March 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com Published by the Toronto Society since 1985 [email protected] Vol 37, No 3

Harrison Kennedy is next month's TBS Pioneer Profile Thursday, April 1 on TBS Facebook Page

CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40011871 Maple Blues Award Winners Blues Reviews Harrison Kennedy Top Blues Loose Blues News Blues Events Toronto Blues Society 910 Queen St. W. Ste. B04 Toronto, Canada M6J 1G6 Tel. (416) 538-3885 Toll-free 1-866-871-9457 Email: [email protected] Website: www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues is published monthly by the Toronto Blues Society ISSN 0827-0597 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Derek Andrews (President), Janet Alilovic, Jon Arnold, Elaine Bomberry, Ron Clarkin (Treasurer), Lucie Dufault (Vice-President), Carol Flett (Secretary), Sarah French, Lori Murray, Ed Parsons, Jordan Safer (Executive), Paul Sanderson, Mike Smith Musicians Advisory Council: Brian Blain, Alana Bridgewater, Ken Kawashima, Gary Kendall, Dan McKinnon, Lily Sazz, Mark Stafford, Dione Taylor, Julian Taylor, Jenie Thai, Suzie Vinnick,Ken Whiteley Volunteer & Membership Committee: Lucie Dufault, Rose Ker, Mike Smith, Ed Halifax blues pioneer Joe Murphy relaxes with his brand new Maple Blues "Blues With A Feeling" award. This Parsons, Carol Flett year there was a tie for the BWAF and Ken Whiteley was also honoured. Grants Officer: Barbara Isherwood Office Manager: Hüma Üster Marketing & Social Media Manager: Meg MARK YOUR CALENDAR McNabb Thursday, March 18 | 8pm-9pm (EST) Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Derek Andrews Pioneer Profile Series: Cindy McLeod interviewed by Holger Petersen Managing Editor: Brian Blain Sunday, March 28 | 4pm (EST) [email protected] Talkin’ Blues: Digging into Mako Funasaka’s Archives Contributing Editors: Janet Alilovic, Hüma featuring Mel Brown, Eddie Clearwater & Jeff Healey Üster, Carol Flett Listings Coordinator: Janet Alilovic Thursday, April 1 | 8pm-9pm (EST) Pioneer Profile Series: Harrison Kennedy interviewed by Julian Taylor Mailing and Distribution: Ed Parsons Advertising: Dougal Bichan Sunday April 4, 11, 18 & 25 | 2pm Skills Development Workshop w/Quammie [email protected] Williams For ad rates & specs call 647-860-2815 Sunday, 25 April | 4pm www.torontobluesociety.com/newsletters/ rate-card From the Archives: Jodie Drake Tribute from 1995 Toronto Festival Charitable # 87487 7509 RR0001 May (Dates TBD) Live Streaming Bootcamp w/Guillermo Subauste - 4 sessions in May Thursday, May 6th | 8pm-9pm (EST) The Toronto Blues Society acknowledges the Pioneer Profile Series: Jay Douglas annual support of the following agencies:

an government agency un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario The Toronto Blues Society is a member of The Toronto Blues Society acknowledges the Theannual Toronto support Blues of theSociety following acknowledges agencies: the annual support of the following agencies: Project support is provided by:

Project support is provided by: Project support is provided by:

We acknowledge the fi nancial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canada’s private radio broadcasters. Nous reconnaissons l’appui fi nancier de FACTOR, du gouvernement du Canada, et des radiodiffuseurs privés du Canada.

The Toronto Blues Society is committed to the principles of the Personal Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) in safeguarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information.

CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40011871 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Toronto Blues Society, 910 Queen St. W. Ste. B04, Toronto, Canada M6J 1G6 Email: [email protected]

2 MapleBlues March 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com Watch TBS website and socials for a special acceptance video of MBA winners! The four awards webcasts reached approx 12.5K views! Thanks to all who joined us live! The Toronto Blues Society broke up this year’s Male Vocalist of the Year Player of the Year celebrations into four virtual award ceremonies Chuck Jackson Guy Bélanger hosted throughout February from Toronto, Ottawa, Harrison Kennedy Harpdog Brown Montreal and Vancouver. Jack de Keyzer Paul Reddick Jim Byrnes Dawn Tyler Watson was named entertainer of Roly Platt Matt Andersen the year, taking home one of the biggest awards. Steve Marriner The Montreal-based singer’s latest honour arrived Female Vocalist of the Year /Keyboard of the Year after she won the for blues album of the Angel Forrest David Vest year in 2020 for her album Mad Love. Crystal Shawanda Duane Blackburn Singer- and guitarist Matt Andersen Dawn Tyler Watson Jesse O’Brien was named both acoustic act of the year and Dione Taylor Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne male vocalist of the year. The Juno nominee from Samantha Martin Michael Kaeshammer Perth-Andover, N.B., was celebrated for his latest album Halfway Home By Morning. New Artist of the Year Horn Player of the Year The Smoke Wagon Blues Band from Hamilton, Dione Taylor Jerry Cook (Harpdog Brown) Ont., was another two-time winner, earning HOROJO Trio (Holmes, Rogers, Jones) Mark LeClerc (Fuel Junkie) trophies for new artist of the year and recording/ Liam Docherty Gordon Aeichele (Smoke Wagon Blues producer of the year for their album Ballad of Albert Matt Weidenger Band) Johnson with producer Steve Sherman. Smoke Wagon Blues Band Richard Thornton (Jack de Keyzer Band) Mat “Moose” Mousseau (Ben Racine Toronto blues veteran Jack de Keyzer led this Recording/Producer of the Year Band) year’s list with five nominations (along with two Crystal Shawanda – Church House Blues others for members of his band), and ultimately took (Dewayne Strobel) Drummer of the Year home one award for electric act of the year. Durham County Poets – Hand Me Down Cory Blackburn The Blues with a Feeling Award for lifetime Blues (Bill Garrett) Dani Nash (Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar) achievement went to Canadian roots legend Ken Jack de Keyzer – Tribute (Jack de Keyzer) Gary Craig (Colin Linden, Steve Dawson) Whiteley and East Coast blues fixture Joe Murphy. JW-Jones – Sonic Departures (Eric Lindsay Beaver Eggleston) Matt Sobb (MonkeyJunk) Here are all the 2021 nominees for the Maple Smoke Wagon Blues Band – Ballad of Blues Awards, with the winners in bold. Albert Johnson (Steve Sherman) Bassist of the Year Alan Duffy (Jack de Keyzer) Entertainer of the Year B.B. King International Artist of the Year Alec Fraser Dawn Tyler Watson Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Gary Kendall Downchild Ghost Town Blues Band John Dymond (Steve Dawson, Big Dave Jack de Keyzer Larkin Poe McLean) JW-Jones Rick Estrin & The Nightcats Keith Picot Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar Victor Wainwright Blues With a Feeling Award (Lifetime Electric Act of the Year Songwriter of the Year Achievement Award) Dawn Tyler Watson & Ben Racine Band Colin Linden Alec Fraser Jack de Keyzer Crystal Shawanda/Dewayne Strobel Brent Parkin JW-Jones Dione Taylor Danny Brooks Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar Kevin Harvey (Durham County Poets) Joe Murphy Sue Foley Paul ReddickGuitarist of the Year Ken Whiteley Garrett Mason Acoustic Act of the Year Jack de Keyzer Tom Lavin Harrison Kennedy JW-Jones Matt Andersen Sue Foley Michael Jerome Browne Tony D (MonkeyJunk) Rick Fines

