Noah

Websites:  https://citizenfreak.com/artists/104603-tyme-a-half
Origin: Trenton, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

L to R - Dan Thompson, Paul Lockyer, Marinus Vandertogt & Al Manning

Noah were a Trenton, Ontario–based rock band whose evolution from mid-1960s local club act to nationally recognized progressive-leaning hard rock group mirrors the arc of many ambitious Canadian bands of the era — marked by strong musicianship, industry backing, and a career ultimately cut short by tragedy.

The group formed in 1964–65 under the name Buzzy and the Belvederes, built around bassist and vocalist Barry “Buzz” Vandersel, who was only 14 at the time, alongside his older cousins Marinus Vandertogt (guitar, vocals) and Peter Vandertogt (drums, percussion, vocals). Original lead singer Paul Clapper completed the early lineup as the band worked the local Trenton club circuit.

During sessions for their first single, ‘It’s Been a Long Time’, Nimbus 9 Productions manager Al MacMillan suggested a name change, rechristening the group Tyme and a Half. Under that name, they released two singles in 1969 and began attracting attention beyond their regional base. Through Nimbus 9 producer Jack Richardson, the band secured a deal with RCA Victor, adopting the name Noah for the release of their self-titled debut album in 1970.

The debut LP captured Noah’s developing sound — a heavy, Hammond-driven blend of hard rock and early progressive elements, drawing comparisons to groups like Iron Butterfly and Deep Purple. However, internal tensions soon followed. Clapper, unhappy with the band’s direction under MacMillan’s leadership, departed and was briefly replaced by guitarist Ron Neilson during touring. Neilson also exited soon after, leaving Noah to continue as a tighter, power-focused unit.

A move to ABC/Dunhill marked the most significant phase of the band’s career. Their second album, Peaceman’s Farm (1972), was produced by Randy Bachman, who also contributed guitar performances and wrote the standout track ‘Sussex’. Keyboardist Jim Morgan added prominent organ work, expanding the band’s progressive reach. Songs such as ‘World Band’ showcased Noah’s ambition and would later be covered by the American group Griffin.

Peaceman’s Farm received strong reviews in RPM, Cashbox, and Billboard, and Noah were selected as one of the featured acts for the Canadian music industry’s Maple Music Junket, significantly raising their profile. In the spring of 1972, the band undertook extensive touring in the United States, including a live radio broadcast on WCMF in Rochester, New York, with Bachman joining them on the road. Guitarist Al Manning entered the lineup during this period.

With momentum building, Noah returned to the studio to record a third album, California Man, including a reworking of ‘Sussex’. During the sessions in 1973, Vandersel suddenly fell ill and was hospitalized. Although recording was completed, medical examinations at Kingston General Hospital soon confirmed a malignant brain tumour. After two years of chemotherapy treatments and a brief remission, Barry “Buzz” Vandersel died in the fall of 1975 at just 23 years old.

The band disbanded following his death, and California Man has never been released. Despite a short recording career — two albums and a handful of singles — Noah left behind a powerful legacy as one of Ontario’s most promising early-1970s rock bands, remembered for their musicianship, ambition, and the heartbreaking circumstances that ended their ascent.
-Robert Williston

Lineup (Noah era)
Core lineup (self-titled LP, 1970):
Paul Clapper: lead vocals
Barry “Buzz” Vandersel: lead vocals, bass
Marinus Vandertogt: lead guitar, vocals
Peter Vandertogt: drums, percussion, vocals

Subsequent members / touring & Peaceman’s Farm era:
Ron Neilson: lead guitar
Al Manning: guitar
Jim Morgan: organ

Associated contributor:
Randy Bachman: guitar, producer

Lineup (Tyme & A Half era)

Paul Clapper: vocals, guitar
Barry “Buzz” Vandersel: vocals, bass
Marinus Vandertogt: guitar, vocals
Peter Vandertogt: drums, percussion, vocals

Related acts:
Tyme & A Half: https://citizenfreak.com/artists/104603-tyme-a-half