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Home , Anthony Geraci, Billy Branch, Danny Weis, Downchild Blues Band, Grievous Angels, Jack de Keyzer

February 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com Published by the Society since 1985 [email protected] Vol 37, No 2

Angelique Francis (along with Matt Sobb) co-hosts the Ottawa edition of the (virtual) Feb 8 on TBS Facebook and YouTube

CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40011871 Maple Blues Awards Online Blues Reviews Remembering the Fonf Blues Events Loose Blues News and More 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, , Dan McKinnon, Lily Sazz, Mark Stafford, Dione Taylor, Julian Taylor, Jenie Thai, Suzie Vinnick,Ken Whiteley Volunteer & Membership Committee: The TBS Volunteer Appreciation Party was held via Zoom this year and featured surprise performances by TBS Lucie Dufault, Rose Ker, Mike Smith, Ed Music Advisory Council members Brian Blain and Suzie Vinnick Parsons, Carol Flett Grants Officer: Barbara Isherwood Office Manager: Hüma Üster Marketing & Social Media Manager: Meg MARK YOUR CALENDAR McNabb 24th Maple Blues Awards, Every Monday throughout February 2021 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Derek Andrews 8pm ET via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TorontoBluesSociety Managing Editor: Brian Blain [email protected] Monday, February 8 | Angelique Francis and Matt Sobb will be hosting the stream Contributing Editors: Janet Alilovic, Hüma from Ottawa w/performances from JW-Jones and Crystal Shawanda Üster, Carol Flett Monday, February 15 | from Montreal and hosted by Dawn Tyler Watson and Ben Listings Coordinator: Janet Alilovic Racine w/performances from Durham County Poets and Matt Andersen Mailing and Distribution: Ed Parsons Monday, February 22 | from Vancouver and hosted by Dalannah Gail Bowen and Advertising: Dougal Bichan Jim Byrnes w/performances from Liam Docherty and Lindsay Beaver [email protected] Tuesday, March 9 | JUNO nominations announced. For ad rates & specs call 647-860-2815 www.torontobluesociety.com/newsletters/ Sunday, March 28, 4pm Highlights from Mako Funasaka's Talkin' Blues featuring rate-card interviews with , Eddie Clearwater & . Charitable # 87487 7509 RR0001 Sunday, 25 April, 4pm Looking Back: Archival video (VHS) footage from the Jodie Drake Tribute at the 1995 Toronto Downtown Festival The Toronto Blues Society acknowledges the 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 February 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com Maple Blues Awards goes Virtual The Toronto Blues Society’s annual Maple Blues Awards will be a little different this year in that, like many arts awards and programs, it will be held virtually and streamed from four cities across Canada on each Monday of the month of February. Newly added to the program is Blues Zooms! Maple Blues Awards pre-show toast and after party gatherings will take place on Zoom before and after each segment to celebrate the winners, to catch up with the community, and to connect. Follow At the first round of the (virtual) Maple Blues Awards on Feb 2, Matt Andersen received the "Acoustic Artist of TBS website and social media for more info. the Year" award. Another Maritime guitarslinger, Garrett Mason is "Guitarist of the Year" and received the "Electric Artist of the Year" award. Steve Sherman & The Smoke Wagon Blues Band received the “The Toronto Blues Society has needed "Recording & Producer of the Year" for Ballad of Albert Johnson and the Ghost Town Blues Band are the "B.B. to become “covid creative” to resolve the King International Artist of the Year." challenge of working around restrictions and continuing to connect community”, says Year, and Recording / Producer of the Year. Derek Andrews, President of Toronto Blues Monday, February 15th the Maple Blues Society. “Our four sessions are being pulled Awards will be streamed from Montreal and together with ingenuity, and we look forward hosted by Dawn Tyler Watson and Ben to staging virtual social contact by hosting Racine and will feature a performance from “Blues Zooms” national gatherings to chat and Durham County Poets, who are nominated check in around the Maple Blues Awards”. for of the Year and Recording / The first Maple Blues Awards event had Producer of the Year. Matt Andersen, who Alana Bridgewater and Johnny Max hosting has been nominated for Acoustic Act of the from Toronto on Monday, February 1st. The Year and Male Vocalist of the Year will also evening featured a performance from Dione be performing. Taylor, who has been nominated for Female The final night of the Maple Blues Awards Vocalist of the Year, new Artist / Group of stream will be coming from Vancouver Island the Year, and Songwriter of the Year. Also on Monday, February 22nd and will be hosted performing was Jack de Keyzer, who has by Dalannah Gail Bowen and Jim Byrnes been nominated along with his bandmates and will have performances from 14-year old for Entertainer of the Year, Electric Act of the New Artist / Group of the Year nominee Liam Attention TBS Members! Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Recording / Docherty and Drummer of the Year nominee Producer of the Year, Guitarist of the Year, Lindsay Beaver, streaming from Halifax for a Due to COVID-19 pandemic, Horn Player of the Year (for Richard Thornton), true coast-to-coast MBA experience. TBS is unable to deliver and Bassist of the Year (for Alan Duffy). The 24th Annual Maple Blues Awards will a physical copy of the On Monday, February 8th Angelique be streamed at 8:00 PM Eastern via Facebook MapleBlues February Francis and Matt Sobb will be hosting the and on Toronto Blues Society’s YouTube issue. However expiring, stream from Ottawa, sponsored by Clyde channel. new & renewing members River Productions, and the evening will Toronto Blues Society is a volunteer- can expect a letter from us feature a performance from JW-Jones, driven non-profit charity dedicated to the who has been nominated along with his promotion & preservation of the Blues on soon. Please e-mail info@ bandmates for Entertainer of the Year, Electric both a local and national level. Celebrating its torontobluessociety.com Act of the Year, New Artist / Group of the 35th anniversary in 2020, it is crucial to have if you have any questions Year (for Jones’ other project HOROJO Trio), the support of our followers especially now and Recording / Producer of the Year. Also during pandemic. Your tax-deductible gift and be sure to follow TBS streaming a performance from Ottawa is means that the TBS can continue to produce accounts on social media Nashville-based Indigenous artist Crystal educational, career development and other for immediate updates. Shawanda, who has been nominated for public events. Female Vocalist of the Year, Songwriter of the

