December 2015 www.torontobluessociety.com Published by the Society since 1985 [email protected] Vol 31, No 12 PHOTO LAURA GODWIN

Colin Linden will perform at the on January 18 at Koerner Hall

CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40011871 Blues Lovers' Gift Guide Event Listings John’s Blues Picks Top Blues Loose Blues News and More Toronto Blues Society 910 Queen St. W. Ste. B04 Toronto, 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 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Derek Andrews (President), Jon Arnold (Executive), Gord Brown, Lucie Dufault (Secretary), Sharon Evans, Sarah French, Michael Malone (Treasurer), Jamie MacDonald, Ed Parsons (Executive), Norman Robinson, Paul Sanderson, Mike Smith (Executive), John Valenteyn (Executive) Musicians Advisory Council: Chris Antonik, Brian Blain, , Lily Sazz, Mark Stafford, Suzie Vinnick Membership Committee: Michael Malone, Lucie Dufault, Gord Brown, Sarah French, Mike Smith, Debbie Brown, Ed Parsons, Norm Robinson Volunteer Committee: Ed Parsons, Sharon Evans, Lucie Dufault Office Manager: Alice Sellwood [email protected] Office Assistant: Ivy Farquhar-McDonnell Event Coordinator: Jordan Safer [email protected] Sponsorship Coordinator: Dougal Bichan [email protected] Webmistress: Janine Stoll Grants Officer: Barbara Isherwood

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Derek Andrews Managing Editor: Brian Blain [email protected] Contributing Editors: John Valenteyn, Alice Sellwood Mailing and Distribution: Ed Parsons Advertising & Sponsorship: Dougal & Co. For rates & specs call 416-645-0295 Email: [email protected] or visit www.torontobluesociety.com/newsletters/ rate-card Charitable # 87487 7509 RR0001 The Toronto Blues Society is a member of The Toronto Blues Society acknowledges the annual support of the following agencies:

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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 December 2015 www.torontobluessociety.com MARK YOUR CALENDAR Wednesday, December 2, 8pm Hump Day Blues at Bistro, 251 Victoria St, Michael Schatte. TBS is only presenting one show in December due to holiday bookings at the venue. $10 cover ($8 for Charter Members).

Saturday, December 5, Dora Keogh, 141 Danforth Ave. (next door to Allen's) 416- 778-1804 TBS Annual General Meeting (7pm) followed by Volunteer Appreciation and Xmas Party w/The Swingin' Blackjacks. Limited seating. No Cover.

Monday, January 18, 2016, 7pm Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St W, 19th Annual Maple Blues Awards. Performers include nominees , , Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Harrison Kennedy, Cécile Doo- Kingué, and John Campbelljohn and the gala will be hosted by Harrison Kennedy, who is nominated in five categories will be performing at the Maple Blues Awards gala at Gill Deacon, host of on CBC Koerner Hall on January 18 along with Cécile Doo-Kingué, David Gogo, John Campbelljohn, Colin Linden and Radio One. Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar. They will be backed up by the Maple Blues Band comprised of Gary Kendall, The performers will be backed by The Michael Fonfara, Teddy Leonard, Al Lerman, Jim Casson, Chris Whiteley, Pat Carey and Chris Murphy. Maple Blues Band, comprised of Gary Kendall, Michael Fonfara, Teddy Leonard, Al Lerman, Jim Casson, Chris Whiteley, Pat from across Canada. The panel is led by the Carey and Chris Murphy. Following the Maple Blues Steering Committee, which awards and concert will be the popular includes Terry Parsons (Blind Lemon Radio, after-party nominee jam with Big Dave CHMR), Yves Trottier (DAWG FM), John McLean with The Sinners Choir. Valenteyn (Maple Blues, CIUT) and Brant Tickets now available through the Koerner Zwicker (At the Crossroads, syndicated) Hall Box Office. TBS Charter Members can and administered by the Toronto Blues purchase best available tickets for only Society Office. For more information, check $28! To take advantage of this offer, please the Maple Blues Awards page at www. contact the TBS Office at 416-538-3885 or torontobluessociety.com [email protected] to retrieve the required promo code. January 26-30, 2016 The 32nd (2016) Voting closes Friday, December 4 at International Blues 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time (2:59am Challenge will be held EST). Voting is done online and is open in Downtown Memphis, to all Canada residents with a valid email Tennessee in the Beale address. Street Historic District. Winners will be announced at the Maple Michael Schatte will Blues Awards on Monday, January 18, be representing the 2016 at the Royal Conservatory of Music's Toronto Blues Society in the solo/duo Koerner Hall in Toronto. category.

Nominees are selected by the Maple Saturday, February 20, 1-4 pm Paintbox Gill Deacon, host of Here and Now on CBC Radio One Blues Nominating Panel, a panel of Bistro, 555 Dundas St E., TBS Harmonica will host the Maple Blues Awards gala on January 18th approximately 45 industry professionals Workshop hosted by Jerome Godboo at Koerner Hall.

