Maison du Blues

Roger Guetta/Images..Kaspar Knoll/Saxophone..Robert Smith/Motion Graphics

2011-12-01T00:37:00.000-05:00

Autumn of Love - Roger Guetta and Kaspar Knoll

2011-12-01T00:26:00.000-05:00

Roger Guetta Images:Motion interpreted by Kaspar Knoll:Sax

2011-12-01T00:24:00.001-05:00

Envision/ Decision/ Mission

2011-12-01T00:24:00.000-05:00

Blues Jam - L'Unik - Montreal - Thursday Nights - Dec 3, 2010

2011-11-20T17:59:00.000-05:00

Blues Jam - L'Unik - Montreal - Thursday Nights - Dec 3, 2010

2011-11-20T17:58:00.000-05:00

Autumn of Love - Paul Arthur and Band

2011-11-20T17:54:00.000-05:00

Caledonia (Louis Jordan) - Louis Janelle Blues Band.avi

2011-11-20T17:53:00.001-05:00

Cho from Chonilla.com jammin with the blues.

2011-11-20T17:51:00.000-05:00

Ria Reece giving us goose bumps!

2011-11-20T17:50:00.000-05:00

Ria Reece Band - That's It, I Quit, I'm Moving On

2011-11-20T17:49:00.000-05:00

Stranger - 06.avi

2011-11-20T17:45:00.000-05:00

Crossroads - Ry Cooder (Studio Version)

2011-07-21T00:50:00.000-04:00

statesboro blues.avi

2011-07-21T00:47:00.000-04:00

Buddy Guy - Slippin In

2011-06-24T15:55:00.000-04:00

Buddy Guy & Eric Clapton - Key to the highway

2011-06-24T15:47:00.000-04:00

B.B. King & Buddy Guy - I Can't Quit You Baby

2011-06-24T15:38:00.000-04:00

JEFF BECK with B.B. KING - Rock Me Baby

2011-06-24T15:34:00.000-04:00

Slim Harpo - I'm a King Bee

2011-06-24T15:33:00.000-04:00

John Mayall with Albert King - Stormy Monday

2011-06-24T15:21:00.000-04:00

Jeff Beck - Brush with the blues

2011-06-24T15:16:00.000-04:00

Taj Mahal - Bright Lights Big City (1999)

2011-06-24T15:15:00.000-04:00

John Mayall : Have you heard about my baby (part 2)

2011-06-24T15:09:00.000-04:00

Muddy Waters: The Blues Had A Baby (And They Named Rock and Roll)

2011-06-24T15:07:00.000-04:00

Freddie King - Look On Yonder Wall

2011-06-24T15:06:00.000-04:00

Buddy Guy - Damn Right, I've Got The Blues (Live) 2003

2011-06-24T15:05:00.000-04:00

2011-05-01T01:36:00.000-04:00

BLUES SIDE UP plays Bright Lights Big City at Maison du Blues

2011-01-22T22:04:00.000-05:00

San Ho Zay - by BLUES SIDE UP

2011-01-01T22:22:00.000-05:00

Maison du Blues Jam session every Thursday night 8:30pm-12:30am

2010-10-25T13:31:00.000-04:00

Free admission to Jam night.
Bring your instruments.
All welcome.

Profile Interview with Brit Bluesman Chris James

2010-10-04T13:28:00.001-04:00

Chris James – Profile interview

1. What instrument(s) do you play?

I use 3 guitars on stage, all acoustic. A Taylor 314-CE which I mostly play in standard or dropped D tuning. An Epiphone PR 500 which I keep tuned to D and a guitar my brother, Richard gave me 40 years ago with no name but a butterfly inlay on the front. This guitar I keep tuned to G.

2. What equipment are you using? (ie guitars, bass, amps, harmonica, drums, sax etc.)

I am a solo performer, but sometimes use a stomp box which gives me a thudding bass drum effect. The Taylor has a great preamp so can plug straight into the PA. The other 2 have pickups across the soundholes and you have to turn the gain up for them to be heard!

3. Have you modified your set-up in any way to better suit your style of playing.

I raised the action higher on the Epiphone (not many guitarists raise the action, I know) but it obviously then gives a cleaner sound for slide playing. I put a straight bridge on the saddle so the strings are in a straight line across the arm and don’t follow the curve of the arm so again sliding is more pure sounding.

4. Is there any instrument that you owned, but sold and now regret it?

No. I don’t know about Canada but the second hand value of acoustic guitars doesn’t really make them worthwhile selling. I have about 10 guitars. I am currently trying to teach myself lap-style playing so have converted an old 12 string with a nut raiser and taken off half the strings.

5. How did you first get interested in your instrument?

My Uncle and my brother both played – you will know Rich James from the sessions you have. They both taught me a few things. Rich taught me Dust My Blues on the slide which really started me on slide playing. You can see this on my youtube website – www.youtube.com/chrisjamesblues.
My uncle was a semi-pro country and western singer in pubs and made good money which again was an attraction!
There was also a teaching guitar programme on the TV in the 60s in England called “Hold Down a chord” taught by John Pearse which got me into Big Bill Broonzy and Mississippi John Hurt.

6. What are your influences in the blues?

Electric Blues in the early days would be BB King, Eric Clapton and Peter Green. The latter 2 played with John Mayall and I was honoured to do a support gig for him and the Bluesbreakers 30 years later – I don’t think he watched me though!
Acoustic it would have to be Robert Johnson, Big Bill and all those old bluesmen like Blind Blake and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.
Today though my favourites are Kelly Joe Phelps and Canada’s own Harry Manx. Hence my desire to learn lap-style!oh and Richard Thompson who is just brill!

7. Are there any particular players on the world stage who have had an effect on your playing?

As above

8. Can you recommend any soundtrack/video/DVD of these players?

The “Guitar Artistry of Harry Manx” DVD I love and is really watchable and “Shine-eyed Mr. Zen” by Kelly Joe is an interesting CD.

9. How would you describe the type of sound you have or would like to achieve.

I feel I am too eclectic and still haven’t developed my own sound as such ( after 30 years of playing). I like to play ragtime and slide Blues but I also like to play and write ballads.

10. If money was no object, what equipment would you like to use at a medium sized gig? (50 seater)

Same guitars just better P.A. and monitors.

11. What, in your view, makes a player special/unique (past or present)

I think special players have their own distinct sound. One sustained note from BB king can identify him straight away. Harry Manx is distinct with his Indian influences etc.
Feel or soul and timing distinguishes the great from the ok though I think. There thousands of brilliant guitar players around but only a few with that feel.

12. What are your favourite songs?

Normally the one I’ve just learned!
To be honest I find gospel songs really great to sing , I just love the power in them, even though I’m not religious at all.So I suppose songs with power in them, this can be rock or a slow ballad – it’s the feel again.

13. How long have you been playing?

40 years on and off ( mostly off while the kids were growing up).

14. Are you presently in a group or working on any projects with other musicians? (name the other members if you like and what they play)

I continue to play solo – you don’t have to divide the money at the end of the night!

15. Do you like working in the studio, prefer to go out and play, or both? (please elaborate if you can)

I prefer to play out. I don’t like the pressure of being accurate all the time. If I want to put an extra bar in then that’s what I do on stage but on a CD mistakes last forever!

16. Are there any local musicians that you would recommend to go and see play who you like the most?

They are all in the UK so you might not know them. I like a lot of the folk club circuit people. Boo Hewerdine is a great singer/songwriter, Heidi Talbot is a beautiful singer. Chris While and Julie Matthews are fantastic performers.

17. Which local musician(s) have had an effect on your own playing?

I suppose my brother Rich was a big influence as a kid. When he had a skiffle band me and my mates had one and he led me into John Mayall and Muddy Waters etc. Seeing my uncle play in pubs was also a revelation. I felt sure if I could do that I would get loads of girls!.. 40 years on and I’m still waiting.

18. How did you first get involved with music? (ie. listened to a record, friend introduced you to an album, went to a club to see someone play)

I saw BB King play in London. I was skeptical of anyone who was billed as “king of the Blues” but he played one note and I was hooked.

19. Do you practice often (ie. learn new songs, go over the ones you know, or just fiddle around?

I spend too much time just fiddling around and not enough actually learning new songs. I tend to play most evenings but the time can vary from 10 minutes to 3 hours.
I have a list of 20-30 songs in my head that I intend to learn one day. The day job gets in the way I’m afraid.

20.Share with us your ideal gig (ie. large or small venue, do you like to get there very early to set up, do you expect other band members to do the same, who does the sound or works the board. – anything at all about your approach to playing)

My ideal gig is somewhere new where I can play all my old songs because people haven’t heard them before and chuck in some new ones. I suppose village hall size with maybe 100 people is ideal. I like someone mixing the sound for me – its always better than me doing it myself.
Definitely more people is better than less (unless they’re not listening of course!)

21. Is playing for you a job to be worked hard at, shear pleasure, or a mixture of both?

I unfortunately don’t play live as often as I would like which means I have to practice my old songs beforehand which is boring otherwise I will forget words or chord changes – just old age I suppose. So- mixture of both

22. What do you think of jam sessions? (please elaborate likes and dislikes)

Don’t ever do them but I played a gig with a harmonica player last year, we played together at the end and I have to say I loved it.

23. Do you prefer to work out your music in advance, or do you like a certain amount of improvisation?

Pretty much set beforehand – I only improvise to cover the mistakes!

24. Have there been any experiences that made you nervous on stage?

Yes. I did a festival and my wife’s friends all threw their knickers on the stage at the end. I have to say that it ticked off one of my ambitions….. My next ambition is to have clean knickers thrown on the stage!

25. Is it more nerve-wracking for you to play in front of friends, other musicians or a regular bar crowd?

I don’t think I’m bothered as long as they aren’t talking.

26. What’s the best or worst gig you played?

One of the best was at a festival this year where the audience were so enjoying themselves that when I said I had bought a new shirt for this gig they applauded the shirt!
Worst gigs are where people talk so loud I can’t hear myself playing. Being acoustic I need to be able to hear myself for the fiddly stuff.