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4 MapleBlues March 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com is doing currently, we discussed a project For many, Kennedy serves as an example he’s been working on with esteemed of what it looks like to “make it”. When Notes &Quotes Hamilton based musician in his own right, asked what advice he would give to Jesse O’Brien. They are in the midst of aspiring artists, he says: working on a full length all-original album. “Don’t try to be an aspiring artist – just In speaking of the project, Harrison says: do art. Gain experiences and just do you.” Harrison “I’ve been working with Jesse O’Brien – Of note, Harrison Kennedy is set to be a I’m writing the songs, and he’s been doing part of the Toronto Blues Society’s Pioneer arrangements. We have about 30 songs Profile Series interviewed by Julian Taylor right now, and once we’ve got all of the ones on April 1st on the TBS Facebook Page. that are looking and sounding really strong, Kennedy we will record. Every song on this one is For more information, visit www. torontobluessociety.com, or visit the Toronto How does an artist who has been active going to be great. I’m looking forward to Blues Society’s YouTube Channel and other on the music scene since the 1960s stay having an album by the end of the year.” online platforms. The Pioneer Series is a inspired? With a biography and resume that special live interview series which profiles The question begs answers, creates a could warrant a dedicated archivist, and interacts with notable artists who have pensive thought, and can be quenched by the conversation was pointed in a self- impacted the music scene through their this edition’s Notes & Quotes feature, singer, explanatory direction to anyone who is longstanding musicianship, contributions, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, interested beyond the musical notation and experience. The series started in Harrison Kennedy. Through thoughtful itself; Kennedy was asked how he remains September 2020, and has emerged as a conversation, Kennedy delves into the an inspired artist after over 50 years on the must-see for artists and fans alike. reasons behind his ability to stay inspired, scene. His remarks are rather profound, as For more information on Harrison gives advice to aspiring artists, and what he shares: Kennedy, visit www.harrisonkennedy.ca is currently happening with his musical “I’ve always looked at entertaining as a endeavours. way of making people happy….or to give Rightfully labeled as a “Modern them amnesia. Music has always been, to Erin McCallum Blues Master,” Harrison Kennedy has me, like eating – it is inherent. It’s always Singer, songwriter, instrumentalist performed with many Greats such as B.B. been there, and I’ve always been mystified King, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and by people who react to music…I suppose Smokey Robinson – to name a few. He we need it.” has sold a million albums commercially, It also deserves mention that the brushed elbows with the Beatles, and is discussion was peppered and laced with even pictured on a postage stamp. Many stories that showed the evidence of why NOW AVAILABLE MapleBlues readers and performing and music is, in fact, rather on CD, DOWNLOAD fans alike are already acquainted with inherent to Kennedy. Tales of how he grew & STREAMING the JUNO Award winning (Blues Album up in a home of bootlegging (alcohol) and of The Year, 7 times nominated), multiple music explain that he was immersed in it HI-OCTANE ROCKABILLY Maple Blues nominated (13 was last from a young age. Often times, he would be ROADHOUSE BLUES!! count), countless award-winning Harrison called by his mother to sing and entertain Kennedy. guests who came over to enjoy a few drinks, Born in Hamilton, Ontario, he has and this is where he sang for the first time. always left the GTA with a sense of pride “I can remember, my mother would that hails from close to home. From his call me and say ‘Harry, come on down time in Chairmen of The Board, where here and sing that song’. I didn’t know Kennedy served as one of the lead what song they wanted me to sing, so I just vocalists of the band while it reached its made it up, based on what I saw around highest commercial successes, to his solo me, and they loved it. They clapped and endeavours, his music has always impacted cheered, so that’s really where I first started listeners and industry professionals, and performing.” he continues to thrive as an artist and One thing that Harrison Kennedy entertainer today. For reference, Chairmen nonchalantly mentions is that artists of The Board is a Canadian-Detroit based such as Billie Holiday, to name one, were soul group that was formed in the 1960s among the guests he interacted with in and is still active to date. Recipients of the 2018 his home. One might ask themselves why As the conversation began, the most Harrison Kennedy entered a life of music Amy Louie Grossman’s natural topic was about the unavoidable and entertaining, but they would be more Music Scholarship reality musicians are faced with today; the appropriate to ask questions if he didn’t. covid-19 pandemic. Interestingly, Harrison Many may not be aware that Kennedy Download from your was in Paris, last March, and told the is a highly educated individual, with a Favourite Source! story of how he was able to navigate his way university education in both English and back home to Canada. Like most artists, chemistry – perhaps one could speculate CD $15 the landscape of performing live has been that the two subjects lend themselves to his different, however, that hasn’t stopped him craft in the philosophical sense. Get Your CopyShipping Today! Included! from creating music. When asked what he www.swinginblackjacks.com

