Wanda Jackson At The Cadillac Lounge, Toronto, Canada,
Fri. & Sat. Oct. 14 & 15, 2005
-- by Joe Curtis --
Rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson sang her ever-lovin’ heart out at Toronto’s Cadillac Lounge, for two nights of high-energy partying, Fri. & Sat. Oct. 14 & 15, 2005. This writer saw the latter of these two amazing performances, and it’s a memory that will be cherished as long as I’m around.
Wanda Jackson was the first female singer to record rock ‘n’ roll, back in 1956 -- and for a while back then, was Elvis Presley’s girlfriend. In ’61 she recorded her best-loved hit “Let’s Have a Party”, that’s on her album ‘Rockin’ With Wanda’. It had previously been recorded on the soundtrack album for the 1957 Elvis movie, ‘Lovin’ You’.
The Cadillac Lounge where Wanda performed this night, is known for its top quality name bands who’ve graced its illustrious stage over the decades, including Robert Gordon, Rompin’ Ronnie Hawkins, Jack de Keyzer, Paul James, The Weber Bros. (Ronnie Hawkins' backup band), and Cadillac Bill & The Creeping Bent, among many others.
This night with Wanda Jackson was definitely very special, and there was an unmistakable electric spark permeating the upbeat audience and band alike. Some of Wanda’s fans pressed close to the stage, while others found nooks and crannies to dance to her intoxicating rockabilly warblings and country/blues standards she made famous.
Wanda’s outstanding backup band The Rizdales, fit her to a ‘T’, and played an inspiring set of their own original tunes prior to her performance. So did some of their band members in the opening act Atomic 7, in this 3-band highly entertaining evening of rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll and country/blues.
The Rizdales, (from London, Ontario), also opened for Wanda in her May 2005 concert at the Cadillac Lounge. There’s a real 1960 Cadillac with fins, perched above the marquee outside -- evoking the image, atmosphere and music found inside this very cool Queen St. W. hotspot.
Wanda held her fans in the palm of her hand, while delighting them with several of her major hits, including the gospel standard “I Saw The Light”, and rebel-rousers like ”Rip It Up”, “Fuji Yama Mama” and “Mean, Mean Woman”. Her effortless and tantalising vocals captivated this packed house -- with all eyes and ears ‘glued’ to Wanda’s every lyric and vocal nuance.
The Rizdales’ inspired rhythms and background vocals helped Wanda shine through in the best way possible. Towards the end of her concert, she sang a hand-clapping version of “I Saw The Light”, which led into “Let’s Have A Party” -- which this exuberant audience were definitely doing!
At this point in the proceedings, Wanda’s extremely enjoyable concert seemed to be over, but her fans clamoured for more of her vocal ‘magic’. She happily obliged with a rousing encore medley of Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and Little Richard’s rousing “Rip It Up”, that led into more of “Let’s Have A Party”.
Wanda’s fans showed their undying appreciation with tumultuous applause, after this finale to an incredible evening’s entertainment; and Wanda graciously accepted their unrestrained and highly deserved accolades. She then introduced the Rizdales, who also received this same energetic response from the Cadillac crowd.
Wanda signed autographs after the show, in the Cadillac Lounge’s large outdoor patio area (the 'Caddy Paddy') at the back of the club. While her fans waited in line to meet their musical hero, their excitement at being there was quite evident. Some of them bought Wanda Jackson CD’s which she happily autographed for them. Many others just wanted to have their picture taken with this living legend of rockabilly.
This writer asked Wanda if she’d ever played on a bill with another living legend, rockabilly great Ronnie Hawkins? Her answer was, “No ... but I’m sure our paths crossed from time to time over the years.”
There’s a campaign presently underway to have Wanda Jackson inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Wanda’s one of the original rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll music pioneers and innovators from the ‘50s. Her nomination and induction into this prestigious group of talented artists, seems as natural as ‘Campbells’ and ‘tomato soup’ – being a pop culture music icon herself. Wanda’s a significant contributor to the roots of rock ‘n’ roll, that the present day music scene as we know it, owes its existence to!
All in all, this night out at the Cadillac Lounge, was an incredible evening of the highest quality rockabilly and raw country/blues this writer has attended in many a ‘blue moon’ – performed by one of its earliest and best-loved entertainers, Wanda Jackson -- who’s still goin’ strong! As such, this memory of Wanda’s concert and meeting her afterwards, will be a cherished one for this writer, as it will I’m sure for her many fans who attended this delightful Wanda Jackson concert at Toronto’s finest rockabilly and country music night club -- the Cadillac Lounge!
Wanda Jackson Official Website: http://www.wandajackson.com/
The Rizdales website: http://www.rizdales.com/
Cadillac Lounge website: http://www.cadillaclounge.com/
Cadillac Lounge location:
1296 Queen St. W.
Toronto, Ontario
open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
416-536-7717
Petula Clark In Concert
At The Hummingbird Centre, Toronto
- Sunday, November 6, 2005
-- by Joe Curtis --
Petula Clark, recognized by many as the greatest female singing sensation of the 1960s, graced the stage of Toronto's Hummingbird Centre, Sunday November 6, 2005. This is the second time this writer has had the great pleasure of being entertained live by this lady of song.
