Trans Canada Blues Tour

Manitoba Blues Society CD Reviews

2006-11-08T06:19:00.000-06:00

These reviews of Come the Ruination & Narrow House were printed in the Manitoba Blues Society newsletter Blues News Fall 2006 edition.

The final days

2006-11-06T09:43:00.000-06:00

Well the tour is finally over and the last two shows were fantastic. We played in Regina, SK at the Exchange Hall which has to be my favorite gig in Regina and then on Saturday we finished the tour at the Ananda Arthouse in Forget, SK (pronouced for-jay). The folks there hosted us in grand style in their wonderful Inn of the Seven Sisters (a converted rectory). I'll be posting some pics in the next couple days.

We are both quite tired but pleased to have been a part of this tour. It has been a major achievement for both of us. Thanks for joining us on the journey!

Doc and I on the Radio

2006-11-03T07:42:00.000-06:00

Al Kirkcaldy (Trent Radio) has listed Doc and I in his top 25 new releases this month for Living Blues magazine. His show is called Blue in the Face and airs on Tuesdays from 8pm to 10pm on 92.7FM (Peterborough ON area). You can still get your own copy of our albums by clicking on the paypal icon on the right of the blog screen.
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Top 25 aired new releases sent to Living Blues magazine for October, 2006

ARTIST/Title/Label * Denotes Canadian content
1.. MIGHTY BLUE KINGS/Alive In The City/RJ
2.. MICHAEL POWERS/Prodigal Son/Baryon
3.. JACKIE PAYNE-STEVE EDMONSON BAND/Master Of The Game/Delta Groove
4.. ALVIN JETT & THE PHAT NOIZ BLUES BAND/Milk & Cookies/Ind
5.. FLOYD DIXON/Time Brings About Change-A Floyd Dixon Celebration/Hijohn
6.. JUNIOR WELLS/Live At Theresa's 1975/Delmark
7.. MARK HUMMEL/Ain't Easy No More/Electro-Fi
8.. FRANKIE LEE/Standing At The Crossroads/Blues Express Inc
9.. PAUL MARK & THE VAN DORENS/Trick Fiction/Radiation
10.. DOC MACLEAN*/Narrow House/Ind
11.. DIANA BRAITHWAITE* & CHRIS WHITELEY*/Morning Sun/Electro-Fi
12.. BARBARA BLUE/Love Money Can't Buy/Big Blue
13.. THE TWISTERS*/After The Storm/NorthernBlues Music
14.. STEVE ROWE*/Live a Montreal/Disc Bros
15.. JEFF TURMES/The Distance You Can Travel/Fat Head
16.. OTIS RUSH/Live & In Concert From San Francisco/Blues Express Inc
17.. VARIOUS/Church House To Drink House/Music Maker
18.. MANITOBA HAL*/Come The Ruination/Ind
19.. DC BELLAMY/Give Some Body To Somebody/Stackhouse
20.. PHANTOM BLUES BAND/Out Of The Shadows/Delta Groove
21.. JIMMY CAVALLO/You Better Believe It/Blue Wave
22.. CHERYL LESCOM*/High Heeled Blues/Flaming Cheese
23.. JONY JAMES/What About Tomorrow/Blue Wave
24.. AYNSLEY LISTER-ERJA LYYTINEN-IAN PARKER/Pilgrimage/Ruf
25.. SOMEDAY BABY/Backbone Move/Flaming Cheese

CANADA - part of a complete childhood

2006-11-02T22:04:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking that more folks should see this country back to back in a short span of time. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the shores of Lake Superior to the Atlantic Ocean, it is an amazing country. The embarassment of riches we have (in the form of culture and scenery) is the envy of countries all over the world and yet I know many folks who haven't seen it.

So here is my one and only political platform. Every young person SHOULD (upon completion of high school) be sent from community to community in this great land. No set itinerary just a wander from place to place in a one month period of time. The only requirements are;
1) They must visit every province and spend time in large and small centres in that province.
2) The travel must be by ground (either bus or car)
3) They must report on the country as they see it. These essays should include photographs, audio samples and commentary. They will then be archived in the National Library as a record of the way the citizens see the country.

I think if more folks saw all the sights of Canada then fewer would be for separation and more would find reasons to tolerate all the cultures represented in this country. Anyway that's what I think.

Gillies Community Centre - South Gillies, ON

2006-11-02T18:36:00.000-06:00

We played last night at the Gillies Community Centre in South Gillies, ON. Folks there put on this fantastic chicken dinner and had this amazing coffee cake during the break. Of course we played and sang the blues for them. LOL. Here is the Toyota "Tour"cel that has been our home for the past 6 weeks.

