Buddy Guy At Massey Hall, Toronto,
Ontario, Canada, Friday, April 1, 2005

By Joe Curtis

Buddy Guy is truly a blues legend. His Chicago nightclub, Buddy Guy's Legends is legendary for the fine talent that's performed there. Mr. Guy was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 14, 2005. Congratulations to Buddy on behalf of all his blues fans worldwide for this recent and well-deserved honor bestowed upon him.

A little over two weeks later, Buddy Guy entertained a packed house of blues fans at Massey Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Friday, April 1, 2005. His awesome blues band opened with an energetic intro that awed the audience as if they were being entertained by one of the greatest blues performers in the world - which they certainly were! Orlando Wright's captivating bass beat seemed to beckon Buddy onto the stage where he appeared within a minute, wailing the hard drivin' vocals to "Going Down", while playing some of the most rousing blues guitar leads around. The crowd was flabbergasted with excitement as Mr. Guy's iconic presence on the Massey Hall stage provided a huge adrenalin rush. He followed "Goin' Down" with the mesmerizing "She's Only 19 Years Old', which featured some of Buddy's incredible leads that were soulfully right from the heart! His rendition of "Sweet Home Chicago" was absolutely breathtaking to see done live by one of Chicago's very own. Buddy's inspired jazz influences in Peggy Lee's unforgettable "Fever", illustrates the diversity, genius and good taste that is Buddy Guy! His soulful rendition of the Bill Withers classic, "Keep On Using Me (Until You Use Me Up)" was a special musical moment for this writer. Buddy's expressiveness in vocals and guitar on this tune are incomparable. Keyboards and sax were incredible too on this '70s Withers classic!

Buddy spoke to the audience many times throughout this evening's entertainment. At one point he mentioned to us how much he loves Toronto and that he's had this strong affection for this town and Canada, ever since he made his first appearance here in 1967 at the Mariposa Folk Festival at Innis Lake Campground, Caledon East, Ontario. (This 1967 festival held during Canada's year-long Centennial celebrations, also showcased a young Joni Mitchell as well as bluesmen Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup and Richie Havens.) Buddy also bestowed much fine praise on Massey Hall, too -- and like James Brown and others who've graced its beautiful 1890s stage - he has a deep respect for this fine old concert hall, its history in music, and its exhuisite acoustics.

The acoustics at Massey Hall are so great, that a few times Buddy sang to the audience without using or needing his microphone. His voice at these times and others sounded clear and smooth and as exuberantly youthful as he did 35 years ago. In fact these very fine vocal qualities of Buddy's haven't changed a bit, and seem exactly as they sounded many decades earlier. If we closed our eyes and forgot it's 2005, we could very well believe that we were hearing Buddy in 1975 or earlier - it was that good!

Buddy played whatever he wanted, all night long. He told the audience that he never rehearses with his band, and just plays whatever comes to mind at the time. His rhythm section backed him like the pros they are on each and every tune this very memorable evening of fine old blues. They also were given the freedom to do some incredible solos throughout this show, cued in by Buddy the true gentleman performer, who stood back and let them strut their stuff. Most notably was B-3 player Marty Sammon whose keys solos were absolutely mesmerizing, as well as rhythm guitarist Ric Hall who many times provided some amazing lead guitar riffs that were breathtaking to hear. Also of note were the center stage sax solos by Jay Moynihan that really helped show Buddy's fine band as the supreme pros they are. All the band members including bassist Orlando Wright and drummer Tim Austin performed incredible solos sometime throughout this fine evening's entertainment. Buddy's generosity in allowing these fellow artists their lengthy solos, shows him to be a band leader who cares about letting his sidemen share some of the limelight, too! He also by doing this, lets his audience know what a fine band he truly has backing him.

Buddy mostly played old blues standards that he really liked and very few Buddy Guy songs this night. Buddy's one memorable 'Buddy Guy' tune this evening, was the emotionally and soulfully charged "Feels Like Rain". Guy's vocals were clear as a bell and as soulful and youthful as one could ever wish for - proving once again that he's still got what it takes to sing a song the best around. He might even have the most beautifully resonant blues voice in history!

Buddy spoke well of several great artists including the great Muddy Waters, who he says "Paved the way with his electric blues, for artists like myself." He also spoke highly of the 'King of the Blues', B.B. King, who personally told this writer once the same thing about Muddy Waters. Buddy also talked with pleasure about the all-encompassing Jimi Hendrix, and the father of the boogie John Lee Hooker; as well as the one and only Eric Clapton, 'king of rockin' blues'!

