Dave Mowat with Ben Sures:

Dave Mowat:
Dave Mowat took up the harmonica after relocating to Winnipeg from southern Ontario in the early 1980s. While in Winnipeg for 13 years Dave learned from some of the best blues players in western Canada including Big Dave McLean, Gord Kidder and Brent Parkin. His love of the old blues took him on personal excursions to Chicago in efforts to find heroes like Sunnyland Slim, Junior Wells, and Honeyboy Edwards. And Dave's own personal experiences lend themselves credibly to an understanding of the old country blues where subject matter was focused on the relations between man, woman and the powers that be. "In my mind it's all about love, god, the good, bad, indifferent, and trying to transpose that to the 10-hole diatonic." Today Dave lives back in southern Ontario at his home on the Alderville (Mississauga Ojibway) Reserve and can be heard in the Peterborough area, or somewhere along the Lake Ontario frontier with such players as longtime associate Ben Sures or with JL Avis and the Barnburners. Dave also bills himself with 'the Curbside Shuffle' and over the years has played in the company of many a fine American blues player such as RL Burnside, Eddie Clearwater, Kenny Brown, Big Jack Johnson, Smokey Wilson and Hubert Sumlin. In 2004 he was a featured performer on Rez Blues TV which airs in Canada on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Dave is an honorary lifetime member of the Manitoba Blues Society, and usually gets back to Winnipeg annually to stay in touch with the blues scene there.

Ben Sures:
Anyone who has heard Ben Sures perform will tell you that big talent comes in small packages. A veteran of the contemporary folk and roots music scene, Ben has long fought for the recognition he deserves in the Canadian music industry. His 2005 award in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition, for his song Any Precious Girl, is evidence of his genius, his originality, and his tenacious ability to flawlessly pick his way to the top of the guitar heap while telling an absorbing story in words that only the craftiest of lyricists could pen. Raised in Western Canada, Ben began playing guitar in high school, and has been writing and performing ever since, touring festivals, small venues and living rooms across the nation. Ben performs live with his talented bass player/back up vocalist, Shantel Koening, sometimes under the alias Supergroup. Often featured on CBC, Ben’s performances are energetic and humourous, and whatever the venue, he manages to connect with his audiences with a seldom duplicated sense of intimacy that draws the listener inextricably into the folds of his melodic story telling. While Ben's voice has been compared to Paul Simon, and his songwriting has been compared to Sarah Harmer and Greg Brown, his originality has truly made him a brilliant and outstanding gem in the diamond mine of the Canadian music scene. Ben has four cds available through Spirit River Distribution, and on his website at www.bensures.com . Now a well respected musician within the industry, he also plays on several compilation albums. If you have the opportunity to experience this unique performer, it should not be overlooked. And, if you’re unable to get out and see him, you’ll be astounded to know that he also makes house calls. If you ask Ben to play in your living room, he will deliver an unforgettable and intimate evening of story and song - and you don’t even have to change out of your pyjamas.
BACK TO TOP

Totally Unhooked:
Comprised of area musicians, this new band features highly energetic and vibrant vocalist Estelle Deschamps.  Behind Estelle are four seasoned musicians you might recognize from Smooth Rock Falls, Cochrane and Iroquois Falls. Look forward to their first single to be released soon!

The Wabi Delta Band:
Northern Ontario's BEST Blues / Roots Band!!! Formed in the early 1990's, the Wabi Delta Band has been an unlikely mainstay in the Temiskaming area. Eschewing the conventional attitude that, to play in bars in Northern Ontario, a band must play Top 40/Classic Rock and New Country, the band has developed it's own following of people uninterested in current trends; people who want good music with their good time! After many line-up shuffles, many two- and three-nighters in bars all over the north, and many festivals, the band still continues to find places to play and people to play to. 
BACK TO TOP

Mike DeWay Blues Band (translated from French):
 ...... "Everybody Understands the Blues" said Albert King in his classic "Blues Power". Yes, everyone knows what is going on, Mike lives for the blues, the blues and the blues. His mission: Ensure that the message of Albert King should make himself as far as possible.
 
