Ottawa Music Community

2006-07-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Etta James is better than ever: Bluesfest Review

I had been looking forward to July 13 for a few weeks and had splurged on a VIP front-of-house ticket for this performance. I have to admit, I was a little scared to be disappointed. I hadn't heard the greatest things about her, one of my all-time-favourite blues artists.

Well, if you were there, you probably heard me screaming her name. I'm sure I annoyed everyone around me. I couldn't sit down, I couldn't shut up. I had lost all sense of my non-music personna and let loose. I was blown away by this almost 70-year-old legend; her vocals, in my opnion were as strong as ever and every tiny move, subtle (and sexy) antic and facial expression she made toward the audience were that of a seasoned pro. She rode the edge of that wave that keeps the audience shocked enough to stay interested. Her last number (of which the name escapes me) had tears streaming down my face.

If that wasn't enough, I had the pleasure of the company of Lame Buffalo, Anne and Maria Hawkins, who just happened to be celebrating a birthday that day. We ate, we sang, we danced, we cried. Oh, what a night.

2006-05-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Kudos for Ricky Paquette (from BJGuy)

"As his web site says, Ricky Paquette is a fifteen year old Blues guitarist and singer that is fresh out of the starting gates".

After my catching his CD release party at Tucson's on Friday 19 May, this statement strongly underplays the mastery Ricky has managed to gain at his very young age of not only the electric blues guitar and an ability to emulate the greats and their best guitar licks but the stage presence and crowd pleasing of some of bluesmen who've paid many more dues than Ricky could possibly have so far.

Very nice mix of tunes the crowd could relate to and enjoy on the dance floor or just enjoy listening to!

All I can say is GREAT! Good for you Ricky! A very professional performance! Hope to see you soon again!

And if anyone reading this missed this show and is a blues aficionado, check out Ricky's next performance! Here's his web site for more info.
http://www.rickypaquette.com/

2006-05-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, Kelly Lee Evans is Amazing
I was out at Mercury Lounge on Saturday night and sat amongst some very lucky audience members. Kelly Lee gave an amazing show and to think that it was all original music is astounding.

Those of you who have performed your original music on stage will know what I am talking about when I say that it takes a very special kind of courage to put yourself out there and have others react. Its more scary than just about anything else. Kelly Lee, your efforts were worth every risk you ever took. You are such an inspiration!

Well, I have to admit it was the first time I have ever visited Mercury Lounge and I loved it. It has a special ambience that is quaint and intimate. Adding to the feeling, is the beautiful, larger- than-life, red backdrop curtains and and high ceiling complemented by the surealitic original art hanging on the walls and the interesting venue floorplan. Like I said, I love it and will be back.

2006-04-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

Happy 50th Dr. Dave!

Well, I was floored to find out that Dave Foster, aka, Dr. Dave was 50! Dave the years have treated you very well. It was celebrated at Wicked Grin's Sunday Jam at the Rainbow on April 9. It was very crowded with lots of well-wishers for Dave's celebration. Many of Dave's stage sharing musician friends joined in on the jam to make it a great afternoon of really good music.
Here's to the next 50, Doc!

2006-03-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

Upside Blue is often seen getting Kinki!

Yours truly was on vocals last night at Kinki Asian Fusion and Sushi Bar along with Rick Woyiwada, Ivan Matte and Larry Wayne Church. We had fun as usual, the staff are warm and welcoming and the audience enjoyed the music.

We will be there again every fourth Wednesday until further notice. Next date will be April 26, 2006. Hope to see you there. It's a really cool place, here is a little visual to give you the full effect.

2006-03-23T13:42:00.000-08:00

WOW! Over $3800 for Bruce!

It was officially a success. And it was a helluva lot of fun. Two fabulous nights of music dedicated to the blood, sweat and tears of Bruce Blair. It was great to see them too, I for one, hadn't seen them since that last hoorah at the Bayou on Nov. 30.

It is a rare occasion when this many jazz and blues artists lined up to play in one venue over two nights. I wonder if it will happen again in my lifetime. A huge congratulations to the event and everyone who partook. Can't even imagine how to begin thanking the artists that made it all possible. WOW!