After Buddy's mention about Muddy -- he went right into "Hootchie Cootchie Man", which 'brought Chicago on home' to Toronto. After he mentioned Hendrix out came some awesome guitar licks from "Purple Haze" and "Voodoo Child". I couldn't see a wa-wa pedal, but it sounded like there was one used. Maybe guitarist Hall was playing that part - it was hard to tell. This writer was thinking throughout these fabulous musical tributes to other artists, "Yes, we like the same music!" Buddy's vocals were clear and beautifully resonant on Clapton's "
Strange Brew", with out-of-this-world guitar playing to match! His rendition of Jonh Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom" was electrifying to say the least; and a rare privilege to see performed live by Mr. Guy and his very fine blues band.

I've always had a passion for artists who are off-the-cuff, unrehearsed and totally live in their performances. The spontaneous energy they give off is always 300 per cent. This night at Massey Hall with Buddy proved to be just that! Nothing contrived or phony in the music -- and the same genuine rapport from the man himself, when Buddy on many occasions talked to us like he was entertaining friends at his home. He proved to be a very warm and kind person, telling us what his favorite songs are, and then going ahead and playing them. You couldn't ask for more than that from any artist!

Buddy played some slow, mournful blues and high intensity, blistering blues leads and chords he describes as "the old Buddy Guy." He paid respect to the late great Muddy Waters, with his own beautiful and rousing rendition of "Hootchie Cootchie Man" - a song made famous by Muddy, but was written by Muddy's bassist -- the much respected Willie Dixon.

Buddy even played some Hendrix with his "Purple Haze"/"Voodoo Child" rendition - ending this scorcher by playing with his teeth. This brought to mind a documentary I saw where Buddy mentions his son in conversation with him one day after a Hendrix concert where he met Hendrix. He mentioned to his dad, that Hendrix told him that Buddy was 'his' major influence -- where he got his inspiration. Then Buddy's son asked his dad, "Why didn't you ever tell me that?" Buddy's humble reply was, "You never asked me, son."

At one point in this evening's entertainment, Buddy got inventive and imaginative using a drum stick as if it was a wooden slide or violin bow. This gave his guitar some unique sounds that were extremely beautiful to see and to hear. I've seen the Guess Who's Randy Bachman (Bachman, Turner Overdrive) do this same thing a drum stick; but Buddy's technique, application and the sounds he got were totally different in every way from Bachman's! This solo "from the soul" (as Sonny Boy Williamson ll once put it), was certainly unique and bluesy in every way!

The most thrilling highlights for this writer happened twice this evening! The first time Buddy left the stage via stage steps to the center aisle on the floor in the orchestra seat area was absolutely stunning to behold. As he walked along this center aisle past many fans, he continued to play his guitar and sing with the use of his remote access pickups and mic transmitter hooked up to his amp. Buddy walked right past his fans and into the front lobby of Massey Hall, where he played to a few fans gathered there and a photographer who instantly snapped Buddy's picture. The music continued in the lobby for a minute or two, with Buddy entertaining his fans while walking around like a true blues troubadour of days gone by. Only, those days never saw anything this dazzling - I can guarantee that! I was hoping he would have walked out onto the street while still playing and singing, which would have blown everyone's mind out there!

What's really mind-blowing is that Buddy reprised this blues walk of his through Massey Hall again, while playing the quintessential B.B. King blues favorite "Rock Me Baby". This second time, after walking up the center aisle and into the lobby, Buddy walked up the stairs and into the first balcony area, to entertain the fans up there. Prior to this, while still on stage, he called up to them to let them know, "You're some of my favorite people." He then proved it by joining them in the first balcony guitar in hand, rockin' the house with some of the best blues you'll ever hear!

During Buddy's second enjoyable excursion from the stage -- after walking up the stairs to the first balcony at Massey Hall -- he went right up front to first row and leaned over the edge of the railing. With guitar and mic in hand, he sang and played the blues to the orchestra seat fans below. He also played directly to various sections of the first balcony, and also (looking up), played from there to the second balcony fans too! This sight was just too beautiful and unbelievable to describe. It was that good!