27. Do you have any other anecdotes you could share with us. (pleasant or unpleasant)

I should just mention my daughter, Laura. She is 19 and is a singer songwriter. She already does festivals and local music events. She will eventually make me money and keep me I’m sure. Her website is www.youtube.com/loraspaperheart

28. What advice would you give to an aspiring young player? (ie. Technique, style, equipment etc.- any mistakes to avoid?)

Before playing live, know the song inside out then when you come to play you don’t have to think about what word is next or which chord and you can then put your soul into it. That’s what makes it different to the next performer.

29. What’s your next project/gig/musical experience? (give place and dates if you like)

I have just finished recording my second CD which I will have printed in the next few weeks. Then I have got to try and sell them!
My main aim is to pursue more gigs this year as without an agent it is hard to get your foot in the door. Maybe I can come to Canada!
Cheers

Thanks Chris for adding an international flavour to our Blues page.

Chris has supported many of the finest live acts around Britain, from John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Nine Below Zero, The Hoax and The Nimmo Brothers to acoustic acts such as Clive Gregson, Boo Hewardine, Kristina Olsen, Maddy Prior and Paul Jones. Chris is regularly booked for the Brampton Live Festival, the Carlisle Folk and Blues Club, and, Penrith Plug and Play. Chris, for the first time, is now actively seeking gigs throughout the country to promote 'Trick of the Light' a mainly Blues-based acoustic album produced by John Wood, the producer of albums by Richard Thompson and John Martyn.

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/chrisjamesblues#ixzz11PY5pNx2

2010-09-30T09:23:00.000-04:00

Louis Janelle - Profile Interview

2010-08-12T11:47:00.004-04:00

Profile Interview with Louis Janelle

1. What instrument(s) do you play?

Electric guitar, electric bass and drums.

2. What equipment are you using? (ie guitars, bass, amps, harmonica, drums, sax etc.)

Gibson ES-135 with a Blues Junior Fender amp. Ibanez bass and Premier drums.

3. Have you modified your set-up in any way to better suit your style of playing?

Flat wound strings like in the 50's.

4. Is there any instrument that you owned, but sold and now regret it?

Not yet.

5. How did you first get intested in your instrument?

When I was a kid, I used to watch a program TV called "Le ranch à Willie" (early 70's) hosted by a western singer called Willie Lamothe. There was Bobby Hachey on the guitar with a big smile in his face all the time. You can see him right here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grts4ML-skE

6. What are your influences in the blues?

Willie Dixon, Jerry McCain, Jimmy Reed, Bo Diddley, Slim Harpo, Lazy Lester, Lonesome Sundown, Frank Frost, Earl Hooker, Bill Haley, Sonny Boy Williamson, John Lee Hooker, Guitar Gable, Joe Hill Louis, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Freddie King, Lightnin' Slim, Muddy Waters and many more, not Gary Moore, many more !

7. Are there any particular players on the world stage who have had an effect on your playing?

See question 6.

8. Can you recommend any soundtrack/video/DVD of these players?

-"Freddie King The Beat 1966"

-"Gunsmoke Blues" with Muddy Waters, Big Joe Turner, Big Mama Thornton and George Smith

-"Howlin' Wolf In Concert 1970" (he was very drunk on this one but still good)

-"The American Folk-Blues Festival / The British Tours 1963-1966".

9. How would you describe the type of sound you have or would like to achieve.

Not loud and vintage. At least I try.

10. If money was no object, what equipment would you like to use at a medium sized gig? (50 seater)

I'm thinkin' right now about Hound Dog Taylor, he was usin' a cheap Peavey amp and a cheap Teisco guitar... A year ago I played in a auditorium with a 5 watts Fender amp and the band wasn't miked at all ! So each time I was doin' a solo, the whole band would go very low on the volume just to let people hear me. It was funny! In fact I will use the same gear but If money was no object, I'd like to get on the stage coming out of a nice big 50's Cadillac !

11. What, in your view, makes a player special/unique (past or present)

Someone who play with feeling and have a lot of vocabulary on the neck.

12. What are your favourite songs?

I don't have any favorite songs. I just like the Blues, that's it that's all. There is a lot of style of music and Blues is not one of them. You got Blues in your left corner and you got the rest of music in the right corner.

13. How long have you been playing?

I'm shy to answer to this question, a few decades or so.

14. Are you presently in a group or working on any projects with other musicians? (name the other members if you like and what they play)

Louis Janelle Blues Band is my project right now. Gilles Bonenfant / Harp. Costa Zafiropoulos or Maypo or Mike Reilly or George Groove or Mark Peetsma or Kevin-Mark / Bass. Ben Caissie or Karol Sauvé or Eloi Bertholet / Drums.

15. Do you like working in the studio, prefer to go out and play, or both? (please elaborate if you can)

Both.

16. Are there any local musicians that you would recommend to go and see play who you like the most?

"Bharath and the Rhythm Four" every friday at Griffintown Café - 1378 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Montreal.

"Blind" with the famous Steven Barry on bass every Wednesday at Barfly - 4062 ST-LAURENT, Montréal.

"Pat Loiselle" in any good bar near you.

17. Which local musician(s) have had an effect on your own playing?

Pat Loiselle, Kevin-Mark, Colin Perry.

18. How did you first get involved with music? (ie. listened to a record, friend introduced you to an album, went to a club to see someone play)

There was always music playing in our house when I was young. I grew up with older brothers and sisters who were listening to Pierre Lalonde, Donald Lautrec, Les Baronets, Joel Denis, Les Classels and...Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, Rare Earth, Uriah Heep and more.

19. Do you practice often (ie. learn new songs, go over the ones you know, or just fiddle around?

I try to pick up my guitar every day.

20.Share with us your ideal gig (ie. large or small venue, do you like to get there very early to set up, do you expect other band members to do the same, who does the sound or works the board. - anything at all about your approach to playing)

Smoke Meat Pete is the best place to play. I like to get to a gig at least one hour before we hit the first note. 15 minutes is enough for me to be ready, then I drink one beer and talk with people around. We fix the vocal mike volume loud enough so I can easily sing at 6 inchs from the mike. We don't play loud. We don't mike anything.

21. Is playing for you a job to be worked hard at, shear pleasure, or a mixture of both?

I work hard at home but when it's time to play live, it's pure pleasure.

22. What do you think of jam sessions? (please elaborate likes and dislikes)

I went to many jams that suck ! I remember a place I used to go; they made me wait for so long, the jam was over and I did't play at all ! For me it's important to go to jams where the people are friendly and make you feel at home. "Blues Side Up" do good jams, those cats (Rob, Steve, Dan & Rich) are very cool. Guillaume Boux and Pat Loiselle as well.

23. Do you prefer to work out your music in advance, or do you like a certain amount of improvisation?

Both.

24. Have there been any experiences that made you nervous on stage?

I don't recall.

25. Is it more nerve-wracking for you to play in front of friends, other musicians or a regular bar crowd?

No difference.

26. What’s the best or worst gig you played?

I'm still waiting for my best and all the worst gigs are erased from my brain.

27. Do you have any other anecdotes you could share with us. (pleasant or unpleasant)

A few years ago (last century), Long John Hunter was playing at "Café Campus" and after the show there was a jam night at "Le Petit Campus" just one floor below. I missed the show, but got there on time for the jam. I jumped on the stage with two guys, a good sax player and guitar player; sharp dressed too and very, very amazing performers. So after we quit the stage I innocently asked those guys where they were from and they answered : TEXAS. It's not the answer I was expecting, but I just realized that I had played with two musicians from the Long John Hunter Band !!!

28. What advice would you give to an aspiring young player? ( ie. Technique, style, equipment etc.- any mistakes to avoid?)

Play everyday even if it's just 15 minutes. Don't buy any overdrive, distortion or boost pedals - just get your dirty sound from the pre-amp. That sound will cut through the band and that's where the Blues tone is. In the 50's they got 5 or 8 watt amps and, guess what, they cranked it until the volume knob can't go any further up. Instead put your money on a good wire that won't make any noise or catch any CBs or radio stations or even worse a taxi dispatcher! Just listen to Blues music and put your hands on your ears each time when you hear something else. In other words don't get distracted by crap. Tell all your 28,546 friends on Facebook that robot music sucks and it's time to go back on real instruments to make real music. Start a band with your friends and have real fun. Daring your nerves to play in front of an audience is a real kick; it’ll make you feel more proud of yourself and make you gain more confidence. Oh yeah and stop drinkin Guru, Redbull and stuff like that, go to bed early and listen to your parents...

29.. What’s your next project/gig/musical experience? (give place and dates if you like)

For more information go there : http://www.myspace.com/louisjanellebluesband

N.B.: It was a real pleasure to answer that interview; hope to read more interviews in the near future.

Thanks Louis

Magic Dan interview in French

2010-08-06T15:49:00.001-04:00

Magic Dan – Entrevue exclusive
La Maison du Blues (MdB) a realisé cette entrevue avec Magic Dan, harmoniciste, le soir même où il jouait avec le groupe BLUES SIDE UP au resto-bar Smoke Meat Pete’s de l’Île Perrot, le 9 juin 2010.

MdB Salut Magic Dan, c’est bien de pouvoir discuter ainsi avec toi pendant les pauses de ton show.
MD Le plaisir est pour moi.
MdB Ça fait longtemps que tu joues, qu’est-ce qui t’a amené à la musique?
MD L’amour de la musique.
MdB Peux-tu élaborer?
MD Je cherchais quelque chose d’intéressant à faire quand j’étais jeune. J’ai commencé comme chanteur mais je ne suis pas bilingue et j’ai atteint ma limite, mais la musique était comme une drogue, j’en étais accro. Donc je me suis demandé ce que je pourrais faire pour poursuivre et j’ai décidé d’apprendre l’instrument le plus facile à jouer - l’harmonica.
MdB C’était quand?
MD Autour de mes 20 ans.
MdB Et quel âge as-tu maintenant?
MD Je suis très vieux, on n’ose plus me le demander!
MdB Quel genre d’équipement utilises-tu?
MD Toutes sortes d’amplis, et surtout, des microphones « Bullet » et des harmonicas diatoniques. J’aime essayer les amplis qui sont à disposition.
MdB Ces microphones sont-ils conçus spécialement pour les joueurs d’harmonica?
MD Je dirais que oui.
MdB S’il n’y avait pas de limite d’argent, choisirais-tu un autre équipement?
MD Avec beaucoup d’argent, je pourrais me procurer de très vieux amplis et microphones.
MdB Que penses-tu des jam sessions?
MD Quelquefois je les apprécie mais à d’autres moments ils ne sont pas très bons, mais ça demeure habituellement amusant.
MdB Qu’est-ce que tu apprécie le plus dans le fait de jammer?
MD L’énergie qui s’en dégage.
MdB Y a-t-il des mauvais côtés?
MD Se faire voler des gigs par de bons musiciens!
MdB Quels musiciens locaux apprécies-tu?
MD Un grand harmoniciste, Bharath. Je l’ai souvent vu jouer et je le connais depuis longtemps, mais je n’ai pas vraiment de contacts avec lui. Il est fidèle au jeu de l’harmonica dans la plus pure tradition du Chicago Blues, comme Little Walter.
MdB Qu’est-ce que tu aimerais voir arriver dans l’avenir sur la scène du Blues à Montréal? As-tu certaines critiques à formuler face au climat musical actuel?
MD Je trouve que la musique est souvent trop forte et que la technologie a tué l’émotion.
MdB Est-ce que ça peut être évité?
MD Je pense que c’est dans l’ère du temps, ceux qui arrivent à éviter ce piège sont très chanceux.
MdB Dans quel genre de salle aimes-tu le plus jouer?
MD Si on a bien répété, j’apprécie jouer dans une grande salle, mais si on n’est pas tout-à-fait prêt, il vaut mieux jouer dans une petite salle.
MdB Quelles sont tes influences musicales principales au niveau international?
MD J’en ai plusieurs. J’ai surtout été influencé par le J. Geils Band, un groupe des années ’60.
MdB Une question revient souvent: d’où vient le nom de “Magic Dan”?
MD Je l’ai copié sur “Magic Dick” du J. Geils Band. Je l’ai copié de A à Y.
MdB De A à Y?
MD Oui, parce que c’est difficile de le copier de A à Z!
MdB Aurais-tu quelques mots d’encouragement pour les jeunes musiciens qui débutent?
MD Certainement, je voudrais les encourager. Vous devez travailler fort – très fort. C’est une passion.
MdB Comment arrive-t-on à trouver son style personnel, unique?
MD C’est une question très difficile car l’harmonica est un instrument, à la base, assez limité. C’est difficile de développer un style personnel. Tout se ressemble actuellement. Ceux qui réussissent à développer un style personnel sont privilégiés.
MdB Plusieurs diraient que tu as vraiment réussi à développer ton style à toi.
MD Je répondrais que mon style vient de nombreux autres joueurs – je ne pense pas avoir inventé quelque chose de nouveau.
MdB Y a-t-il quelque chose que tu souhaiterais accomplir dans un avenir rapproché?
MD Je souhaite de continuer à être heureux de jouer ce que je joue.
MdB Y a-t-il quelqu’un avec qui tu aimerais jouer mais dont l’occasion ne s’est pas encore présentée?
MD À mon âge, mes rêves sont plus modestes, mais quand ça sonne bien, j’apprécie jouer avec n’importe qui.
MdB Dirais-tu que tu es un musicien satisfait de son sort?
MD Avec le peu d’effort que j’y ai mis, je dirais que oui!
MdB Merci Magic Dan. Bon spectacle!
MD Merci!

Magic Dan sera à nouveau au Smoke Meat Pete’s et à la Maison du Blues Unik avec BLUES SIDE UP en juillet, août et septembre 2010.

Magic Dan - Feature Interview

2010-07-30T14:50:00.001-04:00

This Maison du Blues (HB) interview was conducted with Magic Dan, Harmonica player, on his gig with BLUES SIDE UP at Smoke Meat Pete’s, Ile Perrot, 9th June, 2010.
(Note : Due to a lack of resources at time of posting, we have been unable to translate this interview into French for the moment.)

HB Hi Magic Dan, it’s nice to be able to chat with you in between sets like this.
MD My pleasure.
HB You’ve been playing a long time? What brought you to play music?
MD The love of it.
HB Can you elaborate?
MD I was looking for a way to do something worthwhile when I was young. I started as a singer, but was not bilingual, and I reached my limits, but the music was like a drug, and I was addicted. So I asked myself what I could do to continue, and decided to learn the easiest instrument to play – the harmonica.
HB When was that?
MD Around 20years old.
HB How old are you now?
MD Very old – we don’t dare ask!

HB What kind of equipment are you using?
MD All kinds of amps and, above all, Bullet microphones and diatonic harmonicas. I like to try whatever kind of amp comes along.
HB Are these kinds of mikes specially made for harmonica players?
MD I would say yes.
HB If money was no object, would you choose another set-up?
MD With a lot of money, I might be able to find some really old amps and mikes.

HB What do you think of jam sessions?
MD Sometimes I like them, but at other times they’re not so good, but usually they’re fun.
HB What do you like most about jamming?
MD The energy that comes out.
HB Any downsides?
MD Getting gigs stolen from you by good musicians!

HB What local musicians do you like?
MD A great harmonica player, Bharath. I’ve seen him play a lot and known about him for a long time, but I’m not really in contact with him. He is faithful to the harp playing tradition of Chicago blues, such as that of Little Walter.

HB What would you like to see happen in the future on the Montreal blues scene? Do you have any criticisms of the current musical climate?
MD I find the music is often too loud and technology has destroyed the feeling.
HB Can it be avoided?
MD I think we are in an era of that, but those who can avoid it are very lucky.
HB What kinds of venues do you like to play the most?
MD If it is well rehearsed, I like a large club, but when you are not too well prepared, you’re better off in a small place.

HB Who are your major musical influences worldwide?
MD I have a lot. Most of all, I have been influenced by J. Geils Band, a band of the 60’s.

HB A question that comes up a lot is why the name “Magic Dan”?
MD I copied it from “Magic Dick” of the J. Geils band. I copied him from A to Y.
HB A to Y?
MD Yes, because it’s difficult to copy him from A to Z!

HB Do you have any words of encouragement to young players starting out?
MD Sure, I would like to encourage them. You have to work hard – very hard. It’s our passion.

HB How does one find one’s own, unique style?
MD That’s a very tough question to answer, because the harmonica, by its nature, is somewhat limited. It’s hard to find one’s own style. Everything sounds like everything else today. Those who succeed in developing their own style today are the fortunate ones.
HB Many would say that you yourself have your own distinctive style.
MD I would say that my style comes from many other players – I don’t think I invented anything new.

HB Is there anything you would like to accomplish in the near future?
MD To continue to be happy playing what I play.
HB Anyone out there that you’d like to play with, but haven’t yet?
MD At my age, my dreams are minimal, but when it’s good, I love to play with anyone.
HB Can we say that you are a musician who is satisfied with his lot?
MD With the small efforts that I have made, I’d say, yes!
HB Thanks Magic Dan. Have a good gig.
MD Thank you.

Magic Dan returns to Smoke Meat Pete’s and Maison du Blues Unik with BLUES SIDE UP in July, August and September 2010.

Rob Black - Profile Interview

2010-07-27T23:29:00.001-04:00

Profile Interview with Rob Black

1. What instrument(s) do you play?

Drums

2. What equipment are you using? (ie guitars, bass, amps, harmonica, drums, sax etc.)

Pearl wood-fiberglass

3. Have you modified your set-up in any way to better suit your style of playing?

Basic 4 piece

4. Is there any instrument that you owned, but sold and now regret it?

An old Slingerland kit

5. How did you first get intested in your instrument?

A friend had a kit in his basement and I would play them

6. What are your influences in the blues?

I haven’t been a blues man for very long. My first blues album was by John Lee Hooker. I also like(d) the Allman Brothers

7. Are there any particular players on the world stage who have had an effect on your playing?

My favourite drummer was Mitch Mitchell. I also like very much the Replacements and John Hiatt.

8. Can you recommend any soundtrack/video/DVD of these players?

John Hiatt, Bring the Family and The Replacements, All Shook Down.

9. How would you describe the type of sound you have or would like to achieve.

Good groove

10. If money was no object, what equipment would you like to use at a medium sized gig? (50 seater)

DW, Gretsch or Yamaha kit

11. What, in your view, makes a player special/unique (past or present)

Ability to groove and feel the connection

12. What are your favourite songs?

Too many to say

13. How long have you been playing?

Around 30 years

14. Are you presently in a group or working on any projects with other musicians? (name the other members if you like and what they play)

Blues Side Up, Jazz pals, and Friday night rock/country cover band

15. Do you like working in the studio, prefer to go out and play, or both? (please elaborate if you can)

I probably enjoy playing in the studio most, though gigs or jams can be fun too

16. Are there any local musicians that you would recommend to go and see play who you like the most?

I haven’t been paying attention in recent times

17. Which local musician(s) have had an effect on your own playing?

Three O’clock Train many years ago

18. How did you first get involved with music? (ie. listened to a record, friend introduced you to an album, went to a club to see someone play)

I liked music a lot and got together with some friends and started an original rock band

19. Do you practice often (ie. learn new songs, go over the ones you know, or just fiddle around?

I don’t practice enough

20.Share with us your ideal gig (ie. large or small venue, do you like to get there very early to set up, do you expect other band members to do the same, who does the sound or works the board. – anything at all about your approach to playing)

I find I get a little antsy and prefer to get on with it without too much waiting.

21. Is playing for you a job to be worked hard at, shear pleasure, or a mixture of both?

I think both

22. What do you think of jam sessions? (please elaborate likes and dislikes)

Sometimes things get too hectic, or loud, or both. There is also the waiting around. I also don’t appreciate people who do their songs and leave immediately after. Jams can be fun and you get to play with different people. They are a good way to get over stage fright.

23. Do you prefer to work out your music in advance, or do you like a certain amount of improvisation?

I like both.

24. Have there been any experiences that made you nervous on stage? .

It took me a couple of years to get over general stage fright.