www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues February 2021 3 Congratulations to all MAPLE BLUES AWARDS nominees ...especially ours! Matt Anderson Crystal Shawanda Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne Michael Kaeshammer Matt Sobb, & Tony D.

www.truenorthrecords.com • www.stonyplainrecords.com

4 MapleBlues February 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com Remembering PHOTO BY JAMES DEAN Toronto-based keyboardist, songwriter, arranger, and producer Michael Fonfara died on Jan. 8, at age 74, from complications brought on by a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. He enjoyed a fascinating and accomplished career as a professional musician over the course of six decades. From ‘60s R&B and underground blues-rock in such outfits as Jon and Lee and The Checkmates, The Electric Flag, and Rhinoceros, Fonfara went on to a long stint with and then the , plus work with Rough Trade, Foreigner, The Lincolns, reggae pioneers Sly and Robbie, and more. It is fair to claim his resume is as musically diverse as any in Canadian music. He has perhaps been something of an unsung hero, but the huge outpouring of affection as news of his passing spread on social media recently affirms that he was held in enormous respect by his musical peers Michael Fonfara was the most beloved of Toronto keyboard players who rose to international fame. A GoFundMe and all who came in contact with him. That is campaign has been set up to help his family deal with funeral and other expenses. https://ca.gofundme.com/f/ evident in the tributes we have included later show-some-michael-fonfara-family-love. in this obituary feature, taken from social media Bloomfield, with Fonfara replacing keyboardist wrote with and which has become or gathered by our reaching out to Fonfara’s and founding Electric Flag member Barry an R&B standard. ‘How do you play it right?,’ I comrades. Goldberg. His playing is featured on the 1968 wanted to know. A few weeks later, he emailed Born and raised in Fort Erie, Ontario, Fonfara album A Long Time Comin’. me my answer in a video of him playing it, breaking it down for me. Sometimes, you studied classical at the Royal Conservatory Next stop was Rhinoceros, a new group meet your heroes and they’re princes. Thanks, of Music, where he reportedly studied under a put together by and signed to Michael. Shred in peace.” former teacher of Glenn Gould, prior to starting that featured both Canadian and US players. to gig on the busy Toronto scene. On vocals was John Finley, Fonfara’s bandmate Shaffer and his band would reprise Apricot That started in 1963, when he joined the from The Checkmates, while former Iron Brandy, Rhinoceros’ best-known song, on some Toronto band, Lee Jackson & The Checkmates, Butterfly guitarist Danny Weis was another of their Tonight Show With David Letterman gigs, renamed Jon and Lee & The Checkmates soon original member. The group went through and reports suggest Fonfara was pleased at the afterwards. A popular group on the burgeoning many personnel changes and released three subsequent royalty cheques. Toronto R&B scene, they broke up in Sept. 1967, albums, a self-titled debut (1968), Satin Chickens In 1971, after the breakup of Rhinoceros, John with just one single to their name. (1969), and Better Times Are Coming (1970), then Finley, Michael Fonfara, Peter Hodgson, Danny The band’s vocalist, legendary soul singer disbanded in 1971. Weis and Larry Leishman formed a new group John Finley, sent this reminiscence to FYI: In 2009, Rhinoceros reunited for their first called Blackstone. They recorded an album for “I met Michael Fonfara in November 1963. show together in 36 years, at the Kitchener Blues Canadian label GRT, On the Line, produced Larry Leishman introduced us at the Gold Star Festival. Original members John Finley, Alan by Paul Rothchild, but it was not well-received Hamburger, located 2 blocks north of Steeles Gerber, Danny Weis, Michael Fonfara and Peter upon its 1973 release, and the members went and Yonge in northernmost Willowdale where Hodgson were joined by Toronto players Mike their separate ways. Larry lived. I did not know then that Michael Sloski (drums) and Bernie LaBarge (guitar). Reportedly based on his work on an Everly and I would be be starting a lifelong musical That track is a favourite of another Canadian Brothers album, Fonfara was then recruited by and personal journey together 4 months later keyboard ace, . Contacted by Lou Reed to work on the singer’s 1974 album Sally in March 64, when I joined the Checkmates.” FYI yesterday, Shaffer was effusive in his praise Can’t Dance, one that became Reed’s most In 1999, Fonfara, Peter Hodgson and Larry of Fonfara. “Michael was an early inspiration of successful record. That was the beginning of a Leishman reformed The Checkmates for live mine, since I saw him at the Hawk's Nest teen long and successful partnership for the rest of the dates in Toronto. In 2005, John Finley rejoined nightclub in Toronto in about 1966, with Jon and ‘70s. Fonfara served as Reed’s go-to studio and the band and the group released their debut Lee and The Checkmates,” recalls Shaffer. touring keyboardist. He was featured on eight more Reed albums, including 1976’s Rock and album in 2006. “I never forgot it. I got to tell Michael that Roll Heart, 1978’s and Live: Take No After The Checkmates first folded, Fonfara when we played side by side a few summers Prisoners, 1979’s The Bells and 1980’s Growing Up worked briefly with David Clayton-Thomas ago. I sat in on his gig with the Downchild Blues in Public. On that latter album, Fonfara is credited (later of Blood, Sweat and Tears fame), then, Band when they played outdoors on Bloor as co-writer and co-producer alongside Reed. in late 1967, he toured and recorded briefly Street at Toronto Jazzfest. He was sweet as with US blues-rock innovators The Electric Flag. pie, and a gas on organ! I asked him about the In 1976, Fonfara joined Toronto-based That band featured and Michael funk instrumental Apricot Brandy, which he co- band Rough Trade, the controversial Toronto- cont’d on p 6 www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues February 