After this musically showy moment, Buddy walked back up the first balcony aisle, then through the 2nd floor lobby and down the stairs again. He was soon back on stage continuing his amazing guitar leads and vocals on "Rock Me Baby", without missing a beat all the way through his second very entertaining musical tour of the great Massey Hall -- while sightseeing with his fans close-up and very personal. It's only an artist who cares about his fans as people and friends, and cares about the venue and city he's in, who could be as thoughtful as Buddy is to go to all the extra effort to entertain his fans like he does this way.

Buddy's fabulous solos complemented by those of his awesome lead guitarist; drummer; bassist and keyboard player would have been enough to satisfy this audience. If he'd only played his well-know hits and touched on only a few of the great Chicago blues classics would also have been satisfying enough. But, to do all of this, and so effortlessly and with the joy that comes from really loving to entertain his fans, was as good as the best entertainers have ever been known to care enough to do for their fans. If Buddy had gotten paid double this night, it would have been worth it. He gave of himself about five times as much as he had to in order to make his many fans feel happy they'd been to one of his concerts and had one of the best times in their entire lives.

It's great that Buddy had as much of a good time entertaining us this evening, as we did enjoying every luvin' minute of it. This special privilege of seeing the one and only Buddy Guy entertain us on guitar and vocals with some of the finest blues in the world, I'm sure will be close to our hearts and souls for the rest of our lives. I've read a few postings on blues sites that seem to echo these same sentiments this writer shares after seeing Buddy Guy perform live this very special night of blues at Massey Hall. A universal feeling of love for this man's contribution to the blues that's still going strong, is a common sentiment that Buddy Guy instills in his fans. The simple reason being, is that he puts out and deservedly gets back all the appreciation and love that comes his way! This is why we enjoyed Buddy Guy's concert and his personal appearance in front of us so much this very memorable evening of blues at Massey Hall here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Buddy Guy Band (rhythm section):
Orlando Wright: Bass
Tim Austin: Drums
Marty Sammon: Keyboards
Ric Hall: Guitar
Jay Moynihan: Sax

Buddy Guy's web site is a captivating visit and well worth checking out. Here's the link to it and Buddy Guy's Legends -- his world-class blues nightclub in Chicago, Illinois:

http://www.buddyguy.com/

Venue: Massey Hall
178 Victoria St. (at corner of Shuter St.)
Toronto, Ontario Canada
Web site: http://www.roythomson.com/mh_thenNow.cfm

Michael Pickett Opening for Buddy Guy at Massey Hall,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Fri. April 1, 2005

By Joe Curtis

Buddy Guy was a real joy to see perform live on Massey Hall's stage, in Toronto, Canada on the night of Friday, April 1, 2005. This may have been April Fool's Day, but Mr. Guy was no fool on stage -- and his many fans who saw this concert were no fools in attending.

In fact, this writer might hazard to say that it's one of the most uplifting and happy experiences in recent memory, attending this concert -- in many an eon of enjoying some of the best music this world has to offer, live! A 'special treat', is an understatement! A great honor and a pleasure is more like it - so long as you add 'to the 10th power' -- just to be fair and accurate.

Buddy Guy was supposed to have guitarist Lucky Peterson open for him, but for some reason or other, Mr. Peterson was unavailable to attend and perform. This seeming misfortune was however, a very lucky break for Toronto blues impressario and creative blues whiz, Michael Pickett - who just happens to be one of the 10 most talented and respected blues masters in Canada!

There must be a blues-loving God above, who for once decided that enough's enough, and saw to it that Lucky wasn't so lucky, but Mr. Pickett was, in getting a call at 6 p.m. Friday night, to come to Massey Hall and replace Mr. Peterson as Buddy Guy's opening act. (Pickett was already scheduled to entertain in Massey Hall's lower level lounge this evening at the first ever after concert party open to the public - an event that was well attended and a great success thanks to the fans present and of course Mr. Pickett's rootsy, rousing blues.)

Michael Pickett has for the past two years been playing an incredibly impressive solo blues act, much like the one-man-band blues king Jesse Fuller, of days gone by, did for years (minus the bass pedal foot control Mr. Fuller was famous for employing in his upbeat concerts.) Michael's recent CD entitled 'Michael Pickett: Solo', available at his web site: www.michaelpickett.com encapsulates his great solo act to the utmost. It's the next best thing to seeing his live solo performances!

