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Amish is a Canadian rock band formed in 1970 in Galt, Ontario, emerging from the remnants of the R&B cover band FJ And The Impressions, which included bassist and organ player Ron Baumtrog. Initially, the band played cover versions of songs by McKenna-Mendelson Mainline, The Modern Rock Quartet, The Doors, and James Gang. Their manager, Bill Gefross, introduced them to Sussex Records in the U.S., where Motown producer Dennis Coffey and Mike Theodore recorded them at GM Studios in East Detroit. Due to guitarist Botts being a draft dodger from the Vietnam War, session guitarist Joe Gutz performed on their self-titled debut album, released in 1972 through Buddah Records. The album features a remake of Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy” and an original song, “Down The Road,” which was intended for a 7” release alongside the non-LP track “Upon My Leavin’,” though it was never issued. Following the album's release and a potential U.S. tour, Amish merged with another local band, Oasis, leading to guitarist Bob Norris replacing Botts and drummer Kim Neil replacing Byrne. They recorded a second album that was never released, after which Baumtrog departed, and Gery Mertz joined on keyboards. The band continued for a couple of years as a four-piece after Mertz's departure. In later years, Baumtrog became the Health & Safety Coordinator for
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