Growing up as a child star in war-time Britain, singing on the B.B.C. and entertaining the home front and weary WW ll GI's alike, helped develop Ms. Clark's fine sense of timing and totally relaxed presence on stage. This is a talent that allowed this huge audience at the Hummingbird Centre to keep all eyes and ears transfixed, while Petula sang song after endearing song, as if everyone in the audience was being sung to them alone. Such was the intimate nature of Petula's performance, which lasted two and a half-hours with a short intermission in between. However, it seemed to go by much too fast. Petula's visits to Toronto are far too infrequent for this writer, as they are for many in attendance who I spoke to this very special evening of song and mirth.
Actor/singer Don Francks was in the audience this night, close to the stage - and seemed totally mesmerized by Ms. Clark's performance. Sometime during this evening's entertainment, Francks joined Petula on stage to sing their hit "Old Devil Moon". They originally sang this number together in the 1968 movie 'Finian's Rainbow' which co-starred the inimitable Fred Astaire. The audience was enthralled by this rare pairing of Petula and Francks, and no wonder - their charismatic performance, albeit short, was electrifyingly terrific! Petula also mentioned to the audience that Astaire while on the movie set in '68 enthused (bragged) to others then, "I danced with 'her'!"
Petula's long-time friend and booking agent/publicist Gino Empry, was in the audience this night, and had hosted a private party for Petula a few nights earlier when she first arrived in Toronto. This writer had the great privilege and enjoyment in attending this party. I also had a friendly conversation with Petula for about 10 minutes that night. Shortly after this engrossing conversation ended, Empry and Petula left the party which was still going strong, to attend singer Don Francks' performance with his jazz quartet Don Francks & Friends at the refurbished and historic 1860s pub, the Dominon On Queen, in east central Toronto's very Victorian 'Cabbagetown' area. (There's a chapter in Empry's autobiography 'I Belong To The Stars', devoted to Petula Clark and singer Tony Bennett). http://www.ginoempry.com/
From what Francks told this writer shortly afterwards, Petula asked to sing a song at this venue with him, but he felt her voice should be saved for the Hummingbird concert a few nights later. I might hazard to disagree, since any performer who's been successfully enjoying being in front of an audience as much as Petula has for the past 60 years since she was a child star on radio, would have been in her glory singing a number in a small, cozy venue. For many artists who play huge venues, a small club atmosphere is a rare and enjoyable experience like the times when the Rolling Stones do a surprise concert at clubs like Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre or Horseshoe Tavern, as they've done a few times in recent years. This also brings to mind decades ago conversations with Alice Cooper bassist Prakash John, who told me then that he preferred small venues like Toronto's then-Jarvis House and Piccadilly Tube, sitting in with friends in band Sweet Blindness, "Where I can actually hear myself without a monitor -- and experience the audience close-up.", as he put it way back then.
The Hummingbird concert featured many of Petula's best-loved '60s hits, including "My Love", the ever-popular "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In the Subway", sung with zest by her, and applauded with enthusiasm by her fans. She also sang a heartwarming version of the romantic ballad, "Twelfth of Never".
Part way through, Petula treated the audience to a new song she recently composed. It's romantic air and beautiful harmonies, conjured memories of songs associated in style with those of the late Luther Vandross or other romantic balladeers. This song enchanted and delighted Petula's fans, whose applause reflected their appreciation of this new Petula Clark original. In fact two young ladies in their early 20s told this writer after the show, they really loved this concert, and were going to google Petula's name afterwards to learn and enjoy all they could about Petula and her music. They said they never heard her before, and added, "Tell her she just made two brand new fans!" This enthusiastic comment says a lot about Petula's longevity and appeal for over six decades as an entertainer.
Orchestra leader, Kenny Clayton played the intro on grand piano to both of Petula's heartwarming sets this evening, which began with an otherworldly, angelic interpretation of "Downtown", and followed with some engrossing soloing by Clayton on the ivories. The orchestra backing Petula this night, are members of the Toronto Symphony. The guitarist occasionally wailed some imaginative solos, as did the bassist, drummer and an awesome horn section -- adding to the strength of Ms. Clark's outstanding performance.
Petula interspersed her music numbers with ribald jokes, including one about Sophia Loren's 'assets'. This humorous anecdote lead into a Charles 'Charlie' Chaplin number, "This Is My Song", made famous by Petula, and from Loren's '50s movie classic 'Countess From Hong Kong'. Petula also shared endearing memories of being entertained by the great Charlie Chaplin - recalling dancing around the 'Little Tramp's' home in Switzerland, while listening to some of his unforgettable romantic compositions, he played on piano for her, like "Smile (When Your Heart Is Breaking)". Petula sang this beautiful Chaplin song, while accompanying herself on grand piano, backed by this incredible orchestra. When she sang "One Look", from 'Sunset Boulevard', she was wearing the cape of Norma Desmond, the character she portrayed in 'Sunset B…" on Broadway. At one point, she recited a poem she wrote, that mentioned, "The magic is in you." which is sort of 'magical' in itself, like an E. Nesbit story for children.
Other favorites Petula sang this night included the romantic and beautifully harmonious Trini Lopez hit from the 1960s, "Call Me", as well as some delightful songs in French she added to her vast repertoire while living in France for several years. She also sang a magnificent version of The Searchers' classic '60s hit, "Needles & Pins", in French.
The finale of this absolutely mesmerizing evening had Petula cheered back for an encore with the rousing "My Love". While her fans' ecstatic applause was still being heard, Petula was presented with a huge bouquet of roses. She graciously accepted them like the humble star she is with thanks to her fans, and handshakes with many of them, before she left the stage. Added to this were the indelibly happy memories Petula left in the hearts of her fans, some of who have eagerly attended her performances for decades.
