2007 in Review...2008 in sight...

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you to all of the great musicians that made my reviews a job of amazement and pleasure throughout 2007.
Thank you to all of the great players and appreciative listeners that attended our Tuesday night Acoustic Jam at Chicago's this year.
Thank you to the owners of Chicago's and all of the other live music venues in Oshawa for giving us a place to do what we love to do.
Thank you to my cat Sylvester who passed away this year at the age of 15 who was, and still is, an inspiration on how we all can live our lives.Eat.Sleep.Play....God Bless

Please support live music in Oshawa! Starting Sunday January 6th,2008 at Chicago's enjoy the irreplacable Terry Blankley and his guest Fabulous Frank Zee,as they serve up some tasty ambience through dinner into the early evening! Every Sunday from 4-ish to 8-ish .Bring the kids.

Join me at the Tartan Tavern on Friday January 11,2008 when I visit my old friend Ilse Themen and her band for one hell of an effin party.This lady rocks!............See you there!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE BRIAN ROSE LITTLE BIG BAND AT CHICAGO'S!!!

On Thursday,Dec.20 I came home from a Christmas gathering of old friends in the east end to the North Shwa and thought that some nice,pleasing jazz renderings would be a perfect way to wind down the evening.I wish somebody had told me that the party had already started and it was half over! When I walked into Chicago's,I first noticed that the place was filled almost to capacity and while the Brian Rose Little Big Band was effortlessly cruising through a Blood,Sweat and Tears number,I shuffled across a snowy Simcoe St. to recover my camera and the strength to carry on the evening.With a line-up of seasoned pros in a traditional big band configuration and fronted by the almost eerie 40's Sinatra-like vocals by Mr.Dave Statham with either Larisa Renee or Rachelle Courtney,this band obviously delivers what they advertise and more.Although they have a steady once-a-month booking at this venue, I didn't realize or appreciate until now what I had been missing.Here is a quote from their website." The Brian Rose Band is comprised of musicians with extensive experience in jazz, big bands, concert bands, Dixieland music, R&B, and even choirs. Their combined musical influences are reflected in their performance, and make it easy for them to satisfy the diverse tastes of today's audiences."

Brian Rose on sax and flute,Rob Bulger on guitar, Dave Statham on vocals,Steve Kostachuk on drums....wait...go to http://www.brianroseband.ca/ for a not only a comprehensive list of the players,but a really cool website to check out this band.I've also included some pictures of my own and two video clips in this review for your viewing and listening pleasure.

Do yourself a favour,as I will surely again and go back in time for a really fun and cool experience,when the Brian Rose Little Big Band returns on their regular night,Thursday January 17th at Chicago's.Why not."Baby It's Cold Outside"...............See You There!!!!

21st FULL COUNT BLUES BAND CHRISTMAS PARTY at CHICAGO'S!!!

On Saturday,Dec.15,Chicago's was again the place to be for the 21st annual "Full Count Blues Band Christmas Party" featuring Mr.Howard Ross and Friends.Over the years,most of us have greatly enjoyed this band and the many talented musicians that have taken the stage and enhanced the grizzly bear vocals and uniquely imaginative guitar of Howard Ross and this day was no exception.If a band could do a tribute to itself and it's many appreciative fans,then this is how you do it.I thought of this band as a freight train that goes forever to wherever and though it changes cars or band members in it's stops along the way,the engine,(Mr.Ross),is the constant that pulls not only his own weight(believe it or not) but so much more and "keeps the train a-rollin' ".....not to diminish the importance of the band members,on this day special guest Ms.June Eikhard on fiddle,Johnny Mack on guitar,Joe Lambert on sax,Howard(nice name)Moore on trumpet,Phil Manning on keyboards, Tom Uberholtz on bass and the incomparable Frank Woodcock on drums (supported by a legion of relatives).It was nice to see all of the above in the room,whether playing or not and thanks to Howard Ross and the Full Count Blues Band for carrying on this Christmas tradition and keeping your music and our spirits alive.I've included a video of the band doing Downchild's "Flip,Flop and Fly",though you really need to be there next year to appreciate and participate in the festivities.....See you there!!!!!!!!!!!