www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues March 2021 5 the band, which was unanimously decided to be the perfect artwork to represent the song. Originally, “Little Evie” was intended as little more than a small gift to share with close friends and family, but the reaction has been so positive, that they’ve been encouraged to distribute it a little more widely so they created a video (https://youtu.be/Cq_OOqf- bRU) and put a single up on Bandcamp (https://cootesparadise.bandcamp.com/) Celebrating World Water Day: March 22 is World Water Day, and across the planet there will be many events to raise awareness to the water crisis including the release of the United Nations World Water Development Report recommending policy direction to decision makers. Locally, Brian Blain will do his part with his (2nd) Annual World Water Day streaming event on his Facebook Page to feature the “Water Song”, the first single from his CD “I’m Not Fifty Anymore” which was first released last March but didn’t get much attention due to the pandemic. Brian also released a moving video for the song which you can view on his YouTube channel. In the Doghouse: Faced with travel restrictions, venue closures and other limitations due to the global pandemic, blues artist Harpdog Brown has been displaced from his touring life and is temporarily riding Don't miss seeing the recently unearthed VHS footage of the TBS Tribute to Jodie Drake at the 1995 Toronto out the pandemic in Alberta. Harpdog and his Downtown Jazz Festival. Sunday, April 25 at 4pm on TBS Facebook and YouTube team had planned to film more music videos their last live performance in March 2020,they for the 2019 release of For Love & Money. have been occupying their time in ways they Unfortunately, those plans were thwarted can do safely and their latest venture is the along with all the tour cancellations. Now release of a new single and accompanying Harpdog has reunited with former bandmates video for children of all ages called “Little from The Bloodhounds to create a ‘Daryl’s Evie”- a song based on a real little girl who House’ type program and invited some of the lives in Chatham, Kent, U.K. She is the great- best blues players and media personalities Juno Awards: niece of Cootes Paradise bass player Ian in the country (and beyond). Upcoming Nominees for the Taylor and his wife Josephine, who co-wrote episodes will feature John Nemeth (March 7). 2021 JUNO Awards the lyrics. The song was written by Wayne Holger Petersen (March 14) and Tim Williams will be announced Krawchuk, who was profoundly inspired by (March 21). Check it out on Harpdog Brown’s at 11 AM on Tuesday Evie’s unwavering enthusiasm for all things YouTube channel where all the shows are March 9. Winners will Cootes Paradise. At one point, their self- archived. be revealed on the 50th Annual JUNO Awards described biggest fan Evie drew a picture of Broadcast (CBC) on Sunday, May 16. Songwriting Competition semi- finalists: Congratulations to Sunday Wilde who was recently listed as a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition for two of her songs in the blues category (“Storm Is Raging” and “Love Bender”). She is the only Canadian with two songs in the semi-finals. Other Canadian blues contenders include Debra Power for “Takin’ The High Road”, Gary Kendall for “Take A Piece Of My Heart”, Mark LeClerc (Fuel Junkie) for “Kiss In The Moonlight” and Victor Nesrallah for “Isolation Blues.” Good luck in the Finals! More info at www.songwritingcompetition. Cootes Paradise release single for kids Rudi Quammie Williams will be hosting a series of professional development workshops for the TBS on four of all ages: While the members of the band consecutive Sundays in April (2PM EST on Facebook). Topics to be covered include "Grants, Gigs, and Getting Cootes Paradise from Dundas, Ontario have It Done - Keys to Success," "Putting it out there - Disseminating the music and Building a community of support" not been in the same room together since and more.