This evening ended with a relaxed meeting of Petula with some of her fans, where she found time to talk to them and reminisce. Empry and Francks were also there sharing some of this 'star' light. As was singer Steve 'Doc' Holliday, who has Docville Western Town -- a tribute to wild-west heroes Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp; (on hwy 115 <turn right at McDonald's>, on the way to Peterborough from Toronto). It's one of those quaint tourist places that are a rare treat to visit and drift back into, like a comic book or old movie from childhood.
Such also was the magic of this thrilling Petula Clark concert for this writer and many others. It was as if we had the chance to drift back and enjoy some of the magic we remember from Petula Clark in the '60s in her fabulous singing; as well as her captivating stage presence and superb orchestra this night at Toronto's Hummingbird Centre in November 2005.
Petula Clark Official Website:
http://www.petulaclark.net/
The Hummingbird Centre
1 Front St. East (SE corner of Yonge St. & Front St. E.)
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Telephone: 416-393-7469
Fax 416-393-7454
The Hummingbird Centre Official Website:
http://www.hummingbirdcentre.com/
Max Brand's Petula Clark Concert Review,
Hummingbird Centre, Toronto, November 6, 2005:
Courtesy of Max Brand, at 'The Max Brand Report News'
By Max Brand
I went down to the Hummingbird Centre to see Petula Clark, and this 73 year old chanteuse still has a great voice. She got to sing some of her popular hits, "This Is My Song", "Kiss Me Goodbye", "A Sign Of The Times", "My Love", "Don't Sleep In The Subway", "Colour My World" & a duet she did with actor/singer Don Francks, called "Old Devil Moon", from the film Finian's Rainbow. It starred Fred Astaire and was his last starring movie.
In the intermission I was wandering around the Hummingbird Centre, and the only known celeb that I saw there was Ted Simonett, who some of you may know as the Canadian Tire guy. It's very surprising that no one recognized him or saw him, but I got to meet the guy and spoke briefly with him, telling him his commercials are really selling stuff at every Canadian Tire store across the country. He didn't bring along his TV character wife whose name escapes me, but he did have his real wife at the show with him.
After the intermission, Petula sang more songs which even included a version of "Needles & Pins" she sung in French. She sang a few songs in French, which she can really do so well. I'm sure whenever she performs in France, she has a very huge devoted following.
After she took her final bows, I was fortunate to shake both her hands. This lady has such appreciation of fans everywhere who have admired her music for so long. She may be played strictly on AM radio oldies, but she can still pack a concert hall.
After the show was over, I was fortunate to meet several other Petula devotees including Doc, who has a ghost town that's on the outskirts of Peterborough, around Highway 115. I first met Doc when he took part in the Ultimate Jam contest (at Club 279/Hard Rock Cafe) and was one of the finalists, which may have been the fourth installment of the contest. I also got to meet two teenage girls and I saw myself in them; because when I was their age I was collecting any albums of 'oldies' music I was able to get my hands on. I even told them about Melody Ranch (at Club 279), which they might check out sometime.
I was very fortunate to get to meet Petula Clark, who was very gracious in having a photo taken with her, thanks to Joe Curtis. This lady is very down to earth and simply enjoys being around people, especially the longtime fans that have followed her career since the mid fifties. I also had my photo taken with actor Don Francks, and mentioned to him about Melody Ranch.
It was a great night and a great weekend of live entertainment, which hopefully there'll be many more of before this year is out. This was also my first visit to the Hummingbird Centre since 1991 when I saw Bob Dylan perform and Sue Medley opened for Bob.
For any questions or comments please write to themaxbrandreportnews@yahoogroups.com or join at: groups.yahoo.com/group/themaxbrandreportnews
Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Max Brand
Greg Godovitz & The Anger Bros. With Jeff Healey at Healey's,
A Very Special Tribute to John Lennon, Thurs. Dec. 8, 2005
-- by Joe Curtis --
Greg Godovitz is a legendary Canadian vocalist/guitarist/bassist, Goddo founder (and ex-Ronnie Hawkins bassist), as well as major John Lennon/Beatles fan and memorabilia collector. So it's as natural as apple pie and ice cream, that Godovitz should perform an extremely special musical tribute to the late and absolutely great Beatle, John Lennon, on the 25th anniversary of Lennon's untimely passing, Thurs. Dec. 8, 2005.
Godovitz was backed this night by drummer and good friend Doug Inglis, (Goddo/ex-Ronnie Hawkins & The Hawks). Also featured was the enchanting talent of Brad 'Mr. Anger' Lovatt on keyboards and David Love (of the Carpet Frogs) on rhythm and some lead guitar.
The Healey's audience was hanging off every note and musical phrase that Godovitz played on his vintage '63 Epiphone. Not to mention Jeff Healey's always magnificent guitar playing and clear as a bell, perfectly in tune vocals. Jeff's clear-sounding singing, blends well with Godovitz's scorching, and pleasantly piercing vocals. Greg's vocals sound similar at times to John Lennon's; but are unique to him and mesmerizing in their intensity and energetic drive. Such too are Greg's melodic and well-thought-out guitar leads that scream out from somewhere 'beyond'.