2021 5 FONFARA cont’d from p5 based band headed by Carole Pope and more. He also made plenty of friends in the posted this on Facebook: “Sad Kevan Staples that would later go onto Hamilton music community. Those he played news today. The talented Michael Fonfara, long significant commercial success. His stint with and/or recorded with there included musical time keyboardist for Downchild Blues Band, has the band was brief (he left in 1977), but he mavericks Chris Houston and Edgar Breau passed. I have had the good fortune of joining contributed significantly to Rough Trade’s debut (Simply Saucer), Teenage Head’s Gord Lewis, them on stage a number of times over the years album, Rough Trade Live, billed as the first direct Harrison Kennedy, Trickbag, and Lori Yates. and have always enjoyed his stage presence, energy, and sense of humour. Sending all my to disc rock album. Leading off the many tributes to Fonfara love to his family, and to all of the members and was this Facebook post from Downchild bassist Carole Pope tells FYI that “Michael was families of Downchild Blues Band.” a phenomenal keyboard player and great Gary Kendall: “I've heard [Downchild leader] personality. Kevan and I were privileged to work Donnie Walsh say many times ‘He`s the best Blues singer/songwriter and Toronto Blues with him on our Direct to disc album and he was musician I’ve ever worked with.’ I echo those Society stalwart Brian Blain (to FYI) : “First thing part of the band during our early gigs in New words. Yesterday we lost a brother, a band mate, I remember about Michael (and we played York. We met Lou Reed through him.” a co-writer, and a dear friend.” and recorded together many times) was that whenever I got him to join us for the Campfire John Finley shared this lovely eulogy to his Fonfara continued to record and tour with Jam at the Old Mill in Toronto, there would always musical comrade and close friend with FYI: Lou Reed, and from the late ‘70s to 1981, he was be a call or note the next day from one of the “My memories are much more than musical a member of the New York City-based pop-rock other players thanking me and saying what a (though 65 years of music shared has been group Tycoon, which released a self-titled album pleasure/honour it was to play with Fonf. It was vast); his tremendous humour, intelligence and on Arista in 1979. always a pleasure to play with Fonf.” sweet sweet kindness are with me always. We As a , Fonfara played on the had a deeply intimate friendship; I truly & totally Toronto blues scene veteran and radio host hit Foreigner album, Foreigner 4 (1981), which trusted him with my heart, my soul and my Danny Marks (on Facebook): “Michael Fonfara, reached number 1 on Billboard and was certified musical life. We shared the ups and downs, the aka Rabbit or Fonf, never liked to rehearse too 6x platinum, while its smash hit single Urgent joys and tears, secrets and significant acclaim. much for the Maple Blues Awards. While the reached #4 in the US and #1 in Canada. The song rest of the band were learning their parts and “Ah but the HUMOUR: was reprised on the 1982 Best Of album Records. studying their charts, Fonf would be AWOL. snuffunderwithunderbumbles, Count Rabbit, In the 1980s, Fonfara began working regularly Maybe just out having a smoke. However, come Rabbit, Sherman the Boy Brain, Rock Nogginoff with the Canadian R&B band The Lincolns. That , there would be Michael, beaming or just Rock, the Ostrich and so many other group had been founded by , with from behind the keys. When it was time to back inside characters that we in the Checkmates whom Fonfara had first played in a later version you up, he seemed to know your song better than and Rhinoceros knew....oh, the snuffling beast of Blackstone in 1973, and later, when both were all of ‘em. That’s saying a lot. Gary Kendall leads that he was! Oh, and the seeming tiny head with playing and recording with Lou Reed during the the MBA Band with a strong hand. They are all big horn rim glasses peeking over the HUGE C3 balance of the 1970s. He is featured on the 1983 excellent musicians. We know Michael Fonfara’s (NOT B3...LOL). This is what I cherish in memory Lincolns album, Take One, released by Attic. storied history and his golden reputation as a as much as anything.....he was Family, he was musician, a prodigy. Always friendly, always Fonfara joined Canada’s premiere blues Fun and it was our good and great fortune to kind, sometimes late, but always great.” band, The Downchild Blues Band, in 1990. His have been blessed with Michael Fonfara in versatile and soulful playing made him a perfect our lives, in my life. I love you forever, my fallen Jazz impresario/radio host Jaymz Bee (to FYI): fit, and he remained a member for the next three brother!” “Mike was the sweetest man and never said a decades. His potent instrumental contributions to Downchild were often recognised by the Maple Blues Awards, with Fonfara winning the award for piano/keyboard player of the year in 2000, 2004, 2007 and 2009. He was also nominated for the MBA’s Blues With A Feeling lifetime achievement award in 2008, 2009, and again in 2020. He was also a regular member of the all-star Maple Blues Band that performed annually at the MBAs. One of Fonfara’s last recordings was Downchild’s Live At The Toronto Jazz Festival album, recorded to mark the group’s 50th anniversary in 2019 and released in August 2020. As well as his Downchild duties, from 2000 on, Fonfara was in demand as a keyboardist for a large number of blues albums, including releases by Snooky Pryor and Mel Brown, the Northern Blues Gospel Allstars, , Brian Blain, Sam Myers, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Kevin Mark, Jack de Keyzer, and others. A man who clearly loved playing music live in a wide variety of settings, Michael Fonfara was a regular fixture in Toronto music clubs, accompanying such artists as Johnny Wright, Dawn Tyler Watson and Ben Racine will co-host the Montreal edition of the (Virtual) Maple Blues Awards on Robin Banks, Jordan John, Bentroots, and many Monday, February 15 on TBS Facebook and YouTube. Watch for stellar performances from Durham County Poets and Matt Andersen.

