| What a shocking pleasure it was to see that "The Danforth" is finally being resurrected! I saw not one but two great shows this weekend (end of September/2000)! On one night, I saw the legendary Jack de Keyzer, at a blues club that unfortunately prefers to remain anonymous to the demographics involved. It's really a shame, too, because the owners of this venue really seem to recognize great talent when they hear it, but what's the point if nobody from Queen Street West wants to make the trip up to the Danforth to hear it? Hang some speakers out the window, fergodsake! Or splurge on some advertising where it will be effective! It's a good investment in the long run. Jack has a talent with a Stratocaster that is matched by only a few of his contemporaries. On his latest CD, "Down in the Groove", there's a particularly poignant and thought-provoking song called "Skid Row" which had me feeling mighty guilty about all those street people I pass by (and actually want to kick in the butt half the time) on the way to work and back. While my personal circumstances are not that great, they certainly are way better than those who are without lodging, proper nutrition, health care or even a healthy state of mind, and maybe it wasn't so "voluntary" a predicament for many of them. Please give this song, and the rest of the CD, a listen. You won't regret it! Incidentally, Alec Fraser, former frontman for the Bottle Devils and co-owner of popular Liquid Studios, co-produced and plays bass on this CD! Look for a new Jack de Keyzer CD in the coming months! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jack de Keyzer's January 26 gig at The Tennessee Tavern went splendidly and was fairly well-attended for most of the evening (despite the sudden snowfall). This club has got to be one of the better ones in town for a relaxed atmosphere, but there's sufficient room for "rockin' up" the evening on the makeshift dance floor, if one so desires! Jack was wonderfully accompanied by Tony Ajo on drums and Alec Fraser on bass (producer of Jack's previous CD, Down in the Groove, a personal favourite of mine). Jack will be playing old and new tunes from his extensive repertoire again at the Silver Dollar in mid-February. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I ended the extremely cold night (February/01) at the Silver Dollar, where Jack de Keyzer continues to upgrade his much-deserved level of popularity. He was also accompanied by Dave Rotundo (another magnificent harp player), Alec Fraser (and his amazing bass lines) and Tony Ajo wailing on the drums. The dance floor was packed all night and a good time was had by all, as Jack was playing quite a few new tunes from his upcoming CD - should be a great follow-up to Down in the Groove! |
| JACK DE KEYZER - VARIOUS GIGS (2000-2001) |
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