6 MapleBlues March 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com campaign and purchase the record! Find him on indiegogo.com. Another friend of the blues, legendary photographer John Rowlands needs support with daily living and with cataloguing his millions of unique images as national cultural heritage. He has suffered several strokes, CBC Radio One (99.1) which have weakened him, impaired his Saturday Night Blues, mobility, and at least for the time being cost w/ Holger Petersen (national) him the use of one hand. As a result, he is more Saturday 9:05pm-11:00pm than ever in need of help. But today, because (on Radio 2 Saturday at 6:05pm), of Mr. Rowlands’ fragile health the future of JAZZ-FM (91.1) this unique Canadian cultural heritage is Bluz FM w/ Danny Marks imperiled. His assets and merchandising Saturday 7:00 pm-midnight manager, Sandra Mendez Rosenbaum, has Guillermo Subauste's Stream Tune-up has been an begun a Facebook fundraiser for him and invaluable service for performers to improve the quality to draw the attention of the provincial and CIUT-FM (89.5) of their livestream audio and video and he will be national governments, libraries and archives A to Z Blues w/ Screamin' Red Tuesday 6-7pm sharing his know-how in a series of workshops called to Mr. Rowlands and his extraordinary legacy. "Live Streaming Bootcamp" throughout May. Watch John Rowlands is a national treasure, and his for more details. photographs are an irreplaceable treasure At The Crossroads w/Brant Zwicker Fundraising for Blues Friends: Three- trove. To contribute, go to rocknrowlands. http://atcblues.ca and syndicated on stations across the continent) time Maple Blues Award-nominee Chris com and click on the pick. You can Antonik has just launched a crowdfunding also contribute via Facebook: facebook.com/ campaign to help complete his highly donate/736986177199992/ CKWR (98.5 FM) Willy A anticipated, fourth studio album. The CD is Old Blues w/ , No Blues at ECMA's? This is the time Saturday 12:30pm - 2:00pm (Kitchener) being co-produced by Juno Award-winner when we'd be congratulating the blues www.ckwr.com Derek Downham and Chris Antonik himself, nominees in the East Coast Music Awards. and is a progressive blues-rock record about CIOI FM (1015 The HAWK) Sadly, they eliminated the blues category due Blues Blast, with Ken Wallis the power of community. You will access a to lack of submissions. Hopefully, Maritime Tuesdays, 4-6pm (Hamilton) variety of perks, such as song writing journals, bluesicians will make sure there's enough guitar lessons, or even become an Executive submissions next year from the most musical COUNTYFM (99.3) Sponsor of the record if you support the Sideroads with Blues Sister Peg and corner in the country. Brotha 'Z' Tuesday 8-10pm (Picton) CIWS 102.9FM (WhiStle Radio) This month’s recommended Whistle Bait w/Gary Tate (aka Shakey-T) Wed, Thurs, Fri 11pm. listening by Brant Zwicker, (Stouffville) host/executive producer CFFF Trent Radio (92.7 FM) of At the Crossroads Blues Themes, Delivered by..The Milkman syndicated blues radio. (Blake Frazer) Thursday 9 to 10:30 PM Website: atcblues.ca (Peterborough) CJLX (91.3 FM) *Danny Brooks & Lil Miss Debi Are You Ready? The Mississippi Saturday Night Blues Review, with George Vaughan. Sessions HIS House Saturday 6-7pm (Belleville) *Jack de Keyzer Tribute Blue Star CFMU (99.3 FM) Grainne Duffy Voodoo Blues independent Breakfast of Champions, with Paul Panchezak. Thurs 10am Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters Rise Up Stony Plain Swear to Tell the Truth: the Blues and Rhythm Show, with Early Times & the High Rollers The Corner VizzTone C.M.Compton. Tuesday 1-2:30pm (Hamilton) Kirk Fletcher My Blues Pathway Cleopatra CFRU (93.3 FM) Sonny Green Found! One Soul Singer Little Village Foundation The Thrill is Back with Andy and Andrew Mondays 1 to 3pm Martin Lang Bad Man Random Chance The Blues Review, with Roopen Majithia Tues 9.00 pm (Guelph) Veronica Lewis You Ain’t Unlucky Blue Heart *Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar The Reckless One Gypsy Soul CANOE FM (100.9 FM) canoe.fm.com Buckslide Blues Cruise with Patrick Monaghan Tues. (7-9pm) * So Much Trouble Dreams We Share David Rotundo (Haliburton) Curtis Salgado Damage Control Alligator *Michael Schatte Conundrum independent CFBU (103.7 FM) Eclectic Blues with Deborah Cartmer Harmonica Shah & Howard Glazer Ain’t Gonna Worry About Tomorrow Tuesday 7-9 pm (St. Catharines) Electro-Fi CKCU(93.1 FM) www.ckcufm.com Black and Blues w/ John *Steve Strongman Tired of Talkin’ Stony Plain Tackaberry Every Sunday 9-11 pm (Ottawa) *Swingin’ Blackjacks Four Hot Tracks!! Independent *Dione Taylor Spirits in the Water Matay CKMS (100.3 FM) Poor Folk Blues w/ Bruce Hall (aka Brewski) Ghalia Volt One Woman Band Ruf Monday 7:30-9 pm (Waterloo) Nora Jean Wallace Blues Woman Severn Kim Wilson Take Me Back! The Bigtone Sessions M.C. CKAR (88.7 FM) Hunters Bay Radio *= Canadian The Big Beat Bar-B-Cue Radio Show w/Matt Allen Sundays 10am to 12pm huntersbayradio.com/listen

www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues March 2021 7 a scratchy 45 — that gives the number an medical affliction the gods can throw at him appealing edge. A raunchy guitar sound – emerging more energized, if not stronger, accented with tasteful percussion animates than ever. This also accounts for the degree the compelling title track, “The Forgiver of authentic soul he injects into everything and the Runaway.” Then after the initial he does and, after a 4-year hiatus (if that’s sustained resonance of Fullerton’s guitar, the what you can call it), Damage Control adds a rhythm heats up in “I Cried,” enhanced with dozen originals and a cover of Larry Williams’ fingerpicking and harmonica. rockin’ “Slow Down”, popularized by The Beatles. Salgado may account for the bulk Catchy percussive guitar and a beefy of the boisterous firepower that drives this groove provide the bedrock for “Wish You’d release, yet his choice of players doesn’t hurt Tell Me” before Fullerton kicks into overdrive, ­– an important ingredient to his rock-blues, his guitar soaring above it all. “Cherry Red” -R&B-charged assault. Credit is shared with is augmented with gorgeous piano and Kid Andersen (guitar), Jim Pugh (piano) and Jake Friel’s harp, enlivened with superb Mike Finnigan (organ) and a rotating cast, drumming. Fullerton picks up his slide again, including guitarists, George Marinelli, David expertly stinging and skimming through Gross and Johnny Lee Schell, piano ace Kevin “Never Was,” a rock ‘n’ roll song of regret. McKendree and phenomenal backup vocals The album concludes with two exquisite from She-Sounds-Like-Three-People, Karen numbers, both showcasing Fullerton’s Moten. Scan the baker’s dozen song list and, poignant vocals and exceptional guitar while the titles may sound a mite morbid work. The train-like rhythm that underpins and depressing, many were likely penned “Homesick” perfectly enriches this song somewhere between a liver and lung cancer A.J. Fullerton The Forgiver and the of loneliness on the road. There’s a trace diagnosis or a heart attack. Can you blame Runaway of rusticity here in Fullerton’s bottleneck him? But the remarkable, not-so-secret factor prowess. “Hooks in the Water” is a stunning behind the success of Damage Control is that A gifted singer, guitarist and songwriter in country-blues duet of acoustic-guitar Salgado remains undaunted by his challenges his early twenties, A.J. Fullerton possesses a fingerpicking accompanied by harmonica. and, his sense of humour clearly intact, he talent that belies his age. The Colorado native It’s an atmospheric gem. His vocals are at delivers one of the strongest performances grew up steeped in blues, and since 2016 has their best here as he sings of his struggle to of his career. Having looked at life from won a remarkable sixteen awards from the find direction. both sides, he’s gained a learnéd, positive Colorado Blues Society. In The Forgiver and perspective on life and spreads his dark-yet- the Runaway — his third album — he teams The Forgiver and the Runaway is an impressive achievement, displaying jubilant joy across these largely self-penned up with Canadian producer Steve Marriner — confessionals. also a singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist Fullerton’s breadth of skill and consummate and frontman for the band MonkeyJunk — artistry. A splendid musician, A.J. Fullerton is Consider the hellfire explosion behind and some stellar supporting musicians that a talent to watch. (Sandra B. Tooze) “The Longer That I Live” – as Finnigan and include harmonica players Paul Reddick and Andersen elevate their games to match Jake Friel. Salgado’s ferocity. Slowed down, “What Did Me In Did Me Well”, has no less scorch, Fullerton’s vocals are warm, strong and benefiting from the double caress of Finnigan’s sincere. His songwriting is first-rate. He wrote B3 and Pugh’s piano, featuring Salgado’s too- ten of the songs on this CD — the other two rare harmonica. An album highlight is the were contributed by Canada’s prolific Colin hard-hitting, honky-tonkin’ “You’re Going To Linden and harp player J.D. Taylor. Fullerton Miss My Sorry Ass” – with Pugh’s pulverizing is an accomplished guitarist, adept at both piano joining uncredited B3 as the song’s fingerpicking and slide. But he’s not a showy final minute slows things down to underline musician, sometimes choosing instead to its passionate – and hilarious – conclusion. accentuate a number with elegant guitar parts The show-stopper that follows is the disc’s that are just right, never overdone. brightest moment: “Precious Time”. Credit Like an emanation from a southern Marinelli’s intoxicating slide guitar and Karen church, the gospel-tinged “Remind Me Who Moten’s angelic wall of backup singing on I Am Again” kicks off the album deep in the this most serious observation, as Salgado groove with swelling organ, engaging drum unleashes his deepest hooks on a highly patterns and Fullerton’s discerning guitar. infectious song. Cue “Always Say I Love His expertise on bottleneck is centre stage in You (At The End Of Your Goodbyes)” as the “Healing Takes Time,” a captivating tune with Curtis Salgado Damage Control smooth-soul, power-punch of Salgado’s vocal a western slant. “Could’ve Been Mine” hints (Alligator Records) joins Jackie Miclau’s piano, Finnigan’s B3 and at Fullerton’s rural roots in a song of heartfelt Moten’s rich backup vocal for a rich gospel regret, coloured by harmonica and some The best – if not most intense – blues seem statement of an important life lesson. The masterful old-time piano. His guitar comes to originate from having endured real pain mood shifts with a N’awlins twist on a horn- back to the fore in the upbeat “Slippin’ Away,” and suffering, helping to build an honest laden “Hail Mighty Caesar”, with an animated embellished with more excellent keyboards. connection with others. While the 67-year nod to the good Doctor while the equally In a change of pace, “Say You’ll Stay” old Washington native may hide it well, the funky, piano-driven “I Don’t Do That No More” features bass-heavy rhythm overlaid with colourful, soul-blues veteran with the big adds a tougher, Stones-ish guitar presence distorted guitar and harp — reminiscent of voice has come up on the other side of every from Marinelli. Finnigan’s beautiful piano intro to the comparably lazy, laidback title track