www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues December 2015 3 Blues Doctor different: just bass and voice en duo, in spare Blues Lovers' Julie Hill, Producer jazzy blues. & Host of Blue Roly Platt Inside Out rolyplatt.com & Guy Remedy; Live Bélanger Blues Turn Bros - Two of Canada’s Gift Wednesdays, 8 to harmonica masters released recordings this 10 pm et, on-line year: Platt’s début (“one every 56 years”), @RadioRegent. and Bélanger’s newest, recorded in Montréal, com, streaming on Toronto, and ; both are versatile Guide the Tunein App, players with taste and feel, both feature broadcast in Toronto on Rogers channel instrumental tracks as well as vocals, with We like to provide you every December RP60; Saturdays, 3 to 5 pm et on-line @ genre variety. with a guide for gift-giving. We begin with BluesAndRootsRadio.com, streaming on the the nominations for Recording of the Year at Blues and Roots Radio app. Mark Rheaume reviews The Maple Blues Awards, any or all would Samantha Fish Wild Heart Ruf - This CDs for CBC’s Fresh Air and make excellent choices. For those who want young girls-with- alumna has quickly manages the CBC Library: even more choice, our panel of blues experts developed her own, interesting voice: this provides you with many more. Read on: third solo outing, recorded from Louisiana Lenny Solomon The Blues Big Dave McLean Faded But Not Gone to to Memphis, varies amongst Violin Self - He’s an award (Black Hen) – A roots-americana, winner for his jazz skills, but the Toronto vote of thanks hill country veteran bowman plays everything from jump from producer blues, and blues- blues to country blues on his lilting fourth Steve Dawson rock, with what recording as a group leader. Solomon also for a long and one reviewer makes forays into R&B, soul, and pop, but influential career. describes as her shines brightest – and lives up to the album Judging by these “commanding title – when his mood turns to the blues. performances, Big voice, crunchy Michael Jerome Browne Sliding Delta Dave is anything riffs, driving Borealis - Very much in solo form on the but faded and most beat, emotional new disc, accompanying himself on six certainly not gone. intensity, and and twelve-string guitar, banjo, mandolin, power trio Colin Linden and harp, Browne released one of the finest integrity”. Rich In Love (Stony purely acoustic blues albums of the year. Plain) – His first Romi Mayes Traditionalists will love his interpretations studio album in Devil on Both of old time tunes as much the project’s stark six years features Shoulders Outside simplicity: all of the tracks were recorded live some his finest - I’ve always off the floor over three days. writing, it’s almost enjoyed this a crime that he Winnipeg spends so much of his time as a hired session roots artist’s songwriting and vocals. man and/or producer, but his work there This year’s full-band in-studio contributes so much it really becomes a tough recording is her most blues to date, a call - long may he last! new musical treat. Harrison Kennedy This is From Here Clayton Doley Bayou Billabong HiFi- (Electro-Fi) – He has five nominations this Doley-T - After a residency in Toronto, he year and this recording summarizes them all, returned to Australia, via New Orleans, a masterpiece. where he recorded new compositions in a blues fusion with numerous John Campbelljohn Chin Up (Nood) - A NOLA musicians, including the Treme veteran slide player from Cole Harbour, Funktet Brass Band amongst other Cape Breton with some excellent and very local guest artists, as well as some observant new songs. His sound has been tracks with called Celtic blues, you Harry can call it just good Manx on blues. lap , Dione Taylor Born Free Matay - Also Samantha Martin and one with known more as a jazz singer, Taylor & Delta Sugar Send a didgeridoo nevertheless finds her blues – and gospel – the Nightingale (Rench) virtuoso, of form on her short but mighty third solo album. - A powerful & talented course. Groovin’ Wonderful, uptempo, percussion-powered vocalist with two backup fun. acoustic blues. singers performing Dalannah Sugar Brown Poor Lazarus Self - This raw rockabilly gospel/ & Owen Been and dynamic fourteen-song set was recorded blues. The combination Around A While live off the floor, in mono and on to tape. garnered four Quest - And now For sheer sound and selection of original nominations including for something numbers and classics, no blues recording new artist. This disc will completely pleased these ears more in 2015. explain it all.

4 MapleBlues December 2015 www.torontobluessociety.com John Mayall Find a Way to Care Forty events) and plans Various Below - Is Mayall really over 80? He still forward as well. Artists Muddy sounds remarkably like the leader of the mid- While listening Waters 100 Sixties Bluesbreakers outfit that first drew to the definitely Raisin’ Music – A many newcomers to the blues. It says a lot for misbehaving worthy tribute Mayall – and the blues in general – that one Ma Rainey or a for Muddy’s of 2015’s finest new offerings was from one of newly discovered centennary. its oldest practitioners. 78 by Jaydee John Primer Short, the blues and friends Holger Petersen, Host of believer can use (, , the calendar to jot Shemekia CBC Radio, Saturdays down reminders Copeland, 10-12pm, and the 1987 of such upcoming winner of the Blues occasions as etc.) do Muddy With A Feeling Award: April 22 (Buddy proud with Guy at Massey contemporary A Pair of Tickets Hall) and October and traditional to the Maple Blues 29 to November 5 (Legendary Rhythm & versions of his classics. th Awards, Toronto Jan. 18 Blues Cruise). - The event of the Griel Marcus “Three Songs Three year. Always inspiring music and a chance to Guitarist Presents BB King Tribute Singers Three Nations” Harvard Press - His hang out with your favorite artists. Edition - Unfortunately 2015 was the year long career as a music writer has culminated we lost the guitarist Riley B. King. We knew in a deep understanding of the folk tradition, Various Artists American Folk Blues Festival him as B.B., and we knew him all of our lives. making this slim volume a most intriguing DVD’s ‘62 - ‘69 - four volumes (Universal) The British music magazine Guitarist issued a read. “Last Kind Word Blues” by Geeshie - Classic performances by dozens of legends commemorative edition, packed with stories, Wiley is the second of the three and its status in various combinations - great European TV testimonials and a lesson on how to play “The as a blues classic is brilliantly illustrated. Little production quality for the era. Thrill is Gone”. Various Artists Acoustic Blues Bear Family Fantastic Negrito An Honest (four 2CD sets from 20’s to 90’s). Released Man (Blackball Universe) - Early over the last couple of years by my favorite this year the unknown Oakland re-issue label. Each decade is well curated musician Xavier Dphrepaulezz, and represented by 24 tracks. trading under the name and alter Peter Guralnick “Sam Phillips - The Man ego persona of Fantastic Negrito, Who Invented Rock & Roll” Little, Brown won an NPR Music contest. In doing & Company - Peter Gulalnick had a close so, he found an audience. On his EP, relationship with Sam Phillips and of course he does a raw and ravaged electric wrote the two best books on Elvis. kind of earthy blues thing. Dinner and a night on the town Neil Young Bluenote Café with Richard Flohil (Canada’s blues (Reprise) - He don’t want no Ambassador) - Richard is always a goldmine cash. He don’t need no money of blues information, good will and first He ain’t even got no stash. In hand stories. Just don’t go to a vegetarian 1988, Neil Young went bluesy and restaurant. Contact me at stonyplainrecords. gramatically double negative, com. touring in support of This Note’s for You with a horn-enhanced Crazy Horse. The is known the genesis of this song or about shows were recorded; a live document now Ms. Wiley, even with recent discoveries and sees the light of day. For fans of a swinging Marcus’s penchant for eminently plausible kind of Neil, this album’s for you. Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail music writer fiction serves him well. and a past winner of our Blues Booster Award: Tomorrow Is My Turn John Valenteyn, Producer & Host of John Nonesuch – A solo disc from the Carolina Valenteyn’s Blues on Chocolate Drops singer moves her to the Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings It’s A CIUT-FM and a past front ranks of blues women, as her version of Holiday Soul Party (Daptone) - Silent night? winner of the Blues “Last Kind Word Blues” proves. Well, yes and no. The unstoppable Sharon Booster Award: Jones and her Brooklyn funk-soul brothers do Shemekia Copeland Outskirts of Love time-tested carols but not in the Bing Crosby Alligator – The new Queen of the Blues way. On a festive and funky LP, there is no rest Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Lost Time Yep strikes gold with this one, tremendous songs, to ye merry gentleman, while an original, Roc – Last year’s Common Ground offered wonderful players and what a voice. She wants “Ain’t No Chimneys in the Projects”, gives up Big Bill Broonzy and made this list. This to change the world too, it sounds like we pause for thought. set of new songs covers a wider range and should let her. 2016 Blues Images Calendar & with equal talent & enthusiasm. May their 20-Track CD (Alligator) - An artful almanac reconciliation last forever. Compiled by John Valenteyn looks back (at old-timey blues artists and

