Edmonton Blues Festival: 20 Years

The 20th annual Edmonton Blues Festival took place August 24-26 at the Hawrelak Park Amphitheatre. It featured a stellar line up of diverse artists from multiple generations and blues traditions. Many of the acts were some of the festival's most requested from past years.

Here is a look at some of Saturday's line up. Cécile Doo-Kingué brought some high energy, excellent guitar work, and spanned different musical genres.

The Paul DesLauriers Band was solid, with a solid and danceable sound.

"Pianorama" featured Anthony Geraci, David Vest, and Graham Guest on the keys, with Brent Parkin's Red Hots taking care of the rest of the orchestration.

Juno Award winners MonkeyJunk was definitely a fan favourite. Fast, loud, and powerful, the trio holds the record for the number of albums sold at the festival. Later on in their performance, they were joined on stage by Big Dave McLean and Anthony Geraci.

Samantha Fish, winner of the Contemporary Blues - Female Artist award at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis last May, rounded out the evening with her strong songwriting and guitar skills.

Congratulations to the organizers on another successful year. Here's to the next 20 years!

CD Review: Terakaft's 'Alone'

Terakaft
Alone
Outhere Records

One of Mali's greatest Tuareg blues guitar groups, Terakaft, brings us another gem from the desert. This is the fifth album from Terakaft and it keeps getting better. The soulful and bluesy guitar rhythms are punctuated by hand-claps, ambulating percussion, scintillating guitar strums, and bubbly bass-lines. The music is quite peaceful at times, while the guitar and rock-like arrangements make an appearance on a few of the tracks. The songs are sung in Tamasheq with liner notes in Tamasheq, English, and French. There are nine tunes here with loads of great grooves imbibing the Saharan spirit through mesmerizing guitar chords. The electric guitar sounds are not to be missed. As a total package, Alone is one of the best Tuareg releases of the year. If you seek Tuareg guitar rock and Tamasheq-soaked songs, then Terakaft should be high up on your list. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jacob Davich's Self-Titled EP

Jacob Davich
Jacob Davich
Self-Release

A former actor turned musician, Jacob Davich releases a candid five-song EP. Jacob's folksy sing-songwriter guitar and vocals resemble the work of Jim Croce, James Taylor, and David Gray. "Don't Run Don't Hide" is a great roots-driven, folk-centric, and pop-infused medley of throbbing B3, jangly guitars, and swishy percussion. "Call My Name" is a slower, down-tempo ballad with folk and alt-country stylings. "Hold On" is another ballad with introspective lyrics and a jazzy or bluesy musical influence with piano backing and guitar accompaniment. "How You Gonna Tell Me" is a great folk-rock song with a hint of roots-driven qualities from American folk music of the 1960's and 70's. The Dylan cover, "I Shall Be Released," is a bluesy, almost gospel-driven medley of sound reflecting the music of the time that is equally-relevant today. All in all, there are four original tunes and one cover. If you are fans of the above-mentioned artists, you will definitely love Jacob Davich's new EP. Everyone else should pick it up. It's that good. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kuku's 'Ballads and Blasphemy'

Kuku
Ballads and Blasphemy
Buda Musique

Steeped in Yoruban traditions and Western arrangements, Kuku creates an engaging and thought-provoking mix of Afro-pop gold and roots music. The famous Tony Allen lends his talents on "Waya" and "Owo." The album revolves around Kuku's own agnosticism when it comes to religion, which is relatively pronounced here. Still, the melodies and rhythms are great and never boring. The sparkling guitar tones and heady percussion suggest West African influences with a little Afro-Latin action, too. Nevertheless, the album shines on all cylinders--even if you cannot understand the lyrics or song origins. "La Derniere Fois" is rather bluesy with languid vocals and steady percussion. Some of the songs are in English, but Kuku breaks language barriers here. This is another high-quality release from Buda Musique! ~ Matthew Forss

Song Reviews: Alpine Camp's ''Regrets of A Cosmic Mountaineer" and "Seven Miles"

The Alpine Camp
Songs: "Regrets of A Cosmic Mountaineer" and "Seven Miles"
Self-Release

The Alpine Camp is a musical duo that comprises the work of Chris Bell and Charles Etienne. Chris is the primary guitarist and vocalist, while Charles is a pianist and vocalist. The duo brings in Jeff Stella on bass, Shad Wilhelm on drums, Bob Hamilton on banjo, and Jamison Hollister on lap steel. "Regrets of a Cosmic Mountaineer" opens with whining lap steel, uppity piano  melodies, rootsy percussion, and old-time folk elements wrapped around a catchy chorus with fast vocals and banjo stylings caught amid a roots and rock vein. The sub-three-minute track ends with a repetitive vocal line and guitar arrangement in a folksy context without any issues. "Seven Miles"  opens with a contemplative banjo tune with down-tempo drums and percussion amid jazz-standard and blues vocals in a classic R&B set-up. This seems to be executed in a very classic manner with a big nod to Americana tunes coming out in the 1960's and 70's. Though, as a completely original song, it stands alone with a complex categorization somewhere between folk, roots, rock, jazz, blues, and pop standard styles. The diverse stylings are still commendable and enjoyable throughout the above-mentioned tracks. 5 stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba's 'Ba Power'

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
Ba Power
Glitterbeat

The power of the Malian ngoni lute is highlighted by Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba's powerful rhythms, rock-tinged arrangements, and bluesy vocals ripe with African panache and deep, historic roots amidst a contemporary setting. The ngoni's stirring and entrancing sounds are intensified by the fact there are five ngonis that make up the band's sound. Traditional drums, calabash, keyboards, guitars, and horns provide a modern tone, but the music is still rooted in Malian blues and soul. There are vocal pieces, but the real charm comes from the instrumental grooves and punchy rhythms found throughout the album. Ba Power is a musical gem with occasional rock guitar displays and earthy, traditional instrumentation with a trance-filled soul. There are nine tracks in all. The vocals are in Bambara. Not to be missed! ~ Matthew Forss

Digital Music Review: Road Man's 'Light At The Speed Of Life'

Road Man
Light At The Speed Of Life
Soulspazm

Links: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram

Road Man is the name of Jon Petronzio's group, which spreads great grooves and hook-laden melodies in rock, reggae, down-tempo, and electronica formats. The New York-based band-leader creates funky, moving rhythms that rival the electronica leanings of Action Figure Party and a few reggae beats indicative of Bob Marley and Cas Haley. "The Meeting" is a funky, rock-laden tune with a Southern angst and contemporary appeal that incorporates a bluesy and roots feel. "Chosen" is a psychedelic fun-fest with glittering electronics and a funky beat with great vocals. "Dangerous Road" is a syncopated beat delight with reggae leanings and funk melodies that awaken everyone into a dance mood. "Lights Camera Action" brings together more of an urban dance feel with glistening electronica, swishy percussion, and fast vocals. "Run Away With Me" is another reggae beat gem with throbbing B3 organ sounds representing a roots-centric fixture. The diversity in tracks is exceptional and the melodies are well worth repeated listens. You can dance, relax, space out, and move your hips to the music of Road Man without having any guilt or apprehension. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: April Verch's 'The Newpart'

April Verch
The Newpart
Slab Town Records

The petite and undoubtedly-cute, Canadian fiddler, April Verch, dazzles crowds yet again with another endearing folk album that continues in the old-time and bluegrass traditions. April is known for some fancy footwork on stage and her feet are definitely the star on a few songs. The rootsy and old-time folk music is more akin to Americana influences than Canadian, but there are similarities. The bluesy, gospel-tinged tunes are poignant, quaint, and relatively spacious to allow all the instruments to shine on their own. April's delicate voice is angelic and alive, which is a perfect accompaniment to some of the instruments. Some great instruments are included here, including the fiddle, bass, clawhammer banjo, acoustic guitar, and mandolin. Overall, The Newpart is more reflective, reduced, and a bit timid. However, it is still pure April Verch at her finest. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Selasee & Fafa Family's 'Time For Peace'

Selasee & Fafa Family
Time For Peace
Self-Release

Born in Ghana, Selasee & Fafa Family, create whirling rhythms of heady funk and reggae beats with a fusion of Bob Marley, Alpha Blondy, and Caribbean melodies that possess a pop background in a contemporary and somewhat urban setting. The music of West Africa is influenced by reggae music, but it is not as globally-prevalent as Afro-pop or blues music. The soulful vocals, bouncy drums, fluid bass, gritty guitars, sax and trumpet sounds, keyboard washes, and strings create a magnificent musical medley rich in history and highlife sensibilities, which grow out of the reggae and soul domain. Whatever it is called; it is something that should be shared with everyone you know as soon as possible. These African melodies and sounds are unparalleled. For a truly great musical journey, please make Time For Peace a staple in your listening library. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Niels Gedge's 'Maui's Whale'

Niels Gedge
Maui's Whale
Self-Release

The folk and blues-tinged vocals of singer and guitarist, Niels Gedge, paints a beautiful picture of intelligent music from a seemingly-unlikely region of the world: New Zealand. The English vocals are emotive and ruddy, but always pleasant. Niels is joined by several performers on clarinet, sousaphone, percussion, piano, cello, accordion, upright bass, cross harp, trumpet, and a few other instruments. The songs are led by Niels' intense and honest lyrics that are wrapped around a heady mix of rhythms and melodies that never get old. The playful tunes bring in some blues and gospel overtones amid a folk background. Anyone searching for some great folk, blues, gospel, and popular music with classic vocals and a great mix of instrumentation will love Maui's Whale. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Boubacar Traore's 'Mbalimaou'

Boubacar Traore
Mbalimaou
Lusafrica

Mali's iconic vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter, Boubacar Traore, brings us a fresh set of tracks steeped in Saharan charisma and African history on his latest release, Mbalimaou. The sauntering. bluesy tune, "Hona," resembles a little late-Ali Farka Toure influence with edgy harmonica, talented guitar fingerings, and light percussion. The album is rich with n'goni, sokou, kora, shaker, calabash, and karignan sounds. The music is rather acoustic and spacious with subtle intonations and jazzy grooves led by Boubacar's husky voicings. Malian blues are alive and well on the album. Comparisons to the late-Ali Farka Toure are noteworthy and necessary. Boubacar's guitar playing is more acoustic and experimental overall, but the bluesy and jazzy instrumentation adds to the contemplative mood of the music without compromising quality. The twelve-track release is a perfect introduction to Mali's blues, as well as a recommended album for more seasoned Saharan music fans. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Allan Moon's 'Children Of The Call'

Allan Moon
Children Of The Call
Songbird Records

Children Of The Call is a laid-back, funky, and jazz-inflected journey resulting from Allan Moon's global lifestyle in Canada, New York, and Israel. Allan's classic tone bridges alternative leanings with folk and rock beats that shimmer with raw and inspiring lyrics. The slow, symphonic beats of the crooner, "New York City," Allan blends American 1970's folk styles with a bluesy, Southern feel for a truly enigmatic result. "Children Of The Call" is an anthem that combines the vocal talents akin to Cat Stevens and Tom Petty with a heady mix of classic roots and folk. "Karolina" is another bluesy tune with classic vocals that encapsulates everything good about contemporary pop and rock music. Overall, the album brings together a mix of blues, folk, roots, rock, pop, funk, and alternative leanings in one indelible package. All the songs are in English with liner notes detailing each song. Fans of classic rock and folk with a bluesy and innovative edge will find comfort in these tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Susan McKeown's 'Belong'

Susan McKeown
Belong
Self-Release

Irish-born and North American-based, Susan McKeown presents us with indelible folk song constructions wrapped effortlessly around a poignant lyrical palette of roots and blues-inspired material for a truly remarkable release. Susan's vocals are accompanied by a few guest singers, including Declan O'Rourke and James Maddock. The instrumental accompaniment is what you would expect a laid-back folk sound to contain, including the mellotron, Hammond organ, bass, drums, guitars, Wurlitzer, percussion, strings, banjo, and others. Susan's approach to songwriting and performing is very enchanting and memorable. The musical licks, riffs, and chords stick with you long after the song ceases. It is rare every song is good on an album, but this one is an exception. Susan's voice is a combination of bluesy, Anne Weiss, the UK's Katie Melua, and alt-pop's, Leona Naess. Fans of clear vocals and various instruments in a folk, roots, and alternative pop setting will love Belong. In fact, it 'belongs' is every musical collection! ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Muha's 'Reka'

Muha
Reka
Self-Release

With roots in British, Indian, Latvian, and Ukrainian music, Muha is an interesting folk and roots group that transcends borders and genres. The edgy folk stylings of "Kateryna" bring an essence that is unsurpassed in folk music. "Reka" is another great tune with excellent vocals and a meandering rhythm that brings to mind Russian folk elements. The percussion is really laid-back, too. Even though the group is based in the U.K., there are elements that extend far beyond the country's borders. The bluesy "Sketches" contains a little jazz and folk. "NY Talk" is actually a flamenco-tinged tune with stellar guitar work and great vocals. There are nine total tracks that are all diverse and deeply-rooted in folk music styles of Europe. Anyone interested in folk, vocal, European, and world music will find true happiness within the tracks of Reka. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Quinn DeVeaux & The Blue Beat Review's 'Originals'

Quinn DeVeaux & The Blue Beat Review
Originals
QDV Records

Delta blues, rockabilly, folk, roots, gospel, and early rock & roll influences wrap up the gist of the new album, Originals, by Quinn DeVeaux & The Blue Beat Review. Quinn grew up in Indiana, but found inspiration living in Washington and California later on. Quinn's songs are classic compositions inspired by the music of the early 1900's. There is a bluesy, jazzy, and folksy element with rustic piano, horns, and percussion that are perfectly executed throughout the entire album. Quinn's vocals and guitar work are something that should have been on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. This is not really country music, or bluegrass music, for that matter. Instead, Quinn brings together a mix of early Americana rock & roll, folk, blues, jazz, and swing music for a contemporary era. If Darius Rucker (ex-Hootie & The Blowfish) would explore the folkier side of Americana, Quinn would be the genre purveyor in that regard. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dirtwire's 'The Carrier'

Dirtwire
The Carrier
Beats Antique Records

Spearheaded by California's Evan Fraser (of Hamsa Lila and Stellamara fame) and David Satori (of Beats Antique fame), Dirtwire is a seven-track album of distilled Americana tunes that showcase the bluesy and Appalachian side of the musical spectrum. However, the Americana sounds are not to be ignored, as the world fusion and slightly electronica qualities take center stage. There is a light, easy listening feel to the music with intonations of banjo, guitar, saz, melodica, percussion, megaphone, jaw harp, steel guitar, ngoni, calabash, and other instruments. The vocals are sparse, but lead by Evan Fraser, Leah Song, Chloe Smith, and TBird Luv. The entire album is only twenty-five minutes long, which categorizes it as an EP. Still, there is something intriguing and memorable with Dirtwire's latest release. This is one album that astounds -- from the liner art to the last track. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Ultimate New Orleans Brass Second Line Funk!'

Various Artists
Ultimate New Orleans Brass Second Line Funk!
Mardi Gras Records

The punchy, brass sounds of Mardi Gras are captured on Ultimate New Orleans Brass Second Line Funk!. The music is full of fun, party-like elements that are celebratory and youthful. However, the music takes on a Southern jazz vein, which is expected, but it also contains some vocals that seem to be more funk-centric. There are thirteen tracks in all representing Rebirth Brass Band, Soul Rebels, Lil Rascals, Olympia Brass Band, Treme Brass Band, and Hustlers Brass Band. The music is born out of a foot parade that generally accompanies Mardi Gras activities and festivities, but it may also accompany other festivals, funerals, and parades. Some of the vocal lines and/or melodies are repetitious, but anyone familiar with jazz bands and brass bands in particular, will love the bluesy, jazzy, and funky sounds. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Susan Cattaneo's 'Haunted Heart'

Susan Cattaneo
Haunted Heart
Jersey Girl Music

With ties to Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Nashville, Susan Cattaneo is at home with the pop-country constructions of melody and rhythm on her latest release, Haunted Heart. Susan's vocals are reminiscent of Sheryl Crow and Shawn Colvin. The singer-songwriter vein is eloquently captured on many of the tunes, including "Lies Between Lovers," "Abide," "Haunted Heart," "John Brown," "Ingenue," and many others. The sweet vocals and drifting melody of "Haunted Heart" is relatively slow, jazzy, and folksy. The song evokes a quieter time of reflection and relaxing set in a 60's or 70's context. "Worth The Whiskey" opens with a steely guitar medley and thick, groovy sound structure that brings out the bluesy, Southern elements of her music. "Done Better" is a piano tune with a ballad-esque set-up and delivery. The drum, bass, and guitar mix is rather folksy overall. The power of lyrics that tell stories and great music to match are very difficult to accomplish, but Susan Cattaneo has no problems creating a fulfilling result. Fifteen tracks round out the album. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hillary Reynolds Band's 'The Miles Before Us'

Hillary Reynolds Band
The Miles Before Us
Self-Release

The Boston-based, folk quintet, brings us a magnificent album of roots, folk, blues, rock, and pop music with a hearty, Americana vein on The Miles Before Us. The fourteen-track album is full of happy moments, as well as contemplative moods revolving around relationships, family, and personal sacrifices. The vocals are much in-line with some of the top European folk performers, including Heidi Talbot and Karine Polwart. "How" is a rather spacious, folk tune with heartfelt vocals and slow melody. "Looking For A Way Back" begins with a rock guitar opening that merges into an alt-pop and folk vocal medley. This is somewhat like a folksy Evanescence; but better. "Braver Than We Think" starts with a female vocal line that incorporates some swishy percussion and sparkling strings in a folksy arrangement. "Crossing The Line" adds a bluesy edge to the mix, as the folk influence shines through with vocals, strings, and drums. "I Surrender" is an engaging, heady mix of bluesy, folk music that is upbeat and slightly Appalachian in origin. At any rate, the Hillary Reynolds Band knows how to make great songs that do not suffer from any faults or inconsistencies. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss    

CD Review: Bria Skonberg's 'Into Your Own'

Bria Skonberg
Into Your Own
Random Act Records

Bria Skonberg is a trumpeter, singer, and composer with a knack for finding a happy medium between traditional and contemporary world jazz. The earthy vocals, punchy piano, light bass, soft sax, and flugelhorn all play a necessary role in Bria's music. The vocal stylings are a mix of lounge club and session jams. At any rate, a dozen songs round out the album with heartfelt vocals, soft horns, and sweet melodies that are classy and creative. Some of the songs a bit folksy with a funky, bluesy tone and pop standard vocals. However, the jazz vein is the strongest influence. Into Your Own is an aptly-titled album that showcases Bria's comfort and satisfaction with the new album. Fans of world jazz, pop standards, theatrical songs, and Americana will need to acquire this one asap. ~ Matthew Forss