6 MapleBlues February 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com bad word about anybody. The only thing wicked about him were his keyboard chops!” Award-winning Hamilton blues singer/ songwriter Harrison Kennedy (to FYI): “What a loss, I will miss his R&B grooves behind me. More than that I miss him...rest in the key of heaven my friend.” Grievous Angels, the folk band headed by (on Facebook): “We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of blues legend Michael Fonfara. He produced our 22 Trailer Park album in 1999. Michael taught us so much about working in the studio and putting songs together. He made recording an adventure.” Edgar Breau, leader of Simply Saucer (on Facebook): “So sad to hear of Michael’s passing away. Chris Houston showed up with Mr. Fonfara on a cold night last year at Mike Birthelmer’s studio in Hamilton and I was lucky enough to have him play keyboards on a couple of my new recordings. We’ve lost a musical legend and a wonderful man. Rest In Peace.” Jodie Drake was a beloved figure on the Toronto jazz and blues scene though she never got the recognition she Lou Molinaro (on Facebook): “I first met deserved. In 1995 The Toronto Blues Society honoured her with a special concert at the Toronto Downtown Jazz Michael when I managed the Corktown (thank Festival and part of that special afternoon were filmed and will be shown on the TBS Facebook and YouTube you Chris Houston). Years later, Michael played pages Sunday, April 25 at 4pm (EST) This Ain’t Hollywood a bunch of times. He was www.speakmusicbekindfest.com and has a interview with producer Tom Hambridge such a sweet guy. He never turned his back on carefully curated selection of exciting young (who recorded Selwyn’s latest release, Living sharing stories from his career. Great tales from artists from the black, world-music and In A Burning House) and label president The Checkmates, Electric Flag, Rhinoceros, and indigenous music scene. Bruce Iglauer. During the far-reaching of course Lou Reed. An incredible keyboard Grossman’s Going Live: Grossman’s conversation, Birchwood talks about the player with quite a legacy. A real Canadian Tavern is looking for musicians to go live album, his songwriting process and his music legend.” on their social media platforms. For more already highlight-packed career. Go to www. alligator.com to see the interview. Michael is survived by his wife Avril, info, email [email protected] daughters Ciara and Ashley, grandchildren Check out their social media pages, www. In other Alligator news, the acclaimed Brooklyn, Camden, Jamie and Jaxon. instagram.com/grossmanstavern and www. independent blues and roots label facebook.com/GrossmansTavern currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, - Kerry Doole (via FYImusic) Rez Bluez Livestream: `Rez Bluez' has announced it is joining forces with founder Elaine Bomberry will host a Exceleration Music, a newly established Workshop called `Why the Bluez?' as part of company headed by Glen Barros (former the 20th Talking Stick Festival taking place CEO of Concord Music Group). Alligator’s online Friday, February 19th at 5 pm/PT, 8 partnership with Exceleration will strengthen pm/ET to Saturday, February 20th at 5 pm/ the label by creating opportunities for PT, 8 pm/ET (Time subject to change). Guests expanded promotion and marketing along Winter Blues: Toronto roots music fans are Pura Fé, Crystal Shawanda, Murray Porter, with providing resources enabling Alligator to have enjoyed the annual appearance of Art Napoleon and Clyde Roulette. Tune in thru sign more established blues and roots artists. Winterfolk and last year, a new February Talking Stick Festival, Full Circle Performance Iglauer remains at Alligator’s helm, just as festival appeared on the scene, the “Be Kind” on FaceBook http://fullcircle.ca he has been for the last 50 years. He and his festival. Both were based out of the Tranzac Chicago-based team will continue to handle Doc's "Africa Blues": Troubadour artist signings, A&R, new release production, last year but this time they’ll be online, like bluesman Doc Maclean has released a new everybody else. Winterfolk is happening project marketing, publicity, and promotion single and video, "Africa Blues." Those who for an aggressive lineup of new recordings February 19 & 20 and has plenty of blues read Doc's travelogue in a recent Maple Blues content: Donne Roberts, Ken Whiteley, Jack by the label’s existing roster as well as by will enjoy this ear-movie that shows a gritty newly-signed artists. de Keyzer, Suzie Vinnick, Diana Braithwaite street-view of his adventures in Africa. "Africa & Chris Whiteley and Julian Taylor among Blues" was recorded in Cape Town, and mixed New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival other blues-friendly roots artists. It’s free but and mastered in Nashville by his old touring postponed: Due to the ongoing Covid-19 you have to register at www.winterfolk.com buddy with Ray Kennedy. The pandemic, the producers of the New Orleans JV’s Boogaloo Squad will bring some vid was shot across South Africa on his 2020 Jazz & Heritage Festival decided to postpone blues grooves to the sophomore edition of tour. https://youtu.be/W6QfG221va0. You this year’s event until the fall. Jazz Fest The Speak Music Be Kind Festival on Feb. 5 & can find more of his music at docmaclean. 2021 is scheduled for October 8-17. The 6. The band is led by Hammond B3 maestro bandcamp.com Festival will begin announcing details about Joel Visentin with guitarist Adam Beer- the 2021 Fest this spring, so stay tuned to Alligator Update: Young blues phenom Jazz Fest social media platforms or visit www. Colacino and veteran Toronto drummer Selwyn Birchwood is premiering a new video Jeff Halischuk. The fest will be online at jazzandheritage.org