Blues Tour Full House in Wallaceburg!

2006-10-31T22:35:00.000-06:00

Here's an article in the Chatham-Kent Times.

Songs from the Big Nickel - Sudbury ON

2006-10-31T18:38:00.000-06:00

Here we are at the big Nickel at the edge of Sudbury, ON. From this viewpoint the earth all around is barren rock with trees that are only about 3 feet tall! The slag seemed like it stretched out for miles creating this new black hill range onto the top of this rugged rock landscape. This is a hard town full of miners and railroad men.

This is the famed big smokestack. This one smelter belches it's fumes 24 hours a day. I'm sure that they've cleaned it up now but this beast is responsible for poisoning the lakes and rivers and killing the vegitation all around this area. We didn't want to breathe too much of this in so we left soon after.

All this in the name of the all mighty dollar!?!

Canada South Blues Society - Kincardine, ON

2006-10-28T11:58:00.000-05:00

We played a wonderful event hosted by the Canada South Blues Society at the Kincardine Golf Club. Originally this was supposed to be at the Sutton Park Inn but things do change in this business occasionally. The folks hosted us at the Lakeview Motel and Mary Lynne took good care of us. If you're ever in Kincardine we recommend the Lakeview Motel on Queen Street.

This is Chef 'Delta' Dil. He made us a cajun feast complete with Crawdad's, BBQ Beef, Gumbo, Biscuits and Gravy and Cajun Kitchen. He is holding up the ONE-OF-A-KIND chef jacket that has our logo on it and is autographed.

Shots from The Evergreen Theater in Margaretsville, NS

2006-10-28T11:14:00.000-05:00

Here is a webgallery of our performance at the Evergreen Theatre in Magaretsville, Nova Scotia. Folks there were great and we played in this old church building. The show was acoustic and they served pie. What more can you ask for?

You can view it here: http://www.shadowsandlight.ca/webgallery/transcanadablues/gallery.html

If you like these shots, you can contact Elle Kennard at Innovation Imaging studio to order your own copy.
Innovative Imaging Studio, http://www.iiStudio.com
9545 Hwy 221, Canning, Nova Scotia, B0P 1H0
Phone: 902-582-3795; Toll Free: 866-582-3795

More 2D adventures

2006-10-25T18:35:00.000-05:00

Here are some folks with our lifesize cutout. On the right is Ms Leah Morise, She's a wonderful singer/songwriter from London, and Paul Brushey on the left is a good guy to hang with at a conference.

Tonight we're in Peterborough playing at the famed Montreal House. Whooo hooo!

Cya there!

The Road West

2006-10-24T10:50:00.000-05:00

Well Doc and I have left the east. We are now in Montreal for a gig at Bourbon Street in Point Claire. This gig isn't on the tour schedule because it came up only 2 weeks ago while we were already on tour. We're happy to do it because otherwise we'd be sitting around waiting for our gig tommorow in Peterborough.

We stopped for breakfast at the Main on Rue Saint Laurent and plan to head to Schwartz's for lunch. Doc is going to try and track down some old friends of his and get them to join us for there.

One thing that has struck me on this tour is the different vibes the various cities have. We have been in many different places on this tour and none are quite like the other. This is really apparent here in Montreal. The place has an energy about it. People rushing here and there yet it is nothing like the nervous energy of Toronto. Also just 50kms outside the city are towns that feel different and yet they are the bedroom communities.

I am looking forward to my return to southern Ontario. The Montreal House in Peterborough and the London Music Club in London. Plus there is new ground for me in Kincardine and Wallaceburg. I'm not sure what our Halloween show will hold in Wawa but I can tell you that many people will die in the songs we sing that night.

I will try to upload some new photos soon. I have many but have been unable to find a place where I can upload them from. Be good to yourselves!

Blues Tour a Blast

2006-10-22T22:20:00.000-05:00

Nova News Now.com has posted this wonderful review of our tour. You can find the article here.

http://www.novanewsnow.com/article-45675-Blues-tour-a-blast.html

Beyond the Wild Atlantic Roar

2006-10-21T14:05:00.000-05:00

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. My great grandfather left this town on an early morning train, back in the 1890's. I don't know if anybody's been back since then, but folks were friendly and welcomed Hal and I into their community. We played a fabulous house concert at Dr. John's place. That house is a work of art, and it was a thrill to play there. Hal and I became members of the Men's Club, so we'll be going back to visit, and hopefully bomb around the bay in Dr. John's converted lobster boat!

