December 2017 – Shoshona Kish
Published December 1, 2017 in Maple Blues Newsletter, News
ShoShona Kish will host the Maple Blues Awards
Maple Blues Archive
John’s Blues Pick December 2017 – Emily Burgess
Published December 1, 2017 in John's Blues Picks, News
The lead guitarist for the Women’s Blues Revue Band and formerly filling that role for the now-defunct 24th Street Wailers, Emily Burgess has been working recently with Peterborough’s Weber Brothers. They are here with her for her first solo disc. Sam Weber plays guitar; Ryan Weber, bass; Ryan “Rico” Browne, keys and Marcus Browne, drums.
John’s Blues Pick December 2017 – Layla Zoe
Published December 1, 2017 in John's Blues Picks, News
Born in Nanaimo and starting her career in BC, Layla Zoe moved here for a time and then on to Montreal. She found so much work in Europe that she moved there and now lives in Germany where she is also signed to its major blues label, Ruf Records. Her recent albums have been collaborations with a guitarist who is also a songwriting partner.
John’s Blues Picks December 2017 – Mike “Mudfoot” McDonald
Published December 1, 2017 in John's Blues Picks, News
Mike “Mudfoot” McDonald has lived in Kitchener for quite a while now but he was a fixture of our scene before that. He played guitar in many of the bands you remember and occasionally led his own with Pat Rush. He led the Sunday Jam at Grossman’s for thirteen years and put together a couple of famous compilation LPs, Grossman’s Live! Vols. 1 & 2, that captured the scene in ’87 & ’88 in a way that no one else has ever done.
John’s Blues Pick December 2017 – Cootes Paradise
Published December 1, 2017 in John's Blues Picks, News
Named after a conservation area around Dundas ON, this new grouping of like-minded individuals was created at Lily’s Pad. Lily Sazz, the keyboard player in the Women’s Blues Revue Band lives nearby and her basement is the focal point of the group. Joining her are five veterans: Sue Leonard and Wayne Krawchuk on lead vocals supported by Mark Volkov on flute, sax and violin; Lily on keys; Amy Di Nino on drums and Ian Taylor on bass.
Top Blues – December 2017
This month’s recommended listening by Brad Wheeler, music writer for the Globe and Mail
Loose Blues News – December 2017
Published December 1, 2017 in Loose Blues News, News
Bad Luck Woman & Her Misfortunes will host the Nominee Jam in the Koerner Hall lobby for the Maple Blues Awards after-party. On Thursday, January 25, they host a special event at the Dakota Tavern celebrating Etta James’ 80th birthday with special guests Dani Nash, Samantha Martin, Nicky Lawrence, Alana Bridgewater, and SATE, all backed by a 7-pc band. Join Bad Luck Woman & Her Misfortunes at the Dakota Tavern to celebrate the life, career, and legacy of this legendary singer. Photo by Max Power
John’s Blues Picks December 2017 – André Bisson
Published December 1, 2017 in John's Blues Picks, News
This Hamilton artist was part of the Toronto Blues Society presentation at the Hot & Spicy Festival at Harbourfront Centre this past Labour Day Weekend, making it one of the very few opportunities we’ve had to see this veteran performer. We have his albums, though, and they are all ambitious efforts, with good songs and large casts and this one is no exception, in fact some songs on Break feature twenty players.
John’s Blues Pick November 2017 – Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters
Published November 1, 2017 in John's Blues Picks, News
Ronnie Earl’s Broadcasters have had one of the most consistent lineups over the years. As each new album arrived, Dave Limina was on B3, Lorne Entress, drums and Jim Mouradian was on bass. But after a performance this past January, Mouradian suddenly passed away. A new album would be an obvious way to deal with the loss. Earl calls it “A traditional blues album of remembrance, love, and unwavering resolve to live with faith and gratitude.
John’s Blues Pick November 2017 – Jackie Shane
Published November 1, 2017 in John's Blues Picks, News
You may have seen the stories in the papers recently about this hugely important and influential performer active here in the 60’s and who then disappeared. Jackie Shane was a transgender star in an era when this was most unlikely, perhaps especially in 60’s Toronto. Appearing regularly at the Big Bop, the Brass Rail and the Saphire Tavern with dual trumpeter Frank Motley and his Motley Crew, Shane drew huge crowds.
