Toronto Blues Society | » Loose Blues News – March 2017

Loose Blues News – March 2017

Published March 1, 2017 in Loose Blues News

New Blues Show in Haliburton

There’s a new blues radio show that airs on Canoe FM 100.9 in Haliburton/Muskoka area. Buckslide Blues Cruise is hosted by Patrick Monaghan. He plays recordings from his own collection and if you would like him to play yours, send to 1323 Buckslide Rd., Algonquin Highlands ON, K0M 1J1.

Remembering Glenn Kimberly

On Wednesday March 1st, members of Toronto’s roots-blues-country scene will be gathering at The CADILLAC LOUNGE to perform and honour the life of fellow musician, Glenn Kimberley. Noting that Glenn left us in early 2015, the music community sought to find a positive way to transform the tragic impact of his misfortune into something that can help others in similar straits. The evening will serve to raise awareness and funds for the Toronto Distress Centres (TDC) providing 24/7 crisis response to the vulnerable and at-risk.

Among the many who’ve pledged their time and talent for the evening, featured bands include The Millwinders, Sin City Boys,Tim Bovaconti Duo, The Kat Kings,The Swingin’ Blackjacks & many guests.

Sam Grosso, long-time supporter of Glenn’s and owner of the CADILLAC, has kindly offered up his venue. We invite everyone throughout the city to come out, hear some fine music and pay tribute to our friend, Glenn. $10 suggested donation at the door.

In the Studio

It’s been a while since we’ve had a new Son Roberts album but we’re happy to report that there’s one in the works. Son promises something different from his past releases…but still respecting his blues roots. Watch for a fall release.

Grammy Blues Winners

83-year-old Bobby Rush won Best Traditional Blues Album for Porcupine Meat. Fantastic Negrito won Best Contemporary Blues Album for The Last Days of Oakland. William Bell took home the award for Best Americana Album This Is Where I Live, while Best Regional Roots Music Album went to Kalani Pe’a for E Walea. Other awards of note include Ziggy Marley’s Best Reggae Album award for Ziggy Marley and Sarah Jarosz’ Best Folk Album win for Undercurrent.

Queen of Soul retiring

Aretha Franklin plans to retire following the release of her next album this fall. The “Queen of Soul,” made the announcement this week, during an interview with WDIV Local 4 television in Detroit. “I must tell you, I am retiring this year,” Franklin told Evrod Cassimy. “This will be my last year,” Franklin said. “I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert. This is it.”

Her decision comes as her grandchildren are growing up, and she intends to spend more time with them before they leave for college. Family focus is what began her career as a child. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, she started out singing in her father’s church. Rev. C.L. Franklin began managing his daughter’s Gospel career when Aretha was 14 years old. By her 18th birthday, she made the decision to move into secular music, and her father stayed on as her manager and confidant. The new record will be a collection of original songs, which go in different directions.

Saying herself that the retirement announcement is“bittersweet,” she won’t be leaving music for good. She plans to do, “some select things, many one a month, for six months out of the year.” “I feel very, very enriched and satisfied with respect to where my career came from, and where it is now,” Franklin said. “I’ll be pretty much satisfied, but I’m not going to go anywhere and just sit down and do nothing. That wouldn’t be good either.”

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The Toronto Blues Society acknowledges the annual support of the Ontario Arts Council, the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council and the Department of Canadian Heritage, and project support from FACTOR< and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) and of Canada’s Private Broadcasters, The Canada Council for the Arts, the SOCAN Foundation, SOCAN, the Ontario Media Development Corporation, and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.