Loose Blues News
(Festival Roundup below)
Ottawa favourites, the J-W Jones Blues Band make a rare Toronto appearance at the Silver Dollar on June 14th, celebrating the release of their new CD, Bogart's Bounce on NorthernBlues Music.
Congratulations to Otis Taylor and his Toronto-based record label NorthernBlues Music on winning the W.C. Handy Award for Best New Artist of the Year. There was a significant Canadian presence at the Handys this year including blues broadcasters Al Kirkcaldy and Holger Petersen. Colin Linden was in Memphis for the occasion and sat in with Paul Reddick and the Sidemen (also nominated for Best New Artist - a real breakthrough for a Canadian blues band) when they performed at Silky O'Sullivan's on legendary Beale Street.
Here are some of the other Handy Awards presented: Acoustic Album of the Year - John Hammond; Acoustic Artist of the Year - Keb' Mo'; Band of the Year - Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers; Blues Album of the Year - Marcia Ball; Comeback Album of the Year - Ike Turner; Contemporary Album of the Year - Buddy Guy; Contemporary Female Artist of the Year - Shemekia Copeland; Contemporary Male Artist of the Year - Buddy Guy; Entertainer of the Year - B.B. King; Historical Blues Album of the Year - Muddy Waters; Instrumentalist of the Year awards went to Willie Kent, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, Roomful of Blues, Pinetop Perkins and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. Song of the Year was "Charlie's Old Highway 51 Blues" Charlie Musselwhite (Kid Ramos/Greasy Kid Stuff), The Soul Blues Album of the Year went to Little Milton, Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year is Etta James and Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year is Little Milton. The Traditional Album of the Year went to R.L. Burnside. The Traditional Female Artist of the Year is Koko Taylor and the Traditional Male Artist of the Year is R.L. Burnside.
Chicago's Update: Chicago's Diner is now re-open for business. The venue was closed for an ownership change and a renovation to the main floor. The new owner is Randy Selvadurai, and the new manager is a music man himself (Humber grad) Erik Allen. Erik is excited for the opportunity to keep live music ongoing and hopes to expand from weekends to full weeks as soon as they can. Mark "Bird" Stafford is on board and continues to book blues on the weekends. Stop in, catch some blues, and see the new plush booths on the main floor.
Blues Cruise: Rick Fines plays a fundraiser for the Peterborough Folk Festival on Sunday, August 11 (4pm and 6:30pm sharp). Cruise through the locks on Little Lake while you enjoy the best acoustic blues this side of the Mason Dixon line and munch on hors d'oeuvres from 4 great Peterborough restaurants - all for a good cause. Info/tix ($23) from Mark Wooley, 705-755-1113 or mark@woolley.com
How do they do that? If you ever wanted to get "behind the scenes" at the Harbourfront Blues (or other) Festival, York University's Faculty of Fine Arts has a week-end workship called Cultural Exchanges: An Insider's Guide to Three Rhythms of the World Festivals. York professor Rob Bowman along with Steve Gash and David Barnard, will be your guides and talk about blues and the urban folk revival, this year's festival programme, the diversity of Canadian blues culture; and the universality of the blues. Workshop fee is $100. To register, call 416-973-4000 before June 25.
From Russia with Blues: David Rotundo and Julian Fauth have just returned from a tour of Russia, bringing Canadian blues to Russian audiences and making a lasting impression. They played small clubs and big theatres as well as the Canadian Embassy in Moscow and Le Club, Russia's most renowned jazz bar and live TV broadcast of their two-hour performance for 700 people which ended with a standing ovation and three encores. They were joined on the tour by Russian bassist Alex Boldyrev, who has played around Toronto a bit himself.
The tour was the brainchild of Andrew Demciuch, owner of L'Arte (2060 Dundas West), where Julian has been playing regularly every Monday night for two years. The reaction was uniformly warm and appreciative, with several fans following David and Julian from Volgograd to Moscow. Proud, sensitive and generous, Russian audiences seemed to take to the blues instinctively, even though some had never heard it before. "Russians understand the blues because they have the blues," says David.
Julian and David regularly perform as a duo, and David often sits in on Julian's solo gigs at L'Arte and elsewhere. Julian occasionally joins David Rotundo and the Blue Canadians and plays piano on their CD, Blowin' For Broke. They celebrated their return home with a show at L'Arte (2060 Dundas West) where Julian has now resumed his regular Monday night open stage.
Blues at the Tranzac: Brian Blain celebrates one year of Acoustic Blues Thursdays at the Tranzac with his "Big Blues Blowout" on Friday June 28th as part of the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival. For this occasion, the party moves from the Southern Cross Room to the back room concert hall where he will be joined by some of his all-star guests from the past year and former bandmate, harmonica man Butch Coulter from Hamburg, Germany, who will be in Canada touring in his regular role as sideman for Long John Baldry. There may even be a surprise appearance of the New Blainettes.
