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| GREAT BIG ROCK JAM Published by Erika The Red � 2005 (Graphic donated by Don Berryman) |
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| May 30, 2005 |
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| I do applaud the recent influx of much-needed cash into the arts community by the government, but I wonder just how far it will go. There is very little point in sponsoring exhibits, tours and recording projects, when the general population (i.e. the consumer/patron) is becoming too cash-strapped itself to take advantage of these cultural offerings. Entertainment (or, as the Beastie Boys put it, our "right to party") is fast becoming a low priority in the common person's budget, and ain't that a shame? Still, without those people who devote themselves to their various crafts (despite the crushing poverty in which they live), we'd have to content ourselves to be force-fed what is considered to be "art" by a select few, and that's a dreadful thing to even contemplate. Get out there and discover what REALLY turns you on (or off, as the case may be). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Despite my own lack of disposable funds, I still managed to get out and hear a few songs from various performers towards the end of this month. I was invited to check out a residential band rehearsal by Glyd (Jason, Geoff, Chris, Craig and Jody), which was great fun (and didn't cost a cent). First, they practiced with the electric equipment and drums and then they got into an acoustic "set" (with 12-string guitar, flute and fiddle). The boys tell me they were recently interviewed on CBC radio and played me the recording of same, including a couple of songs they had been invited to play, including a very nonsensical one about the Pope. It wasn't an official "kitchen party", but close enough. Thanks, guys! I was wondering where that famous Newfie hospitality was to...leave it to the younger generation, eh? By the way, they've got a CD available, for anyone who's interested in something completely different... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I also got to check out Jill Porter's band at The Grapevine, and singer-songwriter Jill tells me she is going to be showcasing tunes from her upcoming CD at Fat Cat in early June, with the official release party taking place in July. Good luck with it! Playing alongside her that night was Brad Power of the Power House Blues Band (on guitar), Ed Sutherby on drums and Craig Follett on bass. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Guitarist Scott Conway and bassist Trevor Kelly (who are both excellent vocalists as well) had O'Reilly's swinging up a storm on the dancing floor, as they do every Tuesday evening. The Tuesday I saw them, Glyd's drummer, Geoff, sat in with them for the first time, on congas, and the addition was well-received by the packed room. Another member of Glyd, Jason Foth, was invited up to do sing a song, as well. That venue (having two floors) has a smart arrangement that accommodates both smokers and non-smokers, but that will come to an end in July... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The rainy weekend had a bit of a negative impact on both the club scene as well as the die-hard Pearl Jam fans who had been camping out in front of Mile One stadium for the better of the week. The Licorice Welts (at Fat Cat) were in a musically pensive mood that wasn't conducive to getting the dance floor up and running, but their set was pleasant enough. They even played some tunes by a couple of my favourites - John Hiatt and John Prine, whose music I very rarely hear covered. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rick Lambe played there the following evening, but I only just caught the last few songs (e.g. Stevie Ray Vaughan's version of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and Neil Young's "Like a Hurricane".) I wasn't familiar with any of his originals until today, when I got a chance to listen to his Lost Time CD. These recorded songs sound more like folk than blues or jazz, but it's very nice stuff, nice enough that it won him a Music Industry Association award. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Darrell Cooper's annual "Blues Revue" was an evening of sensational and varied performances by St. John's top blues players and singers like Lori Cooper, Karen Power, Brad Power, Denis Parker, Peter Narv�ez, Scott Goudie, Steve Hussey, Boobie Browne and many more. The enthusiastic audience was up on the dance floor, enjoying themselves immensely throughout the evening, but I didn't personally care for the acoustics in this cavernous but tasteful room. The LSPU Hall would have been much better, I think, but probably way more expensive. Although the turnout was not as great as hoped for, everyone who did attend seemed to be having a smashing time of it. I'd definitely go again next year. For that matter, I can't get enough live blues music, so I think there should be another one for the visiting tourists this summer. Still, I appreciate all the hard work that went into it and congratulate all those who were involved in organizing and promoting it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Due to the extra volunteer work I've now taken on at CHMR 93.5 FM (with "Patchwork Blues"), I've decided to discontinue Great Big Rock Jam, so this will be the final issue. I hope you've enjoyed reading it. Get out there and support as much live music (and other art forms) as you can! Erika The Red, etc. |