The next day we drove down to Springvale, to the pioneer cemetery at Elgin, and I visited my g.g.g. grandfather's grave. Hector came to Pictou in 1801. What kind of dreams did he dream? Never a drifter like me paying my respects. I leave towards Liverpool with a new sense of connection to this place. I'm from away, and while I'm sorry, I'm also glad. These are hard hills, although probably not much harder than this blues highway I ride.

In Liverpool we are housed in a building built in 1797. I bet there have been a lot of songs sung around here since the privateers rolled in with their pockets full of Spanish money. The Mersey House is a cool old building, and was fun to play- full of goasts and rich with vibe.

Yesterday we saw the Bluenose as we drove up the coast to our gig. It's the boat on the back of the Canadian ten cent piece. Little villages dot the rough coastline here. Houses well crafted like boats. These are people who appreciate wood and water. It's more about the forest than the fish in this region. People are warm and soft in the face of all this hard living. A good bunch came out to hear the blues at Hubbards, so I know we'll have plenty of friends when we pass this way again.

Report from Margaretsville, NS

2006-10-21T13:30:00.000-05:00

Hi folks. First I appologize for being out of contact for the past few days and not posting. We've been having a wonderful time in Nova Scotia beginning with a magical night in New Glasgow. Thanks Maurice for your hospitality and for setting up such a wonderful show for us. We played a concert in a wonderful house built on the side of the ocean. Three floors with a cathedral ceiling. There was a 55 foot tree running from basement to loft. Amazing.

Then we made our way to Liverpool where we played in the Mersey house pub. Micheal Loveridge has a wonderful venue and I got to play some ukulele for the South Shore Ukulele club. They have asked me to send in a press kit for the 2007 Ukulele Ceilidh next October. I am tickled at the prospect of returning to this beautiful part of the country. Next was Hubbards and the Tellis Cafe.

The food here is amazing and we had accomodations down in Northwest Cove which is across the bay from Peggy's Cove. We watched a storm blow in and rage against the shore from our seaside condo and then breathed in the fresh Atlantic air the next morning. Ever wake up in a postcard?

Today we drove across the province to Margaretsville and stopped in Port George to watch the tide in the Bay of Fundy roll in. The wind was so intense that it nearly blew Doc and I off our feet. I do have some pictures and they'll be put up soon I promise. The show tonight promises to be another amazing experience. The theatre is a mid size soft seat theatre and the acoustics are sooooooo good we don't even need a PA. I can't wait.

Breakfast at Joe's - Fredericton NB

2006-10-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

We stopped at Joe's Diner for breakfast before heading out to New Glasgow. This is a great example of why I love breakfast joints. We were total strangers there and ended up in a debate about the merits of certain cars. You know which is better and so on. The whole diner got involved and by the end of it we were practically regulars.

Fredericton Rising

2006-10-16T22:47:00.000-05:00

Driving into New Brunswick I remembered the place along the highway where some crazy guy had once tried to run over me. I was about 14 or 15 and was hitch hiking east because everyone else was going west. Today I was safe in a warm car, and there were no hitch hikers to rescue. I wonder when I will revisit this bit of road again, and what memories it may toss my way. We're really looking forward to the eastern leg of this tour, beginning tonight with a show at Molly's Coffee House in Fredericton.

Doc's Return to Quebec City

2006-10-16T21:54:00.000-05:00

So we've got ONE night off on a travel day and we're driving along the 20 and it's raining and we're trying to make it over to Riviere du Loup in order to have an easy go of it the next day and it's getting dark already and Hal's saying he's never been to Quebec City, so I took a little detour. I says, "Hal, we'll whip in for a bite to eat," and there- over the bridge we go. Pretty soon we're parked next to that big Hotel they've got there, you know, the one that looks like an old castle? Actually, I think it IS an old castle. We wandered into a bistro of some kind to get something to eat, but once we were inside Hal decided it was not good enough- and told the manager we had been looking for a REAL restaurant... Well, that manager guy, he says "follow me," and I thought he had misunderstood and was leading us to the rest rooms. But down this long hall we go, and pretty soon- to my surprise- we are standing in the lobby of the Chateau Posh Something or Other and we are being ushered into a dining room of epic proportions. I said, "Jeez, Hal, they're not gonna let us in here!" But they thought we were famous musical personalities so they escorted us to a table in the middle of it all. There, we proceeded to have the meal of our lives. As our table was tended to we gave thanks for the previous night's cd sales, and marvelled that a couple of blues guys really could- at least for a couple of hours- live like kings. On the way back to the car I showed Hal the underground garage I used to sleep in when I had busked the streets of that city so many years ago. I stood on the boardwalk for a few minutes, looking at the twinkle of the lights from across the river, memories washing over me like the little ripples down below. Then we drove away, back up Laurier, and back to the present.