Pickett's performance at Massey Hall this night was flawless and extremely engrossing throughout his entire time on stage. He played acoustic guitar throughout, as well as blues harp (on a harp rack) with rousing, forceful vocals that radiated the confidence and supreme talent that only a decades-long blues performer can muster up and deliver to an audience, with ease, effortlessly like a blues angel flapping its wings.

Pickett kept his ecstatic heart-palpitating excitement subdued at being Guy's opening act. He did let out now and then some of this excitement, so we could all join in his feeling of good luck at having been chosen to open for one of the world's finest living exponents of Chicago blues guitar at its very best, Mr. Buddy Guy! Pickett mentioned to the audience, "This is the first time in 31 years that I've been on Massey Hall's stage - since the time I was backing Big Mama Thornton and John Lee Hooker on this stage." (with his then blues band Wooden Teeth - a Toronto and Canadian legendary blues band.)

Pickett's harp playing and vocals along with his rousing rhythm and lead guitar parts sounded like a full orchestra at times. His mind-blowing performance had this writer reminiscing at the time, about B.B. King's blues orchestra - all the while marvelling at how well Mr. Pickett manages to make his solo act seem so full. It sounded as if he and his singing and playing were a full orchestral blues show in itself. Pickett mentioned, "This is a real 'unplugged' blues show - not the so-called 'unplugged' of Much Music - they have chords coming out of their guitars as you might notice .. this one uses a microphone!" (Pickett played his Gibson six-string and National Steel Duolian acoustic guitars this night.) The acoustics at Massey Hall, built as a concert hall in 1894, showed off Pickett's musical subtleties to their very best.

Pickett started off with his Gibson along with strong harp and vocals for a couple of tunes - then changed to National Steel along with more impeccable harp and vocals - belting out some of the finest roots blues any aficianado would be proud to see live! He started his set with the upbeat "Ammo In the Ice Box" followed by "Cherry Hill". He then sang a song about murder, "Wicked Grin", that was very much in the vein of early folk/blues storytelling at its very best! He followed this with "Blues Is a Friend of Mine", which seems like a Pickett autobiography set to music. His final rousing and thoroughly enjoyable "Can't Find My Way Back Home" on National Steel guitar was a masterpiece in itself, in which he played some wicked harp that only a 'disgruntled devil stubbing his toe on a rock at the crossroads' could muster up to belt out!

Cheers and screams for "More!!!" were characteristic of Massey Hall's audience reaction to Michael's songs before and after each tune was performed. There was a decided din in the air when after Pickett's unbelievably enjoyable time on stage had ended, he didn't return to the stage for an encore. This was not because he didn't want to keep going, but because the time had come to say goodbye to this house full of blues fans expecting Lucky Peterson, but who were overjoyed at seeing Pickett do his thing on stage. Judging by the audience reaction to Mr. Pickett's performance; it appears that most if not all felt very lucky to be present while a real blues legend like Michael Pickett truly is -- came through like a trooper at a moment's notice. He entertained Massey Hall in the way a Robert Johnson or Ledbelly could and did decades earlier. It was a great pleasure for this writer and I'm sure for most if not all of the audience at Massey Hall this night, to witness true blues perfection at its rootsiest and purest best, from a man who's style and delivery is as good as the blues ever gets!

Artist: Michael Pickett
Email: blues@michaelpickett.com
Web site: www.michaelpickett.com
Venue: Massey Hall
178 Victoria St. (at corner of Shuter St.)
Toronto, Ontario Canada
Web site: http://www.roythomson.com/mh_thenNow.cfm

Jimmy Bowskill Guest Hosted the Healey's Special Guest Night,
Thurs. March 10, 2005, with harp player/vocalist Jerome Godboo

-- by Joe Curtis --

Blues guitarist Jimmy Bowskill guest-hosted the recent Thursday Special Guest Night at Healey's in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, March 10th, 2005. Bowskill as many already know, is an amazingly gifted blues guitar player and vocalist .. who's only 14 years old; but who plays guitar and sings the blues as good as many artists decades older with years more performing experience behind them. His voice has dropped an octave in the little more than two years since he was a featured special guest performer on guitarist Jeff Healey's 'Live at Healey's Special Guest Night' CD.