Highly acclaimed on the stages of several events in Quebec, Mike will certainly demonstrate to you his passion for the blues. His communication skills, warm voice and great guitar playing underlie his undeniable artistry. Mike DeWay is the interpreter par excellence of the blues for his Francophone audiences. He does the best-of "Chicago Blues" and their biggest names like Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Freddie King and several others ... A dynamic and colorful artist who promises you the blues, blues and nothing but the blues.

A native of St. Charles Parish Limoilou in the heart of Lower Town Quebec, Mike was born in 1955. “It's been thirty-five years since I began playing the guitar. At age 17 I formed my first band, then there was "Rockson" and I made a comeback in 1994 with the "Only Blues Band”. 

At the age of 8 years, I listened to musicals on TV, Louis Armstrong to Elvis Presley through Glenn Miller. In addition, in 1964 "WOW" the Beatles on the "Ed Sullivan Show". I was very impressed. In the years 1965 to 1969, there were lots of "Rock & Roll" bands in Quebec, including my neighbor who learned songs from British and American artists. There was a lot of influence of American blues. I used to watch them rehearse 3-4 nights a week. I was mesmerized by this music. In 1970 I bought my first guitar, a Gibson ES125 TC 1955, for the modest sum of $80.00.

In 1972 I bought my first album of Jazz-Blues fusion by John Mayal. I jammed with John Mayal for hours and hours between the age of 15 and 19. I listened to the Dobbie Brothers, Bad Company, the Rolling Stones, B. B. King and Albert King. My perception of the blues in general is music that comes from the heart, soul and belly. As they say in Quebec to learn the history ... we understand. The blues lets you escape into delirious improvisations.

I love this music to the max! 
BACK TO TOP

The Barrel House Blues Band:
Formed in the spring of 2007. Their music is a blend of R&B, Chicago, Texas and British Blues. With a twist of Outlaw Country and straight forward Rock and Roll they pay homage to their blue collar roots. They are a melting pot of high energy, hard working, ripping blues rock music. However when called upon can be smooth and stinging. They do it because they love it! The energy and vibe of their live shows is certain to leave any blues fan satisfied!
BACK TO TOP

Dig Newton:
The Love child known as Dig Newton was created almost three years ago by four lads with a strong love affair for Funk, Blues, R&B and Rock 'n' Roll. Joanisse, former drummer of Bran Van 3000, and Funky Steve make up the strong back-bone of this soulful group with their complimentary grooves and sharp ear for rhythm. Guitarist Moore adds jazzy licks and smooth backing vocals leaving plenty of room for Thomas to add his powerful and lively voice that completes the character of this rock solid 4-piece groove band known as Dig Newton. 

Fans love the sound. Fans love to dance and the brotherhood that has been formed within this band can be felt by the crowd any time they take stage. Finally, after a year of hard work Dig Newton have released their first album "Plant a Seed". Cd's available at all live shows and online (CD Baby, i-tunes, amazon, etc.); it is also available locally at CD Plus. 

The band has already taken to the studio working on a collection of approximately 16 new songs. In the coming months please check out their myspace site to find out what they are up to, as new songs should be available this summer. Remember, there are all kinds of music to explore and discover out their so band together and support your local talent where ever you may be.  
BACK TO TOP

Danny B. and Jake Thomas:

Danny B.:
Danny "B" has been performing since the age of three. As a youngster he played drums and at the age of nine he had his own band. He evolved into a singer, harmonica player, voiceover talent and on-screen and theatre actor. Danny made his acting debut with a principal role in the movie "Hank and Mike" starring Thomas Michael, Paolo Mancini, Joe Mantegna and Chris Klein. 

Danny has lent his music, voice and acting expertise to the internationally renowned black light theatre group, Famous People Players. He has co-starred with such luminaries as the late Al Waxman, Nathan Lane, Martin Short, Andrea Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Michael Burgess and Ernie Sabella. 