Dinner in Old Quebec City

2006-10-16T21:36:00.000-05:00

We had enough time to stop for a tourist walk in old Quebec and stopped for a wonderful gourmet meal at a restaurant there. Here is the boardwalk in front of the Chateau Frontinac.

Of course the Tour jackets drew the same attention they have been getting all tour. We asked a passing tourist to snap our pic looking at the buildings. Thanks Levy's for such fine jackets.

Finally night falls on the grand old hotel and we head off down the road on further adventures. (Okay that was a little cheezy)

Tour Dates Again

2006-10-16T21:34:00.000-05:00

Here are the remaining dates in our Trans Canada Blues Odyssey. Please mark down the dates we're in your area.

Oct 17 - Molly’s Coffeehouse, Fredricton, NB
Oct 18 - House Concert, New Glasgow, NS
Oct 19 - Cricket’s Harp, Liverpool, NS
Oct 21 - Evergreen Theatre - Margaretsville, NS
Oct 22 - Sessions Cafe - Rothesay, NB
Oct 24 - Bourbon Street, Montreal, PQ
Oct 25 - MoHo (Montreal House), Peterborough, ON
Oct 26 - London Music Club, London, ON
Oct 27 – Sutton Park Inn, Kincardine, ON
Oct 28 - The Glass Onion, Wallaceburg, ON
Oct 29 - House Concert, Kincardine, ON
Oct 31 - The Lodge House, Wawa, ON
Nov 1 - South Gillies Hall, South Gillies, ON
Nov 3 - The Exchange, Regina, SK
Nov 4 - Ananda Arthouse, Forget, SK

Le Zaricot - Ste Hyacinthe, QC

2006-10-16T21:19:00.000-05:00

Ste Hyacinthe is lucky to be the home of the BEST blues club in the land. Le Zaricot is an amazing venue that caters to blues and roots music exclusively. William Gugnie has created a very cool venue that has been our favorite show this tour.

2006-10-15T08:21:00.000-05:00

Le Zaricot was amazing! Ste Hyacinthe hosts the best blues club in Canada! We'll be back for their big blues festival in May

You can contact me at 2048024673
Vous pouvez me joindre au 2048024673

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Adventures of our 2D selves

2006-10-13T21:06:00.000-05:00

You may recall that we produced a lifesize (almost) cutout of ourselves for the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals conference. Well it was a big hit and many folks were seen getting their photo's taken with our two dimensional representations.

Here is Cat Jahnke and Mark Reeves with our cutout.

Here is the mysterious Aengus Finnan. AD of the Shelter Valley Folk Festival.

And last but never least is the amazing Wendell Ferguson.

Ernie's Coffee Shop

2006-10-12T11:00:00.000-05:00

We stopped by Ernie's Coffee Shop in Sault Ste Marie for breakfast. Ernie's is this great little cafe that has been there since the 70s (but looks like it's been there since the 40s). They had these cool Jukeboxes at every booth and they had tunes like Johnny Cash - Boy Named Sue on it. I really wanted to play the box but I think it was an unwritten rule that you don't play them at breakfast. The place was packed but no one was playing the music.

The road through Northern Ontario

2006-10-11T22:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we drove from Winnipeg to Nipigon and today we drove from Nipigon to Sault Ste Marie. We played tonight at Lop Lops on Queen Street and had a great time. The crowd was small but appreciative and we'd rather be playing than underground.

My friend Catherine Taddo put us up and showed us that great northern hospitality. Catherine has a great CD out and you should check out her site and order one right away. Also when you are in the Sault, check out her performance schedule and catch a show.

Tommorow it's off to North Bay and 100 Georges. I'll make sure to upload some pics. Ciao for now.

More Breakfast

2006-10-11T14:15:00.000-05:00

We stopped for lunch in Wawa,ON at the Embassy restaurant. I know it's not a breakfast stop but I had breakfast I swear it.