Godovitz at times stood at the edge of the stage near the audience, and played some deeply inspired guitar solos, which garnered him well-deserved, spontaneous standing ovations. The audience applauded with the same energetic enthusiasm after some of Jeff's solos too, as well as those of Mr. Anger on the ivory 88's. Some in the audience were dancing away their own inspired muse in front of the band, including major Goddo friend and singer Max Brand, along with a beautiful blonde named Suzanne who hung out all night with Max and others front row center.
This very special John Lennon Tribute featured three impeccable sets. The first was all Beatles tunes -- the second, a John Lennon Tribute set, featuring songs that were all his. And the third was a major bonus, which went wild on everything imaginable, including some Rolling Stones, Lennon, Beatles and even a spacey Greg Godovitz original to finish off this evening's musical festivities with a bang!
The evening began with Godovitz's intoxicating vocals screaming out George Harrison's "I Need You", as only he can. (Harrison would feel proud to hear this rendition!) Also included was an emotional version of "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" with Godovitz on lead vocals. This song was repeated in the third set, with Jeff singing a beautifully clear, resonant version, that hit some high notes, while all the while staying in perfect pitch. Jeff also sang a memorable version of the Ricky Nelson hit "Poor Little Fool", that brought back pleasant memories of Ricky in his early days in the late '50s and early '60s showcasing his band on his parents' Ozzie & Harriet Show with Elvis guitarist James Burton and others.
Both Healey and Godovitz shared the spotlight at this Lennon Tribute - each playing some mind-boggling leads -- then quickly backing each other on hard driving rhythm guitar. The beautiful three-part vocal harmonies shared by Healey, Godovitz and Love, were outstanding as well, on many of the tunes featured this night. Doug Inglis' drumming was in the pocket and in the groove, as good as it gets, throughout this rockin' good time. Inglis kept a eagle eye on Greg and Jeff, following their every note and beat - as well as grooving with bassist Mike Pellarin and guitarist David Love. Love and Pellarin were playing off each other on occasion, reminiscent of when this writer saw Malcolm Young of AC/DC groovin' with Rolling Stones' bassist Daryl Jones at Sarstock in July 2003.
Some of the other highlights included Godovitz singing a rousing version of the Stones' "Route 66", followed by an intoxicating "Oh Carol" and equally captivating "Spider & The Fly". (L.A. artist Cosmo St. Clair performs a similar version of 'Spider' on his CD 'Now Blues For Now People' http://www.cosmostclair.com/ ).
Healey, although he intended to 'cut in' at some point in this medley, thrilled the audience afterwards with a scorching guitar riffs intro to a ballistically rockin' "Run, Run Rudolf", that sent this fine establishment into music heaven. This was the ideal finale and musical 'Xmas present' from Jeff to his loyal following at Healey's.
This very special night honors the memory of one of the greatest legends in music this world will ever know - John Winston Lennon. John Lennon's known the world over as a member of the Beatles, and by some as a gifted artist (painter). He's also remembered by a few on a personal level, as a good family man and musical humanitarian - whose music and art is a legacy that lives on to help this world be a better place to live in.
Greg Godovitz links:
Goddo: http://www.canadianbands.com/Goddo.html
Fludd: http://www.canadianbands.com/Fludd.html
Greg Godovitz Interview: http://www.canadianbands.com/interviews_Godovitz.html
CD review -- Paul James -- ‘It’s Halloween - Trick or Treat’
-- by Joe Curtis -
Blues guitarist extraordinaire Paul James has put his boundless creative energy into creating a short but ‘Halloween candy’ sweet two-song Halloween blues songs CD, appropriately called It’s Halloween - Trick or Treat. (It’s also the titles of the two Halloween novelty blues tunes on this spooky CD). James is offering these imaginatively created songs as free downloads on his website: http://www.pauljamesband.com/. He’s sharing them with his fans worldwide, so they can enjoy these scary tunes when the ‘goblins and ghosts wander with the witches and cauldrons’ - a true music celebration of Halloween in a fun, musical way! This CD was recorded by engineer Alec Fraser at his award-winning Liquid Toronto recording studio. Fraser is also the bassist on this highly entertaining It’s Halloween - Trick or Treat CD, which he co-produced it with Paul James.
The first tune ghostly ‘floating in’, is called "It’s Halloween". Henry De Clemente’s ‘death knoll’-style drumming introduces this Halloween novelty tune, along with Gary Gray’s Roger Corman-like organ riffs permeating in the background, like a ‘phantom in the opera house’. Paul’s storytelling vocals are thoroughly transfixing to listen to, like being a kid again, listening to ghost stories around a campfire. Some of these great lyrics, like "going door to door … Shell out, shell out (on Halloween)" bring back fond memories of gathering huge bunches of candies door-to-door on Halloween night, while dressed either as a ghost, a skeleton, a cartoon character like Popeye or a pirate.
Paul’s spooky slide guitar playing on this tune is scary enough to drive the graveyard corpses to getting up and go ‘a haunting. Munsters and Addams Family 1960s comedy TV show images are conjured up in Gray’s organ riffs, combined with more of James’ impeccably scary slide guitar. "It’s Halloween" reaches a spine-chilling climax with a scream sounding just like it’s right out of a Vincent Price/William Castle/Roger Corman 1950s scary movie -- (not to mention a Universal Monsters extravaganza from macabre-masters Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi).