At that time, Bowskill, a Peterborough, Ontario area resident was playing blues on the street outside Healey's when Ronnie Hawkins' harp player Jerome Godboo spotted him, and immediately recognized Bowskill's gifted talent on guitar. He along with Downchild Blues Band vocalist Chuck Jackson brought the then young 11 year old Bowskill (along with his parents Steve and Teresa) into Healey's, so Jimmy could sit in with the Healey's house band, performing Robert Johnson's "Kind Hearted Woman". This tune ended up on the 'Live at Healey's' CD, which is one of the most energetic, diversified live modern blues CDs around.

Soon after this impromptu Healey's performance by Bowskill, Juno/Maple Blues Award-winning music producer/engineer/bassist Alec Fraser brought this young guitar prodigy into his Liquid Toronto recording studio, to record Bowskill's critically acclaimed debut CD, 'Old Soul'. This CD features an all-star cast, including harp players Donnie 'Mr. Downchild' Walsh (Downchild Blues Band); Dave Mowat and Mark 'bird' Stafford. Bowskill recently won a Maple Blues Award for best new blues talent of the year. His second CD, 'Soapbars and Dogears' is nominated for a Juno for best blues CD of the year.

Three years have passed since Bowskill's first Healey's performance, and his guitar virtuosity has evolved considerably. His stage presence and vocal abilities have gained new ground and have matured, too! These days he's very much 'one of the boys' on stage, along with Godboo, as well as Alec Fraser on bass. They were part of the Healey's house band this night in March 2005, along with the outstanding drumming talent of Al Webster.

Healey's was packed with discerning blues fans when Jerome Godboo opened this night of blues with several of his own rousing compositions, as well as the ever popular "Teena Neena Nu". This tune always gets the audience going, and features Goboo's upbeat vocals and invigorating harp playing that wails away with wild abandon.

Jerome fronted this fine band with vocals and harp talent, that's loaded with the kind of charisma that wows every audience he appears before. This even includes entertaining former U.S. President Bill Clinton among others in an outdoor music fest a few years ago in Arkansas, as a member of Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, www.ronniehawkins.com .

Godboo played some incredible blues standards this lively night at Healey's, including the always welcome, "Hootchie Cootchie Man" as well as an energetic version of the Stones' "Miss You". Jerome also performed some of his originals from his own very fine solo CD's, 'Deja-Vu, Baby'; 'Live At Healey's' and 'Pain and Glory'. The next two exhilirating sets featured Bowskill's amazing talent on guitar and vocals.

When Jimmy Bowskill got on stage, the whoops 'n' hollerin' in the audience signaled good times ahead! Bowskill proceeded to captivate his very much hooked fans with his incredible soloing and right from the heart vocals. His hard-edged rhythm guitar playing is outstanding, too!

Bowskill's naturalness on stage carries over to his rapport with the audience off stage, too! That I'm sure is due to Jimmy's strong family values instilled by his parents Steve and Teresa Bowskill, who attend all his performances as fans as well as caring parents. Steve also lends a hand in the composing of the lyrics in some of the extremely fine original tunes on both of Jimmy's CD's that are currently available - the debut 'Old Soul' and the recent 'Soap Bars & Dog Ears'. A heartwarming collaboration to say the least - and a note of hope in this ever changing, fast paced world we live in now!

Every song Bowskill performed this night at Healey's featured at least one or two of his very deep, well-conceived solos that were breathtaking to see performed live. I remember saying to myself a few times, "I've never seen anything like it!" This is due to the special inner soulful expression in Bowskill's guitar playing, and hardly at all to do with the fact he's playing so well at such a young age - nor the fact that he shares the same birthday as another illustrious blues guitar player, the iconic B.B. King.

Al Webster's drumming was the essence of this performance, providing the 'percussive lifeline' that allowed Bowskill's solos to go anywhere he wanted them to. Fraser's bass playing followed Bowskill's every musical move, while Godboo's harp playing helped invigorate Bowskill's natural joy in performing so he could reach new heights of imagination and creativity.

Renowned guitarist Damian Arokium (ex-Amanda Marshall band) sat in with this fireball of talent on stage during the last set. His guitar playing added something special to the excitement in the room. Arokium and Bowskill inspired each others' guitar playing to the max, while on stage together!

Bowskill entertained the Healey's audience with his original "Bailieboro". It's written entirely by him, and is about his hometown in Ontario. It's a jazz-influenced number that conjures up images of small town America; like 'magically' time travelling to a happy era of carefree bliss - musically and esthetically!