We're beside ourselves

2006-10-10T07:40:00.000-05:00

Here is Doc beside himself (and me for that matter). This is a lifesize (almost) cutout that we had made for the upcoming Ontario Council of Folk Festivals. We'll be standing in the lobby the entire conference welcoming everyone to the bar. Our good friend Angela Browne took the photo. See you in Ottawa!

The Auditorium Hotel - Nanton, AB

2006-10-09T11:50:00.000-05:00

The Auditorium Hotel is a hundred (plus) year old hotel that hosts one of the coolest roots venues in Canada. Barb and Larry really take care of you and the folks in town love their music as long as it's real and honest. So it should come as no surprise that they love the blues in Nanton. We played there on a Saturday night and it was a certified hoot! If you're ever in Southern Alberta on a Saturday night check out the Auditorium Hotel. You'll probably find a Winnipeg band playing there.

Doc with Lance and Toby Loree. One of the big reasons the scene here in Nanton is so good is Lance Loree. He is probably better known as Uncle Thirsty and he accompanies Washboard Hank out on the road and Steve Koffey at home. Lance and Toby are real cool people and they have gone out of their way to attract cool musicians to play in Nanton. Thanks Lance for bringing me and Doc to your home town!

Adoring fans in Nanton. Thanks for the hug.

Main Street Nanton, AB. Looking at the Willow Creek Forge (right side) where my CDs are sold. The only other place in Canada to get Manitoba Hal.

Saturday night in Nanton. A full house of good Alberta folk including (but not limited to) several authentic cowboys just fresh in from driving 250 head of cattle.

This is a pic of Doc and I standing with a stuffed Bison head. Notice all the guns in the cabinets behind us.

Grand Forks Art Gallery

2006-10-09T11:41:00.000-05:00

Here are some shots from the Grand Forks Art Gallery. Paul Crawford did a fine job of hosting us and even took us to a Russian diner for breakfast. Thanks Paul! We had a marvelous time in Grand Forks, BC.

Paul Crawford

Trying to look mean and serious. Didn't quite work.

Meanwhile Doc is singing the blues.

And the audience is in rapt attention.

Here is a shot of the Russian diner we had breakfast at.

And our smartly dressed server. She was the best dressed person in the room at 10am on a Saturday.

Breakfast with Elvis

2006-10-06T13:53:00.000-05:00

Alright this is getting downright weird. Lately every place we stop for breakfast we seem to be dining with Elvis.

The Lido cafe in Calgary is a cool 50's diner with the curious habit of reserving all their booths so that morning customers don't use them. But the food was good and Elvis was on the walls. Notice the family Resta Rant.

Here we are eating again with Elvis looking over Doc's shoulder.

I guess Elvis must like the same breakfast specials we do.

Finally while we were eating in Enderby there was Elvis on the radio and this notice on the bulletin board. We can meet and do Elvis stuff!! Like listening to Elvis music and watching Elvis videos. Cool!

Tongue and Groove - Lethbridge

2006-10-06T13:46:00.000-05:00

Here's the Tongue and Groove in Lethbridge. Corey and his staff took good care of us as we brought our delta blues to these folks. I love the stage here and I have to say I liked the sound here best of all the places we've been on tour so far.

Check out that backdrop!

The morning after

2006-10-05T14:34:00.000-05:00

Check out the flowers on October 4th!

Hey there folks. We're in Penticton today just after playing Martini's on Martin. Great venue and great people. If I could upload some photos you'd see this marvelous area of the country. We are headed today for Enderby BC and the fabulous Lorenzo's Cafe. Tonight there will be hot blues, great food and ten pin bowling for sport. That's right ten pin bowling. I said it! Ciao for now.

Lorenzo's Cafe in Ashton Creek, BC

2006-10-04T15:45:00.000-05:00

Alright I know I said Lorenzo's was in Enderby but that is how Lorne promotes the place. It's really in Ashton Creek which is about 10kms from Enderby back into the bush. It's a lovely cafe that is chock full of characters. Like Lorne himself.

Lorne giving us his patented philosophy.

Here's Doc warming up for the show.

The load in.

Doc MacLean in Globe and Mail

2006-10-03T11:08:00.000-05:00

Doc MacLean has been friends with Colin Linden for nearly years. They joined the musicians union together back in the day and toured as accompanists for many artists. Recently the Globe and Mail ran a story that includes Doc and Colin in one of their adventures.

Read it here.

New Podcasts!

2006-10-03T10:22:00.000-05:00

Hey folks here are four new tracks recorded live at Jackdaw's Tavern last night. Enjoy!

Jackdaws-2-Oct-06.mp3 - 7.54MB
Hal performs Walls of Jericho and Freight Train.