www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues December 2015 5 David Gogo is nominated for three 2015 Maple Blues Awards: Entertainer of the Year, Electric Act of the Year, and Guitarist of the Year Xmas Blues For Two

TBS Talent Search winner Michael Schatte performs at the TBS Hump Day Blues at the Jazz Bistro on Wednesday, December 2 and will be representing the Toronto Blues Society in the solo/duo category at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis January 26-30. A fundraiser to defray his travel costs will be taking place in January Michael Schatte (pronounced SHAW-tee) probably wouldn’t call himself a Bluesman. And yet since January, the Canadian guitarist, vocalist and songwriter has found himself a top-eight finalist at the 2015 Memphis International Blues Challenge, the winner of the 2015 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search, and by year’s end he’ll have hit the main stage on several major stops of the Canadian blues and jazz festival circuit. Though he loves the blues (and evidently does it well), it’s just TWO DAVID GOGO CDS FOR $20 one ingredient in the eclectic brew of original rock, blues, rockabilly, The brand new album “Vicksburg Call” bluegrass, and celtic he’s been writing, recording, and performing & “Christmas With The Blues” throughout his career. This blend of genres, often described as contemporary roots, is delivered with stunning impact on his new Order online at DavidGogo.com album, Turn Back the Vikings. Vikings confirms what fans of Michael’s recorded catalogue and high-energy live shows have long known: this is a musician headed for widespread recognition. Please Note: Admission is $10 but TBS members pay only $8 (let the reception desk know you are a member when you arrive). This project is funded in part by FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s private radio broadcasters. The December schedule has been disrupted by Ce project est financé en partie par FACTOR, le gouvernement du Canada et les radiodiffuseures privés du Canada. holiday parties and events but Hump Day Blues will be back every Wednesday in January.

6 MapleBlues December 2015 www.torontobluessociety.com Vote Now! Voting for this year's Maple Blues Awards closes on December 4. Go to mapleblues.ca to support your favourite Canadian blues men and women. Winterfolk Call for Volunteers: Toronto’s 14th annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival is coming to the Danforth February 12 - 14, 2016 featuring more than 150 artists who will be performing at four venues and five stages over three days of the long Family Day weekend. They are looking for volunteers to fill a variety of different roles at the festival including Audio Mixing / Lighting Technician, Stage Managers, Production Crew, Stage Announcers, Hospitality and Merch Sales. If you're interested in volunteering, go to www. winterfolk.com/apply-to-volunteer/ Blues Money for a Good Cause: On Sunday, November 8, the Lula Lounge opened its doors to Big Rude Jake's "Blues for the Red Door, A Charity Blues Revue" for the Red Door Family Shelters in Toronto. Over $2000 Winnipeg blues icon Big Dave McLean will be joined by the Sinners Choir to entertain in the lobby of Koerner in donations were received. Hall for the Maple Blues Award After Party and Nominee Jam The Way We Was Screening: On December 3 there will be a screening of Christopher Darton's documentary, The Way This month's recommended listening by John Valenteyn, host of John We Was: The Story of the Kendall Wall Band Valenteyn's Blues on ciut.fm, 89.5 at the Lakeshore Catholic Performing Arts and CD reviewer for Maple Blues. Centre in Port Colborne, Ontario. The film You can drop by and say hello to covers the 11 year career of the popular John at the blues Department of HMV on Yonge Street group starting at Toronto's Black Swan Tavern where their Saturday Afternoon Blues Matinee became legendary, and follows them as they develop as a band and expand their role *Neil Young Bluenote Café Reprise as a backing band for many pre-eminent *Dione Taylor Born Free Matay Canadian and American blues artists. The Blue Skies Self last part of the film documents the remixing, *Jordan Officer editing, mastering and revitalization of *Flying Joes Let It Out Self 's "almost lost" 25 year-old studio *Les Copeland To Be In Your Company Earwig recordings. The Way We Was, the film, named Willie May Blues Mona Self after the band's reissued recordings features Ironing Board Sam Super Spirit Music Maker interviews with band members Gary Kendall, Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Lost Time Yep Roc Teddy Leonard, Jeff Baker and Richard Smyth Eric Bibb & JJ Milteau Lead Belly’s Gold Stony Plain/Warner with their recording sidemen Martin Alex D’Mar & Gill Take It Like That Self Aucoin, Larry Bodner and Duncan McBain Harmonica Shah If You Live To Get Old, You’ll Understand Electro-Fi and cameo appearances by Canadian blues *Jim Dan Dee Five Stiff Shots EP Self legends, Donnie ”Mr. Downchild” Walsh, Ken *Michael Kaeshammer The Pianist eOne & Chris Whiteley, Harrison Kennedy, Chuck *Harrison Kennedy This Is From Here LP Electro-Fi Jackson, Jerome Godboo, Danny Marks, *Miss Angel w. Shawn Kellerman Down In Mississippi Electro-Fi Guitar Mikey and many others. Highlights *Jay Sewall Duets1 Self of the film are vintage clips of The Kendall Slip Into A Dream Delmark Wall Band performing and with Dutch Dave Weld & Imperial Flames Mason, Snooky Pryor, Morgan Davis, Cash *Murray Kinsley & Wicked Grin Stormy Water Phoenix McCall, Jerry Portnoy, Diana Braithwaite, Rita Various Artists Unsung Heroes of Country Blues Vol.1 Rough Guide Chiarelli, , Tony Flaim and more. Various Artists Unsung Heroes of Country Blues Vol.2 Rough Guide Admission is $5.00. For ticket info contact * = Canadian [email protected]

