Some random notes… 2011 WATERFRONT BLUES “Where else could you see Teeny Tucker, Johnny Rawls, and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne at one festival?... You got it goin’ on here… Waterfront Blues is the real thing” - Johnny Rawls High praise indeed from multi Blues Music Award winner, Soul / Bluesman Johnny Rawls. And, judging from the response from a record crowd of 35,000 plus, a sentiment shared by all those who attended the 7th annual Waterfront Blues celebration. When the first notes were dropped in the opening night performances of Scott McCord & The Bonafide Truth and The Gary Kendall Band, (featuring Chuck Jackson), you just knew that something special was in the offing. And that something would be Blues to satisfy any and every palate. You want some Coffee House Blues? There was Harrison Kennedy weaving his stories into song. If you prefer your Blues to be guitar centric, how about tone perfect masters like Rick Taylor and Larry McCray? Song writing? Rick Fines and Suzie Vinnick. And, if it’s the human voice that you view as the only true expression of the Blues, we had the much anticipated Teeny Tucker, Curtis Salgado, and Gina Sicilia. Throw in the showmanship of Johnny Rawls and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne and you’ve got just about everything that’s essential when talking about the Blues! And if that wasn’t enough, after Curtis Salgado finished his unparalleled main stage show on the Saturday night, there was a Waterfront Blues after party! To satisfy those who still needed a Blues fix, the “Big Voice. Big Sound” of Maple Blues Award nominee Erin McCallum was on full display at the nearby Boston Pizza. When this much talent is showcased over the course of 3 days it’s a difficult task to identify a high point. But the combustible performances by J.R. and Ms. Teeny Tucker, who matched Sunday’s heat by turning Woodbine Park into a Southern juke joint, simply can’t go without mention! Expect more of the same in 2012; outstanding performances from today’s major Blues artists! So "meet me where they play the Blues" next year– Waterfront Blues at Woodbine Park June 1, 2, 3, 2012
The Beaches International Jazz Festival continues to be one of the top music festivals in Canada, if not North America! The 23rd Annual Beaches International Jazz Festival (July 15-24) once again drew close to a million people with the drawing card a number outstanding performances from a wide ranging list of artists! Here were some of the main stage highlights: Woodbine Park Big Sam’s Funky Nation – from New Orleans, Big Sam is a show stopper, plain and simple. In literally 90 non-stop minutes – drawing on Funk, Blues, R&B, and Hip Hop – Big Sam, (on trombone and vocals) thrilled a record crowd of 30,000. Exhibit “A” was Big Sam, on trombone, and Andrew “Da Phessah” Baham, on trumpet, marching through the crowd leading a “Second Line” of followers. Exhibit “B” was… Exhibit “C” was…. Well you get the picture, high point after high point. Sam told me after the show “I always give 100%”. Yes, and then some. Carole Pope – led a tight 3 piece outfit that was short on soloing but long on groove. What strikes you immediately is that Carole still has that riveting stage presence – it’s like she’s never been away – singing in that low key personal style of hers. It was also a treat to see the grey hairs singing along to “High School Confidential”. Kal David & The Real Deal – being an unapologetic Fabulous Rhinestones fan, it was a delight to have Kal David return to Beaches Jazz. The man has quite a history, not only fronting The Rhinestones but also holding down the lead guitar chair with Etta James and John Mayall. And he’s got a repertoire to match: from sweet and soulful to old school Blues. He’s a convincing singer and I doubt that you’ll find a better guitar player anywhere! Kew Gardens The Duke Robillard Band – Duke made his first Beaches Jazz appearance a satisfying one. There’s not much that’s been left unsaid about this award winning talent. A fitting observation by the person running the board was that the uninitiated seeing Duke play – no gimmicks, no pedals, with just a Les Paul and Fender amp – probably think what Duke is doing is easy. He’s that good! Lionel Young Band – from Colorado, the Lionel Young Band is getting a lot of work on the 2011 festival circuit riding the wave of placing first in The International Blues Competition in Memphis earlier in the year. (Incidentally, Lionel is a second time winner having won a couple of years ago in the solo and duo category). The knockout blow at that competition was a five part a capella take on Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me”. To put their performance into perspective, that’s the way the band chose to open their Beaches Jazz show! Bill King’s Rockit 88 Band – as stated previously, this is my favourite Bill King collective. And it’s a band who’s performance at the 2010 Beaches Jazz set the bar at a high level. Well the band ratcheted up their show yet again, burning through a R&B inflected set of covers and originals. Make no mistake there are some aces in this band. If you see them on the marquee, don’t pass up the chance catch them! Red Baraat – What? A South Asian Funk band from New York? Yep and all that that vision conjures up and more – a 9 piece band that blends New Delhi and New York! This year’s Festival closer laid down the beat on a 90 minute show that kept everyone – with a pulse that is – up and shakin’ it! Join us next year for The 24th Annual Beaches Jazz Festival – July 20 – 29, 2012
THE CNE BANDSHELL BLUESFEST The second annual CNE Bandshell BluesFest matched contemporary and old school forays of Blues and Roots delivered by some of the finest musicians on the scene today. Six artists performing over 9 hours with no musical stones left unturned. There was indeed something for every musical palate with shadings of straight–down–the–line Blues, Soul, Country, Reggae and Rock inflected offerings. Suffice to say that all of the acts delivered and are guaranteed to deliver every time out. Take note of the names, check their respective sites for more information, and, most of all, catch them live: JJ Grey & Mofro Steve Strongman Digging Roots Treasa Levasseur & The Daily Special Mike Goudreau Dylan Wickens & The Grand Naturals You won’t be disappointed!
Al Kirkcaldy September 29, 1953 - February 12, 2009
Al K’s All Day Blues Party A Musical Tribute To Al Kirkcaldy Market Hall, Peterborough Sun. Apr. 5, 2009
The musical celebration in honour of Al Kirkcaldy was an outstanding success! Al would have been proud.
The audience was treated to wall to wall music over the course of two 4 hour shows courtesy of a virtual who’s who of the Peterborough and Toronto Blues scenes plus special guest Darrell Nulisch. All generously donated their time and artistry to this momentous occasion. And, each show featured a special screening of a heartwarming DVD tribute to Al thoughtfully created by Mako Funasaka of talkin’ blues in addition to a variety of Blues related prizes.
As a final salute to Al’s memory, a total of $3,700 was generated for the Blues In The Schools program!
“Thanks Al … for your love of the Blues” |