25. Is it more nerve-wracking for you to play in front of friends, other musicians or a regular bar crowd?

Probably other musicians.

26. What advice would you give to an aspiring young player? ( ie. Technique, style, equipment etc.- any mistakes to avoid?)

Play a lot, practice and try to stay involved.

29. What’s your next project/gig/musical experience? (give place and dates if you like)

Blues Side Up at Smoke Meat Pete’s and Maison de Blues.

Thanks Rob

John Gordon - Profile Interview

2010-07-26T01:01:00.002-04:00

John Gordon – Profile Interview

1. What instrument(s) do you play?

Guitar, piano, harmonica

2. What equipment are you using? (ie guitars, bass, amps, harmonica, drums, sax etc.)

Les Paul, Strat, Epiphone ES175, Gibson J45, Orange Rocker30 amp, Fender Deluxe Reverb amp, Fender Pro Junior amp, acoustic upright Weber piano, various harmonicas

3. What are your influences in the blues?

I go through stages – right now I am fascinated with Howlin’ Wolf

4. How long have you been playing? - 43 years

5. Are you presently in a group or working on any projects with other musicians? (name the other members if you like and what they play) –
I play in 2Hands – a blues band

6. Are there any local musicians that you would recommend to go and see play who you like the most? - Bharath and His Rhythm Four, Stephen Barry Blues Band

7. Do you practice often (ie. learn new songs, go over the ones you know, or just fiddle around? – all the time – every spare moment when I do not have other responsibilities

8. What do you think of jam sessions? (please elaborate likes and dislikes) - I love jam sessions. I would say that it’s a great way to learn, meet other musicians, really positive night out, but usually too loud

9. Do you prefer to work out your music in advance, or do you like a certain amount of improvisation? - I like to go prepared to jams, but always like to “sit in” with other musicians

10. What advice would you give to an aspiring young player? ( ie. Technique, style, equipment etc.- any mistakes to avoid?) –
play all of the time with as many different musicians as possible

Thanks John

Andrew Lipscombe - Profile Interview

2010-07-26T00:36:00.002-04:00

HB Interview with Andrew Lipscombe

1. What instrument(s) do you play?
Guitar

2. What equipment are you using? (ie guitars, bass, amps, harmonica, drums, sax etc.)
Mostly strat and blues jr combo

3. Have you modified your set-up in any way to better suit your style of playing.
Yes, set up with 13-56 strings and high action for a rich blues tone.

4. Is there any instrument that you owned, but sold and now regret it?
Never, I still have my 1st guitar (except the profile, no regrets there) which I’ve owned for 27 years.

5. How did you first get interested in your instrument?
My uncle plays guitar and I used to watch in amazement when I was young.

6. What are your influences in the blues?
Albert, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Waters, Clapton, Collins, Winter and Stevie Ray.

7. Are there any particular players on the world stage who have had an effect on your playing?
Stevie Ray would have had to be the one that opened the blues doors for me to explore.

8. Can you recommend any soundtrack/video/DVD of these players?
Clapton in Hyde Parc, Stevie Ray at El mocombo and Freddie King live in Texas. O ya the Rush soundtrack by Clapton is amazing.

9. How would you describe the type of sound you have or would like to achieve.
Pure tone!

10. If money was no object, what equipment would you like to use at a medium sized gig? (50 seater)
Same as I use now (maybe I would bring my fender 75). The sound comes from the fingers and soul not the gear. It’s like golf if you don’t practice and are no good a Big Bertha won’t add yards to your game but if you practice and are good well every yard counts. Gear is the same thing it only adds a few yards, I’m sure Stevie ray would sound amazing if he played a block of wood with wire stretched across it.

11. What, in your view, makes a player special/unique (past or present)
Passion! You need to listen and love the music you want to play. Whether its country, jazz or blues it has to come from a place of passion and not technique. Technique helps you practice and passion helps you express yourself. Don’t listen to 50 cent and then try and play the blues you need to program your soul to hear and feel the expression of others to express yourself within a style. You are what you eat..

12. What are your favourite songs?
That’s a tough question but if you held a gun to my head and forced me to answer I would have to say Tin Pan Alley SRV… but but Winter, King, Clapton, Collins… but but so many great songs.

13. How long have you been playing?
27 years.

14. Are you presently in a group or working on any projects with other musicians? (name the other members if you like and what they play)
I do some gigs with my cousin Matt Lipscombe, mostly I’m looking for a blues band to work with…

15. Do you like working in the studio, prefer to go out and play, or both? (please elaborate if you can)
Both. Live is an interactive experience with the audience and studio is a creative process with your group.

16. Are there any local musicians that you would recommend to go and see play who you like the most?
Blues Side Up!! Devil Dawgs!!

17. Which local musician(s) have had an effect on your own playing? Matt Lipscombe got me back out playing live a year ago and Mike Sanders pushes me to get out and play the blues locally!!

18. How did you first get involved with music? (ie. listened to a record, friend introduced you to an album, went to a club to see someone play)
When my parents were separated my Mom had sold all my dad’s records but there was one milk crate forgotten in the basement, this milk crate had quite a few records in it, one of them being Hendrix Smash hits..
Well I was 9 years old and that western scene looked too cool so I listened to it.. Wind Cries Mary got me at 1st but then after a while red house jumped of the vinyl at me and I don’t remember who I asked, but someone had told me oh that’s the blues.. well the rest is history… Boy gets John Lee Hooker “sings and Plays the Blues” and Johnny Winter “Johnny Winter” for his 10th birthday, my Mom said there were the 1st 2 records in the Blues bin at Discus.

19. Do you practice often (ie. learn new songs, go over the ones you know, or just fiddle around?
Not as much as I’d like but I guess that’s the some for all of us… I’m a true fiddler… I really don’t think I have actually ever learned a song, I just learn the mood and felling of the song and a couple of staple vocal/guit lines and bang I’m ready to roll…

20.Share with us your ideal gig (ie. large or small venue, do you like to get there very early to set up, do you expect other band members to do the same, who does the sound or works the board. – anything at all about your approach to playing)
Medium Venues are my preference.
I enjoy getting to the gig early especially if the establishment serves food (would like the same from the band members). So I set up, eat, do a quick sound check (I love having a soundman, any competent one will do) then I would normally leave the place go for a walk around the area. Then I come back 15 minutes before show time, make sure my gear is all functioning and all band members are ready. Then we play. When playing a paying gig I believe in the 2 beer max for musicians until the gig is over and no other cerebral alterations until the gig is over.

21. Is playing for you a job to be worked hard at, shear pleasure, or a mixture of both?
As anything in this life the harder you work the better the end result but lately it’s been solely sheer pleasure.

22. What do you think of jam sessions? (please elaborate likes and dislikes)
We are very fortunate to have these opportunities to meet other musicians and friends. Playing at home alone can become un-inspirational. Sometimes the jams do get a bit loud and I’m a true believer in dynamics which are very difficult to achieve at high screeching volumes.
We are surrounded by great musicians and Jam sessions give everyone the chance for their 15 minutes of fame and gives people something to look forward to outside their regular everyday routine.
Besides the volume issues that sometimes arise the other negative I would say is songs that you’d like to try that may be a little more complex then the typical 3 chord blues tune are really hard to pull off in these situations… besides that it’s all great!

23. Do you prefer to work out your music in advance, or do you like a certain amount of improvisation?
A mix of both. With a working band running through the song a few times to ensure everyone understands what’s expected is always prudent. Then improving on a good foundation is the secret.

24. Have there been any experiences that made you nervous on stage?
Playing with Jeff Healey (God bless his soul) at Healey’s in Toronto. It was the 1st time that I wasn’t at all myself and I just stood in the background and did some rhythm comping and watched him blow the roof of the building.. It was so loud and I felt so out of place and uncomfortable.

25. Is it more nerve-wracking for you to play in front of friends, other musicians or a regular bar crowd?
I get lost in some cosmic place when I’m playing the blues and as long as the band is in the pocket I’m completely oblivious to whom is in the crowd.

26. What’s the best or worst gig you played?
The best gig would have to be a place called “Le Bal de Lizard” in Quebec city the people were screaming like we were the Beatles and they wouldn’t let us off stage until the bar owner told us it’s too late to continue or they will get complaints, and even then we had to do 2 more tunes for the people to let us step down off the stage. It was an amazing feeling that I’ll never forget.

27. Do you have any other anecdotes you could share with us. (pleasant or unpleasant)
Nobody wanted to jam with me for years, years and years because the blues is boring always the same 3 chords. My friends used to play songs and I was really pushed aside to the point were some musician friends would say that I’m no fun to jam with because I don’t know any songs, I’m not even willing to learn any how could you expect to play with other musicians if you don’t know any songs and at that time I didn’t believe in my singing ability so I could not even take the lead for a song. So I used to sit and watch my friends jam. I would practice as much as any of them but they would learn songs to please each other and I would practice blues licks, scales and try to jam along with blues CD’s. Well today they are still playing the same songs 20 years later and I’m still playing the blues. You may ask yourself is music an artistic expression of one’s feelings or the act of memorizing someone else’s expressions?
To me the answer has always been clear no matter how alone the blues can make you feel.

28. What advice would you give to an aspiring young player? ( ie. Technique, style, equipment etc.- any mistakes to avoid?)
Feel what you play, play what you feel, listen to what you play and feel what you listen to.

29. What’s your next project/gig/musical experience? (give place and dates if you like)
To build a little 3 or 4 piece blues project and get a demo recorded in my home studio and get out and play for all the blues fans out there.

Thanks Andrew.

Neil Hebert - Profile Interview

2010-07-26T00:22:00.002-04:00

Neil Hebert – Profile Interview

1. What instrument(s) do you play?
Electric bass, guitar, vocals

2. What equipment are you using? (ie guitars, bass, amps, harmonica, drums, sax etc.)

Fender Jazz fretless, Musicman Stingray, Squire TB
Markbass head and cabinet
Fender Super Champ, Fender Super Reverb

3. Have you modified your set-up in any way to better suit your style of playing.

Just do my own setups.

4. Is there any instrument that you owned, but sold and now regret it? No

5. How did you first get intested in your instrument?
Teenage madness

6. What are your influences in the blues?
Classic black blues – Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Robert Johnston, Muddy Waters

7. Are there any particular players on the world stage who have had an effect on your playing?

I wish.

8. Can you recommend any soundtrack/video/DVD of these players?
Anything by Vic Wooten, Pino Palladino, Willie Dixon, Willie Weeks

9. How would you describe the type of sound you have or would like to achieve.
Depends on the music, but usually pure and articulate.

10. If money was no object, what equipment would you like to use at a medium sized gig? (50 seater)
My Jazz bass through my Markbass Amp

11. What, in your view, makes a player special/unique (past or present)
How much he/she enjoys playing.

12. What are your favourite songs?
Too many and change often.

13. How long have you been playing?
Bass – about 15 years, not counting teenage years.

14. Are you presently in a group or working on any projects with other musicians? (name the other members if you like and what they play) Yes. Several.

15. Do you like working in the studio, prefer to go out and play, or both? (please elaborate if you can)
Gigging is the beast.

16. Are there any local musicians that you would recommend to go and see play who you like the most?

17. Which local musician(s) have had an effect on your own playing? Stephen Barry, Maypo

18. How did you first get involved with music? (ie. listened to a record, friend introduced you to an album, went to a club to see someone play)
Heard The Shadows and The Ventures.

19. Do you practice often (ie. learn new songs, go over the ones you know, or just fiddle around?
All of the above.

20.Share with us your ideal gig (ie. large or small venue, do you like to get there very early to set up, do you expect other band members to do the same, who does the sound or works the board. – anything at all about your approach to playing)
My favourite gigs have been outdoor concerts aqnd private parties. 300 people for rock, or 100 for blues.

21. Is playing for you a job to be worked hard at, shear pleasure, or a mixture of both?
Pleeaasuure

22. What do you think of jam sessions? (please elaborate likes and dislikes)
Cool when people listen to each other.

23. Do you prefer to work out your music in advance, or do you like a certain amount of improvisation?
Both.

24. Have there been any experiences that made you nervous on stage?
Yeah. I plugged a mono chord into the stereo output of a borrowed Rickenbacher and couldn’t figure out the problem.

25. Is it more nerve-wracking for you to play in front of friends, other musicians or a regular bar crowd?
Doesn’t depend on the crowd (unless they’re mean).

26. What advice would you give to an aspiring young player? ( ie. Technique, style, equipment etc.- any mistakes to avoid?)
Get out and have fun.

Thanks Neil.

Apart from private projects, Neil is playing Smoke Meat Pete’s on the 31st July, 2010 and Maison de Blues on the 2nd September, 2010.

"Jam Sessions" by Rich James

2010-07-26T00:04:00.005-04:00

Rich James on Jam Sessions 25th July 2010

Reading through the Musician Profiles and Interviews on Maison de Blues website has been a rewarding experience for me. Every time I read someone’s comments about their own personal likes and dislikes, or the equipment they use, or whether they like, or don’t like jam sessions, I reflect on myself and see a lot of everyone else in me, and me in everyone else.

Who has not had the experience of turning up at a jam session, not knowing how you are going to be received, or at what time you are being called on to play?

It can be quite nerve-wracking to go to a new jam, even though we may feel secure in knowing the people in charge are musicians just like ourselves. Some of the inner thoughts and feelings can be, what songs are going to be chosen, am I tuned up, which amp am I going to use? Is the bass player going to be friendly or not?

It can be quite intimidating at a jam. Often, we are the stranger in the midst of others. We look around to find a friendly or familiar face. You can’t hide or slink away; everyone saw you bring your guitar case in. You have to just sit there and wait. Do you put your name on a list, or do you just ask the lead singer when you can get up?

Most times, your are in a bar. But be careful, don’t drink too much – it won’t help the playing. But how do you pass the time? Sure, you can listen to the house band and other jammers, but you want to be fresh and focused when you go up. Too many extra sounds can spoil one’s own concentration.

Keep your ears open for the magic call, when your name is bellowed out the speakers – “next on the list we have Rich; are you tuned up?” You sure better be tuned up before you go on stage; it’s no good fiddling with the pegs when the band is about to start. At least you are up there – now you can relax; your name was called and you have the stage for the next little while. Things went smoothly this time. There was a list.

Sometimes, there is no list. The host band’s friends may be playing a lot more than others in cases like this. Not all jams are run democratically. In this case, one has to ease oneself into the limelight enough to get noticed and hope for the best. Sidle up to the lead singer and let them know you are there to jam. They may not have a list – ah, this is where things get complicated. Keep reminding him you are there to play.This part can get hard after the 2nd set and the band has gone outside for a prolonged break!

How long do we get to play as jammers? A majority of jams I’ve been to only let the player on stage for 2 or 3 songs at the most. If you are very accomplished, you may stay up longer.

What about equipment? Some players bring their own amps to jam. Others use the house equipment; but there you are taking a chance – another unknown quality to be reckoned with in a jam! Can I get the sound I’m looking for with another person’s amp?

The most often complaint I’ve heard about Jams is that they are too loud. The worst case is when the House Band starts off too loud. You can be sure, friends, as the evening wears on, it going to get even louder!

Hosting a jam can be difficult. You are dealing with all kinds of players - and personalities too! There are the impatient ones, who constantly ask when they are going to get up. Some are jealous and say “ I was here before him or her, but they went up before me!” The host has to try to balance all these things.

One interesting suggestion I heard from Guillaume Boux, of the Black Hats, was that the host should discuss what songs people want to play before they get up there. There are obvious advantages to that – musicians can be more prepared and the music will probably be better.

What about the focus of a Jam? Well, here I think thorny and dark the path is. Sometimes the house band sees it as a mild inconvenience to allow other players up, but suffers them because it’s jam night.

Other house bands enjoy the diversity of players and see it as a chance to meet and interact with other players. Some of the best evenings I have been to have been jams.

So, with all this in mind, how can we, as jammers, and those who are hosts, approach the “dreaded” jam night.

My take on it is this. Hosts, be friendly and welcome the jammer. Get his or her name on a list as soon as they present themselves. Tell them when they can expect to play. Keep the person(s) informed, and DON’T skulk off for a prolonged break without warning, leaving people uniformed. After all, the jammers are your bread and butter that night. Treat them with respect – you’ll make a new friend and ally, or bring an old friend closer to you.

Jammers, be patient and appreciate the difficulties of running a jam. Be prepared when it’s time to play – no tuning up on stage. As a jammer, I usually prepare a note of 5-6 tunes with the key written in, so that when I’m up there, if I’m called on to do one, it’s ready.

There are probably many more tips one could add to being a good host or jammer. I hope some of us will write our own and share them on this site. A Jam Session is a great way of bringing musicians together and also paying the rent. The bottom line is: we are there for each other.

Jules Cacchione Profile

2010-07-21T10:29:00.001-04:00

Profile Interview with Jules Cacchione

1. What instrument(s) do you
play? drums

2. What equipment are you
using? (ie guitars, bass, amps, harmonica, drums, sax etc.)
sonor 10 and 14" maple toms, 20" birch bass drum, and 13" dixon maple snare. 14" zyldjian hihats, 18 paiste crash, and 20"sabian ride

3. Have you modified your
set-up in any way to better suit your style of playing.
I play fairly simply, and I like a small kit that's easy to transport and set up, and fits on small stages.
4. Is there any instrument
that you owned, but sold and now regret it?
I've bought and sold a lot of drums, but I'm glad that I didn't sell my first real kit of sonor's that I bought in 1973.
5. How did you first get
intested in your instrument?
I played the snare drum in my junior high band.

6. What are your influences
in the blues?
I was first exposed to the blues by hearing blues covers by the Beatles, Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Zeppelin, Allman Brothers.
7. Are there any particular
players on the world stage who have had an effect on your playing?
I loved Buddy Rich and he was one of my first major influences. I am also inspired by many other drummers, including Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd, Chad Smith, Neil Peart, and Vinny Coluaita. And I can't forget Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Stewart Copeland. So many good drummers.
8. Can you recommend any
soundtrack/video/DVD of these players?
Just about everything by these guys is good as far as I'm concerned.

9. How would you describe the
type of sound you have or would like to achieve.
I'm pretty much an accompaniment drummer, and I just want my sound to fit the music.
10. If money was no object,
what equipment would you like to use at a medium sized gig? (50 seater)
I wouldn't change too much. A small 4 piece kit with 3 cymbals and hihats mic'd would be fine

11. What, in your view, makes
a player special/unique (past or present)
ability to groove, tasteful fills, decent chops.
12. What are your favourite
songs?
Aja by Steely Dan, Dear Prudence by the Beatles, Stormy Monday by the Allman Brothers, Scatterbrain by Jeff Beck, just to name a few.
13. How long have you been
playing?
Off and on for over 35 years.
14. Are you presently in a
group or working on any projects with other musicians? (name the other members
if you like and what they play)
I'm presently in a 4 piece band called Band on the Run with Phil Andrews on lead vocals and sax, Warren Grossman on guitar, and Lud Pasquale on bass. I also drum with Michael Mansour, and occasionally sub with Blues Side Up and The Devil Dawgs.
15. Do you like working in
the studio, prefer to go out and play, or both? (please elaborate if you can)
I haven't really had the chance to do studio work. I enjoy playing live, especially outdoor shows.

