Live Review
Gary Kendall Band
Ziggy’s Sports Pub, Toronto, Ontario
Feb. 7, 2004
by Joe Curtis
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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It was an extreme pleasure to see the Gary Kendall Band at a small but nevertheless friendly and rousing club called Ziggy’s, in the East York area of Toronto, Ontario, Saturday, February 7, 2004. When I walked into this fabulous ‘blues joint’, (which every Sat. night it definitely is!) I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears! Kendall, who’s bassist for the Downchild Blues Band, (Canada’s ‘Premier Blues Band’ for over 30 years), has put together the most intriguing combo I’ve ever seen – Kendall on bass; along with long-time keys master Brian Fraser playing Johnnie Johnson-style boogie woogie/rock ‘n roll electric piano/vocals. Added to this impressive roster is the always-entertaining Tyler Burgess on drums/vocals, and some very cool blues harp! Burgess is also in a band with his brother Chris, aptly named the Burgess Brothers. He’s toured with Stompin’ Tom Connors and the Downchild Blues Band. He’s also performed with guitarist Mike McKenna, of ‘Toronto Sound’ blues band, Mainline.
Being a bassist myself, anything bass always intrigues me. So this very special lineup assembled by Kendall, was indeed a treat! It proved beyond a doubt that it’s possible to have a fabulous blues band, without the absolute need for a guitarist! I never thought such a unique configuration as this was possible … but here it is! A musical ‘revelation’ if I’ve ever encountered one! Although Kendall’s bass lines didn’t have guitar licks to rely on, he made up for it with some very cool lead blues riffs; that seemingly added ‘more bottom end’ to Fraser’s already captivating talent on the ivores! What an ingenious arrangement!
Now, on to the fabulous blues, boogie woogie and rock ‘n roll that got things hoppin’ at Ziggy’s to it’s all-natural, all-wood rafters! Chuck Berry’s “Oh Carol” happily greeted me as I came in the door! Fraser’s vocals were energetic, and the whole band whooped it up real good! The crowd was cheering and the fans were hot on the dance floor, groovin’ to the blues rhythms! This was followed with classic excellence by one of the ‘Night Tripper’ Dr. John’s big hits, “Such A Night”. Fraser’s keys ‘magic’ really outdid itself, as did Kendall’s insightful bass lines, and Tyler’s in-the-groove technique on the skins. Fraser’s ‘Night Tripper’-like vocals perfectly complemented the proceedings; while Tyler’s harp solo helped send this one over the top!
Big Joe Turner’s classic “Roll Baby, Roll” was performed with ballistic excellence by all concerned. ‘Mr. Five By Five’ Turner himself, would be impressed! Some entrancing boogie-woogie piano riffs from Fraser’s talented fingers, admirably did justice to this tune! Fraser’s playing style is reminiscent of that of keys master Johnnie Johnson. Kendall’s vocals were rousing, and the dance floor was hoppin’!
The crowd was so won over at this point, that they demanded and got two encores! The first featured Kendall’s rousing vocals, and a lead bass solo on “Train”. Kendall’s imaginative bass solo made the ‘train’ trip to Ziggy’s all the more enjoyable! The final encore of this very fun evening, was “Snatch It Back” -- a slow, classic blues tune as only true masters of the genre can put it across. Lyrics like “Somebody Gotta Help Me, Can’t Do It By Myself” were sung with vivid reality by Burgess, and were re-enforced by the expert rhythm section of Kendall and Fraser. After this second encore, the blues fans at Ziggy’s still wanted more! However, in consideration for nearby residents, this very worthwhile and highly entertaining evening of blues had to come to an end. The good thing is, there are plenty more rollicking blues parties every Saturday night at Ziggy’s with fun guy extraordinaire, Ziggy himself! (Yes, there is a real Ziggy, .. hence the fabulous sports motif and stained wood paneling throughout!) So, on that note I’ll finish this review, while anxiously awaiting my next fun and very bluesy visit to Ziggy’s.
Gary Kendall
Email: bluestime47@hotmail.com
Downchild Blues Band: www.downchild.com
Ziggy’s Sports Pub
951 Pape Ave.
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
416-423-5444
www.ziggyssportspub.com
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