The second of these very mid-‘60s-sounding (c. 1964) Halloween party tunes (from the time when 'Beach Party' movies were ‘in’), is appropriated titled "Trick or Treat". This upbeat winner ‘creature’-features some very fine Paul James guitar leads and rack harmonica playing, along with more of ‘drum king’ De Clemente’s super-high energy talent on the skins.
De Clemente’s a fine drummer whom this writer has seen perform at many live shows with James, as well as countless times before that with Henry’s former band the Bottle Devils featuring Gus Papas on guitar - (another impeccably gifted guitarist as Paul is!) along with Fraser on bass. Gray’s upbeat, melodic piano riffs are a major bonus adding fun to the novelty heard on "Trick or Treat". Fraser’s bass lines bounce along nicely; which also adds to the mid-1960s-sounding Halloween party atmosphere that abounds here.
All in all, this two-song Paul James Halloween novelty tunes CD, entitled ‘It’s Halloween - Trick or Treat’, is a lot of fun to listen to. It’s fast becoming a Halloween music standard heard on radio as far away as 'Canadian Cath' Ford's 'Sugar City Blues' bluesoz radio show on 4CRM in Queensland, Australia. That's when this James CD made its premiere on the airwaves during the Halloween season in 2004. I hope you like it too!
Postscript: Paul James is offering free downloads of these beautifully composed and performed Halloween blues novelty tunes to his fans, free of charge until November 1st, at his website, http://www.pauljamesband.com/ If radio stations would like to play these Halloween novelty tunes as part of their shows, they can do so by downloading them from the Paul James Band website, or obtain a copy on CD directly from Paul James, if the download version isn’t suitable.
Ronnie Hawkins CTV Special “Still Alive & Kickin’”
Pre-Broadcast Party At The Cadillac Lounge, Toronto, Canada,
Wed. Aug. 18, 2004
-- by Joe Curtis --
The Ronnie Hawkins CTV Special, “Still Alive & Kicking” aired on Canada’s CTV network across Canada on Fri. Aug. 20, 2004. Two days prior to the airing of this absorbing and highly entertaining documentary about the Hawk, a Ronnie Hawkins pre-broadcast party was held at Toronto’s Cadillac Lounge Wed. Aug. 18-04, to celebrate this event. The Cadillac Lounge is the perfect place to hold such an awesome private party. Its atmosphere has a very definite west-end Toronto ‘Bohemian’ air about it, which speaks ‘cool’ from every wall, rafter, chair and table. Added to this is the comfortable, large multi-deck backyard patio, where guests this night mingled and had fun networking with old friends in the music biz, and meeting new ones.
Several of the Hawk’s long-time contemporaries were in attendance, including 15-year Hawk guitarist Buzz Thompson. Also there was Hawk backup singer B.J. Cook, who was a Hawk off and on for over three decades. Another long-time Hawk friend in attendance was famed Rolling Stone journalist Ritchie Yorke - now residing and working ‘down under’ in Australia, but in rock’s glory days, wrote for Toronto’s Globe & Mail.
This writer mentioned to ‘that writer’ one of my favorite highlights of the Ronnie documentary, is the part which shows live color home movie footage of Beatle John Lennon driving a snowmobile around the Hawk’s former Mississauga estate in 1969. When Yorke heard this, he non-chalantly replied, “I was there (at Ronnie’s estate during the ’69 Lennon visit) for most of that!” What an awesome time that must have been!
The entertainment this night was absolutely incredible! First a private airing of the CTV Ronnie Hawkins documentary “Still Alive & Kickin’”, was televised on large screen TV and in a few other cozy locations on smaller TV’s in this mini-labyrinth of music pop culture. The sense of something special happening, starts at the door, when one looks up to see a real ’59 Caddy attached above the entrance to this very cool Toronto night club.
Many of Ronnie’s friends were seen viewing this telecast, including ‘publicist to the Stars’, Gino Empry (who booked Ronnie into the Royal York Hotel’s lavish Imperial Room many times over the years). Also in attendance enjoying all this fun, was Ronnie’s business manager/publicity person for his 2002 Massey Hall Tribute Concert, Jim Zeppa.
After this incredible historical Hawk documentary was over, and the excitement of watching it settled down, The Hawks entertained for a few sets of old time rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly, as only they know how! Although Ronnie’s voice was in fine form, he only sang one song, the nostalgic ballad “Days Gone By”. However, since the Hawk was still recovering from his near fatal illness, this song was a major bonus for his many fans in attendance.
Buzz ‘Mr. Soul’ Thompson, a 15-year guitar veteran in Ronnie’s band The Hawks, really showed his guitar expertise, going all out on several high-energy Hawkins tunes and others at this Cadillac Lounge party. His amazing slide and leads and vocals were engrossing to watch this night, as always.
Guitarist Paul James took to the stage early in the proceedings, wowing the crowd on bottleneck and beer bottle slide guitar, along with mic stand slide, and ‘you name it’! He’s the ‘slide wizard’ of Canada, and a long-time Hawk fan, ever since he attended Hawkins’ shows at the Nickleodeon on Yonge St., (now Hard Rock Café/Club 279) after his own house gig ended at the Bermuda Tavern, c. 1970.
Ronnie’s daughter Leah Hawkins, sang an invigorating “Mojo”, with a heavy duty rhythm section backing her, including present Hawk bassist Ryan Weber and his brother Sam on guitar. The Weber Brothers are two ‘old pros’ in young bodies -- both still in their mid-20s, who really play old rock ‘n’ roll, the way it’s supposed to be played!