Graffitis vs The Taxman: It's not exactly blues content, but there's a worthy fundraiser coming up for the long-established blues-friendly venue Graffitis in Kensington Market. It starts June 1 with TBS office/event co-ordinator Dan Kershaw's Brothers Cosmoline; June 7 Souvenirs; June 8 Steve Ketchen & The Kensington Hillbillys; June 14 The John Borra Band; June 15 the Frizzells; June 21 Jay Clark & The Jones; June 22 Kevin Quain hosting Songwriters Night, and June 28 Scotty Campbell. Only $10 and Advance tickets available at Graffitis and The Cadillac Lounge. If you haven't checked out this Market institution, this is your chance - hopefully not your last chance..
Rockit Wednesdays: Two-time Juno nominee Michael Pickett has launched a weekly solo acoustic show at Rockit, 120 Church Street in Toronto (416-947-9555). No cover in a casual club, with an early start time - 8:30pm to 12:30am. Michael performs his own original material, as well as interpretations of the songs of Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, Arthur Crudup, Bukka White, Jimmy Reed, and many others.
Midnite Walk Live Recording: Midnite Walk (Piano/Guitar Duo of Rod Phillips & Steve Grisbrook) wrapped up their long-standing Friday night run at the Ben Wicks Restaurant in Toronto with a live recording of their final regular evening.
Who's Picket Line Is It, Anyway?: Members of the Blues and Comedy community supported locked-out CBC employees in Montreal last month with this aptly-named show of support. Artists included Michael Jerome Browne, Stephen Barry, Dawn Tyler Watson, Lorne Elliott, and The Vestibules, in a night of music and comedy.
Raw Records Blues Compilation: Raw Records of Seattle, Washington has just announced their intent to release their newest blues collection, Vancouver BC's Best Blues. This is the 3rd release in Raw Record's Best Blues series featuring blues music from various west coast cities - Seattle was first, followed by Portland. The next one is expected to be San Francisco. Featured on the disc are: 1. Power Blues - Boppin' with the Blues 2. David Gogo - Soul Fever 3. The Fabricators - Heaven Bound 4. Keith Bennet - Bartalk 5. David Vidal - Kickin' 6. Kenny Wayne - Blues Boss Boogie 7. Dr. A & the MD's - You'll Be Back 8. Harpdog Brown - How Come 9. Willie MacCalder - Blues in the Packet 10. Bourne, Schuld, Stamer - Fishin' Blues 11. The Twisters - Fulla Hot Air 12. A. Walker - Too Many Bills 13. Tim Hearsy - Look Out 14. Long John Baldry - Easy Rider Blues 15. Larry Cook with Albert Collins - Albert's Blues 16. Jim Byrnes - If I Ever Cried. For more information contact: Raw Records, Inc., 2231 Washington Street, Port Townswend, WA 98368, Tel (360) 385-9600, Fax (360) 385-9617, info@RawRecords.com, www.RawRecords.com.
Benefit For Luther 'Guitar Jr.' Johnson: A benefit for Luther Johnson was held last month in Greenfield New Hampshire, to support the medical expenses associated with his need for a kidney transplant. Performers included Luther Guitar Jr Johnson & The Magic Rockers, Sugar Ray & The Bluetones, Jerry Portnoy, Ronnie Earl, James Montgomery, The Cheryl Arena Band Featuring Matt Woodburn & Dave Haley, Toni Lynn Washington, Dave Maxwell, Michelle Willson, Nicole Nelson, K.D. Bell, Shirley Lewis, Otis & The Elevators, Kan-Tu Blues, Racky Thomas and Voodoo Blues, among others.
Dallas/Fort Worth Blues History Week, June 16-23, 2002: Celebrating the 65th anniversary of Robert Johnson's historic Dallas recording session, the Dallas/Fort Worth Blues History Week is being launched to help promote the local blues scene and educate local citizens about some of the blues history of the area. There will be a lectures on Blind Lemon Jefferson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Deep Ellum, T-Bone Walker and Robert Johnson's recording sessions. Former Ontario resident Robin Bank$ and her band will play as well as Mighty Paul Young, K.M. Williams, The Hash Brown Band and many others. Videos of Freddie King performances will be shown during the breaks. Monday, June 17, to Friday, June 21. More info at http://geocities.com/bluesdfw/.
