Monkey Junk CMW 2010
Monkey Junk
In my panic to see a few more bands, I happened upon the winners of the Indie Award for Best Blues Group/Band (beating out the likes of Jim Byrnes, Harrison Kennedy, Colin Linden and Colin James. I have grown up with the Blues, so this was a great honour for me. It’s wonderful to see the original style of music is alive and well in another generation, possibly even the kids of the people my parents used to party with. Monkey Junk have won multiple awards, with Steve Marriner winning male vocalist of the year and harmonica player of the year, and axeman Tony Diteodoro walking away with guitarist of the year at the Maple Blues Awards; not to mention placing in the top five at the International Blues awards in Memphis. I had a hard time accepting the absence of bass guitar within the rhythm section, but the music was still great. When the lead guitarist picked up the bass, I was home. There was no question in my mind that this band was worthy of their recent success and recognition. They add their unique flavour to the Blues that have take over hearts, souls and hormones of people the world over throughout history. My upbringing surrounded by blues musicians and music is something I will be eternally grateful for. Life isn’t complete without a dose of Blues, R n’ B, Boogie Woogie; music that lives in the soul of the creator until it is shared with a few people fortunate enough to be around. Monkey Junk’s first album “Tiger in Your Tank” has been met with rave reviews since it came out last spring, and the band is currently working on their much-anticipated second recording. Keep your eyes open for them, as the Ottawa-based band is currently touring our fair country from coast to coast. With nearly SIXTY years of combined experience playing the blues, live and in the studio, Steve Marriner, Tony D, and Matt Sobb are making sure the blues continue to thrive in Canada, and all over the world.
Luu Breeze at Club XS
Kyle Luu Breeze Willis
This dynamic rap group consists of three guys, including rapper, lyricist and song-writer, Kyle “Luu Breeze” Willis. Willis grew up in Scarborough’s Orton Park housing project, and with the support of an inspirational single mother, it became his goal to make something of himself, which is exactly what he is doing. He takes pride in his background, and his strong cultural ties to both Jamaica and Nova Scotia are instrumental in his creation of original music. “Luu Breeze” hit the stage with an energetic, entertaining and charmingly cocky form of homegrown hip-hop. They make sure the audience is paying attention by startling those who dare to daydream during the show; our photographer was up close to take pictures, and we were all told to “get as close as the old white guy”. Medium and higher voices are brought together well with a deep bass voice, as three of the group members either rap together or take turns up front. The energy and play doesn’t end as the show goes on- the guys jumping around, and playing with each other, the DJ, and the crowd, which continues growing in enthusiasm and size. In lieu of full costume changes and array of funky hats replace the ones they wore on the last number. The passion is without question, as is the talent, versatility, and drive. With a story to tell about the history of Nova Scotia, and the lives of Willis’ people, Kyle “Luu Breeze” has a lot to say, and chances are, people are going to listen.
The Schomberg Fair at Sneaky Dee’s
Matt Bahen of The Schomberg Fair
For two years, once upon a time, I went to high school with a guy by the name of Matt Bahen. He was kind, soft-spoken, and popular, with shoulder-length dark hair and a guitar slung over his shoulder. These days, Matt looks pretty much the same as I remember him, although he has less hair on his head and more on his face, but he isn’t as quiet as he used to be. This is a good thing. Matt grew up in a little town called Schomberg. There isn’t much to do there most of the time, so the residents look forward to the annual Schomberg Fair. There were animals and a demolition derby, music, rides, and endless drinking, partying and good old-fashioned debauchery. Like the event, the band is worth traversing the country side to see, and like the fair, their show is memorable, musical and full of surprises. Matt is the lead vocalist, but the true wonder of his performance is his instrumentation on both the guitar and bango. With precision and grace, he belts out both high-speed riffs and beautiful melodies to enhance the slower tunes. The bass player has a voice to match his instrument, which contributes to the rich and powerful overall sound. At first, they reminded me of a punk version of the band “System of a Down”, but their diversity impressed me as the show went on. The first ballad is full of soul and the band plays it beautifully, a sure sign of a great rock band. They follow that up with a country tune. Matt and the bass player are perfect for it vocally. I am not a big fan of country music, but the take The Schomberg Fair has on the genre is far more enticing than I have grown to expect. They take something that would be whiney and twangy and rock it right out, proving that, just because you live in the country doesn’t mean you can’t be hardcore!