Jackdaws-2-Oct-06-2.mp3 - 10.3MB
Doc performs Johnson Terraplane and Hal performs 110 in the Shade

Live from Jackdaw's Tavern

2006-10-02T22:07:00.000-05:00

Doc is rockin 2night @ Jackdaw's. Wish u were here!

Yorkton Shots and CD reviews

2006-10-02T19:53:00.000-05:00

Calvin Daniels sent us these pics of our Yorkton show as well as reviews of our CDs. Thanks Calvin!

COME the RUINATION Manitoba Hal
Independent
7-out-of-10
Yorkton blues fans should be becoming pretty familiar with Manitoba Hal (Brolund). The Winnipeg based bluesman was at the Painted Hand Casino on a couple of occasions when the casino was still holding their biweekly blues nights. And, of course most recently a full convention centre at the Gallagher Centre listened to Manitoba Hal and his tour partner Doc MacLean Saturday evening as the pair made Yorkton a stop on their Trans Canada Blues Tour. I am sure many in attendance took the opportunity to grab Come the Ruination, the latest release from Hal. The CD is typical of Hal's style, that sort of folk, country, storytelling blues. There are no driving electric guitars. This is more basic, acoustic sound, which relies on Hal's voice and his fine lyrics. For Brolund this is a deeply personal album, with eight of the 10 cuts produced in his kitchen. That says a lot about this album. It just has the 'feel' of something very close to Brolund's heart . Of note is that Keep On Singing (live) reprise was produced by David Essig. Essig is a Canadian blues treasure and Brolund's style is definitely in the same vein. From the title, you might expect this album to be strictly spiritual blues, but Brolund doesn't focus solely on that aspect of the music. There are plenty of just straight ahead blues here which don't touch the idea of gospel at all. You will immediately find yourself enjoying cuts such as Estelle, Freight Train and Line and Pole.In a recent interview with Brolund he said he was excited about his latest effort; Come the Ruination. "I'm really excited about it," he said. "It's probably my most focused guitar effort. But, what really excites me is I did it all at home." Brolund said that means not only guitar and vocals, but the bass tracks and producing the effort. "I've done albums in the past ... and was always so focused on the budget and the time," he said. "I was always reining myself in. I wasn't very free in experimenting in the studio."Doing the recording at home was freeing, said Brolund. "If it wasn't everything that I wanted, it didn't stay on the album .. It feels so much more refined than anything else I've done. I was exploring the craft more."Well Brolund did a fine job in exploring the craft of blues, and this is a CD well worth checking out. To learn more take a look at www.manitobahal.com -- DANIELS

NARROW HOUSE Doc MacLean
Independent
7-out-of-10
Sometimes we get to do timely reviews, and this is certainly one of those times since Doc MacLean will be in Yorkton Saturday at the Gallagher Centre as the Trans Canada Blues Tour makes a stop. The tour highlights both MacLean, and Winnipeg's Manitoba Hal (Brolund).MacLean is a long-time blues veteran, although Narrow House is his first recording. That is unusual since his path into the blues began way back in 1948. Over the years MacLean's path crossed with the likes of Son House, Tampa Red and Rev. Robert Wilkins. On stage, MacLean has performed with the likes of the Carter Family, Blind John Davis, Sunnyland Slim, and maybe more familiar to Canadian blues fans Colin Linden who has performed at the Painted Hand Casino in Yorkton. Linden and MacLean would become alumni of the band Dr. Limbo and His Fabulous Off Whites, a band which did release a number of singles during MacLean's 15-year stint with the group. Linden is also the producer of Narrow House -- which takes its name from an old Mississippi term for coffin. Given the meaning of the title, one might guess the theme of the CD is one of darkness. That is in part at least true. The blues here are reflective of the old Delta/Mississippi blues, even though all 10 songs are MacLean originals. The song titles also reflect the general theme, including; Bone Train, Three Cards On a Coffin, Dead Men Walking, and the CD's title cut. This is the blues of smokey backrooms, and mourning, and is the base of what the genre is all about. You get the feeling MacLean is a generation out of time, and would have been most at home in the 1920s and 30s. Fortunately, for Canadian blues fans, he is a contemporary artist who has remained true to the music he cut his blues teeth on. This is a CD well worth a listen, and one that makes me look forward to Saturday's performance in the city. www.docmaclean.com -- DANIELS

Fishbelly White

2006-10-02T15:10:00.000-05:00

Well, finally got away from the admin stuff to get a word in edgewise here! Hal didn't tell you that it snowed overnight. Deep down I knew something like that might happen. Scary, but it did melt, so I guess life is good. One more night here in Calgary- tonight at Jackdraws Pub- and then off to Lethbridge, Alberta. The trip west was good. We stopped off in Melville, Sask, to see Fishbelly White, but missed him as he didn't show up for work the day we were through. Great player. Gotta run. We're going over to visit the good folks at the Calgary Folk Festival.