8 MapleBlues March 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com shifts gears again as Salgado ponders man’s that is , and her penchant for she’s been nominated a number of times fate, with thoughtful guitar accompaniment seeking the exact right musicians to bring for Grammy’s, her work has never been from Johnny Lee Schell and Dave Gross as Jim her musical vision to life. mainstream, a personal choice that has Pugh levels on the B3. “Truth Be Told” adds Maria’s distinctive voice and inimitable never disappointed. The closest she came fiery zydeco energy to the mix while style have always lent themselves to her was with her iconic take on "Midnight At the “The Fix Is In” gets serious in its tale of songs of choice, those from the 20’s and Oasis", featuring legendary guitarist Amos greed, set against Jerry Jemmott’s playful 30’s that traverse jazz, blues, jug band, Garrett on her self titled debut solo album, , Salgado’s colourful harp and Kevin and her hit single, "I’m A Woman", from her Hayes’ spirited backbeat. “Slow Down” is Waitress in a Donut Shop. simply a fun release – a rock’n’roll classic In Skinny, Muldaur has found the driven by McKendree’s pounding keys as perfect fit to bring this rare and delightful a 3-man barrage of elicits yet repertoire to life. Once a group of street another of Salgado’s best-ever vocals. It’s performers in , Tuba Skinny also proof-positive that Salgado is no mere are now known around the globe, their joyful survivor. He is, instead, a beacon of man’s sound bringing traditional jazz to audiences ability to overcome adversity and transform of all ages, everywhere. They continue to it into something quite uplifting, if not perform on the streets of New Orleans, never spectacular. (Eric Thom) forsaking their roots and the source of the music that makes them who they are. Deeply musical, accomplished performers all, Tuba Maria Muldaur with Tuba Skinny Let’s Skinny brings us back to where it all began. Get Happy Together (Stony Plain) This album is a pleasing, relaxed format With nearly sixty years in the biz and 42 that showcases these golden gems of songs albums released to date, Maria Muldaur has in a silky smooth performance from Maria once again created a show stopper album, in bluegrass and . From working Muldaur. The album title, Let’s Get Happy which the veteran singer is perfectly paired with Jim Kweskin, Geoff Muldaur and the Together, is exactly what one can expect with the youthful Tuba Skinny ensemble. Grateful Dead (among the many), to her long from this outstanding recording. (Cindy Let’s Get Happy Together, to be released solo career, she’s escaped the hit parade McLeod) on the Stony Plan Records label on May 7, in favour of creating musical, incredibly 2021, once again reminds us of the greatness dynamic recordings throughout. Although y e n a r h U

