GARY 17
GREAT LIVE NOISE –October 8, 2009
The importance of gratitude for what we already have has been brought home to the GTA live music scene recently by news that two of its multi-genre, behind-the-scenes icons are going through very difficult times. Multiple Juno-winning recording engineer, producer and bass player to the stars, Alec Fraser, is suffering from a rare but life-threatening infection known as MRSA. Meanwhile, drummer/promoter-impresario and a scion of the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments family, Jon Long, is still in serious condition in hospital ten days after suffering head injuries sustained when he was struck by a bicyclist while crossing the street in front of the family’s flagship store on Bloor West. Along with the thanks you give this weekend, ask for some blessings to be sent their way for full recoveries.
RECOMMENDED:
• Sat. Oct. 10, 9:30, Timothy’s Pub (344 Brown’s Line), free: The Blazers, CD release. High-energy blues act formerly known as The Jukes.
Gary 17 - T.O Moon magazine (Oct 8, 2009)
LA HORA BLUES
"High level band with a huge experience along Canadian Blues circles. They fluently perform an excellent effective mixture of blues, rhythm and blues, funk, swing, rockabilly and rock...The arrangements of the original covers have got great quality with a cool lush sound...a solid band with a powerful guitar sound and an delightful daring vibrato. Josh Gordon guitar solos have a personal stamp with very close Texan references which give them a straight charisma, something not very usual among many actual guitar players. Toronto musical scene can be proud of that excellent band.
LA HORA BLUES (Jul 25, 2007)
HOT FM 106.7 FM - Tecka's Tracks
"I’ve been playing the album for the past couple of months on my program…These guys have produced a great CD. Fits right in the mix of my Rock & Blues Show."
"TECKA"..Terry Iredale
Terry Iredale - HOT FM 106.7 FM (Jan 25, 2006)
SweetSarahBlues.com - Sarah French
The first cut on the disc is ‘Raining In Toronto’, a great jump Blues track featuring outstanding guitar work from Josh Gordon. The title track, ‘What A Night’ is a fun tune about the familiar feeling of overdoing it on a good night out with the boys. ‘Run Dear Boy’ is a fine example of the talents of lead vocalist Peter Charles. He has a fairly wide vocal range, and is perfectly suited to sing Blues and R & B. The aforementioned ‘Summertime’ is jazzy, smooth and gorgeous. There are 13 awesome tracks on "What A Night" and I would be hard pressed to find one that did not stand out.
The Jukes are one tight band! From the vocals provided by Mr. Charles, the exceptional guitar work from Josh Gordon, funky bass lines laid down by Andrew Taylor, to the formidable drumming from Chris Chiarelli. These gentlemen have hit the nail on the head with their radio friendly, crowd pleasing musical team. Keep your eyes peeled for The Jukes in your city, and do yourself a favor by checking them out live, and grabbing a copy of this incredible disc. "
Sarah French - SweetSarahBlues.com (Jan 31, 2006)
Max Trax on Rogers Cable - Max Trax Digital Music
"I added the track 'Raining in Toronto' about a month ago. I was listening at home on Saturday myself and thought how good it sounded in the mix with Eric Clapton, Etta James, Glamour Puss and others."
Music Director
Peter Silversides - Max Trax on Rogers Cable - Max Trax Digital Music (Dec 5, 2005)
"Unfamiliar with the band and their music, I had no idea what lay ahead. The boys blew me away! Turns out, they are another immensely talented compilation of Toronto area musicians forming a one of a kind blend of rockin’ blues band."
"Sets consisting of kick-ass originals flowed fluently with their fiery, soulful deliverance of traditional blues and classic rock covers. Original rockin’ blues reminded me of the unique musical blend of none other that Jack de Keyzer. Not bad for a relatively youthful, new band. What really catches one’s eye is the amazing chemistry these four musicians possess creating an electrifying energy that reaches the depths of one's heart and soul."
Diane Goldsmith - P.A. Blue Star Records (Jun, 2006)