www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues December 2015 7 show on the tour, it’s a straight 12 bar with workout. A song of acceptance closes an some punchy horns and a slide solo. There all-too-short program: “Beer and A Bible” are several of these on the program, “Ain’t embraces the secular and the sacred in her It The Truth”, Married Man”, “Doghouse”, life, the life of a preacher’s daughter in the songs with relatively minor (for Neil) lyrics modern world. If you go to www.dionetaylor. on top of some amazingly robust structures, com, you’ll see links to her YouTube premiere everyone is clearly having a good time, of the disc on JazzFM and to the streaming including the audience. Several non-blues sites Soundcloud & iTunes. Illustration by Nathaniel Mesner songs will keep Young fans happy, including the atmospheric “Twilight” and a 20-minute version of “Tonight’s The Night”. Mr. Young’s isn’t the first name that comes up when talking about blues singers but you’ll be impressed at this outing, I certainly was. At a budget price for two and a half hours of music, this might be the deal of the year.

Jordan Officer Blue Skies Select Neil Young Bluenote Café Reprise ’s Jordan Officer found the In 1988, during a period of experimentation inspiration for I’m Free, his last album in New with different genres of music, Neil Young York. This time he moved his young family released an album called This Note’s For You, to Los Angeles for a month. The album grew featuring Crazy Horse and a large horn into a journey through the music styles section and some surprisingly bluesy songs. that got him to this point. The first song he The album sold poorly and received poor sang & played publicly in high school was reviews but he took the band on the road Tom Waits’ “Blue Skies”, it gets a bluesy anyway and the latest release in his archive treatment here. There are no Lonnie Johnson series is this two-disc set of recordings from Dione Taylor Born Free Matay songs here and he’s probably very tired of that tour - playing the songs live has clearly It’s been too long between albums for this references to his sound being so influenced made a world of difference. After a rather Regina-born, Toronto-based singer. Her first but the similarity is unmistakable. In his desultory 12 bar blues, “Welcome To The disc Open Your Eyes was nominated for a Juno press release, Officer proudly announces his Big Room”, we get a stunning “Don’t Take in 2004. Since then she’s been nominated for a inclusion in Hal Leonard’s sheet music books Your Love Away From Me”, with a “Thrill Gemini Award for her performance of Oscar among the greats quoted in Scott Yanow’s Is Gone” guitar intro and excellent lyrics Peterson’s “Hymn To Freedom” with Oliver “The Great Jazz Guitarists, The Ultimate well-delivered. Young’s guitar solos go with Jones at the Canadian Songwriter’s Gala (it’s Guide”, so enough of Mr. Johnson then, a wonderful unison horn chorus and a solid on YouTube) and toured with David Clayton Officer’s guitar work on this disc is superb sax solo. Even at nine and a half minutes Thomas, and of course her appearance throughout. The Big Three Trio’s “Got You you don’t want it to end. My favourite from with the Women’s Blues Revue. For this On My Mind” provides an especially good the original album was “Ten Men Working” new one, as the press release states, she’s example of his guitar work. The picks and the live version is far better. The album tackling some serious issues and decided on up for Arthur Alexander’s “Shot of Rhythm title is the name he’s given these ten men, a rootsier sound, with Sean Pinchin featured And Blues” which features back up vocals not a place and they do work very hard. prominently on slide guitar. For the opener from former partner Susie Arioli and another There’s room for social commentary as well we get “Love Is (beyond you and me)”, amazing solo that is faded all too early. His with “Life In The City” a powerful comment it’s her response to injustice everywhere laid back vocal style is made to measure for on how life there isn’t good for everyone. including those done in the name of religion. Leroy Carr’s “How Long Blues”. ’s Apparently written while still in high school, With two guitars & handclaps, it’s a stirring “When The Deal Goes Down” (from Modern “Hello Lonely Woman” is another fine blues, choice. A marvellous blues follows, about Times) also gets a nicely bluesy turn. “Takin’ with an uptempo Jimmy Reed feel. It sounds the end of love, “Leave Me Alone”. A foot Off” features one more guest, Augie Meyers, like Neil himself takes the harmonica solo. tapper on fighting temptation is another who contributes some of his trademark Tex- “Soul Of A Woman” is one of seven previously keeper: “Resist” has a catchy chorus over its Mex organ to an attractive instrumental to unreleased songs here, you’ll find yourself martial drumbeat. Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s close. A lovely late night album from Mr. wondering why it’s taken 27 years for it to Hand” helps her deal with the death of her Officer and if you are so inclined a guitar see the light of day. Another fine slow blues, grandmother, a beautiful performance. Her player’s textbook. He’s placed himself in a “One Thing” is introduced as ‘Does anyone own “Born Free” stresses her independence long line of jazz guitar trios with blues and here have trouble at home?’ and a tender not just from another person but also to some pop tunes differentiating him nicely. His lyric about a coming breakup follows. “I’m believe as she chooses. “Higher Ground” web site, www.jordanofficer.com, shows only Goin’” was a non-album B-side, the far is the Stevie Wonder song, its message Quebec dates so far but he’s no stranger to better live version is taken from the CNE of achieving potential getting a pleading these parts. It lets you check out the songs too.

