|
contents | blues | |||||||||||||
| Tremblant International Blues Festival From July 7 - 16, the 13th edition of Tremblant International Blues Festival will bring together the greatest blues artists. This year, the blues unveil it's true nature, with blues legends, more musicians than ever, performers from all over the world and styles of blues as numerous as they are varied. For ten days, free concerts will be presented on outdoor stages throughout Tremblant's site. The magic of music will vibrate through the throngs at Quebec's top blues festival. Featured countries will include Norway, Cuba, Spain, France, the United States and Canada. Andrée Dupré, Quebec's foremost blueswoman, whose powerful voice and explosive stage presence are sure to echo to the top of the mountain, will kick off the ten days of free concerts with a bang on the Place Saint-Bernard stage. The evening will continue with a second show performed by none other than the event's spokesperson, Quebec's unique and talented bluesman Bob Walsh. The 2006 line-up promises to be a real treat for blues connoisseurs. This year's festival welcomes a wide array of stars. On Saturday, discover James Cotton, one of Chicago's best harmonica players and the powerful blues of Tom Hambridge, performer and producer, who has worked with many stars. On Sunday, you'll be entertained by Chris Duarte's Texan guitar and the outstanding Canadian Downchild Blues Band, whose music has earned them numerous awards year after year. Guitar virtuoso and winner of no less than six Juno Awards, Colin James will take the Place des Voyageurs by storm with a show that will bring together soul and rhythm'n roots. The second weekend starts off on Friday with John Lee Hooker Jr, 2005 Grammy nominee for Best Traditional Blues Album and winner of a WC Handy Award for Best Blues Artist. His performance on the Place Saint Bernard stage wil prove that he is not only his famous father's son but an exceptional showman in his own right. On the Festival's second Saturday the blues will echo to the far reaches of Tremblant with the hybrid blues of funky guitarist Joe Louis Walker, the music of phenomenon Jeff Healy, a true guitar revolutionary of Hendrix calibre and the talents of the princess of "Rockin' gospel blues, "Sharrie Williams. Nostalgia lovers and Latino blues buffs will thrill to the sound of Santana's greatest hits with the original voice of Santana, Gregg Rolie, who will take center stage by storm on the Volkswagen Theatre July 12 at sunset. His loyal Santana musicians will join him, Adrian Areas and Michael Carabello on percussion and Alphonso Johnson on bass. Accompanying them will be Kurt Griffey on guitar, Wally Minko on keyboard and Ron Wikso on drums. Cofounder and singer of Santana and Journey, Gregg Rolie was inducted into the Rock'n Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 for his work as Santana's original singer with whom he co-produced their first four albums. On Monday, July 10, "Guitar Explosion" will bring together, on one stage, six of Quebec's greatest electric guitar specialists. Paul Deslauriers, Ricky Paquette (only 15 years old!), Trevor Finlay, Jean- Sébastien Chouinard, Jean Millaire and Jimmy James will be plugged into some high voltage, promising an electrifying atmosphere that will ignite the night! On Wednesday, July 12, the tradition continues with "Harmonica Extravaganza, " where any musical eccentricity goes. This evening is reserved for the cream of harmonica players: Guy Bélanger, Carl Tremblay, Jim Zeller, Nicolas Piquet, Pascal Per Veillette and Octavia, along with first-rate singer Nancy Desmarais. Young rising stars (8 to 17 year-olds) will showcase the potential and energy of their young talent on Sunday, July 9, on the Kids Blues stage. Emceed by the young 11-year-old Tim Jubinville, this show offers the opportunity to discover the talents of budding bluesmen. The universal language of the blues will allow musicians from all over to exchange ideas in a friendly atmosphere. For this 13th edition, Peer Gynt, a band hailing from Norway will electrify the crowd. Frenchman Julien Brunetaud, nicknamed the little prince of Boogie Woogie, will amaze everyone with his brilliant talent. Our many neighbours from the South will showcase a gamut of blues - soul, funky, roots R&B, West Coast, swing, rock 'n roll and rockabilly. From Europe, Javier Vargas, direct from Madrid, will bring us his warm Spanish-influenced blues. And finally, Cuban Elmer Ferrer will introduce us to a new, bittersweet facet of Cuban music, a far cry from Guantanamera and the Buena Vista Social Club. Tremblant International Blues Festival would not have its raison d'être if it did not leave plenty of room for our homegrown artists. Numerous Quebec and Canadian performers, including Blues Berry Jam, Paul Deslauriers, Adam Karch, John McGale, Smokin' Sonic, Ricky Paquette, Pat the White, Angel Forrest, Rob Lutes, Jim Zeller, Carl Tremblay, Sensitive Shoes, Joe Grass, Sean Fox, Michael Jerome Brown, Nic Payne, Mike Goudreau, Jo Hell and the Red Roosters, Rosy Blues Band and Malted Milk, will take to the stage throughout the festival. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |