| "BLUES WITH A FEELING 2003" CLUB 77 - HAMILTON, ONTARIO - FEBRUARY 11, 2003 |
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| And Many Others Indeed! Hamilton and its nemesis, Toronto, temporarily became musical brothers-in-arms at a tribute concert on February 11/03 to honour the late Richard Newell, a.k.a. King Biscuit Boy (KBB). Held at Hamilton's Club 77 (formerly The Border) on King William Street, over 100 musicians took part in the onstage performances and just as many more attended simply to be a part of this wonderful musical alliance. And that didn't even include the multitude of fans! This highly talented man with the potential to become a major recording artist had apparently stopped courting fame towards the end of the '80s and eventually fell victim to an alcohol addiction. He never stopped recording completely, and his last input is contained on a Christmas compilation CD, a Sonny Del Rio project, released in late 2002. One of King Biscuit Boy's most popular songs was Little Walter's "Boom, Boom, Out Go the Lights", also covered in a blues-rock explosion by Pat Travers. It would have been a real treat to have that particular musician on hand, but it was not to be. Former members from Crowbar (originally christened "And Many Others") came from as far away as Calgary (pianist/vocalist Kelly Jay) and Buffalo (drummer Greg "Zarky" Zark, one of many who would occupy that position). Although another article I read on Greg quoted him as looking "sombre in a suit and tie", I'm given to understand from a friend of his that he's a man who likes a bit of adventure in his life! It seems he's been making a name for himself in the music business, as he has recorded with Chicago Jack and the Marvelous Heptones as well as Bob Corritore. I wasn't familiar with all of the players that night, but, although they weren't always formally introduced, it wasn't too difficult to find someone nearby who could enlighten me in this respect. The first mini-set I witnessed was by Trickbag (Donna and Paul Panchezak and Larry Feudo, with Kelly Jay on keyboards), who performed a rousing version of "Boom, Boom, Out Go the Lights"). This set was followed by a solo set by their fomer bass player, Shawn O�Halloran (who wrote a song called "Moose Legs Boogie", which appears on their self-titled debut CD, produced by Michael Fonfara). Shaun sang and played acoustic guitar on a couple of laid-back numbers that just begged for some harmonica accompaniment. The blues train rolled on with the Full Count Blues Band, with Howard Ross on lead guitar, who performed an innovative version of "Sweet Home Chicago". The Stingrays, a current reformation of KBB's Son Richard and the Chessmen, included, I believe, Ray Lyell and Tim Tyler, who performed Sonny Boy Williamson�s �Help Me�. (continued on next page) |