Added to the excitement this night, was a very Keith Richards-looking person in attendance. This writer had a chance to talk to this individual at length for at least 15 minutes of engrossing conversation. ‘KR?’ knew a lot about the Hawk and his early days -- more than the average person would have a grasp of, unless he’s an amateur music historian/guru.
A few days later, I received info from a close Richards-friend, who told me Keith was in town for a week and a half during that time, and could well have been the person I was talking to. Richards also seems to have a studio in the area, (which this guest mentioned having “Just come from”, and “Just walked right in!” as he put it). Jim Zeppa told me afterwards, ‘Nobody just walked right in that night. There was tight security at the door, and if you weren’t on the list, you didn’t get in period!”
So maybe Mr. Richards did drop by the Cadillac Lounge this special night; when many of Ronnie Hawkins’ old and dear friends and contemporaries attended this CTV tribute party to one of the finest rock ‘n’ rollers that Canada has ever been fortunate enough to have. Ronnie continues to be this icon of rock ‘n’ roll, ever since he came to Canada from Arkansas in 1959 with Levon Helm of The Band and other illustrious members of that incredible group.
This CTV Special “Still Alive & Kickin’”, (that the Cadillac Lounge party was celebrating), is now in the process of becoming a full-length DVD available from its filmmaker Anne Pick at Real to Reel Productions. This documentary is an extremely entertaining time capsule on film and in music, of the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, by one of its earliest exponents - the one and only Ronnie Hawkins.
‘The Hawk’ is still rockin’ ‘n’ rollin’ like there’s no tomorrow - and the life of the party, wherever that may be!
Ronnie Hawkins Official Website: http://www.ronniehawkins.com/
Cadillac Lounge website: http://www.cadillaclounge.com/
Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks Rocked Alliston, Ontario,
Tues. March 18, 2003
-- by Joe Curtis --
Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks rocked ‘West 89’ in Alliston, Ont. Tues., March 18, 2003. They played three long sets, starting around 8:45 p.m., ending before 1 a.m. There was a large crowd in attendance, and the magic in the air was electrifying.
Ronnie sang the entire second set. He appeared invigorated and much stronger, since his near fatal bout with what was believed to be cancer in 2002. Despite this health setback, the Hawk still sang many of his hits, including “Bo Diddley” “Down In the Alley” and “Wild Willy” with tons of enthusiasm, in an invigorating seven-song 2nd set at West 89 in Alliston this night in 2003. Before and during this memorable performance, Hawkins was a barrel of laughs with his hilarious jokes - and was carousing with the ladies whenever he got a chance! He was at ‘West 89’ most of the afternoon as well, entertaining his close friends ‘Sir’ Fred Lewis and his lady.
The Hawks played the first and last set without Ronnie. Hawk bassist, Ryan Weber's bass playing was some of the best this writer’s ever seen (on electric and ‘doghouse’) -- a combination of Jaco and Entwistle -- combined with lots of down-home soul - a rare combination!
Other Weber-brother Sam, wailed on lead guitar, slide and rhythm like an old pro from the ‘50s, although still in his early 20’s. Robin Hawkins (Ronnie’s musician/producer son) played some energized lead and rhythm guitar, along with Buzz ‘Mr. Soul’ Thompson’s always-incredible lead, rhythm, slide guitar and soulful vocals. Doug Inglis’ drumming was equally rousing, and kept the Hawks on their toes. Brent Bailey’s keyboard wizardry was much appreciated, as was Weber Brothers keys player Shai Peer, who was seen at times dancing to his own solos on the ivories.
A major bonus occurred towards the end of this evening’s superb entertainment, when this writer got the chance to sit in on bass during the third set, on the finale, "That's Alright Mama" with the Hawks, minus Ronnie who had ‘left the building’ after the second set.
Also sitting in on this Elvis tune was singer Max Brand -- a familiar face on the Toronto music scene in the Horseshoe Tavern’s twice-yearly Elvis Karaoke event and others. Brand’s also been seen recently in a few CITY TV ‘Ed the Sock’ comedy telecasts, and a soon-to-be-seen, 2005 made-for-TV movie for the History channel. Brand also sang “Bo Diddley” with Hawkins at the Hawk’s 2002 CD release party for “Still Cruisin’” in Hamilton, Ontario - a rare scene captured for posterity by filmmaker Anne Pick, and included in her quintessential Hawkins documentary, “Still Alive & Kickin’.” This TV Special was broadcast nationwide across Canada on the CTV network on August 20, 2004, and will soon be available on DVD.
On a rare occasion in the late ‘90s, Brand sat in with early Beatles drummer Pete Best at Toronto’s El Mocambo, singing “Johnny B. Goode”. This writer attended that and another memorable show at an ‘almost-private’ party at Toronto’s sadly-no-longer blues nightclub, Blues On Bellair.
Brand shared the stage at Bellair with an all-star lineup. This included Burton Cummings and most of the Guess Who, as well as the guitarist and bassist for Wide Mouth Mason; Greg Godovitz (Goddo); guitarist Mike Mckenna (Mainline); singers B.J. Cook, Chris Aris, Patti Jannetta and Bob Segarini; drummers Tony Nolasco (Mainline) and Kid Carson (Ugly Ducklings); Bellair co-owner/keyboard player Peter Jermyn (MRQ/Luke & the Apostles) and other top-notch entertainers.