THE DAVID ROTUNDO BAND with JEROME GODBOO minus DAVID ROTUNDO

Friday,Dec.14, Chicago's hosted a much anticipated "Blues Harp" night,featuring The David Rotundo Band with special guests Jerome Godboo on harp/vocals/merriment and Al Cross on drums.Jerome was forced to announce at 9:30 that David was very ill and would not be attending.To make matters worse a few minutes later,guitarist Dan Dufour's amp decided that it would also not be participating.While this could have been a total disaster for other groups,Jerome and Al,with Shane Scott on bass and Des Brown on guitar,"kicked it up a notch or three" and kept the evening rocking until a new amp was located for Dan and the band went into full steam ahead overdrive until well after 2 a.m. Only real troopers and true professionals could have rescued a special evening like this and our full appreciation goes out to Jerome,Shane,Des,Dan and Al for their supreme effort beyond the call of duty and making this a memorable event of it's own.I've included a video of the Etta James tune"Don't Cry Baby" for you to enjoy and also added it on Youtube where you can find many other clips of Jerome and David and their bands.Get well soon Mr. Rotundo and we're looking forward to seeing you at Chicago's on Friday,January 4th,2008........................See you there!!!!!!!!!

ROMAN POKORNY at CHICAGO'S!

OK...Problems solved and I'm pleased to bring this review to you from Sunday Nov.25,when Chicago's and the Durham Region Music Society presented the great Czechoslovakian guitarist,Roman Pokorny.What a treat THIS was! Playing with a natural fluency that incorporated his classical learning but driven by a highly imaginative freewheeling style,Roman threw all language barriers and any other differences out the window.A virtuoso jazzman,but also a solid blues-rocker and even an adept country-rock picker at times,Mr.Pokorny had many of us wondering if we should have maybe taken a few dozen more guitar lessons.Capably backed by Society members,Terry Blankley on keys,Bobby Watson on guitar,Howard Ross(on bass!) and Greg Stokman on drums, Roman took us on a musical rollercoaster from cool jazzy bends to hot bluesy slides and left an appreciative audience to end each piece with loud applause.Joined later by Frank Zochodne on guitar,Joe Lambert on sax and the awesome vocals of Lynn McDonald,I couldn't help but feel proud to be able to hold the Tuesday Acoustic Jam on the same stage as these very talented musicians. Thanks to Lynn and the DRMS for bringing Roman here and check out his clips on Youtube.I was able to record the part of the concert where the band falls out and Roman flies solo for about four minutes,which I've included below.I'm sure you will enjoy it.

It's going to be a busy month with the DRMS Christmas party featuring Jack De Keyser on the 9th at the Wing Shack,David Rotundo w/Jerome Godboo at Chicago's on the 14th,followed by The Full Count Christmas on the 15th at Chicago's featuring Howard Ross with special guest June Eikhard,as well as many more great shows this month to follow.Check the DRMS and Chicago's calendars for details on these and other events coming soon.
As for me and the Tuesday Acoustic Jam,we just passed the nine month mark and since Christmas Day and New Year's Day are Tuesday's, I hope to see as many of you as I can on Dec.18,because we'll be off for two weeks until Jan.8,2008.All the best to all of you over the holidays and throughout 2008 and I hope to be still jammin' and writin' to ya'll this time next year..........................See Ya!!!!!!!!

DANNY BROOKS at CHICAGO'S!!!!!!!

