Information/Write-up
Following the dissolution of The Majestics in 1969, key members of the band regrouped under a new banner: Heads of Our Time. The project centered on vocalist Jay Jackson and arranger/keyboardist Eric N. Robertson, effectively representing an evolution of the Majestics’ studio nucleus rather than a completely new ensemble.
Released in 1970 on the Canadian Good Groove label (GS 7001), The Subtle Art of Self Destruction marked a decisive stylistic departure from the Majestics’ horn-driven R&B repertoire. While the earlier Arc recordings had focused largely on tight interpretations of contemporary soul hits, Heads of Our Time embraced studio experimentation, extended structures, and psychedelic production techniques reflective of the period.
The album combined original compositions with reworked covers, including “With a Little Help From My Friends,” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” “Crosstown Traffic,” and an unconventional version of “Wichita Lineman.” Interspersed throughout were brief experimental interludes under the “Time Cycle” banner, demonstrating a clear shift toward conceptual continuity and sonic collage.
Personnel on the LP included Jay Jackson (vocals) and Eric N. Robertson (keyboards), alongside several musicians associated with The Majestics’ Arc-era recordings: Brian Lucrow (trumpet), Chris Vickery (bass), Russ Strathdee (tenor sax), Bill Cudmore (baritone sax), and Orlando Guerrieri (trombone). Additional players included Brian Russell (guitar), Jack Posluns (drums, percussion), and Arnie Chycoski (trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn). The album was recorded at Bay Studio in Toronto and produced by Tony DiMaria, Eric N. Robertson, and Gary Starr.
While the Majestics’ Arc catalogue reflected a polished live R&B discipline, Heads of Our Time leaned into studio construction, layered textures, and late-1960s psychedelic production aesthetics. The project effectively bridged Toronto’s mid-decade soul circuit with the more exploratory rock direction emerging at the dawn of the 1970s.
The Heads of Our Time name was short-lived. After The Subtle Art of Self Destruction and a related EP release, the project dissolved, though its members continued into significant individual careers in Canadian recording, session work, and performance.
-Robert Williston
Musicians
Jay Jackson: vocals
Ric Robertson: keyboards
Brian Russell: guitar
Jack Posluns: drums, percussion
Arnie Chycoski: trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn
Bill Cudmore: baritone saxophone
Orly Guerrieri: trombone
Brian Lucrow: trumpet
Chris Vickery: bass
Russ Strathdee: tenor saxophone
Production
Produced by Tony DiMaria, Ric Robertson and Gary Starr
Directed by Tony DiMaria
Music arranged by Ric Robertson
Recorded and mixed by Gary Starr at Bay Recording Studio, Toronto, Ontario
Executive Producer: Phil G. Anderson
Album Design by Brian Russell and Tony DiMaria (“The New Addition”)
Album Art by Brian Russell and Ted Michener
Special Thanks:
Scarboro Green
Dee Collins
Frank Bertin
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