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FRANK KITCHING started studying guitar at 13 yrs.
First R&R Band at 15 yrs., "The Cavaliers" playing high school dances and C.Y.O. Dances (Catholic Young Peoples Dances) Scarborough Ont.
Later ... "The Faith", Agincourt based band, hired Frank to instruct their guitarist in Rhythym & Blues style Guitar.
Mike Rudder: Vocals - future lead in "Hair" The Musical
Mike Levine: Bass - future founder and Bassist of 'Triumph' (extremely successful Canadian international Rock Act) - future partner/owner of Metalworks Recording Studio
Laurie Del Grande: Keyboards - future session Keyboardist - Triumph
Paul Gross: Guitar - future owner of Phase One Recording Studios
Barry Keane: Drums - future drummer for Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot
Mike Levine as A&R Man for record company, informs Frank of auditions for Guitarist for 'The Debbie Lori Kaye Show' of 'Tommy Hunter Show' fame (CBC Television) - described as North America's longest running National Country Television Series. She was inducted into the Ontario Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
Frank successfully auditions to become lead guitarist/arranger for 'The Debbie Lori Kaye Show' touring Canada and the U.S. featuring Sally Chapus, future Drummer for "Blood Sweat & Tears".
Later, returning to Canada, Frank is told of auditions for 'Tranquility Base', popular recording-performing Rock Act managed by CAML Productions (John Harris) Manager of 'Ocean' (Put Your Hand In the Hand) and The Lisa Heart Band (featuring Rayburne Blake, previously, Guitarist for Mashmakhan) and future founder of "The Harris Institute for the Performing Arts" in Toronto.
Frank performed with Tranquility Base for the next 2 years, performing on stage with some of his old rock "Idols" from the "Toronto Scene" including Denny Gerrard (Paupers, Jericho, twice Voted 'Best Rock Bass Player' in the annual 'Playboy Jazz & Pop Poll') Frank DeFelice, (Drummer: Franklin Shepherd & the Good Shepherds, Jericho) and Christopher Brockway (Bass) (Brutus, Rik Emmett Band), among others.
Next, came a short stint with Toronto recording artist Judy Jansen, and some gigs with Jay Douglas & Company performing T.O. venues the likes of The King Cole Room at The Park Plaza Hotel, and following 'Disco' sensation Gloria Gaynor into 'Katoubia' at The Roehampton Place Hotel appearing with future Jan Aarden, Anne Murray, and 'Blackie and the Rodeo Kings' drummer, Gary Craig.
Frank then decides to form Burrows Kitching Music with Ron Burrows, former bandmate in the U.S. with the Debbie Lori Kaye Show. They proceed to land several music tracks for advertising, including both Television and Radio. Moving their office from Sumach St. up to 1231 Yonge St. at Summerhill, (Yonge and Liquor Store) they continue working for clients such as Leo Burnett, Ogilvy & Mather, GGS, Maclaren, Vickers & Benson, and other Agency heavyweights.
Soon, (six Years later) Frank and Ron decide to go separate ways based on creative differences and Frank forms Panama Productions Inc. at 123 John St. Toronto. Panama Productions Inc. continues to service clients in the advertising buisiness for the next 5 years adding to the "Roster" of Award Winning Commercials. Eventually Frank is joined by Greg Adams (Air Company, North Hero Music) for the last couple of years on the lease at 123 John St. (Audio Animals, Panama/Hero).
During this time, Frank and his good friend (the late) Earl Seymour (Arrows, Blood Sweat & Tears, The Lincolns) form a fun band for 'Cottage Country' gigs called (among other names) 'We Be Forty' featuring (at different times) Frank Kitching,Guitar, David Breckles (Shooter, Grant Smith, Brutus) drums, Tom Fair(B3,Piano), Peter Bleakney (Anne Murray) Bass, Bobby Economou,drums ( Jaco Pastorius, Rita Coolidge, Blood Sweat & Tears, Gloria Estephan), David Blamires, vocals (Pat Metheny), John Rutledge, vocals (Scoop) Kim Brandt, bass (top session bass player).
At this time, Frank is approached by Jody Colero of The Einstein Brothers Music Inc. to join with them to have Panama Productions Inc. do production for them at 49 Ontario St. at the Sounds Interchange Studio, partially owned by SuperCorps., a Labatt Brewery Co. subsidiary aptly titled John Labatt Entertainment Ltd. Frank continued with the Einstein Brothers for the next 9 years, moving with them from Ontario St. to 69 Sherbourne St., to 20 Duncan St. until their decision to wind down the Company in 2001 after several Partnership changes throughout the '90's.
Highlights for Frank throughout this time included writing and producing for Anne Murray, Celine Dion, Marc Jordan, Amy Skye and producing for Tom Bosley, Florence Henderson, Peter Noone, recording with Doug Riley, as well as winning several Awards for advertising - helping create the musical identity for Eaton's Dept. Store and The Bay, and producing music tracks and Radio Spots for Jean Chretien and the Liberal Party of Canada for the 2000 Federal Election. Frank was proud of helping the Einsteins to be voted 'Best Commercial Music and Sound Design House in Canada' in Playback Magazine's 1999 Poll.
After the wind-down of the Einsteins, Panama Productions re-located to 260 King St. E., suite #207 sharing office space with Jim McGrath,(McLevin Music Inc.) Jim was the head writer for the Einstein Brothers and they collaborated on many projects, and continue to do so. Jim was also Nominated and won the 2006 Gemini Award for best Music score in a T.V. Drama or Film.Highlights at this point are:
continued advertising tracks with established clients
the film score for "The Last Mogul" winning 'Best Documentary' at 'The Floating Film Festival'.
being invited to New York, to the premier of the Film by Pamela Wallin, Consul General of Canada,"Run Your Own Race" picking up a Gold Remi Award at Houston WordFest Film Festival.
working on "Life & Times: Michael Cohl" for the CBC.
requested to serve as Jurist for the Gemini Awards for best score for T.V. Drama or Film.
attending the Gala night on Oct.18/2006 at the Liderty Grand Entertainment Complex, Toronto.
also, guest lecturing the 3rd Year Advertising and Design Course at the Ontario College of Art & Design in 2005 was quite an honour.
