Carleton Place Jam Review from Sugar Daddy Jim Roy
The Thirsty Moose and MBS proved Thursday night that they really know how to throw a party! The place was more packed than I've ever seen it and Barry Buse, Peter Brown, Ross Taylor, Gary Sanford, Alyssa Mahoney, Cyd and Johnny 'Hurricane' among other fine jammers kept up the standard of one of the valley's hottest jams. One of these jams if you're in the Ottawa area is well worth the short, 30 minute ride to Carleton Place.
The jam runs from an early 8 pm to 11 pm and allows even out-of-towners to have a fun night and get back to town early enough to get to work on time the next day.
I was the happy recipient of carpooling with Cyd who not only treated us to her fine and energy filled vocal interpretations, but was excellent company to and from the Moose and on the postage stamp sized but fun dancin' area we shared with some of the local area 'Moosers'
I look forward to catching this jam again in February when the new year's jams start again in Carleton Place and Arnprior and to the new MBS jam in Almonte every 2nd Sunday each month at the Ironworks in Almonte.

Check the MBS web site for confirmation and details http://www.missblues.ca/

A friend has passed
Although not well known, a dear, and very talented friend has passed. Paul Laflamme was known for his simple and incredibly heartfelt original songs that I will always hear in the distant corners of my mind. Paul, I love you and your music and you will always be remembered in the hearts of friends. I hope someday to find someone, or something from which I can learn some of your original music from and keep it alive by playing it in your honour.

Stout Brothers Cancelled
Well, just as it was starting to go, it is now stopped in its tracks. Just so you don't go out for nothing, it is cancelled until further notice!

New Wednesday Jam: Stout Brothers
For those of you that are already missing the Bayou, the Wednesday night crowd has moved over to Stout Brothers (Bank and Riverside). I think I heard that Pearl is hosting it. If we want to keep seeing our Wednesday night usuals, we should try to support this one. Bruce, you and Suzanne are the only fixtures missing. I hope you can come and join us sometime soon!

Thirsty Moosers know how to host a jam!
I had a great time in Carleton Place on Tuesday. I was fortunate enough to share the company of Jimbo Joy on the way down. Man, oh, man those cats can play! There was a really fun father son brass team that played some mean solos and kept swapping instruments and a really cool bass player who sat down to play (I missed his name, sorry my friend).
This was the first time I saw Barry Buse and Al Tambay playing and no wonder they are so well known. They are masters of improvisation, stage presence and "on the edge" humour. I also finally got to see Peter Brown, I had heard so much about this lengendary player!
There were a few of us that came in from Ottawa, Larry Wayne Church, Ricard W. (sorry hon, if I try to spell it, I'll just butcher it!) Jimbo and myself.
For you jammers who still haven't made it out, there will be an appreciation night and even bigger jam on Dec. 22, you cannot miss this night!

It's Thirsty Moose Jam Night in Carleton Place
I have been trying to get out these jams for months. Tonight, I am actually going along with a bunch of fun people from O-town. Can't wait to see the Ross, Mark and the rest of the jammers tonight!

Can you donate a few bucks to Bruce's cause?
I have been told that many prominent Ottawa Musicians are rallying to help raise some money to help Bruce hire some legal advice. I want to help too and have committed my portion of the pay for our November 30 show at Kinki.
Can you spare $10, $20, $50, or even $100. If so, please call Wayne Nichol (at (613) 257-4755 afternoons or at (613) 253-6196 evenings.) and let him know. Thanks for even considering it.

Bayou's Last Bruce Hoorah
Since the article in the Citizen came out, it is now public knowledge that Jed Rached is taking over as the entertainment coordinator.
Bruce and Suzanne, you will be sadly missed. I certainly hope we still see you around town.
I have never seen the Bayou so packed as it was for Bruce's sendoff on Nov. 30. It just goes to show you how well loved Bruce is and how much he means to the Ottawa Music Community.
It was so great to see Brian Downey, Maria Hawkins, Jim Roy, Ross and Mark from Carleton Place, the Shakedown Crew, Wicked Grin and so many other great musicians all in one spot. The jam list was a 2-pager! It was an honour and a pleasure to be part of a wonderful evening.
I couldn't bring myself to leave, when I finally headed out at 1:30, there was still lots of music to be played.