16. Are there any local
musicians that you would recommend to go and see play who you like the most?
Montreal has many excellent musicians. I always enjoyed seeing Jimmy James and his band with Dave Devine on drums. I must admit, however, that I don't go out to see live bands that often.
17. Which local musician(s)
have had an effect on your own playing?
Dave Divine inspires me.
18. How did you first get
involved with music? (ie. listened to a record, friend introduced you to an
album, went to a club to see someone play)
There was always music playing in our house when I was growing up. I remember listening to alot of my sister's Beatles collection.
19. Do you practice often
(ie. learn new songs, go over the ones you know, or just fiddle around?
I try to spend atleast one hour every few days on my practice pad. I listen to alot of different music. and then there are the band rehearsals. I'm a relatively lazy guy and I don't practice as much as I should
20.Share with us your ideal
gig (ie. large or small venue, do you like to get there very early to set up,
do you expect other band members to do the same, who does the sound or works
the board. – anything at all about your approach to playing)
I love outdoor shows, whether big or small. I like to get there early enough to set up and loosen up. I usually leave the sound up to someone else who has more expertise than I.
21. Is playing for you a job to be worked hard at, shear
pleasure, or a mixture of both?
It's a bit of both. While I enjoy playing, you need to work at it so that you can groove and be able to express your ideas on your instrument. It takes time and practice.
22. What do you think of jam
sessions? (please elaborate likes and dislikes)
I've been to some great jams, and I've been to some stinkers. Good jams have talented, grooving, unselfish musicians who are listening closely and don't let their egos get in the way. Jams are also a great place to meet musicians, and are an excellent place to play to an audience, especially for someone just starting out, or someone who just plays occasionally.
23. Do you prefer to work out
your music in advance, or do you like a certain amount of improvisation?

I like a little of both.
24. Have there been any
experiences that made you nervous on stage?
Sometimes, for no particular reason, I feel tense on stage, and I hate this feeling. Usually this feeling goes away after a few songs or the first set. I guess it's just nerves. Nevertheless, it's very irritating.

25. Is it more nerve-wracking
for you to play in front of friends, other musicians or a regular bar crowd?
Sometimes I find it's more nerve-wracking playing for friends. I guess I try too hard when they're there.
26. What’s the best or worst
gig you played?
I played the Canada Day gig in Morin Heights a few years ago that was alot of fun.
27. Do you have any other
anecdotes you could share with us. (pleasant or unpleasant)
About 30 years ago in a hotel bar in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, I vomited on stage during our rendition of "Babe", by Styxx. I had food poisoning, and I thought that night I was going to die. It was probably the longest night of my life. The poison was coming out of both ends. But incredibly enough, I was back on stage the next night. Perhaps I was a little queesy, but the show must go on.
28. What advice would you
give to an aspiring young player? ( ie. Technique, style, equipment etc.- any
mistakes to avoid?)
Take some lessons, practice alot, listen to all types of music, study videos and watch drummers live, go to jams, develop good listening skills, learn to groove and be in the pocket, and most importantly, have fun.

29. What’s your next
project/gig/musical experience? (give place and dates if you like)

Band on the Run at House of Blues Unik, June 19, 8th July, 5th August and 21st August 2010.

Dan Geneau (in French)

2010-07-21T10:25:00.001-04:00

Maison de Blues Entrevue avec Dan Geneau

Quel instrument jouez-vous?

La guitare

Quel type ou marque d’équipement utilisez- vous?

Fender Nocaster
Gibson ES-335
Gibson LesPaul
Swart Atomic Space Tone amp
Fender ’65 Deluxe

Avez-vous d’une quelque façon que ce soit modifié ou altéré les fonctions de votre instrument afin d’améliorer votre jeu?

Non

Avez-vous déjà possédé un instrument que vous avez par la suite vendu et dont vous regrettez le geste aujourd’hui?

A Hagstrom Impala que j’ai vendu, en 1973, pour 60$.

Comment est né votre intérêt pour la musique?

À l’âge de 14 ans(1969), en écoutant un album des Beatles

Quelles sont vos influences blues?

Cela change de saisons en saisons. Je découvre, à toutes les fois, un nouveau bluesman. Clapton et BB King sont ceux qui ont une plus grande influence.

Comment décrivez-vous votre style en tant que musicien ou tout simplement le style que vous convoitez?

Thick and clear(?) avec une bonne dose de ‘’feeling’’.

Si l’argent n’était pas un obstacle, quel équipement ou instrument voudriez-vous utiliser lors d’une performance devant un auditoire d’environ 50 personnes?

J’ai déjà tout ce que j’ai toujours desiré.

A votre avis, qu’est-ce qui rend un musicien unique?

‘’Feeling’’(Hard to translate), Originalité, charisme

Quelles sont vos chansons préférées?

Dear Prudence

Depuis combien de temps jouez-vous votre instrument?

Depuis 40 ans

Faites-vous présentement parti d’un groupe ou participez vous à différents projets avec d’autres musiciens? Si vous le désirez, veuillez nommer les membres et leurs rôles.

Je travaille en collaboration avec certains musiciens afin de former un groupe cependant il n’y a rien d’officiel.

Préférez-vous jouez dans un studio ou performer dans un lieu public ou les deux? Veuillez, svp, élaborer.

Je préfère jouer dans un lieu public.

Y-a-t.il un musicien de la scène locale qui a eu une influence sur votre jeu et votre performance?

Rich James

Qu’est-ce qui a suscité votre premier intérêt pour la musique (ex :l’écoute d’un album)?

En écoutant les albums que mes parents possédaient.

Pratiquez-vous souvent? Si oui, apprenez vous de nouvelles chansons, revisitez-vous le matériel que vous maîtriser déjà ou improvisez- vous?

À tous les jours pendant quelques heures.

Performer, est-ce pour vous une tâche ardue ou plaisante ou un mélange des deux?

Par pur plaisir

Quelle est votre opinion sur les sessions de ‘’Jam’’? Svp, élaborer; ce que vous appréciez et ce qui vous déplait?

J’aime les sessions de ‘’Jam’’. C’est l’école de Blues par excellence. J’aime le partage des idées et le sens de communauté entre les musiciens. Ce que j’apprécie le moins, c’est l’égoïsme de certains d’entre eux lorsqu’ils sont sur scène.

Également, je n’aime pas vraiment participé à une session où le niveau de compétition est très élevé malgré le fait que parfois je peux, moi-même, être très compétitif.

Préférez-vous pratiquer et vous préparez à l’avance avant une prestation ou au contraire donner place à l’improvisation?

Un mélange des deux.

Y-a-t’il eu des situations qui vous ont rendues nerveux (se) lors d’une présence sur scène?

Pas vraiment

Est-ce plus déstabilisant pour vous de jouer devant des amis, d’autres musiciens ou une foule dans un bar?

Devant d’autres musiciens.

Quel est le meilleur ou le pire ‘’gig’’ auquel vous ayez participé?

J’ai eu que de très belles expériences, cependant lorsque j’avais 17 ans j’ai performé devant un auditoire et je ne crois pas qu’il ait autant apprécié ma prestation.

Quel conseil donneriez-vous à un jeune musicien novice (Techniques, style, équipement-choses à éviter)

Pratiquer et ayez des buts bien précis.

Merci Dan.

Dan Geneau Profile Interview

2010-07-21T10:09:00.002-04:00

House of Blues Profile Interview with Dan Geneau.

1. What instrument(s) do you play?
The guitar

2. What equipment are you using? (ie guitars, bass, amps, harmonica, drums, sax etc.)
Fender Nocaster
Gibson ES-335
Gibson LesPaul
Swart Atomic Space Tone amp
Fender ’65 Deluxe

3. Have you modified your set-up in any way to better suit your style of playing.
No

4. Is there any instrument that you owned, but sold and now regret it?
A Hagstrom Impala that I sold in 1973 for $60

5. How did you first get interested in your instrument?
At the age of 14 (1969), listening to the Beatles

6. What are your influences in the blues?
It changes with seasons, I still discover new bluesman. Clapton and BB King are the most influential.

7. How would you describe the type of sound you have or would like to achieve.
Thick and clear, with feeling

8. If money was no object, what equipment would you like to use at a medium sized gig? (50 seater)
What I dreamt of for years, I finally got

9. What, in your view, makes a player special/unique (past or present)
Feeling, originality, charisma

10. What are your favourite songs?
Dear Prudence
11. How long have you been playing?
40 years

12. Are you presently in a group or working on any projects with other musicians? (name the other members if you like and what they play)
No name yet but we ‘re working hard

13. Do you like working in the studio, prefer to go out and play, or both? (please elaborate if you can)
Prefer to go out

14. Which local musician(s) have had an effect on your own playing?
Rich James

15. How did you first get involved with music? (ie. listened to a record, friend introduced you to an album, went to a club to see someone play)
With my parent’s records

16. Do you practice often (ie. learn new songs, go over the ones you know, or just fiddle around?
Few hours almost every day

17. Is playing for you a job to be worked hard at, shear pleasure, or a mixture of both?
Shear pleasure

18. What do you think of jam sessions? (please elaborate likes and dislikes)
I love jam sessions, it is The Blues College par excellence. I like the sharing, the sense of community. I don’t like when someone plays alone not taking care of the other players. I don’t like when it is too competitive although I may be myself…

19. Do you prefer to work out your music in advance, or do you like a certain amount of improvisation?
A mix of both

20. Have there been any experiences that made you nervous on stage?
Not really

21. Is it more nerve-wracking for you to play in front of friends, other musicians or a regular bar crowd?
Other musicians…

22. What’s the best or worst gig you played?
They were all very pleasant experiences although for the public, when I was 17, it probably was not very good.

23. What advice would you give to an aspiring young player? ( ie. Technique, style, equipment etc.- any mistakes to avoid?)
Rehease and have goals

Ken Cohen ( in French)

2010-07-21T10:09:00.001-04:00

Maison de Blues Interview with Ken Cohen (in French)

1.Quels instruments jouez-vous?

Vocals...guitares...harmonica

2.Quel instrument vous jouez actuellement?(ie guitars,bass,amps,harmonica,drums,sax,etc...)

Guitares
Fender made of strat parts , Ibanez archtop , Guild Acoustic , Yamaha nylon string .. Hopf archtop

Amps Polytone mini brute Fender Acoustisonic Fender Pro Junoir

Harps .. marine band

Mics shure 55

3.Avez-vous modifié votre set-up pour mieux convenir à votre style.

Parfois je connecte ma guitare dans un marshall blues breaker pedal

4. Y-a-t-il un instrument que vous avez possédé, mais vendu et maintenant regretté de l’avoir fait?

73 fender telecaster 73 fender twin amp 86 squire strat

5. Comment étiez-vous intéressé à votre instrument?

Amis.

6.Quels sont vos influences pour les Blues?

Pas d’argent pas de femmes pas d’amis…..
Mes premières influences sont Paul Butterfield, James Cotton et les Rolling Stones.