www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues February 2021 7 rock’n’roll culture of the legendary Grande Ballroom, where MC5 and were the house bands, and where he got to see Led Memories of Zeppelin, and many other top acts. He narrowly dodged the draft to Vietnam by moving in with his Canadian aunt and uncle Stew Laing in Peterborough and finished his last year of high school there. He never returned to the Another bright light has gone out in the States, eventually settling in Stratford where blues world with the passing of Stew Laing, he was happily married for almost 20 years, of “Stew’s Blues”, the Stratford Blues and had two children and a career as a highly- Rib Fest, and “The Juke Joint”. Stew had an regarded school principal. But misfortune irresistible enthusiasm for his passions and struck again when cancer took his wife and a special talent for igniting those passions in left him and his two teenagers devastated. others. He rallied people around his dreams, It was music that allowed him to survive the mobilizing them into action and building a sorrow of this tragedy. As his daughter, Julie, strong community of supporters. says, “Music was his healer. It was the constant in his life that pushed him through. He had When I met Stew in 2004, his biggest quite the journey and I think music was the dream was to bring live blues concerts to only doctor he fully believed in”. Those of us Stratford. Two years later, we launched “Stew’s who knew and loved Stew will always see him Blues”, producing dozens of shows over in our mind’s eye wearing a huge, welcoming a period of several years, featuring artists smile and his signature uniform of a concert from across Canada. Stew always insisted t-shirt and jeans. We might also hear his voice on hiring a local act to open the show in repeating some of his favourite expressions, order to support our local musicians. And his like “There’s no such thing as too much fun!” advocacy didn’t end there. He championed Stew Laing, December 30, 1950 – October 3, 2020 or “At a concert, the rules are there are no anyone with a dream, including a promising rules”, or on a more serious note, “No one’s young high school kid with a keen interest in up with a single parent and four siblings better than anyone else”. He will also be lighting design to provide the lighting for our under rough conditions in Detroit, Stew often remembered for his passion for music, his shows. That kid went on to be a major player had to fend for himself and take on adult loyalty to his family and friends and his love on the Canadian music scene, touring with responsibilities. He lived in a socially and of people. His contribution to the blues scene The Tragically Hip and other bands of note. politically turbulent time in the , in southwestern Ontario was immense and his witnessing the Detroit race riots of 1967 which He was equally concerned with presenting loss leaves a huge hole. lasted 5 days and took the lives of 43 people. a quality musical experience to his community, At the same time, he immersed himself in the - Pam Beatson hiring some of the top players, from Prakash and Jordan John to Mel Brown, Garrett Mason, Keith Hallett and Jack de Keyzer and many, many others, too numerous to list, but all of them now counted amongst Stew’s friends. He served as a Board member on the Great Lakes Blues Society and was a key founding figure of the Stratford Blues and Rib Fest. Later, in 2016, he moved to Acton and joined forces with Kim Duncanson in producing live shows for “The Juke Joint”. After shows, Stew often hosted bands in his home overnight, staying up late into the wee hours, swapping stories of musical experiences. He had a vast knowledge of blues and , having amassed a huge diverse collection of CDs and albums and a library of biographies and books on the subject. He also liked to stay current by reading the latest music mags and buying CDs of up-and- coming artists. He made it his business to know what was hot and new. For this and for his welcoming personality, Stew was much-loved by music industry friends, his community and, of course, by the musicians, who enjoyed his many stories and appreciated his unwavering belief in, and encouragement of, their pursuits. Stew had a rich and full life, but was no stranger to hardship and heartache. Growing Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley will be back in our hood (virtually) on February 20 as part of Winterfolk XIX