8 MapleBlues December 2015 www.torontobluessociety.com

New Members: Gregory Marsh, Greg Craig, Itchelaye Kochikpa, Frank Alexander Renewing Members: Gary James Asselstine, Donald Orr, Glenn & Helen Jones, Peter Phillips, Danny Ogaki, Les Copeland To Be In Your Company Reno Jack The Bear Lightning Fried Razie Brownstone, Arni Brownstone, Earwig Hwy 11 Tom Rowe, Keith Potter, Terry Wallace, Michael Cook, Paul Norton, Michael Malone, Roger Dorey, Irene Pojaujis, A veteran of Toronto’s cow punk scene, Vernon, BC blues guitarist Les Copeland Hal Hannaford, Vince Almond, Susan Reno Jack has lately teamed up with came to my attention with his earlier disc on & David Reid, David Brennan, John Aitikokan’s blues woman Sunday Wilde. Chicago’s Earwig label. Owner Michael Robshaw, Christine Hennings, David Her blues influence is apparent on this recent Frank is a hands-on kind of guy, he plays Owen, C.M. Compton harp very well and takes a major interest in disc, with various styles from his lengthy the careers of the blues men he signs. His performing history coming out as a very most important artist for some years was the pleasing blend. Reno Jack plays bass and Many thanks to Carol Flett, Janice legendary Delta veteran David “Honeyboy” has great, low voice, sometimes described Knowles, Tom Robertson, Nada Edwards. On a Western tour with Honeyboy, as ‘barbed wire wrapped in velvet’. The Saranovich and Geoff Virag for their Mr. Frank met Les Copeland who sat in opening, title song, is a case in point with a help at the "Hump Day Blues" series and a 15-year friendship with both ensued. fairly standard rockabilly tune turning into a on Wednesdays at the Jazz Bistro. Honeyboy guested on the earlier one, 2010’s blues-rock highlight with a solid harp break Many thanks as well to Carol Flett, Don’t Let The Devil In and you may have caught from none other than Watermelon Slim. The Tom Robertson and Geoff Virag the three of them at Hugh’s Room during the song tells the story of a tornado touching for their help with the newsletter subsequent tour. Honeyboy passed away at down. “Say Self” is a delightful Jimmy Reed mailing. the age of 96 shortly after that tour and To style blues about changing his lifestyle that Be In Your Company opens with a heartfelt goes seamlessly country for the chorus. More tribute that lovingly details how Copeland harp from Slim too. “Salt” is a rocker on the and Honeyboy first met. A little further on, evils of this particular additive with Slim on “Bessie” captures Copeland’s last meeting dobro. You might and perhaps should think with Honeyboy, Honeyboy had cashed in twice before reaching for the shaker after his air miles to bring Copeland to Chicago hearing this one. Another highlight is “Slow and Bessie was Honeyboy’s loving wife. Dancing”, a song by Johnny Lovesin. It’s “Borderline” is a sarcastic acoustic slide piece a song from his time playing in that band. There’s also a Handsome Ned tune from about trying to convince the U.S. customs The Toronto Blues Society guys that he wasn’t going to play without those days here as well. “Gee Oogle It Baby” papers. He was indeed heading south to jam shows he’s up on modern times as he laments is a Registered Charity with Honeyboy. “Swamp Witch” is a more the internet’s influence. Slim’s back on harp. complex effort, a dark Jim Stafford story set The brevity that twitter needs leads to some Make a donation beyond membership in the Louisiana bayou country. That he has a very clever rhymes in “All Atwitter”. Ms. and merchandise, and get your wide repertoire ise shown with performances Wilde adds harmony vocals and piano where charitable tax receipt in time for of Jelly Roll Morton’s “Winin’ Boy Blues”, needed. There’s a jazz piece and some folk this year! (Charitable # 87487 7509 Gordon Lightfoot’s “Ribbon Of Darkness”, & country tunes among the blues in a rather RR0001). You will be helping to support events like the annual Women's Blues Bob Dylan’s “Moonshiner” and The Kinks’ impressive debut CD that showcases a dry Revue at Massey Hall, The Blues in “Sunny Afternoon” and he makes it all work. & witty songwriter. It’s not hard to see that the Schools program, The weekly He saves a chunk of the program for songs Watermelon Slim and Reno Jack would get Jazz Bistro Blues Series, numerous about his family and partner Sari joins him along just fine. ‘Born in the fifties, schooled workshops and carreer development for a couple. All in all, a something a little in the sixties and a survivor of the seventies’ activities for the musician community different for your listening pleasure. His and now his first album - maybe some things as well as the Maple Blues Awards web site is www.lescopeland.com and his are meant to come later. Check out www. and the Blues Summit conference, music streams at www.reverbnation.com/ hwy11records.com, it has a bio and links to other useful sites. the most important blues industry lightninlescopeland although this new one gathering in Canada that occurs every -John Valenteyn isn’t there yet. Earwig music can be acquired other year. Networking events within at www.earwigmusic.com. [email protected] this conference allow for industry discussion alongside artist discovery through the showcase program.

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Enjoy a red or white with your favourite Blues!