On Saturday night,I trudged through the late November slop across the street to see Danny Brooks and his band,with Janice on my arm and a dark cloud of personal turmoil swirling in and over my head.Thank God I did! Not experiencing this incredibly talented and gifted man before,I had no idea what I was missing.Try to imagine me,the hockey puck, somehow bouncing off one of the Leaf goalies and proclaiming,"...I've been saved!..I've been saved!!!" OK...that's a bit of a stretch,but not too far off the mark.Recently nominated for 4 Maple Blues awards,Danny and his band delivered sweet satisfaction to his long-time fans,while converting the rest of us to his congregation.Blending Memphis soul,revival gospel and southern rock influences,Danny chased everyone's blues away with his bone-chilling,but heartwarming vocals and awesome guitar work. I'd love to go on about his influences and his band members,in particular,but not exclusively,lead guitarist Papa John King,but please do them justice by checking out his website http://www.dannybrooksmusic.com/ for a real in-depth understanding of the man and his band. I was fortunate enough to have my camera with me and Danny has graciously allowed me to include a video of "Lonesome Road" in this review.Buy a copy of his newly honoured CD,"No Easy Way Out",his soon to be released book,"Miracles For Breakfast" and see him live as soon as you can.Also,if you're arranging one of those "House Concerts" offered on the website,I'll bring along my Alabama BBQ Back Ribs if you invite me.You'll soon see why,when I left Chicago's last night at 1:30 a.m.,that the sun was shining,Heaven was smiling down on me and I didn't have a worry in the world. All things are possible...only believe! Thank you,Danny.God Bless......................................

DAVID ROTUNDO at CHICAGO's!

Someone said last Friday that they weren't sure if they had seen David Rotundo before or not.I had to tell them that they definitely had not,or they would have remembered.Once you see David and his band live,you'll never forget their awesome musicianship,showmanship and stage presence.Happily forever hypnotized with the blues in his soul,since he witnessed the legendary James Cotton in 1991,David travelled extensively to experience the real thing and assimilated himself into the music and the culture.What has resulted is a unique and electrifying performer who hints at,but never copies the greats he has studied and learned so much from in the last 15 years or so.With an impressive collection of his original songs as the vehicle,David alternates between gruff,gritty vocals and a harp sound that conjures up a Mississippi freight train rumbling through the bayou swamps at midnight on the way to Chicago.Supported by a tight-as-a-G-string band,featuring bassist/vocalist Shane"The Pillar" Scott,veteran guitar slingers Dan Dufour and Des Brown and the metronomical Chuck D. Keeping on drums,David keeps an audience involved all evening with an infectious and interesting blend of modern electric blues influences and his one-of-a-kind original style.Please check out http://www.davidrotundo.com/ for a more detailed appreciation of the band members.

Personally,"I Want To Get Lucky" again soon and be "Drinkin' Overtime" with The David Rotundo Band."Let's Have A Good Time"."I'm Into It".....................

On that note,be sure not to miss The David Rotundo Band on Friday,Dec.14 at Chicago's when they are joined by special guests Jerome Godboo(the other greatest harp player in Canada) and Al Cross on drums.I've seen this all-star line-up before and you've got to experience this to believe it.............See You There!!!!!!!!

PAUL JAMES AT CHICAGO'S!!!

To experience Paul James in concert,can be very overwhelming and that's even long before you see him.You know,you need ,a full understanding and appreciation for the work he has done and the people that he has been proud to play with(please see his website for his extensive history),to get the most out of one of his gigs.At the same time,if you just walked in to see if the band knew any TRUE old,rock'n roll,or Bob Dylan or something like that,coming from a 50's-60's guitar expert,who presents an on-stage(and off) personna that,if you were on acid,would come across as a demented,vaguely Presley-like leprechaun that would not be over-dressed in a Joker's cap with deadly looking pointy shoes,then you may see that.Thank god we quit doin' that shit.Instead,as you watch him wander into the audience and take a beer in one hand and a bang-on guitar solo in the other,finish the beer while still playing and then turn the bottle into a slide,as he serenades us through the rest of the audience before returning to the stage,you know you are in the presence of a true Canadian music icon. He must have peeked in on us one Tuesday night jam....sorry....anyway,whether you're dancing,listening or watching Paul James' performance(Juno winner for Best Guitar Solo Facial Expressions, among others,)on(and off) the stage,you'll know you're in the right place at the right time.Like Paul was,when he got the above picture taken with John Lee Hooker.Oh yeah??..Well,I toured with the opening act for Mr.John Lee Hooker for 3 months and I coulda had this picture taken anytime I wanted....but I didn't...so thanks,Paul, the picture looks fine,now.