8 MapleBlues February 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com CBC Radio One (99.1) , w/ Holger Petersen (national) Saturday 9:05pm-11:00pm (on Radio 2 Saturday at 6:05pm), JAZZ-FM (91.1) Bluz FM w/ Danny Marks Saturday 7:00 pm-midnight

New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Riders CIUT-FM (89.5) Vol. 2 A to Z Blues w/ Screamin' Red Tuesday 6-7pm

The genesis of the New Moon Jelly Roll At The Crossroads w/Brant Zwicker The Swingin’ Blackjacks Four Hot Tracks Freedom Riders recordings was on a Charlie http://atcblues.ca and syndicated on Musselwhite / Mavis Staples tour bus. The stations across the continent) This Toronto trio features singer/ North Mississippi All-Stars were the backing songwriter/guitarist Matt Allen, ace bassist/ band on the tour; and, while on route, Luther backing vocalist Gary Kendall (Downchild), CKWR (98.5 FM) Dickinson of The All-Stars and Musselwhite and drummer Adam David. Their new EP Old w/ Willy A, hatched a plan to record together along with Saturday 12:30pm - 2:00pm (Kitchener) comes as a result of winning the Amy Louie a few friends. www.ckwr.com Grossman Music Scholarship in 2018, whose funding facilitated this release. Money well Joining Luther, Cody Dickinson, and CIOI FM (1015 The HAWK) spent, as Four Hot Tracks lives up to its title. Musselwhite in the studio were: multi- Blues Blast, with Ken Wallis instrumentalist and Handy Award winner Tuesdays, 4-6pm (Hamilton) The fun begins with “Little Redhead,” Alvin Youngblood Hart, Squirrel Nut Zippers COUNTYFM (99.3) an upbeat rockabilly romp punctuated by leader Jimbo Mathis, and eccentric producer Sideroads with Blues Sister Peg and a twangy guitar solo that nails the classic (and father), Jim Dickinson on keys. The Brotha 'Z' Tuesday 8-10pm (Picton) sound perfectly. It’s a tale of thwarted love/ primarily live, off-the-floor sessions – that took lust – “I love her but she don’t see” – and CIWS 102.9FM (WhiStle Radio) place at Jim Dickinson’s Zebra Ranch Studios Whistle Bait w/Gary Tate determination - “to look that good must be a in Coldwater Mississippi – were recorded in (aka Shakey-T) Wed, Thurs, Fri 11pm. crime, got to make the little redhead mine.” November 2007 over the course of 2 days. (Stouffville) At 2.11, it’s a short and sweet opener. The result was 2 discs: New Moon Jelly Roll CFFF Trent Radio (92.7 FM) It is followed by “I Love You So,” a toe- Freedom Riders Volumes 1 and 2. Blues Themes, Delivered by..The Milkman tapping tune in more of a ‘50s pop style, a Blake Frazer Like Vol. 1, Vol. 2 is a joyous, raucous affair ( ) Thursday 9 to 10:30 PM la Buddy Holly. The lyrics certainly harken (Peterborough) where all members contribute songs to the back to a more innocent time – “gonna see proceedings. The recording is raw and loose, CJLX (91.3 FM) your papa, make him understand .. and ask has a demo like feel, and was obviously a lot Saturday Night Blues Review, with George Vaughan. for your hand.” An insinuating guitar line and Saturday 6-7pm (Belleville) of fun to record. On a mix of Blues / Roots/ backing vocals boost the track nicely. Americana selections, all get a chance in CFMU (99.3 FM) Next up is “Never Go Out To Play,” a the spotlight with Musselwhite and the elder Breakfast of Champions, with Paul Panchezak. Thurs 10am detour into jumpin’ blues territory that is Dickinson the stars of the set. Swear to Tell the Truth: the Blues and Rhythm Show, with equally convincing. A touch of fuzz on the C.M.Compton. Tuesday 1-2:30pm (Hamilton) Musselwhite kicks off the disc with “Blues guitar sound works well, and Allen is in top For Yesterday” from his 2006 release Delta CFRU (93.3 FM) vocal form. Lyrically, it’s an ode to the joys of The Thrill is Back with Andy and Andrew Mondays 1 to 3pm Hardware, and his stylish harp is prominent indoor romantic fireworks – “when my baby The Blues Review, with Roopen Majithia Tues 9.00 pm (Guelph) throughout. (Of note is his soloing on the comes to my house, we never go out to play.” Luther Dickinson instrumental showcase CANOE FM (100.9 FM) canoe.fm.com Given the current lockdown situation, that’s a “Blue Guitar”). Jim Dickinson distinguishes Buckslide Blues Cruise with Patrick Monaghan Tues. (7-9pm) timely message! (Haliburton) himself on 4 well-chosen covers including The collection of four Allen original the song that best exemplifies the spirit of the CFBU (103.7 FM) Eclectic Blues with Deborah Cartmer compositions is rounded out by “Little comradery apparent on the session, a boozy Tuesday 7-9 pm (St. Catharines) Easter.” It’s a raunchier blues-rock tune that rendition of Charles Mingus’ “Oh Lord Don’t CKCU(93.1 FM) www.ckcufm.com Black and Blues w/ John sounds like something ‘80s era Fabulous Let Them Drop That Atom Bomb on Me”. Tackaberry Every Sunday 9-11 pm (Ottawa) Thunderbirds could have recorded. Suffice to say that this is good time music Propelled by full-blooded guitars and vocals CKMS (100.3 FM) that will bring a smile to your face in these Poor Folk Blues w/ Bruce Hall (aka Brewski) and a hard-hitting rhythm, it could certainly difficult times. (Rico Ferrara). Monday 7:30-9 pm (Waterloo) fit on the format of a classic rock station. A varied and thoroughly entertaining EP, Four Hot Tracks will certainly have you thirsting for more. (Kerry Doole)