Danny has entertained from coast to coast in Canada, the U.S., Europe and Australia. He has shared the stage and recording studio with legendary musicians such as Doug Riley (Dr. Music), David Clayton-Thomas, Jackie Richardson, Joe Sealy, Paul Novotny, Michael Kaeshammer, Big Momma Thornton, Big Moose Walker, Lefty Dizz, Steve Kennedy, Pentti (Whitey) Glan, Bernie LaBarge, Peter Cardinali, Phil Woodard and a host of others. 

Danny makes his home in Toronto. In addition to his many live festival and concert dates he just made his acting debut in the movie "Hank and Mike" starring Thomas Michael, Paolo Mancini, Joe Mantegna and Chris Klein. He can also be heard lending his vocals, voice and harmonica to scores of radio and television commercials including Kit Kat, Bell, Blue Light, Oreo Cookies, Becel, Kraft Dinner, Cheez Whiz, Coca-Cola, Esso, Burger King, The Bay, Listerine and too many to list on one page. 

Also a songwriter, Danny has written and co-written a variety of songs including "He Had A Dream That Day" "When You Live With The Lame You Learn To Limp" (also a Bravo video), "I Like", "Dolly's Smile", "Francisco's Van", "It's About Time", "Still Smokin", "Danny's Boogie" all of which can be heard on his 3 CDs, "He Had A Dream That Day", "Much Too Late" and "You Can't Make Peace". 

A singer, a voiceover talent, a harmonica player and actor, Danny has the ability to adapt to any style of entertainment. 

Jake Thomas:
It was 1965 when a promising young guitarist from North Bay Ontario named Jake Thomas hit the road in pursuit of his musical passion. His travels took him to cities such as Detroit and Montreal, but it wasn’t until 1967 that Jake landed and decided to stay in Toronto. It was here that Jake found himself merging with well-known Toronto blues, jazz, and R&B performers including George Olliver, Bill King, Aaron Space, and Doug Kershaw. Jake also joined the musical brotherhood in bands like Truck and Buckstone Hardware. To supplement his busy gigging schedule, Jake also took on numerous recording sessions and even some film work with actor Don Scardino and film producer Don Shebib.

The highlight of Jake’s career in Toronto had to be when he opened shows for blues greats such as Taj Mahal, Muddy Waters, Johnny and Edgar Winter, James Cotton, and Ruth Brown. These were influential times for the young guitarist from the north. By the late 70s Jake had re-established himself back in North Bay to raise a family and by the early 90s he formed the first incarnation of Jake and the Fundamentals, playing the kind of music that had always inspired him, blues and R&B.

Since then, Jake has played with greats such as Dutch and Garret Mason, Willy “Big Eyes” Smith, David Rotundo, Enrico Crivellaro, Chuck Jackson, Danny B., Jack DeKeyser, Jeff Healy, and many others. Jake and the Fundamentals have opened for dozens of headliners over the past decade and continue to frequent festivals and clubs across Ontario. Although he is recognized as a skilled and soulful electric guitarist, Jake is being rediscovered as a fine finger-picking country blues performer on the acoustic as well. When all is said and done, Jake delivers the goods big time. With his blood ‘n guts style of guitar playing, Jake Thomas IS the Wyatt Earp of the blues. 
BACK TO TOP

Shrimp Daddy and The Sharpshooters:

Michael Reid: They call him “Shrimp Daddy” and he plays the “Blues”.
With a pseudonym like “Shrimp Daddy” one conjures images of the fishing fleet of Louisiana’s’ “Bayou Delcambre,” Cajun accents, Zydeco music, washboards, accordions & fiddles.  Not to be! …. His deep gravelly vocals, accompanied by the mesmerizing sound of his harmonica, supported by his hard playing band “The Sharpshooters” whisks you to the juke joints of Mississippi as well as the hard edge blues clubs of Chicago. The music of the “Walters”, Willie Dixon, Howlin Wolf & Muddy Waters augmented with the unforgettable sound of Butterfield is his forte!

