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Loose Blues News
Kelly Joe Phelps makes his way through town with two nights at Hugh's Room on March 4 & 5. Vancouver duo
Zubot & Dawson (who guest on his new Ryko album,
Slingshot Professional) will be opening, and probably sittin' in, too.
More award nominees: For the Blues Juno, the nominees are Jack de Keyzer for 6-string Lover (Blue Star / Spirit River); Fathead for First Class Riff-Raff (Electro-Fi / Festival); Harry Manx for Wise and Otherwise (Northernblues / Festival); The Twisters for Long Hard Road (Festival); and Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne for 88th & Jump Street (Electro-Fi / Festival). (Also see below) For more info on all the nominees visit www.junoawards.ca. The Juno broadcast on CTV is from Ottawa's Corel Centre on Sunday April 6, 8pm, hosted by Shania Twain.
And for the Canadian Independent Music Awards Blues Album of the Year, in addition to Jack de Keyzer, Fathead, and the Twisters, the nominees are Long John Baldry for Remembering Leadbelly (Stony Plain), and Michael Jerome Browne for Drive On (Borealis). The awards were presented just after press time, on 26 February, at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto, as part of Canadian Music Week.
Detroit's beloved Alberta Adams
(left) returns to Toronto for an evening at Silver Dollar, Saturday, March 15
And more winners: Last month, Charlie A'Court won the East Coast Music Awards Blues Artist of the year.
Blues Baby: Congratulations to Darren Gallen (guitarist with Raoul & the Big Time) and Mary Ann Mitchell (former bassist with Chris Armstrong, Steven C.), on their baby daughter Emma, born on February 1st.
Rave On: Local Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band, Rave On (get it?), introduces a website at www.raveon.ca.
Chicago's Fire: Jerome Godboo's weekly Wednesday nights at Chicago's in Toronto are attracting a number of special guests. With the rhythm section of Tom Bona on drums and Big Ben on bass, featured guitarists have included Jack de Keyzer, Shawn Kellerman, Damian Orokium, and Greg Godovitz, and guests have included bassist Terry Wilkins, drummers Al Webster and Eric Paul, vocalists Barry Mack, Bradley the Bouncer, and Lisa Duncan, and young guitarist/vocalist Josh Tolles.
You Can't Keep a Good Jam Down: Although the final jam at the Goose & Firkin in North York occurred last month, with "The Wirkin' Firkin's" (Steve Grisbrook, Rod Phillips, Gary Kendall, Mike Fitzpatrick) and numerous special guests, The Sunday Juke Joint (Steve Grisbrook, Clint Ryan, and Tyler Burgess) returns this month to Carlos Murphys at 980 Kingston Road in Toronto, 4 to 8pm. Special Guests will be listed as the Jam progresses.
Toronto Guitar Summit: Long & McQuade Musical Instruments (www.long-mcquade.com), Gibson Guitars, and Yorkville Sound present The Toronto Guitar Summit featuring Jeff Healey, Gordie Johnson, Kim Mitchell, Pat Rush, Wild T, and more, backed up by an all-star rhythm group, on Wednesday March 12, 2003, at Healey's, 178 Bathurst Street (at Queen) in Toronto, with doors open at 9 pm. Tickets are $10.00 (available at all Long & McQuade locations) with net proceeds going to the Coalition for Music Education.
Popa Chubby (left) always makes a big impression when he hits Toronto. He plays the Silver Dollar on April 5. If you like your blues with a little "edge" mark your calendars.
SpringRise Celebration 2003: Once again Gary 17 and to-nite / www.to-nite.net are holding a series of three SpringRise Celebration concerts at three clubs in three cities over three nights: On Tuesday March 25 in Markham, at Father's, 8515 McCowan Road, with house band John Stewart Band, and guests Sidewinder, Call The Cops, Deborah Leckie & Robin Edgar, Bear, Angela Penfound, Sebastian Agnello, Indelible Blues Band and Start It Up (8 pm to 2 am, free admission); On Wednesday March 26 in Toronto, at Healey's, 178 Bathurst Street, with house band Jack de Keyzer Band and guests Paul James, David Rotundo, Reverb Rockers, Shannon Fayth, Angelfire, Laura Hubert, Max Brand, David Bacha Band, Sebastian Agnello, Blue Willow, KiD, Brian Gladstone Band, Lance Anderson, Danny Marks, Tony "Wild T" Springer and Grant Lyle ($5 admission, 8 pm to 2 am); And on Thursday March 27 in Mississauga, at P.K. Creek, 255 Dundas Street West, with house band Robbie Lane & The Disciples and guests Frank Cosentino, Cottonmouth, Tater Vox, The Meteors, Krista Blondin, Suzie McNeil, Ginny Lynn, Michael Keys & Co., Sebastian Agnello and Temple ($5 admission, 8 pm to 2 am).