2006-02-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

Don't Forget Bruce Blair Bash Nights March 8 and 9
Organizing and working on Bruce Blair Tribute has been truly a great experience. I have had the chance to meet alot of musicians and individuals that I wouldn't normally have had a chance to meet. It has been wonderful working alongside the committee, Wayne Nichol, Jim Roy, Dayle Reynolds, Murray Kinsley, Larry Wayne Church, Gavin McLintock, Peter Hum, Gaby Warren, etc.

I am so looking forward to attending. There has been overwhelming support from local music stores and venues and there will be some fun antics and great prizes. Be sure to check it out at www.jazzbluesbash.com, and get a ticket now. You can buy one from me or by sending us an email from the website (click on the reserve your tickets here link).

2006-02-28T10:08:00.000-08:00

Its been awhile!
Well, it has also been a tremendously busy few weeks. Yikes! On my mind over the last few weeks has been, Larry Wayne Church's "Dinner Jam Thing" that happened late in Jan. We had a ball, Ross Taylor, Richard W. (someday I'll get his last name right), Mark Fillion, Gord Black (I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw him, I have missed Gord terribly!), Rick Woyiwada, Larry himself, his lovely damsel Kim and some really great neighbours all attended.

We didn't jam too late, but, man did we eat! Not a word of lie, the three tables of food would have fed at least another 20 people. Apparently Kim had been cooking for days.

This is something I bow down to. Mario calls my cooking style "Cordon Black" and for very good reason. I'm always too hungry to wait for anything to cook slowly!

All in all it was a great night. Thanks to all who attended for making it really fun and a special thanks to Larry and Kim for all the hard work.

2006-01-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

Tuscon's Smokin' Saturday Night with Wicked Grin
Yet another funkin', movin', smokin' gig by Wicked Grin at Tuscon's Saturday night. This band plays magic with the mood. All the WG regulars showed up and the dancing floor was bouncing all night long. There were two definitive camps there, the low-profile, quiet, passive crowd who seemed to be mostly at the back. Then there was the high-energy, screaming, dancing bunch that made their pleasure known.
Mary Gray was up for a swingin' version of Chicago and I got up for a couple of tunes. The latter of which I had the most fun with. It was a funked-up, rhythmic version of Shakey Ground with some dual vocal special effects that came off gloriously. During one of the later choruses, Murray overlapped my vocals with a completely different song, then I filled in some spots with some vocal funk scat.We slowly swapped songs completely and then cleverly swapped back again. It was one of the coolest, improvisation experiences I have ever participated in. Thanks Larry, Murray, Leigh-Anne and Richard, I had a ball...as usual! Wish I had some photos!

2006-01-06T13:31:00.000-08:00

Maria outdoes herself yet again!
Dec. 30 was the eve of New Year's Eve and Maria Hawkins played to a sold out crowd at the Rainbow. She put on a hell of a show and we were all lucky enough to enjoy the outstanding musical talents of Ellysa Mahoney, Mark Filion and a few other special guests. I accompanied Maria on a few numbers and now more than ever think Maria is the Queen of stage presence and high-energy performance. You rock lady!

2005-12-27T16:29:00.000-08:00

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/

2005-12-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

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.

2005-12-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

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!

2005-12-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

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!

2005-12-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

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!

2005-12-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

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!

2005-12-06T13:37:00.000-08:00

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.

2005-12-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

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.

2005-11-28T06:20:00.000-08:00

Let's Thank Bruce
I would like to post Jim Roy's message here as well, please come out and show your appreciation. Upside Blue will be making our way down after our show at Kinki.
Bruce Blair's Last Jammin' Open Stage & Thank Him Event at The Bayou Wednesday 30th November with Traffic Jam. Bruce Blair's last hurrah in this venue as soundman extraordinaire and local live music entrepreneur with sidekick Sue's support for five fun years - 9:30 pm @ Bayou
Last chance to come on down to enjoy the jam and thank Bruce for all he has done to feature Ottawa's fine music community!