7.Y-a-t-il des musiciens,en particulier, au niveau mondial qui ont une influence sur votre musique?

Voir question 6

8. Pouvez-vous recommander un album/vidéo/DVD de ces musiciens?

Ce que vous pouvez trouver sur YouTube, en particulier Spider and the fly des Stones.

9. Comment décrivez-vous le type de son que vous avez ou désireriez l’accomplir?

Volume de salon est le mieux que je pourrais décrire
J’ai joué seul pendant longtemps…la plupart du temps dans des apartements et n’ai jamais voulu dérangé les voisins.

10.Si l’argent n’est pas un problème, quel équipement aimeriez-vous utiliser pour un gig de taille moyenne(50 places)

Aucune idée...je n’ai pas eu cette expérience
11.Qu’est-ce-qui rend, selon vous, un musician spécial/unique(passé ou présent)

Classe et facile à approcher

12. Quels sont vos chansons préférées?

Spider and the fly – Stones
Blues in the night – ma version hahaha
La plupart des Jazz standards qui me conviennent

13. Combien de temps avez-vous joué?

Plus long que je ne l’aurais pensé

14.Etes-vous membre d’un groupe ou travaillez-vous sur un projet avec d’autres musiciens?(nommez les autres si vous voulez et qu’est-ce-qu’ils jouent)

No…je viens de commencer il y a quelques mois les sessions de jam blues en faisant du vocal seulement.

15.Aimeriez-vous jouer en studio, en public ou les deux?(veuillez élaborer si possible)

Je j’ai pas d’expérience en studio…donc je voterais pour une audience live

16. Y-a-t-il des musiciens que vous nous recommandez d’aller voir et qui sont ceux que vous aimez le plus?

Tout le monde des sessions de Blues Jams

17. Quels sont les musiciens locaux qui ont fait effet sur votre proper musique?

Personne encore

18. Quand avez-vous commencé à être impliqué dans la musique(ie.écouter un album,un album recommandé par un ami,aller voir un musician dans un club)

Toutes ces choses là

19. Est-ce-que vous pratiquez souvent?(ie. Apprendre de nouvelles chansons,pratiquer celles que vous connaissez déjà, ou juste jouer entre les deux?)

Toutes ces choses là

20. Partager avec nous votre idéal gig (ie. grand ou petit lieu, arrivez-vous tôt pour faire le set-up,vous attendez-vous que les autres members du groupe fassent la même chose, qui s’occupe du son ou du board – tout ce qui concerne votre approche pour jouer)

Pas d’expérience..avec les gigs …
Mais je crois que s’il y a un chanteur

21. Jouer pour vous est un dur travail, pur plaisir ou un mélange des deux?

Pur plaisir

22. Que pensez-vous des sessions de Jam (SVP élaborer ce que vous aimez ou n’aimez pas)

Je suis amoureux des sessions de jam
C’est la seule place, pour maintenant, que je peux pratiquer mon soi-disant métier

23. Préférez-vous travailler votre musique d’avance ou airmeriez-vous une certaine improvisation?

Je pense que c’est mieux d’avoir une bonne balance des deux

24. Avez-vous eu d’expériences qui vous rendaient nerveux sur stage?

Juste la première fois quand je suis allé à un jam après un repos de 42 ans

25. Est-ce-que c’est plus nerveux pour vous de jouer devant des amis,autres musiciens ou un public de
bar régulier?

Autres musiciens

26. Quel est le meilleur ou le pire gig que vous avez joué?

Les deux, quand j’avais 16 ans, donc ça ne vaut pas la peine de mentionner
J’ai aimé l’influence des pairs aux secondaires

27. Avez-vous d’autres anecdotes que vous pouvez partager avec nous(agréable et non agréable)

Ok,voilà
Quand je grandissais, je bégayais à chaque deuxième mot
C’est cool quand on est chanteur
J’avais 15 ou 16 ans, je chantais pour un groupe qu’on avait essayé de former aux secondaires
Nous avons eu un gig dans le nord, à Morin Heights ou Val Morin pour une soirée dansante dans une
église
Le père du bassiste remplissait son station wagon avec nos équipements et nous emmenait là-bas
On s’était perdu et devait demander la direction
Je m’asseyaits à côté de la fenêtre, alors je l’ai baissée pour parler à un passant
Voici la conversation que je me rappelle le mieux que je peux

Exc-c-c-cuse m-m-m-moi m-m-m-ais p-p-p-ouvez-v-v-v-ous nous dire nous r-r-r-endre à l’église?

Le gars jetait un coup d’oeil dans la station wagon et voyait tous les équipements. Il nous demandait si
nous jouions là et quell instrument je jouais

J’ai dit oui et j’étais le c-c-c-chanteur…..

Je ne me rappelle pas l’avoir vu au gig…LOL !
Nous avons commence avec Mon G-g-g-genaration…

28. Quel conseil donnez-vous aux jeunes musiciens?(ie. Technique,style,équipement….quels erreurs
à éviter?)

Jouer ce que vous aimez….utiliser l’instrument que vous pouvez vous permettre et apprendre avec vos
erreurs

29.Quel est votre nom?

Ken Cohen

30. Quel est votre prochain projet/gig/experience musicale?(donner les places et dates si vous voulez)

Je vais aux Blues Jam sessions de la ville.

Maison du Blues Profile Interview with Ken Cohen

2010-07-21T09:52:00.001-04:00

Maison du Blues Profile Interview with Ken Cohen

1. What instrument(s) do you play?

vocals ... guitar ... harmonica

2. What equipment are you using? (ie guitars, bass, amps, harmonica, drums, sax etc.)

Guitars
Fender made of strat parts , Ibanez archtop , Guild Acoustic , Yamaha nylon string .. Hopf archtop

Amps Polytone mini brute Fender Acoustisonic Fender Pro Junoir

Harps .. marine band

Mics shure 55

3. Have you modified your set-up in any way to better suit your style of playing.

sometimes I plug the guitars into a marshall blues breaker pedal

4. Is there any instrument that you owned, but sold and now regret it?

73 fender telecaster 73 fender twin amp 86 squire strat

5. How did you first get interested in your instrument?

Friends

6. What are your influences in the blues?

no money no women no friends ...
my first influences were actually Paul Butterfield and James Cotton and the Rolling Stones

7. Are there any particular players on the world stage who have had an effect on your playing?

see question 6

8. Can you recommend any soundtrack/video/DVD of these players?

anything found on you tube especially spider and the fly by the Stones

9. How would you describe the type of sound you have or would like to achieve.

living room volume is the best I can describe it .
I've been playing alone for a long time ... mostly in apartments and never wanted to bother the neighbours

10. If money was no object, what equipment would you like to use at a medium sized gig? (50 seater)

no idea I dont have that kind of experience

11. What, in your view, makes a player special/unique (past or present)

Class and approachabilty ...

12. What are your favourite songs?

Spider and the fly - Stones
Blues in the night - my version hahaha
Most of the Jazz standards that suit me

13. How long have you been playing?

longer than I like to think

14. Are you presently in a group or working on any projects with other musicians? (name the other members if you like and what they play)

No .. I just started going to open blues jams over the past few months to do vocals only

15. Do you like working in the studio, prefer to go out and play, or both? (please elaborate if you can)

I have no studio experience .. so a live audience would get my vote

16. Are there any local musicians that you would recommend to go and see play who you like the most?

Everyone at the open blues jams

17. Which local musician(s) have had an effect on your own playing?

None yet

18. How did you first get involved with music? (ie. listened to a record, friend introduced you to an album, went to a club to see someone play)

all the above

19. Do you practice often (ie. learn new songs, go over the ones you know, or just fiddle around?

all the above

20.Share with us your ideal gig (ie. large or small venue, do you like to get there very early to set up, do you expect other band members to do the same, who does the sound or works the board. – anything at all about your approach to playing)

no experience with gigs really ...
but I am a firm believer that if there is a vocalist it should not be a strain for him/her to be heard

21. Is playing for you a job to be worked hard at, shear pleasure, or a mixture of both?

shear pleasure

22. What do you think of jam sessions? (please elaborate likes and dislikes)

I am in love with Jam sessions
It the only place for now that I get to practice my so called craft

23. Do you prefer to work out your music in advance, or do you like a certain amount of improvisation?

I think a good balance of both works

24. Have there been any experiences that made you nervous on stage?

Just the first time i went to an open jam after a 42 year lay off

25. Is it more nerve-wracking for you to play in front of friends, other musicians or a regular bar crowd?

Other musicians

26. What’s the best or worst gig you played?

Both would be when I was 16 so its not worth mentioning.
GHtta love high school peer pressure

27. Do you have any other anecdotes you could share with us? (pleasant or unpleasant)

Ok here goes
When I was growing up I stuttered every second word .
Cool when your a singer ..
I was 15 or 16 and sang with a group we were trying to start in high school
We got a gig up north in Morin Heights or Val Morin at a local church dance
The bass player’s father jammed his station wagon with all our equipment and drove us up there from Montreal.
We got lost and had to ask for directions .
I had the window seat so I rolled down the window and asked a passer-by for directions ..
Here is the conversation the best I can recall

exc-c-c-cuse m-m-m-me b-b-b-but c-c-c-could y-y-y-ou p-p-lease tell us how t-t-t-to g-g-g-et t-t-t-to the church ?

The guy looked in the back of the station wagon and saw all the equipment and asked if we were playing there and what instrument I played ...

I said Yes and I was the s-s-s-s-singer ...

I dont remember seeing him at the gig ... lolol

We opened with My G-g-g-generation ...

28. What advice would you give to an aspiring young player? ( ie. Technique, style, equipment etc.- any mistakes to avoid?)

