Loose Blues News
Omar and the Howlers bring their blistering brand of Texas style blues to the Silver Dollar Saturday March 9. You can also catch them March 8 at Boomerz in London, March 14 at Big River Roadhouse in Prescott, or
March 15 & 16 at the Rainbow Bistro in Ottawa.
Kent "Omar" Dykes was born and raised just outside the Mississippi Delta. Omar's distinctive guitar tone and seasoned blues growl have continued to propel the band
forward. They have a new release out, Big Delta,
on Blind Pig Records.
Congratulations: Bluesmen Jackie Washington and Dutch Mason were the first blues inductees into the new Jazz and Blues Hall of Fame which is being set up in Barrie, Ontario. Dutchie was not able to attend but was represented by Steve Toman who received the award from Rita Chiarelli. Jackie Washington was on hand to receive his award from Ken Whiteley, who took a moment to remind the roomful of Canada's jazz luminaries (including Oscar Peterson himself) how fitting it was that the blues were included in this first National Jazz Awards ceremony (after all, we know where jazz came from, eh?)
Colorado-based Otis Taylor
(right) hasn't been to Toronto since his appearance this time last year at the
official launch of his Canadian-based label, NorthernBlues. The Handy award
nominee will be at the Silver Dollar April 6th. His CD
White African (NorthernBlues) has bone-hard lyrics and skillful playing reflecting the dark psyche from which his
ideas emerge. Watch for the release of his new CD (also on NorthernBlues) in April.
More Congratulations: Harry Manx is the winner of The 2002 Canadian Independent Music Award for Blues Album of the Year, Dog My Cat. Other nominees were David Rotundo & the Blue Canadians, Blowin' for Broke; Lester Quitzau, So Here We Are; Paul Reddick & the Sidemen, Rattlebag and Rita Chiarelli, Breakfast at Midnight. The "Indies", intended to recognize the best of Canada's independent artists and encourage career growth, were presented as the official kick-off public event for Canadian Music Week, in a ceremony at the Steam Whistle Brewery Roundhouse on Wednesday, February 27, which included performances by a number of the nominated artists. The Indies included the presentation of a the Galaxie Rising Stars Award, with a cash prize of $2,000. Galaxie, CBC's Continuous Music Network, presents the award as part of a music development program dedicated to encourage and promote new musical talent across the country. Folk/roots Album of the Year nominees included the Toronto Blues Society's Event Co-ordinator Dan Kershaw's the Brothers Cosmoline, Songs of Work and Freedom.
Juno Awards: The Juno awards take place in St. John's Newfoundland in April, and the nominees for Best Blues Album are Big Mouth, Colin Linden (Columbia/Sony), Breakfast at Midnight, Rita Chiarelli (Northernblues/Festival), Drive On, Michael Jerome Browne (Borealis/Festival), Double Shot!, Mel Brown & Snooky Pryor (Electro-Fi/Festival), and Rattlebag, Paul Reddick + the Sidemen (Northernblues/Festival). Nominees in the Best Roots & Traditional Album, Solo, category, include the blues-friendly Gather Honey by Penny Lang (Borealis/Festival), and the Toronto Blues Society's own Event Co-ordinator Dan Kershaw has also been nominated for a Juno in the category of Best Roots & Traditional Album, Group, for his Brothers Cosmoline recording Songs of Work & Freedom (Bobby Dazzler/Outside). More info is available at: www.juno-awards.ca
Pie Guys Anniversary: Rod Phillips and The Pie Guys celebrated their 8th Anniversary of Sundays at The Blue Goose last month. The six-hour celebration included numerous guests such as Kim Doolittle, The Bear, and Jay Douglas.
The Rockin' Deltoids reunited for a live recording at Toronto's Silver Dollar last month. Professor Piano (Scott Cushnie) was joined by Mitch Lewis (guitar), Bob Yeomans (drums) and Bob Hewus (bass).
Rick Washbrook's pox: Like many musicians, guitarist Rick Washbrook has a day job, but was unable to work when quarantined for one month due to catching chicken pox, which, when contracted as an adult, are quite evil. So, we've been advised by his friends that, "if you have an interest in Rick's recorded tribute to Lenny Breau, A Gypsy's Bed, then now would be a good time to buy it ($20 + $1.50 mailing) in order to support a local peer/musician in a time of need, and get a really brilliant CD to boot". Visit Rick's website www.washbrook.com.
Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne: Andrew Galloway, President of Electro-Fi Records and Artist Management, is pleased to announce the signing of keyboard ace Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne to the Electro-Fi label. Kenny's first release will be 88th & Jump Street, recorded at Alec Fraser's Liquid Studio in Toronto and Baker Street Studio in Vancouver, which includes special guests Jeff Healey, Mel Brown, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Russell Jackson, Chris Whiteley, Maureen Brown and Dave "Hurricane" Hoerl, on a swinging collection of boogie woogie blues original material, scheduled for a May 28th release date, with distribution in Canada by Festival and by City Hall in the U.S.A.
Amigo Blues E-News reports that guitarist Larry Goodhand is taking a leave of absence from the Livin' Blues Band to tour with Sonny Rhodes, "The Disciple of the Blues". He will be at the Silver Dollar March 16.
Bluesman and Artist: Long John Baldry's artwork is on display in Toronto from March 2 to 31 at The Spin Gallery, 156 Bathurst Street. His work is primarily caricature drawings in pen and ink, per his drawings of band members on the inside jacket of his CD Baldry's Out!
Rita Chiarelli: NorthernBlues recording artist Rita Chiarelli has completed a tour of Western Canada, and is scheduled to tour Switzerland, followed by the southern USA, before returning for dates in Ontario.
2002 Orillia Spring Blues Festival: This year's Orillia Spring Blues Festival is scheduled for Thursday, April 25 through Sunday, April 28, with the Downchild Blues Band opening the fest. For more details: www.orillia.net/springblues.
A North Bay Music Shrine Lost: The Parkview Hotel in North Bay, where many local musicians got their start in the 60's, 70's and 80's, burned down last month. Many players probably made a stop there, if their musical careers go back more than a decade or so. A piece of the north's history went up in flames.
Blues Valentines: On Friday 15 February, two of Canada's top female blues performers, Juno award and multiple Maple Blues award winner Sue Foley and Juno nominated and Real Blues Award winner Georgette Fry, shared the stage for a night of the blues in Perth, Ontario, Foley's new hometown. Each singer did a 70 minute set with their own bands and then took to the stage together for the finale.
Trevor Findlay Band: Trevor Findlay is back in the east, and will open for Tom Cochrane and the resurrected Red Rider for the 25th anniversary party for CHEZ 106 at the Ottawa Congress Centre on Monday March 25.
The Ottawa Bluesfest returns to its downtown roots: "Music fans will be dancing in the streets of the nation's capital this summer. Bluesfest organizers have parlayed a need to move from their previous location at Lebreton Flats into what should prove to be a true crowd-pleaser, an easy-access, downtown location with plenty of parking. The new Bluesfest site will include Festival Plaza, Confederation Park, and the Cartier Square Drill Hall, and will be bordered by Elgin Street to the west, the NAC to the north, City Hall to the south, and the Rideau Canal to the east. The Laurier Street Bridge will be closed during festival hours. The move to this location is the result of a cooperative effort on the part of The National Capital Commission, The City of Ottawa, Public Works, DND, and Cisco Systems Bluesfest. "After looking at a number of alternatives and extensive talks with the Mayor's office, the NCC, and numerous other officials, this seemed to be the best way to go", said Mark Monahan, the festival's executive director, who added "It's often daunting to take something as successful as Bluesfest has become and change it. But I believe this is a change for the better. With the close proximity of the Mackenzie Street Bridge, which is a hub for bus transportation, the many bike paths that lead to this area, and vacant parking lots, due to the festival's evening and weekend schedule, getting to this year's event should be easy." This year's Cisco Systems Bluesfest will take place from July 5 to July 14 2002. For more information: www.ottawa-bluesfest.ca.
East Coast Music Awards: Moncton's Glamour Puss has won their third consecutive blues award in the five years since the category has existed. The band accepted their award before a live audience of more than 8,000 at Harbour Station in Saint John, NB. The band will also perform in a national broadcast on March 7 on CBC Radio One's Basic Black, before of a large live home town audience for a taping at the Capitol Theatre. The band will be touring Western Canadian for the remainder of March.