2005-11-24T11:09:00.000-08:00

Bye Bye Bayou Bruce?
I can't believe what I heard last night at the Guitar Brothers Jam. It seems that Bruce, Suzanne and all the equipment have been asked to vacate the Bayou premises by Dec. 1. My interpretation of that means no more jams, blues or jazz, no more equipment and worst of all no more Bruce and Suzanne. As Jim puts it, Bruce and Suzanne have given his heart and soul to the Bayou, and I agree. Next Wednesday (30th) will be the last Bayou jam for Bruce, I know I'll be there (albeit later, after my Kinki gig). Music supporters like these two are few and far between, let's send them out with a real bang.

2005-11-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

Straight Up, No Chaser
Congrats to Steve, David, Adrien and (forgive me but I forget your name) the keyboard player that did a great job at a show at Stout Brothers Pub last night with the 80s and 90s pop tune repetoire. They are new on the scene together but old faces to music in general. You guys did a super job!

2005-11-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

R&B Fest at the 'Bow
I missed the whole week at the 'Bow but heard from everyone that attended that it was a series super shows. Apparently, Maria Hawkins was her usual amazing self last night and that one of her stage guests was Mary Gray. I was so pleased to hear that Mary was able to make it. Some of you may know that Mary has a bit of trouble getting out these days. As she loves music so much, it is really heartwarming to know that she could join in. Mary is a true example of courage and passion, another asset to the Ottawa Music Community.
Maria and Mary, although I was not with you in body, my spirit was. I am lucky to call you my friends.

2005-11-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

Guitar Brothers at Bayou this Wednesday
Don't miss a great jam this Wednesday (23rd) at the Bayou. Larry Wayne Church, Murray Kinsley, Richard W. (okay, so I can barely pronounce his last name let alone spell it!) and Rick Woyiwada will likely show up on keys and if we're lucky, maybe Ross Taylor on bass. I'm hoping the usual gang including Johnny B Good, Joe and Greg, Pearl, Cliff, Steve, David J., etc will be there. Bruce and Suzanne, thanks for keeping this going for the last several years.
The Bayou is a great place for those who are just starting out to come and meet some great musicians and to get up and tout their talents in a not-so-intimidating environment. It's always really great to see new faces.

2005-11-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

Wicked Jam at the 'Bow
Well, Wicked Grin outdid themselves again yesterday at the afternoon jam. They have a wonderful following of friends and musicians that came out to lend their talents. It was a blast. Johnny B Good was in top form on his solos playing alongside a really fun sax player whose name escapes me.
Double Double did a truly fabulous version of "Fever".
Ross and Mark came in from their country residences to contribute to the amazing mix.
Mark, I would like to see you play a whole song next time, not just a few notes!
Murray, way to go. You get alot of respect at your jams and it is well deserved. Thanks for yet another really fun time.

Wicked Grin will be appearing at the 'Bow's R&B Fest this week on Thursday night. Don't miss them!

2005-11-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

Amazing Young Talent
have been hearing rumblings lately of an amazing young guitar player who happens to be blind. I finally was able to enjoy his amazing talent at Maria Hawkins gig at the 'Bow last Thursday night (yet another amazing talent!). And amazing he was. If you haven't seen Lucas, you must. His sound is naked: sweet, clean and pure. That young man is going to famous someday and you can say that you knew him "when". A message to Lucas: I apologize for delivering this kudos in such a way that you cannot easily take advantage of. If someone is reading this to you, tell them to give you a big hug for all the amazing talent you have. I never caught up with you last Thursday to give you a hug myself.

2005-11-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

Jim Roy, my hero.
Need I say more.
I can't think of anyone I know that has a more passionate, unselfish giving attitude to the Ottawa Jazz Blues Scene. And what does Jim get out of it for himself...nada.
I call him the Sugar Daddy of the Ottawa Blues Community and he deserves more praise and thanks than we can all offer him in a lifetime. Jim, you don't hear Thank You enough. I'm honoured to call you my friend.

Welcome

2005-11-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

As a musician myself, I decided to start this blog as a way of encouraging other musicians and music fans. I also wanted to highlight the best parts of the Ottawa Jazz Blues community that are sometimes unknown.

We have such an amazing community in Ottawa that it just has to be shared. It is defintely an experiment. I am hoping that others who are just as passionate about music will contribute. Who knows where it will go. Send me your thoughts!