Transplanted from “La Belle Province” this native Montrealer now makes Toronto his home. It was there he was introduced to & captivated by the sultry sound produced by the blues harmonica. Wasting little time he secured as many tapes & cds containing “blues harp” and the masters as he could, haunted the local clubs & hounded the established players for advice & harmonica lessons which they graciously provided. Practicing diligently his hard work shows and he’s now a welcome addition on stage by the very artists he once stood in awe of. Michael “Shrimp Daddy” Reid is a must hear! 
BACK TO TOP

Jake and The Fundamentals:
It was 1965 when a promising young guitarist from North Bay Ontario named Jake Thomas hit the road in pursuit of his musical passion. His travels took him to cities such as Detroit and Montreal, but it wasn’t until 1967 that Jake landed and decided to stay in Toronto. It was here that Jake found himself merging with well-known Toronto blues, jazz, and R&B performers including George Olliver, Bill King, Aaron Space, and Doug Kershaw. Jake also joined the musical brotherhood in bands like Truck and Buckstone Hardware. To supplement his busy gigging schedule, Jake also took on numerous recording sessions and even some film work with actor Don Scardino and film producer Don Shebib. The highlight of Jake’s career in Toronto had to be when he opened shows for blues greats such as Taj Mahal, Muddy Waters, Johnny and Edgar Winter, James Cotton, and Ruth Brown. These were influential times for the young guitarist from the north.

By the late 70s Jake had re-established himself back in North Bay to raise a family and by the early 90s he formed the first incarnation of Jake and the Fundamentals, playing the kind of music that had always inspired him, blues and R&B.

Since then, Jake has played with greats such as Dutch and Garret Mason, Willy “Big Eyes” Smith, David Rotundo, Enrico Crivellaro, Chuck Jackson, Danny B., Jack DeKeyser, Jeff Healy, and many others. Jake and the Fundamentals have opened for dozens of headliners over the past decade and continue to frequent festivals and clubs across Ontario. Although he is recognized as a skilled and soulful electric guitarist, Jake is being rediscovered as a fine finger-picking country blues performer on the acoustic as well. When all is said and done, Jake delivers the goods big time. With his blood ‘n guts style of guitar playing, Jake Thomas IS the Wyatt Earp of the blues. 
BACK TO TOP

Harrison Kennedy:
Best known as the lead vocalist on the Chairmen of the Board blues classic "I'm the Chairman of the Board," Harrison Kennedy was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, before moving to Detroit to join up with the Chairmen, a group started as part of the new Holland-Dozier-Holland label Invictus/Hot Wax.

In the mid-'70s, Kennedy left the group and struck out on a solo career. Over the years he has been able to pull from styles as varied as funk, soul, R&B, folk, rock, and gospel. In 2008, Kennedy was nominated for Best Blues Recording in Canada's Juno Awards. 
BACK TO TOP

Elmer Ferrer with Irene Torres:

Elmer Ferrer:
Toronto-based Cuban virtuoso Elmer Ferrer is widely recognized as one of the world's premiere modern guitarists. He has recorded and toured the world with many of the most prestigious Cuban musicians, and played to crowds in excess of 90 000. An accomplished music composer, producer, arranger, and performer, he is also the leader of the remarkable Elmer Ferrer Band, “known for wowing the crowds with blues rock sprinkled liberally with Cuban jazz” (The Ottawa Citizen, 2007).

Born in 1973 in Sancti Spíritus -a small city that holds one of the strongest histories in Cuban traditional music- Elmer started to play guitar at age 12. During his first year out of four of classical guitar studies at Havana´s famed National School of Arts (ENA), he saw the American movie “Crossroads”. The film opened the door for the sixteen-year-old classical guitarist Elmer Ferrer to the world of Jazz and Blues. He soon discovered the art of guitarists like John Scofield, Pat Matheny, Scott Henderson, Steve Vai, Mike Stern, Robben Ford and Steve Ray Vaughan, and decided he wanted to play the electric guitar. But there were no electric guitar programs in Cuban music schools back then; thus, Elmer continued to study classical guitar, while devoting every free minute to the self-study of the electric instrument. One year after his graduation as a classical guitarist, the same ENA hired him to teach at the new ‘Department of Electric Guitar’. 