Cross Road Blues: A special concert tribute to Robert Johnson, to celebrate the Year of the Blues and to raise funds for Cambridge Riverfest, will be held on Saturday, March 22 at the Galt Little Theatre, 47 Water Street South, in Cambridge, Ontario, with doors open at 7pm and show at 8pm, featuring Mel Brown, Alfie Smith, Michael Pickett, Jimmy Bowskill, Bo Basiuk, Matt Osborne, Poor Charlie, Beverlie Robertson, Dennis Gomo, Nonie Crete and, from the U.K., Claude Bourbon. Tickets are $20.00, and are available at Murch Music in Cambridge or by phone at (519)622-1970.
Mardi Gras North: On the final Friday of February, Reader's in Dunnville hosted their first Mardi Gras Blues Bash. It's reported that Dunnville became Louisiana for a few hours, with beads, beer, dancing, and a buffet including Jambalaya, crab cakes, corn bread, and rice & beans. A gumbo of zydeco/cajun and New Orleans funk was provided by Slowpoke, with special guests Lance Anderson on keys and accordion, and Anne Lindsay on fiddle.
The Duke Is Back: About 30 miles from Reader's in Dunnville is the town of Port Colborne, where the Dukes Hotel had their grand opening of their newly refurbished venue last month, featuring past Juno Winners and current Juno Nominees Fathead. The Dukes Hotel in Port Colborne, Ontario, is located at 154 Main St. West, (905)-835-0505.
Niagara Jams: Mojo Willie Rymer with Gary Kendall and Jim Casson have resurrected their Wednesday Night Blues Jam at Tulky's in Niagara, 9 pm to 1 am, with weekly special guests. "The finest open stage on this side of the Golden Horseshoe!" All jammers are welcome. Tulky's Sports Bar & Grill is at 1644 Merrittville Hwy in Thorold, Ontario.
Belle Chanteuse: Dawn Tyler Watson completed 10-day tour of France and Belgium last month, with French blues band Mudzilla.
The East Coast Blues Society: ...Is organizing it's First Annual Blues Festival in Halifax Nova Scotia, slated for August 22 to 24. For information contact Eileen Kaiser eileen.kaiser@dal.ca, or for submissions to the festival or the East Coast Newsletter, email eastcoastblues@writeme.com.
David Gogo skates: Last month, Gogo performed the TSN "Skates" tune, as well as an original song, during TSN's NHL game telecast. Gogo is pleased that TSN decided to run his segment during a Montreal Canadiens game (with Washington). Last month he also performed for several benefits, and taped a half-hour show, Pandora's Box, broadcast on Valentine's Day for all of those "new" television stations. Jazz Festival performances this year will include opening for Little Feat. He will also instruct at this year's great Hornby Island Blues Camp, along with Rick Fines, Michael Jerome Browne, Tim Williams, Georgette Fry, Gerry Barnum, Suzie Vinnick, Scott Littlejohn and Dave (Slim) Harris, May 11 to 16 (www.hornby-blues.bc.ca).
"Let It Snow": ...Is the title of a Canadian compilation CD to feature 15 "Winter Songs". Ted Jablonski & Monique Courcelles of Calgary are seeking recorded songs for this 2003 Christmas project. Submissions can be in any musical style as long as they feature a winter theme (traditional Christmas or instrumental will be accepted for consideration). Selected submissions will be compensated with $250, 10 CDs, and 1% of total CD sales (paid quarterly). CDs will also be made available to submitted artists, and to charities for fund-raising purposes, for cost plus $2. A percentage of all CD sales will be donated to food banks across the country. Submissions (CDs only please) should be forwarded to Ted "dr j" Jablonski, The Moaning Summit CD Project, 4057 Edgevalley Landing NW, Calgary, AB T3A 5H5. Submission Deadline Is May 1st, 2003. If you have a song they want to hear it! - and, if you know of another fellow artist who might have an appropriate song please pass on this message and the following URL: www.gogetm.ca/compilationCD. "
Byther Smith: 71 year-old Smith collapsed onstage of a mild heart attack last month in Ottawa, resulting in the cancellation of dates on his sixth Canadian tour in as many years. After resting comfortably in hospital in Ottawa, he returned home to Chicago. Get well cards can be sent to: Byther Smith, 11601 S. Hale, Chicago Illinois 60643 USA.