Bowskill's wild soloing sometimes took on an otherworldly auditory appearance, when he closed his eyes, playing his heart out like there was no tomorrow. One of Jimmy's instrumentals featured non-stop wa-wa pedal soloing all the way through, which was entirely mesmerizing. His musical taste in this respect is very much like what Hendrix was famous for; but with much more of a classic blues edge to it. Jimmy manages to keep within the musical confines of the true definition of the way blues is supposed to be played, in all his performances.

Bowskill's eye-popping evening of inspired and inspiring blues concluded with the rousing "Caledonia", that the late great Louis Prima made famous decades earlier in New Orleans. Jimmy's vocals in this tune and all the others he sang this evening, sound refreshingly like those of a seasoned pro, and have matured much in the past three years. He sang out with strength and soulful purpose on "Caledonia", the way an experienced vocalist far older would have done.

This finale turned into a long, extended jam that featured more of Bowskill's always captivating soloing, along with Godboo's equally rousing harp solos. These two soul mates of the 'blues muse', Bowskill and Godboo, made this finale cook like a BBQ in Muddy Waters' backyard! Even the late great Louis Prima would have sat up and taken notice had he been here to see Bowskill's awesome rendition of this all-time favorite. Jimmy's soloing in this tune, took it musically to heights where it's never been heard before.

The best way to see a performance this good again, comprising some of the most ingenious virtuosity around; is to attend another special musical night of entertainment, as any and all of Jimmy Bowskill's and Jerome Godboo's soul-inspiring blues performances truly are!

Artist: Jimmy Bowskill, with the Healey's House Band
Email: MemsandDreams@aol.com
Website: http://www.jimmybowskill.com
Artist: Jerome Godboo
Email: jeromegodboo@yahoo.ca
Website: http://www.jimmybowskill.com

Venue: Healey's
178 Bathurst St.
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Telephone: 416-703-5882
Website: http://www.jeffhealeys.com

Kim 'The Commander' Kelly's
54th Annual Birthday Bash at Healey's, Toronto,
Sat. Jan. 29, 2005

-- by Joe Curtis --

Having been to previous Kim 'The Commander' Kelly's Annual Birthday Bash Celebrations at guitarist Jeff Healey's club, Healey's, I felt instinctively that this birthday bash party would be an incredible night out. I was right! Healey's was packed with eager fans, and the band was pumpin' out some classic blues when I arrived. Kim 'The Commander' Kelly was wailin' away on sax like there was no tomorrow. He was backed by the fabulous James Anthony Blues Band, http://www.jamesanthony.ca/ who are one of the top blues bands around. The entertainment on stage was smokin' and the atmosphere was electric -- as were Anthony's amazingly bluesy guitar solos. Everyone did some very cool solos this evening, including keyboard player Mike Fonfara, who also plays for the Downchild Blues Band. ** Fonfara's also a much sought after music producer, who's been credited with the great sound on many bands' CD's over the years.

The James Anthony Band, along with Kelly and Fonfara, were high intensity all the way! Several times during this evening, Kelly took center stage, and wailed some incredible sax solos, back by Anthony and the rest, who let it go with wild abandon. Many times Anthony came out with some awesome guitar riffs that were mesmerizing. Fonfara's solos were the kind that if you missed it, it was something you knew you should have been there for. This was an amazing evening of blues played by seasoned performers at the top of their game.

It was believed that iconic early Beatles piano man Roy Young www.royyoung.com would be part of the band's lineup this evening. However, when I arrived, I learned that Roy unfortunately couldn't make it. Just like with famous opera singers, his voice decided to be temperamental that night. He had been singing and playing piano with the Anthony band, along with Kelly on sax and some vocals the previous few evenings, and everything was fine. The band even made a television appearance the previous morning, on a local London, Ontario TV show that showcases bands and plugs their gigs.

The previous year on The Commander's birthday, Jan. 29th, (but on a Friday that year), Kelly celebrated his birthday bash at Healey's, that night too! He and his former band, the incredible Reverb Rockers, entertained the fans at Healey's in a superb night of awesome blues and rock 'n' roll, that won't be forgotten my many, including this writer! The same Reverb Rockers along with Kim Kelly have had the great good fortune in past years of backing iconic piano player Johnnie Johnson, the 'Father of Rock 'n' Roll'. They also toured Germany with him and other amazing locales over the years.

This annual Kim 'The Commander' Kelly's Birthday Bash concert has become a much anticipated and highly appreciated birthday tradition celebration for Kelly, and the many fans who always show up in huge numbers to help rock in the 'B'day with 'K'.