Original Joes - a review (sort of)

2006-10-02T10:35:00.000-05:00

Hey there folks. We just played Original Joe's on Kensington Rd in Calgary last night. The joint was jumping with the blues. We sang contemporary blues, down and dirty delta blues and some hybrid chicago style. Over all it was a fantastic night. Cassidy and Shauna took care of us there and the food was wonderful. We took a bunch of pics from the road to Calgary plus at the show last night but have no way to upload them at present :(. As soon as I can I'll get some of them up for you all to see.

This photo was taken by Doug Koop as he watched the show. Thanks Doug!

Gallagher Centre - Yorkton, SK

2006-10-01T12:11:00.000-05:00

Here we are in front of the marquee outside the Gallagher Centre. Don Kunkel did a marvelous job of hosting us here and we had a whole heap of fun.

Here's Doc standing at our 'merch' table. Posters, Key chains, Stickers and World Vision kids.

Doc with the poster used in Yorkton. You can bet I got a copy of this poster for my own records.

Blues Walking Like a Man

2006-09-29T23:05:00.000-05:00

Doc and I walked around Wascana lake today and it was a beautiful walk. They've got some wonderful scenery in this part of Saskatchewan. This is a shot of me looking over at their legistlative assembly. The lake is arranged such that you can almost always see this building no matter where you are on the scenic 4km walk.

Tomorrow Doc and I head to Yorkton to play at the Gallagher Center. They have a nice dinner planned of Prime Rib & Salmon

Mr Breakfast

2006-09-29T16:24:00.000-05:00

Okay we're really not obsessed with food but when you're on the road you've got to do something. It seems that we're searching out good breakfast joints. We'll be taking pictures of all the places we hang out during this tour and posting them for you to enjoy.

Here we are with Mr Woo of Woo's cafe in Winnipeg. We ate at Woo's everyday for breakfast and had his $1.99 eggs and bacon special. mmm mmm good. If you're in Winnipeg go by Mr Woo's place.

When you are in Regina you have got to stop by Mr Breakfast. This is the classic small diner. Room for about 30 people and the food is fast and delicious. Doc and Hal recommend Mr Breakfast in Regina.

Six Strings and a Million Possibilities

2006-09-29T16:02:00.000-05:00

This is a radio 'podcast' from an upcoming show of "Six Strings and a Million Possibilities" on Regina's CJTR 91.3FM. This show will air on October 29th. This recording is the UNEDITED version of the interview recorded before my recorder cut out.

CJTR29Sept06.mp3 - 6.95MB

Bob Evans had us on his show. He is a fantastic fingerstyle player by the way and has won the US Fingerstyle Championship just last year. Check him out!

Pics from McNally's Tavern

2006-09-29T10:10:00.000-05:00

All Around Man - Manitoba Hal

Reading a Death Letter - Doc MacLean

The Thrill ain't gone - Manitoba Hal

Thanks to Dale Williams for these great photos. The folks at McNally's treated us real nice and if you're in Regina I'd suggest you head on down for a frosty beverage. The food is good and the staff are friendly. This is us doing our best to warm up the place for the Rolling Stones.

We'll leave you with Doc - Rollin' and Tumbling on our way.

Regina's Mighty Shores

2006-09-28T20:34:00.000-05:00

Here is an MP3 of Doc and I on Regina's Mighty Shores CJTR 91.3FM in Regina.

CJTR28Sept06s.mp3 - 8.11MB

Tonight Doc and I are at McNally's Pub. We'll upload some pics after the show.

Guitar Workshop @ Colossimo Music

2006-09-28T08:13:00.000-05:00

This is Doc and I at the Slide Guitar Workshop held at Colossimo's Music in Thunder Bay. Ken Wright from the Thunder Bay Blues Society organized this for us and it was a great event. We talked technique and style and then jammed with individual players. Man the blues are alive in Thunder Bay!