- Julie Hill, Jacquie Houston
Festival Roundup
The newest blues festival in town is the Toronto International BBQ and Blues Festival on July 12, 13 and 14 at Toronto's historic Roundhouse. The
festival will feature Guitar Shorty (pictured) and Junior
Watson as well as the Downchild Blues
Band and many more blues artists
June 10-16 Barrie Jazz and Blues Festival - Wild T. Tony Springer, Grant Lyle and the Brotherhood, Ken Hamm, Carlos del Junco with Kevin Breit, more. www.barriejazzbluesfest.com
June 15 Orangeville Blues Fest - Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and his Blues Allstars, Bob Stroger, Jack De Keyzer, Michael Fonfara, Trouble & Strife. 519-942-3423
June 21-30 Toronto Downtown Jazz - Dr. John and His 911 Band, Margie Evans, Fathead, Carlos del Junco, Dylan Wickens, Jack de Keyzer, Brian Blain, Paul James and many others. www.torontojazz.com
July 5-7 Harbourfront Labatt Blue's Festival - Odetta , Harry Manx, Paul Reddick + The Sidemen, Fathead, Jack de Keyzer, Michael Pickett, Dawn Tyler Blues Project, Curley Bridges, Georgette Fry, Slowpoke, Beau Kavanagh & The Broken Hearted and Jordan Cook www.harbourfront.on.ca (416) 973-3000
July 5-7 First Annual Thunder Bay Blues Festival - Colin James, Jeff Healey's Jazz Wizards, Powder Blues Band, Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater, Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants, Lamont Cranston Blues Band and Rita Chiarelli www.tbayblues.ca. (807) 344-2589.
July 6 Porquis Blues Festival Porquis Junction, Ontario.
Amos Garrett,
J-W Jones, Big Daddy G, Maureen Brown, more www.surf.to/porquisblues
July 5-14: Cisco Systems Ottawa Bluesfest - Omar & The Howlers, Blind Boys of Alabama, Colin Linden , David Jacobs-Strain, Harry Manx, Pinetop Perkins, Long John Baldry, Mississippi Heat, Sue Foley, Holmes Brothers, JJ Cale, JW Jones Blues Band, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Joe Louis Walker, Otis Rush, Clarence `Gatemouth' Brown, Ann Rabson, Lucky Peterson, Bryan Lee, Jimmie Vaughan, Colin James, many more. www.ottawa-bluesfest.ca (613) 755-1111 or (613) 247-1188
July 11 - 14 Windsor and London Bluesfest International - Blues Traveller, Eddy Clearwater, Mick Taylor, Eric Burdon & the New Animals, Colin James, Amos Garrett, Powder Blues Band, Rita Chiarelli, and more. www.thebluesfest.com
July 18-21 The 14th Annual Beaches International Jazz Festival - Rusty Zinn, Big Joe & The Dynaflows, Bill King's Saturday Nite Fish Fry, Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats, Jack de Keyzer, Fathead www.beachesjazz.com
July 19-21 11th Annual New York State Rhythm `n' Blues Festival, Syracuse NY - Otis Rush, Jimmy Vaughan with LouAnn Barton, Robert Lockwood Junior, Lucky & James Peterson, Sonny Landreth and lots more! www.nysbluesfest.com
August 4 Saugeen Rockin' Bluesfest, Walkerton, Ontario Sue Foley, Michael Pickett, Chris Chown, Fathead, Johnny V www.saugeenrocks.com
Aug 8-10 Collingwood Jazz & Blues Festival Collingwood, Ontario, Wayne Buttery & Groove Project, Curley Bridges, Mae Cromwell, Majestics, Jay Douglas, Downchild Blues Band www.collingwoodjazz.ca
Aug 22-25 Limestone City Blues Festival Downtown Kingston, Ontario 888-885-4555 http://www.whatsonkingston.com/bluesfestival/
August 22-25 House Full of Blues, 100 Georges, North Bay, Ontario - Big Daddy G, David Rotundo, Michael Fonfara, Pat Carey, SAB, Sunny Fournier, Maureen Brown, Jack DeKeyzer
August 24-25 Peterborough Folk Festival Brian Blain, Terry Wilkins, Silver Hearts, more http://www.ptbofolkfest.ca
Sept 6-7 Southside Shuffle, Port Credit - Jeff Healey's Jazz Wizards, Downchild, Magic Slim, Jack de Keyzer, more. www.southsideshuffle.com
Sept 6-7 Niagara Falls Blues In The Park - Steve Burnside with the Original Marquis, Odyssey Blues Band with Suzanne Hyatt, Fathead, Nightshift Blues Band, LMT Connection, Big Daddy G with Tortoise Blue, Kelley Hunt and much more. www.bluesinthepark.com
The Festival Round-up will continue for another couple of issues of MapleBlues. Send your festival updates to listings@torontobluessociety.com
Toronto Blues Society Copyright _ 2002