Maple Blues Archive

April 2022 – Angelique Francis

Sam Moss – Blues Approved

You’d be entirely forgiven if you’ve never heard of Sam Moss. Few of us have. Yet this is an interesting curio for a man who seems an archetype for many of the more dedicated musical characters we grew up with in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. A tale both happy and sad, the story of Sam Moss might’ve been entirely lost without the discovery of tapes, originally recorded in ’77 and found – pure chance – by Chris Stamey in 2020, while searching for archived db’s’ recordings.

Tinsley Ellis – Devil May Care

If you’re intrigued by the potential of Southern Rock married to red-hot electric blues, meet your new favourite artist – and start digging into his impressive 20-release catalogue.

Steve Dawson – Gone Long Gone

This album has almost as many grooves as Steve Dawson has guitars. From the opening track, “Dimes”, reminiscent of Little Feat complete with a slippery horn arrangement and searing slide guitar to the solo, open-tuned acoustic guitar instrumental, Cicada Sanctuary, there is never a dull moment on this album.

HOROJO Trio – Set The Record

Every so often in the world of Canadian blues a project comes along that captures the imagination. Say for example three individual artists, each amazing on their own right, combine to create an entirely new entity, a power trio that generates incredible buzz. That is HOROJO Trio in a nutshell.

March 2022 – Loose Blues News

Toronto City Budget includes Increases For The Arts: Toronto City Council has approved an enhancement of $1.83 million to Economic Development and Culture, of which Toronto Arts Council will receive a much-needed $500,000, or 2% increase. This increase, which comes at a time of ongoing pandemic disruption, affirms City Council’s understanding of the benefits of arts funding to the city. According to Stats Canada, Toronto’s arts sector has been amongst the very hardest hit by COVID-19. For the last couple of years, every musician in town has been singing the blues.

The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer – Live at the King Eddy

The past two years of Covid restrictions have just been a total drag for musicians, music lovers, club owners, sound techs and anyone else with ears. That’s stating the obvious, but this live album by the Harpoonist and the Axe Murder just might be the closest thing to being at a killer live show in a crowded bar.

Angel Forrest – Angel’s 11 Vol. 2

When Angel Forrest released her landmark album, Angel’s 11, I thought she had finally reached the pinnacle or her creative abilities. By teaming up with the 11 guitarists who have helped her to solidify her standing as one of Canada’s finest blues acts, I thought maybe she had defined her 3 decades in music with one CD.

Boy was I wrong!i

March 2022 – Top Blues

This month’s recommended listening by Greg Torrington, programmer of Stingray’s blues channels.

March 2022 – Sue Foley

It’s a Sue Foley homecoming with appearances at The Paradise April 13 and the Maple Blues Awards June 20