Known as Cuba’s most sought after electric guitarist, Elmer has been one of the most prolific studio musicians in Cuba in the last decade. He contributed to several music recordings, including two Latin Grammy nominated albums and an Oscar nominated movie soundtrack. He has performed at international Jazz and Blues festivals world-wide, and played live shows and improvised jams with international figures as Me'Shell Ndegé Ocello, Ed Motta, the Otis Taylor Band, Los Lobos, and Chris Duarte. Some of the Cuban names he has collaborated with, include the multi awarded Juan Formell & Los Van Van, Orlando Valle "Maraca", and the 6 times Grammy winner maestro Chucho Valdés.

With his first CD as a soloist (Metropoli –Unicornio, 2002), Elmer won the Best New Album Award at the International Music Fair Cubadisco 2003, and was also nominated for Best Jazz Album of the Year. The Elmer Ferrer Band was formed in Havana one year later, and had its International debut at the 2005 Cisco Systems Ottawa Bluesfest (Ottawa, Canada), opening concert for American star Kid Rock. Elmer´s second CD Fango Dance was released at the event, and ranked fifth in units sold. Since then, "Cuban Elmer Ferrer has toured the world with his band, thrilling crowds with his blazing guitar riffs of Latin jazz, blues and rock" (Ottawa Metronews, 2007) and the phrase “return by popular demand” has been heard more than once. On four years of existence, the Elmer Ferrer Band has made the line up on stage at international events with Keb Mo, Johnny Lang, Bonnie Raitt, the Chris Duarte Group, David Hidalgo & Los Lobos, Kid Rock, the Derek Trucks Band and Van Morrison.

Critics have compared Ferrer's guitar skills to those of music legends like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Words like “Methany meets SRV” has been used when describing his guitar work. Elmer's signature high energy jazz-blues-rock fusion has been called "an advanced mix of Cuban jazz with electric blues", and has brought him international acclaim as one of the strongest voices in today’s world of modern electric guitar music.

Irene Torres:

Irene Torres is a Peruvian born singer songwriter who has resided in Canada for the last eighteen years. There she has developed her sound and distinct style of writing within the hip and culturally diverse backdrop that is Toronto. In the summer of 2005 alongside close friends and writing partners, Sol Torres was formed. Since then, Aaron Jones(The Badonkafunks, Mark Feldman), Ben McDonald (Yuka), Ryan Spratt (DPT, Yuka), Matt Giffin, James Irvin, Joel Visentin (Sabor Latino), and Michael Costantini (Organic Funk), have been writing great tunes and leaving behind memorable performances.

Despite all being involved in a variety of different ensembles and projects, all members past and present, agree that with Sol Torres, they seem to have found a winning combination based around a positive outlook on life, friendship and the importance of community. In 2006, Irene sung her way to Top 40 Finalist round on the popular Television Show, Canadian Idol. Since then she has studied singing and music theory with award-winning pianist and arranger, Dave McMorrow (Rough Trade, Etta James, Billy Holiday) and Ben D’Cunha. Recently, Irene has joined forces with Nice+Smooth/Caroline Records/itunes artist ‘Sol Azul’ which has gained international renown for their dance floor hits.

As well as licensing their songs world wide for Television, Advertising, Fashion Shows and on the Internet. In addition she has been writing and performing with many other artists and ensembles such as The Errol Fisher Blues Band (Blues/Jazz/ Soul), Rhymestone (Turkish/World/HipHop), Minority (metal), Michael Costantini (Flamenco/Folk/Soul), Rhythmicru (HipHop). Torres’ sound characteristically features her voice over a mix of funky bass lines, jazzy trumpets, soulful sax lines, Spanish guitar and trip hop beats.