Next time Paul James and his band come in to rock Chicago's I expect to see a lot of people there.I also expect to see a lot of people for the Tuesday Acoustic Jam....More players...More People...More Fun...See Ya!

CHICAGO'S WINS ANOTHER AWARD!!!

Well... Approaching Acoustic Jam #34 this Tuesday night at Chicago's,we get the news that the establishment has once again been honoured!After being bestowed with the "Friends of the Arts" award in September by the Durham Music Society,Chicago's has now claimed the Gold Medal for "Best Live Entertainment Venue" in the Reader's Choice Awards hosted by This Week Newspaper!Thank you to the owners,the staff and all of the great performers that appeared there during the last year,but most of all,thank you to all who voted.Without any of you this never could have happened. Live music is alive and well in North Oshawa and will always thrive as long as the support and appreciation continues to come from those who make the effort to attend. On the downside,however,my favourite bartender,Karen Lean,did not get enough votes to snag a prize,but that's obviously because when she made the list of nominees,the paper for some reason didn't indicate that she worked at Chicago's,so I'm sure some people just didn't recognize her name.That's OK,Karen,they also omitted the listing for the Acoustic Jam the last two weeks in their "What's On" column.Go figure.Anyway,you don't need a medal to prove that you're the best in the business.Your legion of fans,friends and admirers is well aware of that.
All right,then.....go to http://www.chicagosdiner.ca/ to see the upcoming schedule and try to make it out this Tuesday night.More players..more people..more fun..See you there!

ROBIN HAWKINS BAND AT CHICAGO"S!

Anyone who was fortunate enough to attend Chicago's last Friday night to see The Robin Hawkins Band will agree that we just may have a new Canadian music icon on the horizon.Being the son of and working with his legendary father,Ronnie,since Robin was fifteen years old,has obviously influenced his music and direction,but no more than,let's say,HP sauce influences a steak.The main course here is all Robin and his new band and as meaty,hearty,tasty and tender as you could hope for.Backed by Francois Caron on guitar,double-barreled keyboards by Peter Howe and Shai Peer and a tight,driving rhythm section with Rick Baker on drums and Brock McArthur on bass,it was no surprise that the dance floor was full all night.With an intense,but satisfying mix of originals and covers(Forty Days,Bo Diddley/Who Do You Love,of course),the audience and I were compelled to show our appreciation after each and every tune for Robin's refreshing and inventive vocals and blistering guitar solos.I'm sure that daddy must be really proud of how his boy has accepted the torch and is blazing forward on his own path to the roots-rock hall-of-fame and once you witness the experience yourself,I'm sure you will agree.

Check out http://www.myspace.com/therobinhawkinsband for a list of upcoming shows in this area and a taste of what you can expect to hear.Great stuff,Robin and I'm looking forward to doing it again soon!

JEROME GODBOO AT CHICAGO"S TONIGHT

Wow....Holy sh..What the fff..!!! It just shows you what expectations can do to your mind!! This show was advertised as an Oshawa CD release party for "Humdinger", the new CD by Jerome Godboo and his all-star band with the legendary Alec Fraser on bass, the lovable and unflappable Al Cross on drums and the scary,but medicinal intensity of Shawn Kellerman's guitar.I already knew that Shawn would not be there tonight,as he's burning a path across the south eastern U.S. right now,but had expected Pat Rush,another Canadian guitar maestro(see Johnny Winter for instance),to not only re-create all of Shawn's licks from the new CD,but also infuse a taste of his own unique stylings that only Mr.Rush can deliver.When I didn't see either one of these two on the stage when I walked in, I first thought that,like in football, the 3rd string running back might not get the job done.....
What the hell was I thinking? Not only did Chris Burgess do everything needed to enhance and punch out every one of Jerome's songs as intended and expected,but at the same time established himself as another premier guitar player with this band and in this country.Well done,Chris,you made believers and fans of all of us.
As for Jerome,maybe he thought that he had to try harder or be even better than usual to overcome these expectations,but from an inspired soul,sang and played as well,if not better, than I've ever heard him before.I was going to list the songs that were highlights,but a shorter list would be which ones that weren't,for there would be nothing on it. I was disappointed that I couldn't say hello to and spend some quality time with Jerome's fiancee, Ms."...gardenjane.com...aka Janey," Jane Hayes,but there goes those expectations again. Maybe next time.Circle Friday Dec.14 on your calendar to witness the concert of the year,when Jerome brings in the other greatest harp player in Canada,David Rotundo,with any one of the above mentioned guitar geniuses, to blow us all away into Christmas. I really hope that were all still alive and well to experience this...Hope to see you there..............

