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| GREAT BIG ROCK JAM Published by Erika The Red � 2005 (Graphic donated by Don Berryman) |
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| May 15, 2005 |
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| May month has been flying by in a whirl for me, as I was very busy, celebrating Mother's Day with my sons and preparing to launch �Patchwork Blues�, a new blues music program at MUN�s CHMR 93.5 FM (it debuted on Friday, May 13). Any interested Newfoundland blues musicians who would like some initial or additional exposure for their CDs, please send an email to my latest alter-ego, Misty Blue, at [email protected]. I was also completing a manuscript (phew!) and then squeezed in an interview with jazz pianist Jeff Johnston for The Telegram. In my free time, I continue to harass human resource departments in search of a new administrative/secretarial position, to replace the one I left behind in Hamilton. Still, I must continue my education in the arts and entertainment scene in St. John�s� I neglected to mention in my last journal entry that I had heard Big Red around the beginning of May. They are really an extended version of the Chris Badcock Trio, so the setlist included many of the same songs played by the trio. The Big Red lineup includes bassist Brian Kenney and Lori Cooper's guitarist, Jon LeDrew, alternating on lead and rhythm with Chris. While the two guitars have distinctly different sounds coming out of them, both Chris and Jon are fluid players whose talents stand on their own. I understand Jon is very computer-literate, so I wouldn't talking with him a bit further... The combination of the two guitarists enhanced the normally great listening experience of the trio. Their powerhouse drummer, Sonny Hogan, had installed a clear plastic screen in front of his kit to muffle the impact but, "mama, let that boy play some rock�n�roll"... Checking into CBTG�s (which stands for �Closest Bar To Gulliver�s, a legendary taxi stand in St. John�s), I had the good fortune to listen to Glyd, one of the most �out there� bands I�ve seen in a while. Their lyrically uncensored gig that night probably wouldn�t garner them any commercial radio play, but I was impressed with their innovative musical ideas that were obviously inspired by the late great Frank Zappa. Jason Fost, while admitting that Glyd is �the antithesis of mainstream rock�, assures me the band is quite capable of playing more �acceptable� music, in any genre, but they prefer the freedom inherent in live club performances. In fact, the band has released a CD, which I will be reviewing in the near future. At this very popular club (and not surprisingly so, for the consistently great talent on tap), they were alternating sets with Stereotype, who did excel with their more commercial sound. Darren �Boobie� Browne, who is only in town until mid-June before returning to Montreal, has hooked up temporarily with Mick Davis & The Main Drag, whom I recently learned are comprised of members from The Novaks, their more well-known outfit (sorry to blow your cover, guys). The Novaks are opening for The Tea Party tonight (May 15) at Mile One Stadium. Congratulations, guys, but you should change the date on your new website to read �Sunday�, not �Saturday�. There�s an after-concert gig going on at The Backstage, which sounds like it might be interesting, as well. Speaking of Toronto bands coming to town, CBTG�s owner Sandy Chisholm (a man who knows great music when he hears it!) has indicated his interest in having the �Kings of the Stoned Age� from Goddo perform a show there. They are celebrating 30 years of rock�n�roll debauchery, but unfortunately guitar ace Gino Scarpelli has bowed out of the tour, due to illness. Steve Shelski of Coney Hatch is stepping in for him, with keyboardist Brad Lovatt of the Anger Brothers on board now, as well. "Bad boys" Greg Godovitz and Doug Inglis are still holding their own. Greg has actually taken up the time-honoured Newfoundland tradition of storytelling, following the release of his Travels with My Amp literary opus. For a switch, the aforementioned Mick Davis & The Main Drag were rocking the normally blues-oriented Fat Cat, again with Boobie Browne on alternate lead guitar. I had just missed hearing Scott Goudie and Denis Parker at a nearby club the previous evening, so I had to get my blues fix for the week elsewhere. (continued on next page) |