www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues February 2021 9 STILL TRUE. STILL BLUE. KITCHENER BLUES FESTIVAL

AUGUST 5-8, 2021

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The Toronto Blues Society is a Registered Charity

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 events like the annual Women's Blues Revue, The Blues in the Schools program, numerous workshops and career development activities for the musician community as well as the Maple Blues Awards and the Blues Summit conference, the most important blues industry 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 February 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com This month's recommended listening by Greg Torrington, programmer of Stingray's blues channels.

Bywater Call Bywater Call Gypsy Soul Records The Smoke Wagon Blues Band The Ballad Of Albert Johnson Independent Durham County Poets Hand Me Down Blues Borealis Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar The Reckless One Gypsy Soul Records Tami Neilson Chickaboom! Outside Music Guy Bélanger Eldorado Disques Bros Lisa Mills The Triangle Melody Place/BMG Wide Mouth Mason I Wanna Go With You We Are Busy Bodies Bad Luck Woman & Her Misfortunes Cruel Thing Independent Matchedash Parish Saturday Night Make It Real Myles Goodwyn Friends of the Blues 2 Linus Savoy Brown Ain’t Done Yet Quarto Valley Crooked Eye Tommy Hot Coffee And Pain Blue Heart Robert Cray That’s What I Heard Thirty Tigers Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley Gold Cadillac G-Three & Bob Corritore The Gypsy Woman Told Me VizzTone Tinsley Ellis Ice Cream in Hell Alligator Darrell Scott Sings the Blues of Hank Williams Soundly Music Roomful of Blues In A Roomful of Blues Alligator The Betty Fox Band Peace in Pieces Foxycavanagh WHERE THE MUSIC BEGINS

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THE 23rd ANNUAL PORT CREDIT BLUES AND JAZZ FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 9-10-11-12, 2021

JACK DE KEYZER HARPDOG BROWN FEB 6 • 7PM FEB 13• 7PM

ANGEL FORREST JIM BYRNES FEB 20• 7PM FEB 27• 7PM

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Watch our 2020Virtual Festival on-demand at southsideshu e.ca

www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues February 2021 11 Best Emerging Artist Album Hard Workin' Man, Andrew Alli Harlem, King Solomon Hicks Here I Come, Jose Ramirez High Risk Low Reward, Ryan Perry Peace In Pieces, Betty Fox Band

Acoustic Blues Album Dustin Arbuckle & Matt Woods, Dustin Arbuckle & Matt Woods Prove It On Me, Rawer Than Raw, Bobby Rush Three Pints of Gin, Richard Ray Farrell Traveling Man – Live, Watermelon Slim