10 MapleBlues December 2015 www.torontobluessociety.com Blues Trio Thu-10-Dec 8:00 PM The Distillery Mon-7-Dec 9:00 PM Bruce Chap- Thu-17-Dec 8:00 PM Wild T and man Blues Duo the Spirit Thu-10-Dec 5:00 PM Heather Thu-31-Dec 8:00 PM Jack de Luckhart Keyzer & Jerome Godboo Sat-12-Dec 5:00 PM Bill Heffernan On Cue Billiards 349 Jane St. and his Friends 647-763-0417 Sat-12-Dec 9:00 PM Donne Fri-11-Dec 10:00 PM Voodoo Roberts Band Walters Solo Sat-19-Dec 5:00 PM Bill Heffernan Fri-18-Dec 10:00 PM Voodoo and his Friends Walters Solo Mon-21-Dec 9:00 PM Rob Davis Blues Trio with Fraser Melvin and Poetry Jazz Cafe 224 Augusta Conrad Good Avenue 416-599-5299 Sun-27-Dec 5:00 PM Cheryl White Sat-5-Dec 9:30 PM Dan McKinnon Band Thu-31-Dec 9:30 PM Dan McK- innon Hugh’s Room 2261 Dundas St. W. 416-531-6604 The Hole In The Wall 2867 Dun- Wed-23-Dec 8:30 PM Paul De- das West 647-350-3564 slauriers Band, Jerome Godboo, Fri-4-Dec 10:00 PM Ken Yosh- Selena Evangeline Have a Bluesy ioka, Dave McManus & Cleave Christmas Anderson Thu-31-Dec 9:30 PM Chris The Jester on Yonge 1427 Yonge Whiteley & Diana Braithwaite with Street 416-323-3421 Sam Broverman New Years Eve Thu-3-Dec 8:30 PM Celebration The Rex Hotel 194 Queen St. W. Jazz Bistro 251 Victoria Street 416-598-2475 416-363-5299 Sat-19-Dec 3:30 PM Jerome Wed-2-Dec 8:00 PM Michael Godboo,Shawn Kellerman,Eric Schatte TBS Presents Hump Day Schenkman & Gary Craig Blues @ Jazz Bistro The Village Vinyl Emporium & Monarch’s Pub - Chelsea Hotel Cafe 2925 Lakeshore W. 416- 33 Gerrard St. W 416-595-1975 809-6625 Thu-3-Dec 8:00 PM Jerome Sun-13-Dec 5:00 PM Jimmy Godboo Bowskill,Jerome Godboo & Conor Quebec guitar slinger Paul Deslauriers will be celebrating a "Bluesy Christmas" at Gains Hugh’s Room on Wednesday, December 23 along with his band and special guests Jerome Godboo and Selena Evangeline Dec, Tue-22-Dec, Tue-29-Dec 10:00 PM The Sinners Choir Dora Keogh 141 Danforth Ave 416- 538-3885 Sat-5-Dec 8:00 PM TBS Xmas TORONTO LISTINGS Party with The Swingin’ Blackjacks Blue Goose Tavern 1 Blue Dovercourt House 805 Dovercourt Goose St. 416-255-2442 Rd 416-- Sun-6-Dec 4:00 PM The BG Fri-18-Dec 9:00 PM Toronto Blues Rhythm Section Blues At The Dance: 3rd Friday Blues DJ Dance Goose w/ special guests Matt with lesson Allen & Teddy Leonard Dundas Video 831 Dundas St W, Sun-13-Dec 4:00 PM The BG Thu-10-Dec 8:00 PM Sugar Brown Rhythm Section Blues At The Live show and documentary Goose w/ special guests The screening Burgess Brothers Fat City Blues 890 College Street Sun-20-Dec 4:00 PM The BG 647-345-8282 Rhythm Section Blues At The Fri-4-Dec 9:30 PM Pudding Goose w/ special guests Jimmy Tue-22-Dec 8:00 PM Sugar Brown Bowskill & Conor Gains Gate 403 403 Roncesvalles Ave. Sun-27-Dec 4:00 PM The BG 416-588-2930 Rhythm Section Blues At The Tue-1-Dec 5:00 PM Howard Willett Goose w/ special guests Jerome Blues Duo Godboo & Eric Schenkman Fri-4-Dec 9:00 PM Fraser Melvin Cameron House 408 Queen Band Street 416-703-0811 Sat-5-Dec 5:00 PM Bill Heffernan Tue-1-Dec, Tue-8-Dec, Tue-15- and his Friends Dec, Tue-22-Dec, Tue-29-Dec Sat-5-Dec 9:00 PM Melissa Boyce 6:00 PM The Distillery Jazz & Blues Band Tue-1-Dec, Tue-8-Dec, Tue-15- Sat-5-Dec 5:00 PM Rob Davis