Play what you love ... use what you can afford and learn from your mistakes

29. What’s your next project/gig/musical experience? (give place and dates if you like)

I go to most of the Blues Jam nights in the city

30. Thanks Ken.

Rich James - Feature Interview

2010-07-19T22:50:00.003-04:00

This Maison du Blues (HB - for House of Blues - in English) interview took place with Rich James, band leader of BLUES SIDE UP, the day after the opening of La Maison du Blues, Unik Bar, Decarie on Saturday, 5th June, 2010 by BLUES SIDE UP band.
It is the first of a series of feature interviews, profiles and news about local blues musicians, blues music, instruments, and the music scene in general, and more.
Contact details are below.
All contributions are voluntary.
(See details below to contribute)

HB. That was some neat guitar playing last night.
RJ Thanks. I really found my sound.
HB What set up are you using?
RJ Presently, I am playing a red 335 copy with a classic Gibson ’57 neck pick-up and a stock bridge pick-up wired out-of-phase in the middle postion. Same for the Strat copy, except it’s sunburst red/brown, with Texas specials and extra switches for out-of-phase in 3 postions.
HB What amp are you using?
RJ I use a Vox Valvetronix AD30VT.
HB Isn’t that a practice amp?
RJ Yes, but it’s loud enough for most bars and overdrives nicely with a tube in the main output stage. Needs to be turned-on half an hour before the gig so that the tube warms up. It then delivers that sweet, Vox blues tone.
HB Why are you using copy guitars and not the real thing?
RJ It’s all I am willing to spend at the moment.

HB How did the House of Blues project come about?
RJ I was talking with my buddy, Roger Guetta, and we discussed the idea of promoting a venue that would showcase local musicians and blues bands live – ourselves included. Roger came up with the concept of a House of Blues, an actual place to play as well as a forum, such as this, to share ideas and experiences.
HB Why is the Unik Bar involved?
RJ The owner of the Unik Bar, was very open to the concept. Also, the bar had previously had a jam night with The Devil Dawgs, before they moved on to start a new jam in another bar. It was always a good chance to meet other musicians, listen to them play and learn new things. Beer was also involved.
It was a short step from there to here.
HB Aren’t there many other blues clubs around town?
RJ Surprisingly, there aren’t that many, but there are a lot of accomplished musicians out there.
HB Do you have any favourites?
RJ On the world stage, I would have to name the usual icons such as B.B. King and Muddy Waters, who have had a tremendous influence on my playing. But in terms of Montreal guitar players, Pat Loiselle would be right up there. This man can play that damn thing!
HB Pat has been among the foremost blues players around Montreal for some time.
RJ Yes. I knew Pat back in the late 80’s when we were playing places like the Rising Sun, G-sharp and Station 10. He has the most incredible control of his licks and playing, to say nothing of his singing.
HB Any others that you like?
RJ Quite a few guitar players. Certainly those who get to my heart are players like Guillaume Boux of the Black Hats – when he’s on, time stands still for me. Louis Janelle and Gerry Michel of Nova blues Band are also on top of their game.
HB These guys are booked at La Maison de Blues in the coming weeks, are they not?
RJ Curiously, so they are!

HB How did Blues Side Up come about?
RJ A few years back, some musicians were thrown together in practice jams. I first met Rob Black and Magic Dan there. We called ourselves Drivin’ Wheel at the time and Neil Hebert was on bass.
Rob, Neil and I stayed together and eventually went gigging, but Dan went off for a couple of years to do other things.
When we next crossed paths, Rob, Steve and I were hosting a weekly jam session at the Savannah Bar, in Pointe Claire. Steve was on bass by then. It was clear that Magic Dan completed our sound, so we took it from there. We gigged together as Blues Side Up for the past year or so.

HOB What is the present lineup of Blues Side Up?
RJ Rob Black – one of the most accomplished players I’ve heard – on drums.
Winston Huggins - on bass
Yours truly on vocals and guitar.
And the most original playing style of Magic Dan on harmonica.
HB Why is he called Magic Dan?
RJ There is a very good reason, and some of us may be surprised at his answer.
HB House of Blues has an upcoming feature interview with Magic Dan shortly. I am very curious to hear what he has to say.
RJ So am I.

HB The sounds of your singing and playing in Blues Side Up seem very British oriented – Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall.
RJ Without a doubt.These were my early influences. Growing up in the suburbs of London in the 60’s, I got to hang out in clubs where these bands were playing.
There was an all-nighter called The Flamingo Club. My uncle snuck me in at an early age to see John Mayall, before Clapton joined the band.
I was really turned on to that style of blues.
A short while after, Fuzz boxes came out and changed the sound of the electric guitar and electric blues.
HB Your playing seems to be very much influenced by Clapton and Peter Green.Tell us about that.
RJ Yes, they were my idols at the time. Just listen to Peter Green singing and playing “Stop Messing Around”. The guitar is so full of tension and excitement.
Peter Green would play the Railway Tavern in West Hampstead and I used to go and see him play. I learned a lot by watching. I tried to play “clean sound” like him.
Decca studios was next door. Rumour was that they ran a microphone cable between the walls and recorded many bands live, but I don’t know if it’s true!
I was always disappointed there though, because I thought Fleetwood Mac didn’t play loud enough as a band – they seemed louder on records.
It was a different story at the Roundhouse, Chalk Farm, a much bigger venue, where, with Jeremy Spencer on slide, they really let fly. I always had a desire to get up and play with them, but I was a little bit younger than those guys and never had the nerve to ask.

HB Are there any other early influences on your guitar playing?
RJ Certainly, Mick Taylor has a wonderful style. Life is strange.
Things seem to happen that define oneself and one’s music. That’s my case.
I was in a guitar shop in central London, and my friend, the bassist in our group at the time said, look over there. It was Mick Taylor trying out a Les Paul.
So we stood there and watched him play.
Believe it or not, I am still using licks that I learned from watching him that day!

HB In those days, wasn’t psychedelia taking over?
RJ Yes, many blues artists ventured into it – Cream and Hendrix for instance.
Our band, although very young at that time, was also experimenting. We were fairly small-time, on the college circuit when I was in my late teens. I was very influenced by the new sounds.
There were many “underground” bands, such as The Move and Pink Floyd playing colleges before they became well-known.
HB Did you see them play?
RJ Unfortunatley no. We were always playing a week or two before, or later than them, but on the same circuit. However, our keyboard player, Knoxy, at the time actually borrowed Pink Floyd’s light-show one night for our gig, as he was friends with someone in their band.
All I can remember is a wall of sound, smoke and light. We used it for one show and then he had to give it back. We thought we were great, but then comments came out that made us think we weren’t as great as we thought we were!
A lot of people complained that we were too loud and it was true. Everyone turned it up loud – it was if there was no stopping us. I went deaf once in the middle of a solo. I looked at my amp ( a 50 watt Marshall combo) and the volume was on no. 10! We were inexperienced at the time and tried to cover it with a wall of noise.
When you put those lights on and take a puff - well you know what happens.

HB Coming back to the present times, what are your feelings about the Montreal blues scene today?
RJ Sorry about that. I sort of got carried away with the memories for a moment!
The Montreal music scene is great, and very dynamic, but it doesn’t pay much for musicians and it’s very hard for aspiring players to get a break. Perhaps it was always that way. But I can tell you, we are often playing for the same bread we were earning 20 years ago? It’s sad that many great Montreal musicians have to beg and plead to get gigs, and to get paid.
HB What’s the remedy for that?
RJ I don’t know really know. Some players have their bottom rate and won’t go out for less. I’ll play for not much, as I’d rather be out playing than sitting at home being bombarded with commercials on TV. It’s a sorry fact that the money doesn’t seem to be there for small, live music gigs. I know Magic Dan has something to say about that.

HB Are musicians competitive?
RJ In a sense we all have to be, if we want to get gigs. But we are also sensitive. Certain rivalries can develop, it’s true. I once saw someone pull the lead cord out of a guitarists amp as he was playing a solo on stage. I think he was playing too loud!

I think we can try to help each other out wherever we can and pass on gigs to one another. That has been my experience, by and large, and I’m grateful to those who’ve helped me.

In the main, I find Montreal musicians to be very friendly and helpful. The response to Maison de Blues has shown that.

HB Does the rivalry stop when musicians are playing on stage?
RJ To some degree, rivalries carry on, but in a friendly way mostly. After all, we are trying to make good music - and when it comes together, there is a great feeling between musicians. You can see the smiles break through and you know it’s on. I’ve played with musicians I didn’t know beforehand, and when we got off the stage, we all became friends. There is a respect if a person knows their stuff and plays their instrument well, and that creates a bond that will always be there.

HB What’s next for Rich James and BLUES SIDE UP?
RJ More gigs, we hope. We love to play live.
We have dates around town in June through September: Smoke Meat Pete’s, La Petite Boite and, of course, La Maison du Blues Unik.
We will also be publishing more interviews on this website with many more musicians.
HB Any advice for younger players?
RJ Practice hard and keep it raw.
Then teach me!

Maison du Blues wishes to thank all contributors to the HB web page. All input is voluntary.Your help is greatly appreciated.
Upcoming feature interviews with Magic Dan and Pat Loiselle coming soon.
Profile interviews with Steve Flam, Dan Geneau, John Gordon, Ken Cohen and Jules Cacchione are on the way.
Where possible, interviews will be in French as well as English.

Contact details:
If you would like to contribute to La Maison du Blues online forum, please send profiles,(ask for questionnaire if you need one) news, gig details, thoughts, ideas, reviews etc. - anything you think is relevant to Montreal blues to La Maison du Blues at:
rich2_lao@yahoo.ca
Your input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

La Maison du Blues would like to thank all contributors.
Special thanks to Loan Do, Dan Geneau and Ingrid Auguste for their help in translating interviews into French.
Great thanks also to Ken Cohen (of Bob's Your Uncle) for his kind help and suggestions.
Dan Geneau, also of Bob's Your Uncle, deserves special thanks for his personal contributions in helping to provide link support to this website.
Appreciation also goes to Gerry Michel of Nova Blues Band for his particular advice and efforts to publicize the House of Blues.

Bands performing in June, July, August and September 2010 at La Maison du Blues Unik.

Blues Side Up
Louis Janelle Blues Band
Band on the Run
Nova Blues Band
The Black Hats
Bob's Your Uncle
Midnight Breeze
Jeff Jones Bluesmasters
The Devil Dawgs
Blues De Ville
Pat Loiselle

2010-07-14T10:18:00.000-04:00