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COLDSWEAT AT BLUES ON BELLAIR - JULY 7, 2001
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Not yet having acclimated myself to the clubs in Hamilton (although I do plan to check out the regular Sunday evening jam at Colby's, at which I've been informed members of Crowbar and Teenage Head occasionally participate), I skipped out on a previously planned engagement at the Mermaid Lounge and instead returned briefly to my beloved and much-missed T.O. to catch Coldsweat's gig at Blues on Bellair. The gig was very well-attended despite coinciding with the popular annual Toronto Street Festival. |
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Although slightly frustrated at having to restrain their natural tendency to play and sing at maximum volume levels, this highly talented and perfectly complemented quartet nevertheless proved that they don't need to use excessive amplification to mask any deficiencies in skill. Sandwiched in among their regular list of covers from such great artists as Freddie King, Albert King, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, to name a few, Coldsweat performed an alluring original slow-blues tune, composed by lead vocalist extraordinaire Anthony Salvatore, called "3:00 a.m.". Anyone who tends towards a nocturnal lifestyle, like myself, could easily relate to this composition. Not one to be shy with onstage banter, at one point, after an extremely rigorous vocal workout, Anthony stated he might have to have an operation and was glad he was finished with any further plans for having kids! |
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Lead guitarist Rob Tarticchio, dapperly sporting a new chapeau a la Stevie Ray Vaughan, continues to amaze with his beautiful phrasings on the fretboard, letting loose only when it's his turn to "shine", resulting in a more team-oriented approach that further enhances the band's appeal. Vastly underrated and understated bass player Gary Boudreau has to be listened to closely to fully appreciate just how good he is, and Rob Randazzo is right up there with the royalty of the backbeat set. At one point, when an errant drumstick went astray, he quickly retrieved an extra one without missing a beat (well, maybe a single one). The band is currently in the process of recording an "official" debut CD, which follows an equally impressive and marketable "promo" CD. Watch out for that one! |
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N.B. Watch for an October 2001 gig at Healey's, Jeff Healey's new club on Bathurst Street in Toronto. |
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