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Jeffrey Wilson, Proprietor Attention TBS Members! Sales & Service of HOHNER & ~ Since 1986~ www.wilsonmusic.ca Due to COVID-19 pandemic, TBS is unable to deliver a physical copy of the MapleBlues March issue. However expiring, new & renewing members can expect a The Toronto Blues Society is a letter from us soon. Please e-mail info@ Registered Charity torontobluessociety.com if you have Make a donation beyond membership and merchandise, and get your charitable tax receipt in time for this year! (Charitable # 87487 7509 RR0001). You will be helping to support any questions and be sure to follow TBS events like the annual Women's Blues Revue, The Blues in the Schools program, numerous accounts on social media for immediate workshops and career development activities for the musician community as well as the and the Blues Summit conference, the most important blues industry updates. gathering in Canada that occurs every other year. Networking events within this conference allow for industry discussion alongside artist discovery through the showcase program.

10 MapleBlues March 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues March 2021 11 When Great Artists Get Together Amazing Things Happen! New Stony Plain albums that combine legacy artists with a new generation of talent

New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers Volume 2 Charlie Musselwhite, Jimbo Mathus, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Jim Dickinson, Luther Dickinson & Cody Dickinson together on part 2 of this once in a lifetime recording session. Available 3.26.21 pre-order Now

Maria Muldaur WITH Tuba Skinny Let’s Get Happy Together Rarely heard songs of New Orleans brought to life in this magical & spiritual recording. Available 5.7.21 preorder 3.18.21

stonyplainrecords.com

12 MapleBlues March 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com