The Macdonald/Rush Band knocked the rockin's socks off the enthused audience at Healey's, here in downtown Toronto, Ont., on the night of Saturday, September 28, 2002. The place was packed due to the enormous popularity of this very tight, seasoned group of musicians. Mike McDonald and Pat Rush are both well-respected guitarists on the local music scene and internationally. Mike often plays key venues in Europe
-- festivals and clubs alike. However, he always seems to make it back safe and sound to Toronto, to the delight of his legion of long-time fans. Pat's incredible slide guitar playing was featured on several classic blues and blues/rock tunes throughout the night, including Johnny Winter's "Walkin' By Myself". Pat played slide on this tune on
Johnny's White Hot & Blue album in the late '70's when he was part of the Winter band. Pat's slide playing is without a doubt some of the best the world of blues has to offer. Long time skins sidekick Colonel Jessome was really kickin' it on drums all night long. Big Ben Richardson's energetic bass lines were indispensable as usual. Both he and Pat are members of the world-famous Jeff Healey Band, and tour with Jeff internationally.
Jeff Healey, co-owner of Healey's sat in with the band in the first set, and wowed the crowd with his phenomenal guitar playing on several tunes. His lead vocals excel as does his guitar mastery. He sang a romantic ballad dedicated to Aynsley, the radiant and bubbly server/door person at Healey's, whose birthday it was that night. Another tune
equally as beautiful, was played for her in the second set as well, complimenting her looks and her personality.
"Why Don't the Don River Freeze?", a Mike McDonald original, (a request from Jeff played in the second set), was sang with humor and fun by Mike. I remember Jeff singing it with the band when they played Healey's several months ago. He was having a really good time of it then. This time he was able to enjoy it with the rest of us at Healey's.
When the night seemed over, and a full house of McDonald/Rush fans had
been entertained all night by this incredible band, they were called up
to the stage again for a few more rockin's tunes. They didn't mind at
all, since they love to play as much as their eager fans love to hear
them play. What they give out in a superb performance they get back
equally in uninhibited applause and screams for "More … " from the many
fans who appreciate them being at Healey's that night - including yours
truly!
Healey's
178 Bathurst Street
Toronto, Ontario
phone: 416-703-5882
www.jeffhealeys.com
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