www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues December 2015 11 Gordon Best Theatre 216 Hunter Sticky Fingers 150 Dunlop St. 905 & BEYOND St W Peterborough 705-876-8884 W. Barrie 705-721-8793 The Moonshine Cafe 137 Kerr Fri-4-Dec 8:00 PM Bros. Landreth Fri-4-Dec 9:00 PM Jerome St. Oakville 905-844-2655 Bay City Music Hall 50 Leander Fri-11-Dec 9:00 PM Jerome Drive Hamilton 289-- London Music Club 70 Colborne Godboo,Shawn Kellerman,Eric Schenkman & Gary Craig Godboo,Eric Schenkman,Greg Sat-12-Dec 6:00 PM Steve St London 519-640-6996 Godovitz & Gary Craig Strongman with Carlos del Junco Fri-4-Dec 8:00 PM David Owen Sat-19-Dec 9:30 PM Lisa Hutchin- & Jesse O’Brien Steve Strong- Thu-17-Dec 7:00 PM Paul Deslau- son Band The Venue 286 George Street man’s 6th Annual Christmas Show riers Band The Gayety Theatre 161 Huron- North Peterborough 705-876-0008 Sat-2-Jan 6:30 PM Jack de Keyz- tario St Collingwood 888-353-3203 Sat-19-Dec 7:00 PM Mississauga Black Wolf Smokehouse 139 Band with Chuck Broadway Orangeville 519-941- er 4th Annual Holiday Show Fri-4-Dec 7:30 PM Johnny Max Bluesy Christmas A Bluesy Jackson & “Big” Bob Hammond 1313 Morty’s Pub 272 King St N Water- Blus Bros Christmas Party Wed-16-Dec 8:00 PM Black loo 519-886-0440 Christmas w Johnny Max, Cheryl Wolf Blues Jam with Larry Kurtz Tue-1-Dec 8:00 PM Jack de Lescom & Chuck Jackson Violet’s Venue 52 Morrow Road & Bruce Ley of Trouble & Strife Keyzer The Golden Pheasant (aka The Barrie 705-238-9282 Open Blues Jam Tue-8-Dec 8:00 PM Dylan Wick- Duck) 244 Ontario St. St. Catha- Sat-9-Jan 8:15 PM Jimmy D. Lane Blue Moon Restaurant 1677 ens Trio rines 905-687-9505 Wilno Tavern 17589 Hwy 60 Hwy Snyders Rd E Petersburg 519 Tue-15-Dec 8:00 PM Sean Sat-5-Dec 2:30 PM The Mighty Wilno 613-756-2029 634-5421 Pinchin Duck Blues Band Saturday Blues Sun-13-Dec 2:00 PM James Fri-11-Dec 6:30 PM Johnny Tue-22-Dec 8:00 PM Josh David Matinee w/ special guest Ken Armstrong Max Bluesy Christmas A Bluesy Trio Whiteley Christmas w Johnny Max, Cheryl Tue-29-Dec 8PM Matt Weidinger Sat-12-Dec 2:30 PM The Mighty REPEATING Lescom & Robin Banks Port Restaurant 1289 Wharf Duck Blues Band Saturday Blues EVERY SATURDAY Street Pickering 905-831-8661 Matinee w/ special guest Carlos Bourbon 31 Bayfield St Barrie, del Junco ON Barrie 705-252-7744 Wed-2-Dec 7:00 PM VOODOO Blue Goose Tavern 1 Blue Goose Pawn Shop Share the Joy Bring Sat-19-Dec 2:30 PM The Mighty St. 416-255-2442 Toronto The Fri-11-Dec 10:00 PM Lisa Hutchin- Duck Blues Band Saturday son Band a Toy Danny B Blues Band 3:00 PM Aternoon Blues Matinee w/ special (Every Sat) Roc ‘n Doc’s 105 Lakeshore guest Dawn Tyler Watson Brando’s Beach House Market Cadillac Lounge 1296 Queen St Road E Port Credit 905-891-1754 Sat-26-Dec 2:30 PM The Mighty St Brantford 226-600-2250 W 416-536-7717 Toronto Danny Sat-5-Dec & Sat-12-Dec 3:00 Duck Blues Band Boxing Day Sat-26-Dec 3:00 PM James Marks 12:00 PM (Every Sat) O’Brien Band PM The Mississauga Delta Blues Blues Special w/ special guest Band Saturday Matinee Jerome Godboo Carrigan Arms 2025 Upper Mid- dle Road 905-332-6131 Burlington

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12 MapleBlues December 2015 www.torontobluessociety.com The Sil Simone Band with guest Chuck Jackson & The All Stars 2:00 PM (Every Sat) with Special Guest VOODOO Castro’s Lounge 2116 Queen St. Pawn Shop 4:30 PM (Every Sun) E. 416-699-8272 Big Rude Jake’s Monk Junkies 4:30 PM (Every Sat) EVERY MONDAY Frankie’s Ristorante 1 Main St. Black Swan Tavern 154 Danforth 905-852-1011 Uxbridge Tim Bast- Ave 416-469-0537 Toronto Se- meyer 7:00 PM (Every Sat) bastian Agnello 9:30 PM Acoustic Hard Rock Cafe 279 Yonge St (Every Mon) 416-362-3636 Toronto Hard Rock Orbit Room 580A College St 416- Cafe Saturday Matinee with Greg 535-0613 Toronto Jordan John Godovitz 2:00 PM (Every Sat) 10:00 PM (Every Mon) Old Winery 2288 Niagara Stone Rd 905-468-8900 Niaga- EVERY TUESDAY ra-on-the-Lake Niagara Rhythm Black Swan Tavern 154 Danforth Section with guests 9:00 PM Ave 416-469-0537 Toronto Peter (Every Sat) Verity 9:30 PM Roots (Every Tue) Outrigger Tap & Table 2232 Brando’s on Market 135 Market Queen St E 416-748-2232 Toronto St 519-720-6758 Brantford Chris Johnny Wright & Michael Fonfara Brown host 10:00 PM Open Jam 3:00 PM (Every Sat) (Every Tue) Reservoir Lounge 52 Wellington Reservoir Lounge 416-955-0887 St E 416-955-0887 Toronto Tyler Tyler Yarema and His Rhythm Yarema and His Rhythm 9:45 PM 9:45 PM (Every Tue) (Every Sat) Sauce on Danforth 1376 Dan- Rex Hotel 194 Queen St W 416- forth Ave 647-748-1376 Toronto 598-2475 Toronto The Sinners Julian Fauth 6:00 PM (Every Tue) Choir 12:00 PM (Every Sat)

Warmington’s Bistro 519-770- EVERY TUESDAY 4941 The Bent Bugle Band 4:00 PM with guests (Every Sat) The Duke Live 1225 Queen St. E. Bonnie Raitt is hitting the road this March for her "Dig In Deep" tour and is coming to 416-463-5302 Toronto Blues Tues Toronto's Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on March 15, 2016! After a three-year