Windsor Hotel w/Big Dave McLean

2006-09-27T23:54:00.000-05:00

Here we are with Big Dave McLean. We dropped in to his solo night at the Windsor while we were in Winnipeg and he kindly invited us up on stage with him. We played the blues and listened to Dave and Gord Kidder play the real blues. Thanks to Ronnie and Eleanor from the Bluesday show on CKUW 95.9 FM for coming down and buying us drinks. You guys rock!

Tour Dates

2006-09-27T19:15:00.000-05:00

Hey folks. We're going to be appearing at the following venues during this tour.

Sept 20 - CKLN, Toronto, ON
Sept 21 - NOW Lounge, Toronto, ON (Doc, solo, CD release)
Sept 23 - Colosimo’s Music, Thunder Bay, ON (in store guitar workshop)
Sept 23 - Sleeping Giant Concert, Thunder Bay, ON
Sept 24 - Green Achers, Wabagoon, ON
Sept 26 – Bluesday on Tuesday, CKUW, Winnipeg, MB
Sept 27 - Windsor Hotel, Winnipeg, MB (w. Big Dave McLean)
Sept 28 – Regina’s Mighty Shores, CJTR, Regina, SK
Sept 28 - McNally's Pub - Regina, SK
Sept 29 – Red Beard’s Blues, CJTR, Regina, SK
Sept 30 - Gallagher Convention Centre - Yorkton, SK
Oct 1 - Original Joe's - Calgary, AB
Oct 2 - Jackdraw’s Pub, Calgary, AB
Oct 3 - Tongue and Groove, Lethbridge, AB
Oct 4 - Martini’s on Martin, Penticton, BC
Oct 5 - Lorenzo’s Cafe, Enderby, BC
Oct 6 - Grand Forks Art Gallery, Grand Forks, BC
Oct 7 - Auditorium Hotel - Nanton, AB
Oct 8 - TBA, Moose Jaw, SK
Oct 11 - Loplops, Sault Ste Marie, ON
Oct 12 - 100 Georges, North Bay, ON
Oct 13 - OCFF Conference - Ottawa, ON
Oct 14 - Le Zaricot - Ste Hyacinthe, PQ
Oct 15 - TBA, Quebec City, PQ
Oct 17 - Molly’s Coffeehouse, Fredricton, NB
Oct 18 - House Concert, New Glasgow, NS
Oct 19 - Cricket’s Harp, Liverpool, NS
Oct 21 - Evergreen Theatre - Margaretsville, NS
Oct 22 - Sessions Cafe - Rothesay, NB
Oct 24 - TBA, Montreal, PQ
Oct 25 - MoHo (Montreal House), Peterborough, ON (w. Washboard Hank)
Oct 26 - London Music Club, London, ON
Oct 27 – Sutton Park Inn, Kincardine, ON
Oct 28 - The Glass Onion, Wallaceburg, ON
Oct 29 - House Concert, Kincardine, ON
Oct 31 - The Lodge House, Wawa, ON
Nov 1 - South Gillies Hall, South Gillies, ON
Nov 2 - TBA, Kenora, ON
Nov 3 - The Exchange, Regina, SK
Nov 4 - Ananda Arthouse, Forget, SK

Manitoba Hal

2006-09-27T19:13:00.000-05:00

Manitoba Hal is a songwriter whose sound is rooted in the delta and piedmont styles of the blues. He tempers his finger picking style with a sharp sense of humour and gritty lyrics punctuated by the smooth slide of a veteran blues master. Like anyone whose name is a place, Manitoba Hal wears his love for his roots on his sleeve, but those roots aren't just in the prairie soil, Hal's got a songwriter's roots in eerie folk - murder ballads and killer floods - and a player's roots in the deep, dark, fixin' to die blues. This is a man who can sing the word "lonesome" like he means it, and no mistake. Hal’s new CD, Come the Ruination, is to be released September 20.

Doc MacLean

2006-09-27T19:12:00.000-05:00

Doc MacLean is a bit of a vagabond Delta songster, as likely to be seen playing on the streets of Memphis or Atlanta as opening a show for BB King or Duke Robillard in Toronto. In 1972 he formed a duo with Colin Linden and became a popular opener for Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee and Muddy Waters.

Mentored by Son House, Doc went on to tour with Peg Leg Sam the Medicine Show Man, Blind John Davis, Sunnyland Slim, Rev. Pearly Brown, the Carter Family, and Sam Chatmon. His recent work plots an emotional remapping of Delta rooted music, and has won him a fan club which includes a who's who of the blues. Bare fingers, dead strings and broken glass on an old National guitar. His latest recording, Narrow House, is to be released September 15.