JEROME GODBOO"S NEW CD AND SHOW!!!

The new CD by Toronto's

Jerome Godboo,

"Humdinger"!!!!Enjoy a tasty blend of modern electric blues and organic gardening.No,it's not what you think.Along with the most recent creations since his last release three years ago,Jerome has collaborated with his good friend Jane Hayes to promote a unique project that encourages people of all ages to grow and enjoy their own gardens.The opening song,"Beans" is a hoot and "Janey Jane" is an infectious zydeco tribute to Ms.Hayes.The main focus,however,is on Jerome the songwriter/singer/harp player.

Backed by one of Canada's premier guitar players,Shawn Kellerman,bassist/producer Alec Fraser and drummer Al Cross,Jerome shares with us some of his best work,including crowd-pleasers "Eye On You","Dogman" and "Deep Sea Diver".The Toronto Blues Society's John Valentyn has noted that,"...Jerome is in excellent voice and this is one fine band with Kellerman being especially inventive."

You can feed your own soul with these electrifying entertainers when they serve up a blues/rock buffet at Chicago's Diner this Saturday,Oct.20 at 9 p.m....See you there

The week in review-Tues.Oct.9-Sat.Oct.13

Well, it was a slow week,for a few different reasons.First of all,Acoustic Jam #30 on Tuesday was not well-attended,as is usually the case when it follows a long weekend,but I'm sure things will be back to normal this week for #31.Thanks to Brian,who came in to play slide guitar with us.Hope to see you again.
Unfortunately,I could only see Danny Marks on Friday for a few minutes,but with a nearly packed house and "The Human Jukebox" doing his thing in front of a full dance floor,I'm sure it was a great evening.He has told me in the past that he really enjoy's the atmosphere and his many fans and friends at Chicago's and it shows.
I was also unable to attend the performance of George Olliver,"The Blue-Eyed Prince Of Soul" that same night,when he did a one-man band gig at"The Hare and the Hound" in downtown Shwa,but I'm sure he put on the riveting vocal and visual show that I've come to know and love over the years.This is another great venue for live music in our town and Dave,the owner should be commended for his efforts in this area.Head down on a Thursday night and enjoy Terry Blankley with Al Matthews on guitar and Dan Silver on drums.These clubs and musicians both need and appreciate your support,unless you want disco and the dj's to invade like those War of the Worlds robot monsters like they did in the early 80"s.....AAAHHGGG!!!!!!!!!!

Jack De Keyser Friday Night at Chicago's

Jack's back!!!!!!!! Those of you who were fortunate enough to see multi Maple Blues and Juno award winner Jack De Keyser last Friday night at Chicago's for the CD release party of his new disc,"Blues Thing", know exactly what I mean.I must admit thinking that with him being a local musician and appearing fairly regularly at this venue,that "Chicago's has a really good stake on De Keyser"...Ba-dump-dump...but with a solid driving rhythm section,two saxophones and Jack's special mix of R&B,swing,blues,jazz and old rock and roll guitar and vocal flavourings, the dance floor was full of feet and the faces were full of smiles for the entire evening. About a year ago,I began to recognize that when some "A-list" performers achieve a particular level of excellence,that a certain amount of complacency begins to dampen the fire a little on both sides of the microphone,however,not with this guy.With a blazing band,well-chosen set lists and a loud appreciative audience,any thoughts I may have had in this area about Jack De Keyser and his band have now been replaced with a renewed anticipation toward seeing them again. This is a consumate professional who is among the best in the business at his craft and who will obviously continue to share with us that fire in his musical soul for some time to come.Don't miss this great entertainer,singer and musician and his band the next chance that you get! I bet you'll want to take home the new CD!!!!!!