Jam with Jerome Godboo 9:00 creative break, the songstress's new album, "Dig In Deep" (Redwing Records), will EVERY SUNDAY PM Open Blues Jam (Every Tue) be released Feb 26 and followed by an extensive North American tour. Blue Goose Tavern 416-255- 2442 B&G Rhythm Section Gary EVERY WEDNESDAY Lancaster Smokehouse 519- Harbour Street Fish Bar 10 Keith Kendall 4:00 PM 743-4331 Matt Weidinger 6:00 Ave, #403 705-293-3474 Colling- Black Swan Tavern 416-469- Fat City Blues 647-345-8282 PM (Every Wed) wood Wayne Buttery Band 7:00 0537 Nicola Vaughan 9:30 PM PM (Every Thu) Fraser Melvin Band 8:30 PM Open Jam (Every Wed) Reservoir Lounge 416-955-0887 Robin Banks 8:45 (Every Wed) Reservoir Lounge 416-955-0887 Grossman’s Tavern 379 Spadina Bobby O’Brien’s 125 King St W Ave. 416-977-7000 Toronto Brian Ten Restaurant & Wine Bar 130 Stacey Kaniuk 9:45 PM (Every 519-743-5657 Kitchener Dave Thu) Cober Jam 9:30 PM Drums and Rodenburg, John Lee & Jim Bou- Lakeshore Rd E 905-271-0016 amp provided (Every Sun) dreau 8:00 PM (Every Wed) Open Port Credit Chuck Jackson & Tyler Roc ‘n Doc’s 105 Lakeshore Rd Blues Jam Yarema 8:00 PM (Every Wed) EVERY FRIDAY E 905-891-1754 Mississauga Je- Gate 403 416-588-2930 Julian Lancaster Smokehouse 574 rome Godboo, Shawn Kellerman, Fauth 9:00 PM (Every Wed) EVERY THURSDAY Lancaster St W 519-743-4331 Eric Schenkman & Gary Craig Col. Mustard’s Pub & Deli 16925 Kitchener John McKinley Band 10:00 PM (Every Sun) Inter Steer Tavern 361 Ronces- 8:00 PM (Every Friday) valles Ave 416-604-3333 Toronto Yonge St 905-895-6663 Newmar- Roc ‘n Doc’s 105 Lakeshore Rd Fraser/Daley 8:00 PM (Every ket Lou Moore plus guest 9:00 PM Warmington’s Bistro 42 George E 905-891-1754 Mississauga Wed) (Every Thu) St 519-770-4941 Brantford The Fat City Blues 647-345-8282 Bent Bugle Band 8:00 PM with Tyler Yarema & the Fat Boys 8:30 guests (Every Fri)

Where the Music Begins Browse to www.torontobluessociety.com and click on "Live Blues" scroll Sales / Rentals / Repairs / Print Music / Lessons / In-Store Financing down and enter your event into the form provided. From there it will be promoted in this newsletter, on our website and in our weekly e-mail blasts. www.long-mcquade.com Please keep the gig listings within reasonable driving distance of Toronto. If you're having trouble send a note to [email protected] 8 locations in the GTA, including 925 Bloor St. W. Toronto, 416.588.7886

www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues December 2015 13 Concerts of Note TBS Chrismas Party – Dora Keogh – Dec 5 | Have A Bluesy Christmas with The Paul Deslauriers Band, Jerome Godboo, Selena Evangeline – Hugh's Room – Dec 23 | Michael Schatte – Jazz Bistro – Dec 2 | Blues for New Years with the Jack de Keyzer Band and Jerome Godboo – Monarchs Pub –Dec 31 | Jimmy D. Lane – Violet's Venue – Jan 9 | Music by the Bay Live Presents: Colin Linden – St. Francis Centre, Ajax –Jan 16 | Maple Blues Awards – Koerner Hall – Jan 18 | Music by the Bay Live Presents: Last Waltz – A Musical Celebration of The Band – St. Francis Centre, Ajax – Mar 12 | Bonnie Raitt – Sony Centre – Mar 15 | Kat Danser's Mississippi Juke Joint feat. Steve Dawson – Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts – Mar 19 | Downchild – Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts – Mar 30| Tommy Castro & The Pain Killers – Violet's Venue – Apr 2 | Music by the Bay Live Presents: Tommy Castro & The Painkillers – St. Francis Centre, Ajax – April 3 | Jack de Keyzer – Hugh's Room – Apr 8 | Randy Bachman – Massey Hall – Apr 21 | Ruthie Foster Guelph's resident bluesman Mo' Kauffey (aka Gary Wickizer) was recently diagnosed with guest Harrison Kennedy – Oakville Centre with stage 4 cancer in his lungs and liver and a crowdfunding campaign has been for the Performing Arts – Apr 21 launched to gather funds to cover his day to day living expenses as well as treatment outside of Canada. A benefit concert is being held on Saturday, December 5 at Van Gogh's Ear at 10 Wyndham St N in Guelph. If you can't make the show, you can contribute at www.youcaring.com/gary-wickizer-aka-mo-kauffey-457124

Find Yourself in the Birthplace of the Blues

No matter what your pleasure, you’ll find it in Mississippi! The Birthplace of America’s Music is also known for its world-class golf, spas, casinos, beaches, southern cuisine and of course, our southern hospitality! For more information visit www.visitmississippi.org

14 MapleBlues December 2015 www.torontobluessociety.com 33 GERRARD STREET WEST CHELSEA HOTEL, TORONTO MON–THURS 5PM–1AM FRI–SAT 5PM–2AM

MONARCHSPUB.CA 416.585.4352 FACEBOOK.COM/MONARCHSPUB

WED 7PM–11PM THURS 8PM–12AM FRI 9PM–1AM

2 3 4 David Rubel Jerome Godboo Freedom Train 9 10 11 Chynna Lewis with Omni 3 The Distillery Hogtown Sound 16 17 18 Brownman Akoustic Trio Wild T & The Spirit Turbo Street Funk 31 Jack De Keyzer

Featuring two of Toronto’s most renowned Blues musicians Jack de Keyzer and Jerome Godboo. Doors open 6:00pm | Live music 9:00pm $40 or $70* with a special dinner package. Purchase your tickets online at ticketfly.com

WED 7PM–11PM THURS 8PM–12AM FRI 9PM–1AM

13 14 15 Les Petits Nouveux Tas Cru & The Freeman Dre & Tortured Souls The Kitchen Party 20 21 22 Lily Frost The Gary Kendall Band Young Running 27 28 29 JV Boogaloo Squad Mark “Bird” Stafford Band of Fools

Music schedule subject to change without notice.

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www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues December 2015 15