Blues Rock Album Ain't Done Yet, Savoy Brown Ice Cream In Hell, Tinsley Ellis Mike Zito and Friends - Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Tribute to , Mike Zito Mississippi Suitcase, Peter Parcek Congrats to the Canadian contenders with nominations in the Blues Awards, Harrison Kennedy (pictured) for Ordinary Madness, Walter Trout "Acoustic Blues Artist" as well as Sue Foley for "Contemporary Blues Female Artist." Winners will be announced June 6 on www.blues.org. Harrison will be our April Pioneer Profile, on the TBS Facebook page April 1. Contemporary Blues Album Band of the Year Cry Out, Kat Riggins Anthony Geraci & The Blues Allstars My Blues Pathway, Kirk Fletcher John Németh & The Blue Dreamers Self-Made Man, Larkin Poe 42nd Blues Music Rick Estrin & The Nightcats Stronger Than Strong, John Németh Southern Avenue Uncivil War, Shemekia Copeland Sugar Ray & The Bluetones Award Nominees Soul Blues Album Song of the Year All My Dues Are Paid, Frank Bey “All My Dues Are Paid” - written by Kathy Found! One Soul Singer, Sonny Green BB King Entertainer of the Year That's What I Heard, Robert Cray Band Shemekia Copeland Murray, Rick Estrin, Frank Bey, Kid Andersen Rick Estrin (performed by Frank Bey) John Németh “All Out of Tears” - written by Walter Trout (performed by Walter Trout) NOW AVAILABLE Lil' Ed Williams “Blues Comin' On” - written by Dion DiMucci on CD, DOWNLOAD and Mike Aquilina (performed by Dion Feat. & STREAMING Album of the Year Joe Bonamassa) 100 Years of Blues, Elvin Bishop and Charlie “Is It Over” - written by Don Bryant and Scott HI-OCTANE ROCKABILLY Musselwhite Bomar (performed by Don Bryant) Rawer Than Raw, Bobby Rush “Uncivil War” - written by John Hahn and ROADHOUSE BLUES!! Rise Up, & The Broadcaster Will Kimbrough (performed by Shemekia Too Far From the Bar, Sugar Ray & The Copeland) Bluetones featuring Little Charlie Uncivil War, Shemekia Copeland

Recipients of the 2018 Amy Louie Grossman’s Music Scholarship Download from your Favourite Source!

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12 MapleBlues February 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com Where Have All The Soul Men Gone, Johnny Soul Blues Female Artist Instrumentalist - Guitar Rawls Annika Chambers Christoffer "Kid" Andersen You Make Me Feel, Don Bryant Thornetta Davis Chris Cain Bettye LaVette Laura Chavez Traditional Blues Album Dorothy Moore Kirk Fletcher 100 Years of Blues, Elvin Bishop and Charlie Terrie Odabi Christone "Kingfish" Ingram Musselwhite Blueswoman, Nora Jean Wallace Soul Blues Male Artist Instrumentalist - Harmonica Every Day of Your Life, Jimmy Johnson William Bell Billy Branch Rise Up, Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters Don Bryant Rick Estrin Too Far From the Bar, Sugar Ray & The John Németh Bluetones featuring Little Charlie Johnny Rawls Jason Ricci Curtis Salgado Kim Wilson Acoustic Blues Artist Dom Flemons Traditional Blues Female Artist Instrumentalist - Horn Catfish Keith ( Award) Mindi Abair Harrison Kennedy Rory Block Jimmy Carpenter Doug MacLeod Rhiannon Giddens Doug James Keb' Mo' Diunna Greenleaf Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff Trudy Lynn Nancy Wright Blues Rock Artist Teeny Tucker Tinsley Ellis Instrumentalist - Piano Reverend Peyton Traditional Blues Male Artist (Pinetop Perkins Piano Player Award) Ana Popovic Billy Branch Mike Finnigan Kenny Wayne Shepherd Anthony Geraci Mike Zito John Primer Jontavious Willis Bruce Katz Contemporary Blues Female Artist Kim Wilson Jim Pugh Shemekia Copeland Samantha Fish Instrumentalist - Bass Instrumentalist - Vocals Sue Foley Willie J. Campbell Thornetta Davis Ruthie Foster Larry Fulcher Ruthie Foster Shaun Murphy Danielle Nicole John Németh Patrick Rynn Sugar Ray Norica Contemporary Blues Male Artist Michael "Mudcat" Ward Selwyn Birchwood Chris Cain Instrumentalist - Drums Rick Estrin Tony Braunagel Christone "Kingfish" Ingram June Core J.P. Soars Derrick “D'Mar” Martin Bernard Purdie Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith

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www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues February 2021 13 Gráinne Duffy VOODOO BLUeS New album OUT NOW!

VOODOO BLUeS

VOODOO BLUeS

Gráinne Duffy

Unique innovative blend of blues, rock, Americana and Celtic influences, inspirational songwriting and performances characterised by intense, emotional vocals and dazzling fretwork. (Blues Matters!)

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14 MapleBlues February 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com www.torontobluessociety.com MapleBlues February 2021 15 16 MapleBlues February 2021 www.torontobluessociety.com