Acoustic Jam #29 last Tuesday

Hi.......Thanks to everyone who attended last Tuesday's Acoustic Jam night at Chicago's,especially the players,who without them,I would be stranded on the stage all night and those who were there to listen would be deprived of the spontaneous excellence provided by you.A special thanks to the three brilliant lead guitar players,Kirk G.,Howard R. and Joe V. who kept all of us deep in the soul of the blues for the last half of the night................and thanks again,David,the stand-up bass is such a welcome and appreciated addition to the sound.Well done,man. We hope to see more of you next week and thanks to the Durham Music Society for their continued support.

CLASH OF THE ROCK TITANS!!!!!!!!!!!!

In case you were wondering how the "All-Star Rock Revival",featuring Fludd,Moxy and Goddo went down at Jack's Fillin' Station tonight,well,that's exactly what happened.It went down.Apparently there was an unsolvable disagreement between two of the bands and the whole thing had to be cancelled.Ain't that a shame,as Fats would say,but oh well.I can't report on shows that don't happen.Better luck next week,I hope,with Jack De Keyzer at Chicago's on Friday..........See you there!!!!!!

The Terry B3 at Chicago's

Had to pick me the Georgia font for this one! I had the pleasure of enjoying "The Terry B3" at Chicago's Diner tonight. How often do you really get to hear an accomplished group of veteran professionals serve up an eclectic mix of jazzy bluesy tales and tunes like these cats can lay down? Not effin often enough!!! Terry Blankley has recruited one of his legendary buddies,"Uncle" Bobby Watson to be the Memphis guitar sound and voice in harmony and counterpoint to Terry's growling Dr.John-like/Tom Wait-ish whiskey vocals and N'awlins keyboards,accuented by Chris Lingard's faultless percussion to stir up a heapin' helpin' of Jambalay-shwa with a side order of really tasty cover tunes. Do yourself a favour and don't miss them again.Meanwhile,go to http://www.terryblankley.com/ and his myspace link to get an appetizer.
You may not realize what this great music venue has to offer.Check out http://www.chicagosdiner.ca/ for their calendar of live bands.While you're at it, look into http://www.thedurhamregionmusicsociety.com/ ....See Ya!!!!

INTRODUCTION

Hi....My name is Howard Stacey and as a resident of Oshawa for 55 years and a guitar player/songwriter/freelance journalist for over 40 of those Canadian winters, I find myself now in the self-appointed,but unenviable position of being a messenger for live acoustic music in Oshawa.Please remember who not to shoot.With my professional and personal history with such internationally known artists as John Lee Hooker,Bobo Jenkins,The Houserockers,Jerome Godboo,Anita Perras and the Apple Hill Group, I feel I am now qualified to share with you my stories and try to encourage you to experience as much live music as your brain and your budget can possibly afford,although I am not capable of restricting myself to doing either.The restrictions,that is.....................
I have hosted the Tuesday night Acoustic Jam at Chicago's Diner on Simcoe Street North in Oshawa since March 2007 and continue to be amazed at the level of unknown talent that has had the guts and the imagination to join me on the stage at Chicago's.Because there is no house band to reluctantly pick strangers off of a list to join them,I have had countless people tell me that they would not do this anywhere else.Why?....Because our atmosphere is like a campfire or basement jam where almost anything goes.If you walk in off the street and like what you hear,don't wait around to ask permission or sign a list, get your guitar out and join us. No pressure...No competition....and definitely not a place for the usually massive egos that dominate all of the other open mic/live psuedo-jam/open stage type of things.More on that later.
Sit in with Donnie or Steve or Kirk or Joe or me or whoever is there and just have some fun.
The less of me,the better...really...More on that later too....Just get yourself a beer and relax......Enjoyment inevitably ensues.....