Roy Young and his wife Carol came out to see the band this evening a year ago in 2004. My girlfriend and I were very happy to be able to share a table that evening with Roy and Carol. Roy's reminiscences -- stories and tales of the early days of rock 'n' roll, and also the current news of what he's been up to in his career, are absolutely fascinating to listen to! Some of these stories revolved around the early '60s, playing piano with the Beatles in Hamburg, Germany at The Star Club, as well as with the Tony Sheridan Band who were the Star Club's house band. Another story that comes to mind, was Roy's mention that he suggested to the Beatles to fire Pete Best as drummer and hire Ringo. Ringo at the time played drums with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, who Roy hired when he was the Star Club's booking agent, as well as piano player with Tony Sheridan. Rory Storm were often on the same lineup with the Beatles and Billy J. Kramer. More recent tales about Eric Clapton, Ian Hunter, Ringo Starr, etc. were also just breathtaking to listen to first hand right from the 'horse's mouth', so to speak.

Seeing Roy Young play live, which I've had the pleasure to do on a couple of memorable occasions in recent years; is also an incredibly happy experience of the best musical kind! Some people have that certain charisma, and Roy's certainly got it. So has 'The Commander, which is why all his performances are considered a very special night out on the town. Everyone was very sad that Roy wasn't able to make it to Kim's 54th Annual Birthday Bash at Healey's, but we understood that things happen sometimes that can't be prevented.

However, just as with any great tradition - like Kelly's yearly much-anticipated music celebration is -- we are all looking forward with anxious anticipation to next year's Annual Kim 'The Commander' Kelly's 55th Birthday Bash. They're all great - and as the expression goes, they're 'All Good'!!!

For those who can't wait that long, (this writer included), the James Anthony Band website, http://www.jamesanthony.ca/ lists 'The Commander's upcoming dates. You can also get on his mailing list, which being Irish has a nice greenish tinge to it at times, by emailing The Comander at: kkelly1@sympatico.ca

The real 'crock of gold' though, is the fabulous smokin' blues, R&B and rock 'n' roll Kelly et al put out on stage for their every growing legion of fans. They turn up because they know the best blues around will be wherever 'The Commander' blows his sax, and Anthony wails dem ol' blues on that six string of his.

James Anthony's web site is also a good place to check for upcoming shows with Kim 'The Commander' Kelly and Roy Young.

With the luck of the Irish, this great musical birthday tradition will continue for many more Kim Kelly Annual Birthday Bashs to come! You know what they say, "Don't mess with tradition!" - especially when it's this good!

So, until the next time, Commander Kelly: Happy 54th - It was a real blast!

James Anthony Band:
Website: http://www.jamesanthony.ca/
Kim 'The Commander' Kelly's email address: kkelly1@sympatico.ca
(If you'd like to join his mailing list, just email him).

Healey's
178 Bathurst St.
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Phone: 416-703-5882
Email: inquiries@jeffhealeys.com
Web site: www.jeffhealeys.com

CD review - Carlos del Junco - 'Blues Mongrel'

by Joe Curtis

Award-winning blues harp player Carlos del Junco has a new CD out, called 'Blues Mongrel'. It's released on Fred Litwin's Northern Blues label, and is very unusual to say the least. It's filled with experimental guitar riffs courtesy of Kevin Breit. Breit's a musical genius, but he's also a musical 'eccentric'. In the opening track, the familiar "Blues With a Feeling', this rendition is anything but 'familiar' .. unless of course you live on Mars, and communicate through garbage cans rolling along the Martian landscape. At first I thought .. "Hey, my CD player's screwing up!" Then I listened closer, and changed players and realized, "It's just Kevin Breit 'experimenting'." And experiment he does!

Like a good 'n' faithful blues mongrel, harp bone firmly entrenched in his mouth, (as the humorous CD cover art with del Junco illustrates), del Junco follows like a good 'blues mongrel' should; adding his inventive harp riffs wherever Breit's bright, brilliant guitar riffs lead him .. a blues harp 'space explorer' if I ever heard one .. And I think I just did!

I was getting ready to slam this extremely unusual CD (to say the least) - send the mongrel off to the blues dog pound. Then I heard "Plain (Old) Down Home Blues", which is track 4 on this helluva interesting blues experiential CD.