Cliff "Kid" Bastien: Grossman's Tavern regretfully advised of the sudden passing of their dear family member, Cliff "Kid" Bastien, on Feb. 8, 2003. With his band, "The Happy Pals", he enjoyed a 35-year tradition of playing his authentic New Orleans Jazz every Saturday afternoon. Enormously popular, he was respected as a musician and a person, and all who enjoyed the good fortune of his friendship will miss him very much. A funeral was held on Feb 14th at Unity Church on Eglinton Avenue West in Toronto, proceeded by a marching band led by Noonie, Kid Bastien's long-time friend, and followed by a wake with the "Happy Pals" band and many special guests at Grossman's Tavern. A second wake was held on February 15th at Grossman's Tavern, with the "Happy Pals" band and special guests playing at their usual time and place.
Charlie Biddle 1927-2003: Bass player Charlie Biddle, 76, passed away following his battle with cancer. The adoptive Montreal jazz legend often hosted at his club Biddle's Jazz & Ribs in Montreal. For more information: www.justin-time.com/artists/charliebiddle, www3.sympatico.ca/villagejazz/BIDDLE.HTM, english.montrealplus.ca/profile/472007 or www.myfw.com/urbanfocus/montreal/jazzscene.htm
The Atlanta Blues Society: ...Has started internet streaming at www.absbluescast.com.
- Julie Hill
Enrico Crivellaro
Despite his young age Enrico Crivellaro is quickly becoming recognized as one of the great world touring guitarists. Already regarded as a peer with other greats such as Duke Robillard, Ronnie Earl, Junior Watson, Alex Shultz and Rick Holmstrom, Enrico has just begun to tap into his calling.
Although Enrico was born in Padova, Italy his passion and propensity for playing guitar led him to Los Angeles California where he settled from 1997 to 2001. Within that short time period Enrico was hired as a touring guitarist for many of the great and established names including Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson, James Harman, Janiva Magness, Lynnwood Slim, the late great Lester Butler and the Royal Crown Revue.
Enrico's guitar playing has made him the recipient of many awards through the years, the latest two being voted Swing Guitarist of The Year Award over the likes of Brian Setzer and Sean Costello for his work with the live recording done in Australia with the Royal Crown Revue. He was also runner up at the 1997 Fender Catalina Island Blues Festival Awards that gave him the opening slot for Jimmy Vaughn.
Enrico is currently working on and will be releasing two new CD's in 2003. The first was recorded in L.A. with pianist Bruce Katz which has guest appearances by vocalists Finis Talsby and James Harman. The second CD was recorded in Toronto with David Rotundo and the Blue Canadians and will be released in June or July of this year. Enrico joins David Rotundo and the Blue Canadians for several Ontario dates including March 7 at the Silver Dollar (see listings for details).
Congratulations to the Blues Nominees:
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| Fathead | Jack de Keyzer |
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| Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne | Harry Manx |
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| The Twisters | |
Mojo Willie's Blues and Soul Concert Series at Arizona's Taps and Grill
Ever wonder how a successful blues series gets off the ground? Bill "Mojo Willie" Rymer shares his experience at two southern Ontario venues...
I began this show back in the fall of '98 with inspiration from our dear friend and host of the then "PoFo" Saturday matinee in Brantford, Larry Goodhand (now at the Liquid Lounge) www.livinblues.com/goodhand.asp. Larry's show at "PoFo Deli" has been a huge hit with blues fans in Brantford. Desiring to host such a show in Niagara, I brought friend and club owner Scott Mudie ("The Regal Beagle") with me to "PoFo" one afternoon. The atmosphere at PoFo was electric, the venue was packed. Scott M. was sold on the idea! With Larry's and Scotty Thorne's (former owner "PoFo") blessing, the show began at the "Beagle" the fall of '98.
My idea was to help create synergy between the two major local blues societies, namely, "The Toronto Blues Society" and "The Blues Society of Western New York". Chicago Jack Civiletto, past-president of the Buffalo society, was a frequent guest and ardent supporter of my show. He now performs frequently in Canada with Chuck Jackson, James Anthony and Larry Goodhand. Chicago Jack has gone on to start his own "PoFo" style matinee at "Alternative Brews" in Amherst, New York where many of the same guests featured by Larry and me can be heard, including many fine Canadian artists. Visit his web-site at www.chicagojackblues.com.
