CALGARY BLUESFEST ARTISTS (2007)
Edgar Winter Band
By the time Edgar Winter left his hometown of Beaumont, Texas in the 1960's, he was already technically proficient in every aspect of music. A child prodigy who achieved international success early on, Edgar has found an audience in every major entertainment medium--music, film and television.
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Rick Derringer Band
Young guitar great, vocalist and entertainer Rick Derringer was just 17 when his band “The McCoys” recorded the No.1 hit “Hang On Sloopy” in the summer of 1965, knocking “Yesterday” by The Beatles out of the top spot.
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Sista Monica
Sista Monica Parker, singer, songwriter, record producer and dynamic performer, is one of the most sought-after and admired women Blues, Soul and Gospel singers on the international music scene today. Last year, Sista Monica was nominated for a W.C. Handy Blues Award for 'Best Soul Blues Female Artist of the year' by The Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN.
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Duke Robillard Band
What do Bob Dylan, Jay McShann, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, John Hammond, the late Jimmy Witherspoon, Dr. John, Maria Muldaur, Roomful of Blues, and the Canadian band The Rockin’ Highliners all have in common? Answer: Duke Robillard.
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Devon Allman's Honeytribe
Say the name Allman and many things jump to mind: the epitome of Southern Rock, the original “jam” band, legendary live shows, the list goes on. Devon Allman’s Honeytribe is all of these things – and none of them at the same time. Genetics aside, this band will please fans of Santana, BB King, The Black Crowes and Widespread Panic.
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Vargas Blues Band
Spain's number one guitar hero is that nation's answer to S.R.V., and without a doubt earns the comparison for his guitar mastery and contemporary blues sound. Javier Vargas performs and records with the top of the blues, rock and world music scenes and has collaborated with such names as Carey Bell, Louisiana Red, members of Double Trouble, and Carlos Santana.
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Kelley Hunt
These days it's rare when a blues-based artist shows up with both tradition and true originality on their side. Roots R&B / Americana singer / songwriter / piano player KELLEY HUNT is just such an artist -- a woman who has muscled her way onto the scene on her own terms with an identity that is clearly steeped in blues/roots/gospel but reaches out toward refreshingly unexpected horizons.
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Kinsey Report
“ Donald Kinsey’s resume includes a longtime stint (as lead guitar player) with the legendary Bob Marley , as well as Peter Tosh and playing alongside of blues icon Albert King” Eric Volmers-Calgary Herald
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Albert Cummings
This explosive guitarist spent 16 years on the road with the likes of B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughn. He so impressed SRV Double Trouble band members, they went on to record two albums with the New York based artist. Cummings knows how to make his guitar talk, sing, laugh and cry, and has a powerful voice that can call out or croon when the situation demands.
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Doc MacLean
"Writing from the dark side of the blues highway, Doc's distinctive vocals and bare fingers National guitar plot an intense, emotional remapping of contemporary Delta and roots music."
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Jack de Keyzer
Juno and Maple Blues award-winning guitarist Jack De Keyzer has been wowing audiences for over 30 years. The Toronto-based bluesman performs 120+ dates a year, and has toured throughout the world.
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Doug Riley
Hammond B3 giant Doug Riley (aka Dr. Music) has produced and performed on countless recordings with Ray Charles, David Clayton Thomas, The Brecker Brothers, Bob Seger, Ringo Starr and more.
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Canadian All Star Blues Band
Formed by Calgary bassist Tom Knowles, drummer Duris Maxwell, and Edmonton saxophone player Dave Babcock, the Canadian All Star Blues Band joins guitarist Jack de Keyzer and Hammond B3 legend Doug Riley for a powerhouse performance.
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David Gogo Band
Whatever you think the 'blues' is--get ready to hear it at its flat out best by this world leading blues guitarist.
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Jimmy Bowskill
"Jimmy Bowskill was on the right side of the stage and Healey was in the middle. It was kind of like seeing Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe getting to play on the same line at once" - The Night Scrawler, The Toronto Sun
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Garrett Mason Band
Garrett Mason is a true bluesman at heart. He was raised in Truro, Nova Scotia by his mother Pam, and father, veteran Canadian Bluesman Dutch Mason.
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The Perpetrators
"These guys know what I'm talking about... when we're playing, I can feel the Wolf looking down and smiling."
- Hubert Sumlin
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Highwater Jug Band
Some long time friendships fuelled by a common zeal for old time blues, jug band music, vintage acoustic instruments, and the sounds of scratchy old phonograph records has sparked somewhat of a southern Alberta roots-music super-group.
