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| GREAT BIG ROCK JAM Published by Erika The Red � 2005 (Graphic donated by Don Berryman) |
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| May 3, 2005 |
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| I finished off the month of April by checking out Mick Davis and the Main Drag, which band was reelin� and rockin� at CBTG�s. This band specializes in covering �50s (mostly Chuck Berry) and �60s rock�n�roll (particularly of the British variety) and they gave back 100% in return for the mere $5.00 cover charge. While I was probably the oldest person in the joint (having been born only a year after the actual birth of rock�n�roll), it was heartening to see that the new generation of club goers will carry on this musical torch well into the next sesquicentennial. That being said, where the hell are all my �old school� brother and sister rockers? Surely they are not ALL permanently glued to their couches or rocking chairs? I think there is a need for clubs restricted to SENIOR rockers, so we �rock�n�roll survivors� can continue to enjoy the perpetual youth (or at least the spirit of same) that it has given us. At least that way, �the kids� won�t have to feel like they are being chaperoned in the clubs and we won't feel like we're babysitting. For older music lovers who have an equal affection for blues music, the Lori Cooper Band had some of us old farts up on the dance floor (willingly or not). Lori is a former keyboardist with The Thomas Trio & Red Albino and The Plankerdown Band, and also plays keys with Three Shades of Blue). She�s got a very powerful singing voice and a solid line-up in her self-titled quintet (which is comprised of Lori on vocals, Jon LeDrew on guitar, Jon Lane on drums, Mark Squires on bass and Adam McGrath on keys). Lori describes the band as "rockin' R&B and Blues, using our own arrangements to cover such artists as Buddy Guy, Etta James, Koko Taylor and B.B. King, to name just a few". The audience was treated to a guest appearance by Maple Blues Award nominee Darren �Boobie� Browne (of Boobie Browne and the Onions) - no sign of Katherine Heartburn. I�m not sure whether Boobie was just visiting from Montr�al or not, but, if so, his hometown of St. John�s ought to welcome back this guitarist with open arms. I got myself lost looking for The Studio (tucked away upstairs from Auntie Crae�s) on April 28. I was initially directed to the wrong door, which was locked up tight. This beautiful room, an erstwhile photography studio, was hosting readings by Atlantic Book Awards nominees. Unfortunately I missed most of the hour-and-a-half presentation. However, I did get there in time to hear Joel Hynes nail an accurate visual portrayal of his central character, Keith Kavanagh, from his very successful Down to the Dirt novel. It�s now being reprinted by HarperCollins Books, and I believe the story is going to be made into a film now, as well. Other readers at the event were Jonathan Campbell (Tarcadia), Kelly Cooper (Eyehill), and Sue Goyette (Undone). My apologies to them for missing their readings. If you�d like your books reviewed, too, please send an email to me at [email protected]. (continued on next page) |
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