In 2007 Irene’s lyrical compositions were featured in the soundtracks for films, ‘Exhale’ and ‘After Sunset’. She is also a busy session singer on several demos and masters written by award-winning composer D’Arcy McGuire and Evren Ozdemir amongst others.

Currently Irene is focused on writing and performing in Canada and the U.S. working hard continuing to develop her repertoire and sound as well as sharpen her tools within music and commercial advertising. She is in the process of developing her first solo EP. All Booking Inquiries should be directed to: i.torresmusic@gmail.com
BACK TO TOP

The Gary Kendall Band: 

Everyone knows Gary Kendall as oft-elected Maple Blues’ Bassist of the Year, blues man about town and keeper of the bottom end for Downchild. But Gary’s alter ego is found in his much beloved Gary Kendall Band – a band in which each carefully selected player is equal and accountable. Formed in 2005, Gary reached out to some of Toronto’s best musicians to create a turn-on-a-dime squad of blues marauders to build a loyal following for their own brand of music –and for doing exactly what they like to on any given night – play the blues. 

The chemistry found between Gary Kendall (bass/lead vocals/songwriter), Tyler Burgess (drums/harmonica/vocals), Darran Poole (guitar/vocals) and Wayne “Shakey” Dagenais (piano/organ/percussion/vocals) is beyond formidable. This spirited foursome plays together relentlessly and have so much fun at it, one’s never entirely sure what to expect – and that live spontaneity is exactly what the blues has been needing for a long time.

With a two CD catalogue (Dusty & Pearl, Feels Real Strong) and new, downloadable single (“This Sacred Ground”) to draw from, Kendall & Co. mix it up and dish it out with every performance, playing to blues-savvy crowds drawn to a groove they already know never quits.

Think about it – with a talent pool from bands including Downchild, Fathead and Stompin’ Tom – the possibilities are endless, and all of them good.

The quality of the music on any given night with the Gary Kendall Band is a given. It’s not Downchild. It’s not The Kendall Wall Blues Band or any variation of Kendall’s Maple Blues Revue. It’s a fresh, impassioned outlet for four talented musicians clearly inspired by their collective love of the music business. This is a true band who conspire to write their own music, arrange, play and sing it they way they like it – and it’s a guaranteed “Real Good Night” in any live setting. Experience counts for something. The Gary Kendall Band counts for more than that. 
BACK TO TOP

Erin McCallum:
When Erin McCallum first heard Big Mama Thornton's "Hound Dog", she sensed something very special.  She heard a sound and delivery that she identified with immediately, and continues to channel both in the studio and live performance.

A relative newcomer to the music scene, McCallum is making great strides employing that basic approach - true to the long-estavlished roots of Blues - as basic as her own vision of the genre.  And people are starting to take notice.  Establishing a sound revolviing around that voice - a captivating alto tenor - and ably supported by Trevor MacKenzie on guitar, Ron Lombard on bass, and Joe Pace on drums, Erin has twice been nominated for an Ontario Independent Music Award ("Best Blues Band")

Erin has just released her second CD Feel This, that features a mix of various Blues stylings, while remaining within the musical territory staked out with her first offering 5 a.m. Blues.  McCallum uses the platform of the 11 selections - all written and arranged by the artist from thought to finish - to cover a range of topics; and not all of them the usual Blues variety.

With her strong vocals front and centre, MacKenzie's first-rate guitar serving as the soloing focal point and Lombard and Pace holding down the bottom end.  McCallum leads the band through various musical excursions.  Feel This is sure to surpass the acceptance of 5 a.m. Blues, that captures the imagination of DJ's and listeners in over 50 countries.

And it's just the beginning.  Feel This, with obvious merits, is a stepping stone in the process.  There are big things on the horizon for Erin McCallum.

BACK TO TOP