After two very successful years at the Beagle, the show moved to "Arizona's Taps and Grill" (summer of 2000) when the Beagle changed owners. This venue is large and well ventilated with an excellent kitchen. The club owners are committed to presenting the very finest blues and soul talent. Thanks to Gary Kendall and Jim Casson, the show has continued to develop musically under their able mentoring. Darran Poole and Canada Dave round out the roster of sidemen in "Bluesafire". I also use this band for the "Blues in Montebello" portion of "The Grape and Wine Festival", which I host on the third weekend of September. Please check out the list of exciting talent that will be appearing at Arizona's in the Maple Blues listings. Oh yes, Gary Kendall, Jim Casson and I are starting up our Wednesday open-mic jam at Tulky's again on Feb. 12th (also on Merrittville Hwy.) where a special guest will also be featured with the houesband! Bluesicians, check out the listing for Tulky's as well and come and sit in with one of the finest rhythm sections in Canada!
- Bill "Mojo Willie" Rymer
Tech Tips
One topic that can cause a lot of confusion, even with experienced musicians, is speaker impedance. For most of us, it is not an issue because we use combo amplifiers where the speakers are in the same chassis as the amp, and the speakers remain connected when the amp is moved. It's only when we blow a speaker and need a replacement, or we try to hook up an additional speaker or speaker cabinet that we are confronted with the issue of speaker impedance. Since more bass amps are of the piggyback variety with the speaker and amp separate, bass players may be more aware of speaker impedance.The impedance of a speaker is measured in ohms. This measurement is the resistive force that a speaker presents to the amplifier driving it. It is an A/C measurement, meaning that it is specific to a certain frequency. This value that will go up or down depending on the frequency being presented to the speaker. The impedance specified on the speaker is an average/nominal value meant to be a guideline. Each amplifier is designed to operate into a specific impedance. Some amplifiers tolerate impedance mismatches better than others, while in other cases it can be catastrophic. Some PA power amps are specifically designed to increase power by reducing the speaker impedance or load the amplifier sees. Consult your amplifier manual or a technician if you are unclear as to the impedance(s) your amp prefers.
Most Fender style tube guitar or bass amps can tolerate an impedance mismatch of 100% (double or half the recommended value). Doubling the impedance load will cut the volume a bit, while cutting it in half will increase the volume a bit. Adding extra speakers also moves more air, giving more width to the sound. These are all generalizations and there are some exceptions. Marshall amps on the other hand are generally less tolerant of impedance mismatches, which is why they usually have a speaker impedance switch. You can measure a speaker with a multimeter using the impedance setting. Touch the meter leads to each speaker terminal or the tip and sleeve of a 1/4" jack plugged into the speaker cabinet to get a DC resistance measurement of the speaker. Multiply this value by approximately 1.25 to get the approximate A/C impedance. Most speakers or speaker cabinets are 4, 8, or 16 ohms. But what happens when you hook up multiple speakers? Most amps have an external speaker jack for hooking up another speaker that is wired in parallel. This means that if you have an 8 ohm speaker hooked up to one jack, and you hook another 8 ohm up to the other, the amp will see 4 ohms. Without getting into lots of math, two speakers of the same impedance when in parallel will present a total load of half the value of one of them. If the amplifier manufacturer gives you a minimum impedance to be used this must be taken into account. Be careful about speaker loads of less than 4 ohms unless you know what you are doing. If you are unsure, consult an amplifier technician.
Here's a real world example: You are using an 8 ohm speaker or cabinet, and you're already at the manufacturers minimum speaker impedance. You want to use another speaker so the keyboard player on the other side of the stage can hear your amp. You use two 16 ohm speaker cabinets, this will give the recommended 8 ohms when using both parallel speaker jacks on the amp. When using more than one speaker, phase is extremely important. Assuming that the speaker you already use is connected with the right polarity, any additional speakers added into your setup must have the same polarity, or the sound will be thin, with very little low end definition. You can check the polarity of your existing speaker by using alligator clips to touch the terminals of a 9 volt battery to the tip and sleeve of the 1/4" speaker jack momentarily, and notice whether the speaker cone moves forwards or backwards. Do not energize the speaker with the battery any longer than you need to. It's important to notice which battery terminal (positive or negative) when touched to speaker jack (tip or sleeve) produces a forward or backward motion of the speaker cone. You want to connect your extra speaker with the same polarity (the same battery terminal to the tip produces the same corresponding cone movement). Then both speakers will be in phase.
Norman Robinson works as a Technical Engineer at Manta Digital Sound & Picture, as well he is the band leader and guitarist for The VooDoo Kings, and Howlin' Mercy.
Toronto Blues Society Copyright _ 2003