The Carson Downey Band "Gaines" Momentum: The Carson Downey Band are set to begin recording the follow-up to their debut All The Way. The band has entered Montreal's Le Studio with Grammy award winning producer/engineer Jim Gaines. Gaines won Grammy awards for his work on Stevie Ray Vaughan's In Step and Sky Is Crying. He has produced, mixed and engineered seven albums for Carlos Santana, including Supernatural. Jim Gaines has also produced albums for John Lee Hooker, Albert Collins and Blues Traveler. The sophomore album from The Carson Downey Band has a release planned for spring 2002.
Great Woods Music Festival: Performers interested in this music festival just outside of Winnipeg are invited to contact www.transcanadaweb.com/greatwoods.
I'm an Artist, That's My Choice: This seminar for musicians is visiting 14 University campuses through April 6, 2002. "A unique seminar offering an insightful look into the emotional and social challenges of creative personalities, the workshop offers comprehensive solutions and provides the basic tools needed to alleviate emotional stress and build artistic confidence. Juno nominated Canadian jazz pianist/composer/clinician Paul Tobey, who has toured the world as a performer and New York label, Arkadia Jazz recording artist, releasing his fifth album this year, communicates a revealing look into the performer's mindset. This professional development tour is appearing on 30 campuses across Canada, free admission with a student card, $15 admission for anyone with an interest in a successful career in performance". For more information: www.paultobey.com/seminar/index.html.
Branford Marsalis Launches New Indie Label: Branford Marsalis, one of the leading saxophonists and bandleaders in jazz for the past 20 years, has announced the formation of Marsalis Music - a new record company designed to provide a home for committed creative musicians. Completing the executive team of the Boston-based label are renowned Boston Globe jazz critic, Bob Blumenthal, and managers, Sherry McAdams and Ann Marie Wilkins. Marsalis Music will be marketed and distributed by another Boston-based company, Rounder Records. The Canadian contact is Ian Gilchrist, Director of Sales & Marketing, Rounder Records Group Canada, ian.gilchrist@umusic.com.
2002 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Heritage Fair: Taking place April 26 through May 4, the fest includes artists such as the Zydeco Twisters, Counting Crows, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Taj Mahal & the Phantom Blues Band, Shemekia Copeland, BeauSoleil, Sonny Landreth, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Bryan Lee & the Blues Power Band, Irma Thomas, Lenny Kravitz, India.Arie, Mahotella Queens of South Africa, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Mem Shannon, Kenny Neal with Deborah Coleman, Wynton Marsalis, Melissa Etheridge, Dr. John, Teddy Pendergrass, Elvin Bishop, Allen Toussaint, Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald with The Count Basie Orchestra, Marva Wright, Nathan & the Zydeco ChaChas, Lil' Buck Blues Band, Blues Traveler, Delbert McClinton, Gov't Mule, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Los Hombres Calientes, King Floyd, Marcia Ball, Bonnie Raitt, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Yellowjackets, Lonnie Brooks, Tab Benoit, Henry Gray & the Cats, Better Than Ezra, Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band, Bobby Womack, Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials, Terrance Simien, the Neville Brothers, Papa Wemba of The Congo, Abbey Lincoln, Buckwheat Zydeco, John Mooney & Bluesiana, Corey Harris, the Zydeco Playboys, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, and many, many others.
Singer Koko Taylor Hospitalized: Blues singer Koko Taylor, known as the "Queen of the Blues," underwent a successful angioplasty in late January at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, after doctors discovered a blocked artery. Taylor, 66, fainted during a private function at her south side Chicago club, Koko Taylor's Celebrity. The 66-year-old singer's blood pressure and blood sugar level had gone up after she failed to take medication for diabetes. Taylor, who performs about 100 concerts a year, also suffers from hypertension and diverticulitis. She won a Grammy in 1984. Her nightclub was closed in November because her daughter, club manager Joyce Threatt, developed severe asthma and could no longer manage a smoky nightclub. It is still used for private functions.
- Julie Hill, Brian Blain, Jacquie Houston
Toronto Blues Society Copyright _ 2002