This phenomenal show was an after-concert party celebrating an Air Canada Centre ‘Farm Aid’ show (bringing awareness of the plight of the farmers in Western Canada) held earlier that day. It featured Burton Cummings singing “Share the Land”, as well as Randy Bachman, Gordie Johnson and Big Sugar; Ronnie Hawkins, Buzz Thompson, Chris Aris, B.J. Cook, Patti Jannetta, Greg Godovitz, folk icons Gordon Lightfoot and Sylvia Tyson among many others.
This all ties in indirectly with the CTV filming that was happening at ‘West 89’ this night in March 2003 during these Hawkins rehearsals. Film footage from ‘West 89’ and a lot more, was part of what later became the Ronnie Hawkins 2004 CTV documentary “Still Alive & Kickin’” made by filmmaker Anne Pick’s ‘Real To Reel Productions’.
Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks appeared again at Alliston’s ‘West 89’ nightclub the following Wednesday and Thursday evenings March 19 & 20, 2003. This rare and special Hawkins treat was appreciated by the many who attended these shows, including Indie label owner Myles Tangedal, who’s business manager for Johnny Pennino, ‘Sax King of New Orleans’. (Pennino’s one of the many stars of Dowchild vocalist/harp player Chuck Jackson’s annual ‘Southside Shuffle’ blues fest, held the first Thurs. through Sun. every September in Port Credit, Ont., just west of Toronto).
Ronnie Hawkins was one of the many outstanding headliners at this Southside Shuffle in recent years. His rare ‘rehearsal’ at ‘West 89’ in Alliston, Ontario, is one of many Hawkins performances that consistently reach a zenith in enjoyable entertainment whenever this writer attends. The Hawk with his effervescent personality and sense of humor, is always a pleasure to see onstage and off!
Ronnie Hawkins Official Website: http://www.ronniehawkins.com/
1st Annual Toronto Independent Music Awards,
at The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Wed. Oct. 5, 2005
-- by Joe Curtis --
The 1st Annual Toronto Independent Music Awards, known as the TIMA’s, took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Wednesday, October 5, 2005. It was hosted by Josie Dye of The Edge/102 FM. This diversified music extravaganza was held at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. In August 2005, the Stones performed a surprise concert at the Phoenix, prior to their 2005 World Tour.
Martin Brown, originally from Britain (and still retaining a very-George Formby-sounding accent), founded the Orange County (California) Music Awards in 2002. Based on its success the past three years, Brown’s founded the TIMA’s here in Toronto along the same lines. The show was co-produced with Daniela Oliva from Toronto. Brown says the purpose is to “Bring awareness to the public of all the great talent that’s out there.” By the looks of things, this admirable goal seems to have met its altruistic objective.
The TIMA’s were in 21 categories covering a wide music spectrum from R&B to blues, jazz, country, folk, World, Urban, Hip-Hop and rock. The 13 live performances this night showcased this diversification in music styles, with everything from heavy rock to country/folk/blues, jazz, hip-hop and more.
One of the highlights was the highly unusual ‘operatic rock’ performance from Patrizia, whose operatic vocals blended surprisingly well with the rock instrumentals accompanying her. Patrizia’s new CD ‘The Edge of Emotion’, features super-funky LMT Connection drummer Mark Rodgers, (who’s an integral part of Toronto’s Orbit Room talent roster), along with Northern Blues guitarist extraordinaire Kevin Breit of John & The Sisters, (a ‘space oddity’ of the best musical kind)!
Singer Eha, won the award for Best International. She flew in from Estonia to attend the TIMA’s and was also a presenter. She performed some tantalizing dance moves along with captivating vocals on two of her originals - “Try Me” and “Show Me How” from her CD ‘Together’ - impressing the audience with her stage presence and friendly personality.
Another of the superb performers this night, was the always entertaining Peter Verity, who won the TIMA for Best Folk -- and deservedly so! Verity’s a popular entertainer on the Toronto music scene, whose original songs are both imaginative and invigorating to listen to. He was nominated in the Best Song category for “Healing Rain” (but unfortunately didn’t win). He performed this enchanting song, and the heartwarming “Blue As I Can Get” with fellow prolific composer/performer Sebastian Agnello as an acoustic guitar duo. Verity’s top-notch harp playing and vocals harmonized well. His acoustic guitar playing along with Agnello’s, possessed a full, rich sound. (Agnello’s been on the Toronto scene since the late ‘60s, when as part of the Lords Of London, he opened for Jimi Hendrix at Maple Leaf Gardens).
Folk performer Angie Nussey won for Best Song. Her solo acoustic guitar and vocals were great to watch. Nussey’s original tunes are extremely imaginative and full of flair. She was another of the fine performers featured this night.
The only down side of this evening’s otherwise spectacular entertainment, occurred when Eden Ants played. Although they won for Best Indie Rock and played great, their talent on stage was marred by excessive volume.
The monitor person for this event was Jimmy Palmer, who worked the past four months on the road with the Stones. (In August 2004, Palmer was part of the sound crew for the Great Lakes Jam -- working with stars like Johnny Winter, Eric Burdon, Joe Walsh and Alice Cooper). This evening’s soundman John Watt recently worked for singer Matt Dusk.
The stage manager was Jim Zeppa -- a part of the Phoenix, since its early days as the Diamond Club. (Zeppa also worked with Palmer at The Great Lakes Jam as press, public relations and promotion). He mentioned in regards to the TIMA’s: “Several comments were made about how efficient and smoothly run this show was!” This writer has to wholeheartedly agree. There was only a matter of minutes between acts, which added to the excitement. This was a complicated show (due to the amount of bands showcased), but it ran extremely well, making it look like an easy feat to accomplish.