'Blues Mongrel' is a definite 'mongrel' mix of all that is known but never 'known' to be assembled together as a musical entity before -- until now! These tunes are like a good, thoroughly 'mongrel mix' has to be, to qualify as quintessential 'mongrel' in it's true purely inventive and highly creative form. (I'm trying to be funny here).

"Our Man Flint" begins with space sounds from Breit's spaced-out imagination. I've heard similar sounds before, on the soundtrack for the classic 1950s sci-fil thriller, 'Forbidden Planet', featuring the ever popular Robbie the Robot - (which in toy form today, is a highly prized '50s collectible). "Flint …" morphs into a beautiful latin rhythm and melody, with plenty of superb percussion courtesy of Jorn Juul Andersen 's infinitely inventive percussive imagination. Del Junco's harp riffs on "Flint" travel where no harp has traveled before … and that ain't no lie, so help me William Shatner!

There are some familiar up tempo blues offerings like "Run Me Down". Even here Breit travels the guitar road of inventive predecessors like Jimi Hendrix and others of the space generation of music experimentation. There are some Chuck Berry influenced guitar riffs heard. Carlos' vocals sound very much like country blues, when he's singing, "I've got work to do .. busiest man in town … You got to run me down!" Amidst this seemingly familiar blues ground comes more of the unexpected -- some high energy jump blues harp and guitar playing along with Andersen's energized drumming and Henry Hellig's rousing bass lines.

Then there's the space-influenced "Mambo Beat" that seems like '50s Mambo updated and performed at the Star Wars 'Creature Cantina'. "Long Way" features del Junco's laid back but very much swingin' vocals, backed with strength and good taste by all. Again, more of Breit's bright guitar riffs and Andersen's imaginative drumming.

I must say that the title track "Blues Mongrel" starts with some sounds that remind me of a car continually bumping against a fence, and trying to get through. This immediately got my attention. Then some solid guitar playing and some far out melodious jazz riffs from del Junco's wild harp playing imagination. Denis Keldie's incredible organ riffs sear through this piece at times, like a good musical marinade on a blues mongrel's T-Bone steak.

Del Junco's entrancing harp soloing and vocals meld together in a beautiful cohesion on the classic "Nine Below Zero". However, it's definitely not Sonny Boy 2 playing here .. just Carlos entertaining us with a magnificent show of just how good an entertainer he is; just him and his harp and vocals … and as captivating as any quality performer can be.

I've seen del Junco perform live on many occasions and with many different bands .. sitting in with them, and always making the night's entertainment special because he's chosen to make a surprise appearance on stage. He always plays harp and sings with a natural talent and a zest for what he's doing, and goes over well with the audiences every time.

The final track on this enjoyable CD is called "Don't Worry Your Pretty Little Head". It's a beautifully orchestrated and romantic latin jazz instrumental. It's played with the taste, timing, melody and harmonies that only true masters of their instruments can come up with. It's easy listening and a real pleasure to hear. It's unlike any of the other tracks, and definitely not like the eccentric experimenting found many times throughout this very fine CD. It's a tune that invites the listener to sit down, curl up and relax and listen to - a very fine piece!

Northern Blues founder Fred Litwin does take chances with his artists and their material. In this case, I think the risk was definitely worth taking in Carlos del Junco's superbly unique blues offering, 'Blues Mongrel'. I think Hendrix would have loved to get a hold of del Junco and Breit for a late night experimental jam session, somewhere over the candy-colored 'Rainbow Bridge' of quality jazz-blues experimenting. This kind of musically creative expression comes from exceptional players who are truly getting better all the time in their musical evolution -- as all greats tend to do!

I could go on and on about the mutli-layers of musical genius, blues and jazz creativity, interpretation and absolute dedicated experimenting and inventiveness that goes on in this superb CD. But I think as in all great works, everyone will hear their own musically philosophical interpretations. All said and done, I leave to the listener 'Blues Mongrel' to enjoy or not; but at least to admire this musical art form as just that .. an expression of the artist's creative endeavors done with talent and good taste!

Artist: Carlos del Junco
CD Title: 'Blues Mongrel'
Label: Northern Blues # NBM0026
Northern Blues website: www.northernblues.com
Carlos del Junco website: www.carlosdeljunco.com
To buy this CD, or for more info,
contact Carlos del Junco at Big Reed Records,
email: cdj@carlosdeljunco.com