This is a list of Top Ten Canadian Blues albums of 2005, as selected by You! The voting for this list was sent to Record Stores, Promoters, artists, and thrown open to the General Public. The reaction was amazing! Thanks to all those who Voted, and to those who supported the show!
And now... without further delay, the Blind Lemon Top Ten Canadian Blues of 2005!
#10 Johnny V - Agnostically Eclectic
At Number 10, it's Johnny V House Rent Party Band, and Their Album Agnostically Eclectic. The album Contains 17 songs and is a 75 minute journey through the evolution of the blues.
#9 Downchild Blues Band - Come On In
In Canadian Blues Music there are select few artists that are considered Legends, and Downchild tops that list! From their legendary first gig at Grossman's Tavern back in 1969, Downchild have been the class of Canadian Blues, and continue to impress under the leadership of Founder Donny "Mr Downchild" Walsh.
#8 Kenny Blues Boss Wayne - Let it Loose
Based out of Vancouver, BC, Kenny Blues Boss Wayne is an internationally known piano blues and boogie-woogie player, a singer, songwriter and performs mostly original songs in an upbeat traditional style. He has said "With the passing of so many great blues artist, his mission is to continue in the footsteps of the traditional piano blues players"... And such he has, with his latest album Let It Loose!
#7 Garth and Maud Hudson - Live at the Wolf
Garth and Maud Hudson slip in at Number Seven with the Album "Live at the Wolf". A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Garth is probably best known as a former member of the Band. For this album he teamed up with his wife Maud for an intimate concert that was recorded, and ultimately rewarded with 7th on our List of the Best Canadian Blues of 2005!
#6 Wickens-Knight - self titled
Wickens-Knight have been nominated for NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR by The Toronto Blues Society. Formed by singer Jonathan Knight and guitarist Dylan Wickens in 2004, Wickens-Knight is a roots & blues band that fuses the old with the new. Crafting songs and musical soundscapes drawing on the traditions of blues, soul and other roots forms, the band forges ahead with its debut album, Wickens - Knight, recorded in a large home studio by the band themselves.
#5 Colin Linden - Southern Jumbo
What more can be said about Colin Linden. Arguably the most influential musician of his generation, (I'm sure I'll get arguments about that one) Colin has a resume that most artists would kill for. Juno Award winning artist and producer, one of the most respected blues men in Canada, and number Five on our Countdown of the top ten Canadian Blues albums of 2005.
#4 Johnny Max Band - Ride and Roll
Now, I must confess, until I did this list, I had Never Heard of Johnny Max, inspite of the fact that he has been involved in the music industry for over 20 years, with stints as a Karaoke host, a DJ and the last 8 years as lead singer for The Johnny Max Band. The album Ride & Roll is an excellent peice of work, and worthy of it's place on the list!
#3 Carlos Del Junco - Blues Mongrel
Success is nothing new to Carlo del Junco. Thanks to his latest album, Blues Mongrel, he has been Nominated in 3 categories for the 2005 Maple Leaf Blues Awards, including Recording of the Year, Producer of the Year and Harmonica player of the Year. His pedigree as a bluesman is beyond question!
#2 Paul Reddick - Villanelle
Paul Reddick and the Sidemen were nominated for a Juno in 2002, for their album Rattlebag, which was produced by Colin Linden. Reddick and Linden continued to work together, creating the album Villanelle. A collection of Pre-World War 2 inspired tunes with a whole new attitude, Villanelle is an Amazing album!
#1 Julian Fauth - Songs of Vice & Sorrow
Julian Fauth is a Toronto bassed singer/songwriter, who also happenes to be an unusually innovative barrelhouse pianist. Released September 23, 2005, Songs of Vice and Sorry features Julian Fauth - Vocals, Piano & Guitar with special guests: Paul Reddick, Mel Brown, David Rotundo, Al Lerman, of Fathead... And Wayne Charles. The album has met with Critical Acclaim, and fan approval... And now, it has been voted out Number 1 Canadian Blues album of 2005!
So thats the list! Special Thanks to Sarah French, Howie Moore, Johnny Max, Lance Anderson, Eric Thom and Steve Hussey for their assistance in making this show possible. Thanks also to those who voted in this years pole, and who regularly show their support for blues artists here at home.
Finally, thanks to you who tuned in and checked out the Blind Lemon Best Canadian Blues of 2005!
Hopefully we'll be able to do this again next year!
Remember, do your part to support local blues where ever you are! Buy the CD's, go to the venues and see the live shows, and let these artists know we appreciate their work!