There were a couple of amazing rock acts featured, including Little Sun Day and Last In Line. ‘Sun Day’ were high energy all the way -- with rousing vocals and wild, melodic guitar riffs, that really got the crowd to stand up and take notice.
Hip-hop act r.a.w. child were nominated in two categories, and won for Best Hip-Hop Artist. They performed as a duo, and really had it together with their tight vocals and background rhythms.
Last In Line were last to perform. They’re a rock band from Windsor, ON, and all are 20 years old. Their energetic finale kept the crowd’s attention for almost an hour after the last award of the evening was presented. Nominated but not winning, they were one of the top acts this night.
The 1st Annual Toronto Independent Music Awards was a major success. This is even more significant when one considers the fact this was only its first year in existence. Over 400 music fans and fellow artists attended this event. Phoenix manager Enzo said this huge turnout ensured the TIMA’s would be welcomed back next year.
Towards the end of this highly enjoyable evening’s entertainment, TIMA founder Martin Brown mentioned to the audience, “We’ll be back next year and pack this place!” This should be an easy feat to accomplish, considering the high caliber of performances and intriguing award presentations that took place this night. This is in addition to the superb acoustics and friendly atmosphere the Phoenix Concert Theatre provides.
TIMA website:
http://www.torontoima.com/
Phoenix Concert Theatre website:
http://www.libertygroup.com/phoenix/phoenix.html
CD review - Brian Blain - 'Overqualified For The Blues'
-- by Joe Curtis -
'Colorblind' Brian Blain is one of the better-known blues aficionados in Canada. He's familiar to blues and folk fans as editor of some prominent Canadian music magazines, including Maple Blues and Downtown Jazz. While he's busy promoting and plugging blues, jazz and folk/blues through these highly respected publications, he still finds time to perform live shows several times a month with his own original, ingenious material in folk and blues venues around Ontario and elsewhere.
Blain's lyrics in “No More Meetings” are a universal theme, in that they deal with the everyday real things in his (and everyone else's) life. For example: "… meetings, deadlines .. etc." are described effectively and believably. His artistic frustration is summed up well, when he soulfully reflects, "All the good paying gigs are way out of town" -- in the profound but simply put "Blues Is Hurting".
Complaining yet optimistic blues figures prominently in the title tune, "Overqualified For The Blues". Although some of the issues dealt with in this storytelling blues are negative, they're put across in an optimistic way as expected occurrences in everyday life. Some fine barrelhouse piano playing brightens this catchy, people-friendly tune, courtesy of iconic piano man Richard Bell. Bell is a much-sought-after session man whose impeccable music credentials include stints on the ivories in Janis Joplin's Full Tilt Boogie Band; as well as a Hawk with Ronnie Hawkins. Bell was also in The Band when they performed at the original Woodstock in 1969. In addition, he's a much-respected sound engineer and session man who's also known to play a little accordion at times.
"Enfant Choisi" echoes back to Blain's earliest beginnings in music in Montreal, Quebec ... a hub of French Canadian culture -- be it in galleries, museums, restaurants, rock icons like Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush or die-hard folkies like Brian Blain. He sings this tune in French Canadian, which adds to the charm of artistic expression in the vocals, as only the magic of the French language can evoke in one's imagination.
There’s a rousing blues/boogie beat found in "Terrace Inn". Blain’s deep involvement in the cyber world, whether it be for communication or publishing, is quite evident in "Hi-Tech Blues". Lyrics like "My computer is crashing .. I get a low down feeling with these high-tech blues", is a universal dilemma for anyone 'hooked' up to the internet. So a totally appropriate subject for the blues these days. Michael Fonfara’s (Downchild Blues Band/ex-Lou Reed/Electric Flag) high-powered boppin' piano playing, combined with the urgency in the frantic but mellow delivery in Blain's vocals, rocks like there's no end in 'site'. Mike Fitzpatrick (Downchild/Livin’ Blues Band) plays drums on this tune. Fitzpatrick’s hard-drivin' talent on the skins, ensures his percussive genius is put to good use, complementing these hard-driving melody-infused passages.
Blain bellows out "I'm a mixed up, mixed up, mixed up fool" in the upbeat winner, "I'm a Little Mixed Up". His impeccable rhythm section backs him with a solid beat.
"One Way Ticket" bounces along nicely. Blain's vocals declare, "I'll take a one-way ticket" - followed with this welcome nostalgic imagery, "Home run hero on a small town team -- Had Johnny Bench written all over me." Blain's guitar licks move along like a home-run king's in this nostalgic winner.
"Peace" speaks volumes of the peaceful '60s hippie movement, with its laid back simply put message -- "We need peace in the world". These passive sentiments are reflected in supportive background vocals, along with a call and answer response from Harry Manx's incredible talent on lap steel guitar and Paul Reddick's moving harp playing.
"The Big Fire" is the heartwarming finale to this very enjoyable CD. Blain combines both French and English language vocals in “… Fire”, along with charming, whimsical guitar riffs that cry out for 'more' of this artist's creative endeavors of the finest 'muse'-ical kind.
Artist: Brian Blain
CD: 'Overqualified For The Blues'
Label: Northern Blues # NBM0011
Year: 2005