Dec 2020 – Top Blues
This month’s recommended listening by Greg Torrington, programmer of Stingray’s blues channels.
Maple Blues Archive
Dec 2020 – Loose Blues News
Published December 14, 2020 in Loose Blues News, News
Congrats to Blues Grammy Nominees, Canadian Folk Music Award Nominees
Dec 2020 – Alana Bridgewater
Published December 14, 2020 in Maple Blues Newsletter, News, Uncategorized
Alana Bridgewater will co-host the Toronto segment of the (virtual) Maple Blues Awards along with Johnny Max
Nov 2020 – Duke Robillard
Published November 5, 2020 in John's Blues Picks
Although a house party is not in the cards right now, Duke Robillard’s Stony Plain release Blues Bash! is the next best thing. Robillard, the Grammy-nominated, co-founder of Roomful of Blues, has been at the blues game for more than fifty years, and his wide-ranging experience is on full display in this CD.
Nov 2020 – Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters
Published November 5, 2020 in John's Blues Picks
Guitar giant Ronnie Earl adds to his impressive catalogue of recordings with his latest release, Rise Up, on Stony Plain Records. This 15 song album showcases the artist’s masterful guitar work with a socially conscious recording.
As ever, Earl is understated in both his performances and his renderings of songs composed by an array of artists including Magic Sam, Bob Dylan, Lillian Green and Fenton Robinson, along with his own material filling out the album.
Nov 2020 – Tony D
Published November 5, 2020 in John's Blues Picks
Such a great idea for Tony D to reveal himself as much more than a primate with the release of this multi-hued retrospective, displaying his passion and abilities across all styles of guitar. First enamoured of Tony Diteodoro’s many talents with his solo releases from back in ’93 and ’94, he was then – as he is now – a musical adventurer. His early blues output leaned towards the Hendrix/SRV side of the tracks.
Nov 2020 – Rick Fines
Published November 5, 2020 in John's Blues Picks
Time has been good to Rick Fines – as this tasty release attests. His smooth, whiskey-poured-over gravel vocals have aged beautifully, adding gravitas to his every lyric. This – his second release recorded (mostly) using the power of the sun from his northern hideaway – is a hearty collection of rootsy folk and blues, featuring eleven originals (some cowrites with Matt Andersen, Grainne Ryan, P.J.Thomas) and a Jesse Winchester cover.
Nov 2020 – Jack de Keyzer
Published November 5, 2020 in John's Blues Picks
Born in London, UK and carrying a Dutch family name Jack de Keyzer is now one of the pillars of Canada’s blues community. Long gone are the apprenticing days with Ronnie Hawkins or rabble rousing with the Bobcats, Jack de Keyzer has evolved into a master musician, a teacher who enjoys his job and loves to shine light on his inspirations.
Nov 2020 – Loose Blues News
Published November 5, 2020 in Loose Blues News, News
Introducing the Calgary Bluesfest Channel: The Calgary Bluesfest folks have launched their new Calgary Bluesfest Channel on Public Place Network! They will be offering live streams of their events and a library of blues videos from their festivals. The Calgary Bluesfest Channel offers hours of viewing and listening joy! Subscribe for an entire year for $60 ($5/mo.) or select as many songs as you like and create your own Bluesfest in your own home!. More info at www.calgarybluesfest.com
Nov 2020 – Sugar Brown
Published November 5, 2020 in Maple Blues Newsletter
Sugar Brown (aka Ken Kawashima) will discuss “Whose Blues?” with author Adam Gussow on November 14, 5pm ET on TBS Facebook Page
