2021 Oh man... Sorry to hear about this. I saw Rhinoceros in '68 at the Fillmore East. A 3 act bill...they opened, John Mayall's Bluebreakers & the Moody Blues. Rhinoceros knocked me out. I got the album the next day. Still a fave of mine. The organ ending to "When You Stay You're Sorry" is still one of the greatest ever. Vaya con Dios, Michael. Wish I had known you. Maybe next time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenheeter Posted January 11, 2021 Share Posted January 11, 2021 Saw him play many times with The Lincolns. Fabulous always, this is a huge loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pa Gherkin Posted January 11, 2021 Share Posted January 11, 2021 Very sorry to see this. Mike was a huge influence on my earliest Hammond forays and remains so today. That first Rhinoceros album was great from start to finish in no small part due to Michael"s Hammond mastery. Apricot brandy remains an all time great rock instrumental.He had an enviable career. Godspeed Michael. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polychrest Posted January 11, 2021 Author Share Posted January 11, 2021 Keyboard Maestro Michael Fonfara Quote "I like rock and roll, man, I don't like much else." John Lennon 1970 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polychrest Posted January 25, 2021 Author Share Posted January 25, 2021 This is a good read--gets to the essence of the guy: Master Keyboardist Michael Fonfara Quote "I like rock and roll, man, I don't like much else." John Lennon 1970 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pa Gherkin Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 Polychrest,thanks for providing those 2 links. Reading those articles was heartwarming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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