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Guy Chaput & the Sci-fi Band
Guitarist, singer and songwriter Guy Chaput's music is definitely out of the box. While the foundation is firmly rooted in the blues, his electrified sound draws from boogie-rock and rhythm and blues, fusing with his gritty vocals and blistering guitar to become a sound that defies description.
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Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir
Rare is the band that can captivate both punk rock kids and folk music fans. Rare still is a band that can do this by playing a ferocious combination of traditional blues, Appalachian folk, and ragged gospel.
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Mike Clark Band
Mike Clark walked on stage more than two decades ago to begin his tenure as a blues, roots and jazz saxophonist. While studying for a Bachelor's degree in music at the University of British Columbia his artistry evolved and matured in the nightclubs of Vancouver and the lower mainland districts. Upon receiving his degree, he accepted a high school teaching position and continued performing in clubs and concert settings throughout the province.
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Megan Lane Band
"Music means everything to me; it is my release, my passion, and my love..." (Megan Lane) "...Every city we play in draws a crowd because word gets out that I’m a 18-year-old girl who plays a mean guitar, but once we start to play, who I am on the outside is no longer a factor. One hundred percent emotion is put into my music, and that’s why audiences want more once they see me play.
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Du-Rite Aces
The Du-Rite Aces play a roots roundup of blues - jump, chicago, 40's texas, bit of western swing feel, rockabilly edge and 100 % upright bass throughout - the grease that keeps all of those styles swinging.
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Karl Roth Trio
Violinist, songwriter and singer Karl Roth has made a much-anticipated return to his native Calgary after spending the last few years based out of Montreal. Reuniting with long-time musical comrades, guitarists Dave Hamilton and Jeff Drummond, the Karl Roth Trio once again ignites Calgary audiences with their red-hot strings.
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Stepchyle
StepChyle is the best soul/funk band in Western Canada. George Taylor's writing along with the passional soulful singing is a world class combination.
- Jack Semple
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Little Miss Higgins
As if she was born into it - Little Miss Higgins captivates audiences with her original, gutsy, spirited country blues songs. Crystal clear vocals that go on forever - and amazing guitar licks - she’s the real thing! Though she’s raring to go anywhere from solo to a full band of minstrels, Little Miss is mostly accompanied by partner/guitar player Foy Taylor. Together they are creating innovative guitar work rooted in a country blues style and an unforgettably “top hat” stage show.
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Richie Pollack
Calgary's resident harmonica man Richie Pollack dishes up his musical stew, made with a spicy mix of ingredients from New Orleans to Africa and some good down home cookin'.
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Blue Rhino Band
With two front men, four singers, a fat horn section and a funky bottom end, Blue Rhino reinterprets R & B, soul, and funk standards with only one rule... if it isn't fun… they don't play it!
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Aaron Penton Band
Aaron Penton’s obsession with music came early on, and at the age of 13 his dream came true when he got his first guitar. He studied with Ron Burke of Little Voodoo, who introduced the young lad to the blues, and Aaron was hooked.
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Curtis Glas
"Singing the Blues Competition" winner Curtis Glas will perform with the Aaron Penton Band.
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Adele & the Krusers
Kelly Kruse, founder and inspiration for Adele & the Krusers, is known throughout western Canada for his many years spent as an in-demand sideman on the drum chair. Known for his versatility and rock-solid groove, Kelly has performed in a number of groups and a range of styles for over two decades.
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The Firm Handshake
Playing an invigorated take on blues music, The Firm Handshake have been turning heads at blues jams for a few years now. As teens they quickly became frustrated by a stifling indie music scene.
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Tim Williams
“Conversation halts, glasses still, and all eyes turn on Tim Williams as the room
becomes a train stop on a tour of half-forgotten memories in the collective
consciousness.”
Program notes, 2005 Calgary Folk Music Festival
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Bill Dowey & the Blues Devils
A powerful and heartfelt voice, a searing slide guitar tone, and a tour bus full of experience makes Bill Dowey one of the most convincing and dedicated blues artists in Canada.
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Brian MacAreavey & the Promises
One of Calgary's favourite performers, Brian MacAreavey makes his Calgary Bluesfest debut as part of the Twilight Blues Series.
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Sonny Rhodes & the Electrofires
"I've got fast blues, slow blues, blues in between, up blues, down blues and blues kinda mean"
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