The Performers

Morgan Davis

 

Singer, songwriter, guitarist and 20 year veteran of the Canadian Blues Circuit, Morgan Davis was named 1994 Blues Artist of the Year. Originally from Detroit, Davis came to Toronto from California in 1968 to oppose the Vietnam War.
During his years on the road, Davis perfected his repertoire of blues classics, many of which figure in his performances today. His style is tart and tough, relying on intensity rather than speed and technology to make its point. It is timeless music from the heart.
His latest recording features songs by Willie Dixon and Robert Johnson, as well as original tunes. Davis' songwriting talent received international recognition when he wrote "Why'd You Lie?" the bluesiest track on Colin James' debut album. Morgan's passion for the blues has never wavered and he fully expects to be on the road for life.

 

Groove Project

Wayne Buttery, Bob "Bobbo" Federer and blues harpist Thomas Hutton make up the Groove Project. Members of the band have performed with Wilson Pickett, The Blue Notes, Tina Turner, Domenic Troiano and Oscar Peterson.
These performers have been around and around again playing heart and soul blues classics from The Thrill is Gone by B.B. King to The Sky is Crying, recorded by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix.
A wonderful blending of musical virtuosity makes a threesome sound like a big time full band. A must see for all aficionados.

For more info, visit www.elitegroup.on.ca/northbeat

Barney-Adams Blues Band

The band's frontmen are Gord "Barney" Barnes and Gary "Doc" Adams - two lifelong friends who have been playing the blues together for over 25 years. Gord's blistering harmonica work is establishing him as a force to be reckoned with. After mastering the sound and technique of many of the greatest blues harp players, Gord has gone on to add his own unique style which raises harp solos to a whole new level. Gord's playing is a great complement to the growling vocals and guitar work of his partner, Doc. Gary has extensive background in lead singing including over 15 years with the vocal group "Acappella", and has the ability to infuse current songs with the emotion and edge of traditional blues.
The Durham based band, which also includes Matt Travers on Drums and Gary Cass on bass, have played to many appreciative audiences from Toronto to Cobourg and as far north as Haliburton.

 

Blues Parlour

The recently formed Blues Parlour has developed a strong following providing blues on the cutting edge in a variety of clubs throughout Simcoe County. Their wide range of bluesology from the Mississippi Delta to urban Chicago has attracted attention from local aficionados who step out to catch them. This four piece band features Mike Battram; guitar and vocals, Hugh Hardy; guitar, Ken Hyatt; bass, and Mark Holden; drums. You will not be disappointed by their classy renditions of both contemporary and traditional blues.

 

Ronnie Douglas

Ronnie Douglas, a blues guitarist and vocalist, is from Rama First Nation. Priorengagements include monthly gigs at Webers Downtowner, Orillia, in addition to being featured artist in both the Orillia Blues Festival and Barrie Jazz and Blues Festival. Ronnie's music is contemporary yet highly reverential to the roots of blues, encompassing delta blues, Chicago blues to modern day blues styles.

Vincent Wolfe -Sean Bray

Vincent Wolfe has been talked about and encouraged by a "who's who" of jazz/soul artists like Marlena Shaw, Grover Washington Jr., Stanley Turrentine, Jean Carne and the late Phyllis Hyman. He began his performing career in his teens, appearing in live theatre, film and television. He then travelled with various musical groups across the country, to South America and the Bahamas, playing casinos, clubs and taverns. Today, Wolfe is well known to the jazz community in and around Toronto, where he performs regularly at top-notch venues and on the festival circuit. U.S. audiences have responded enthusiastically to Vincent during his recent engagements with Jean Carne in Buffalo, Detroit and Washington. Catch a ride on the "musical, emotional roller coaster" with Vincent Wolf.

Jazz guitarist Sean Bray has been described as a 'fluid', 'rhythmic' and 'progressive'. He was born in Canada's mid-west and has been based in Toronto since 1991. He grew up in Europe, the mid-west states and Canada and whilst in New York, he studied at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. He began playing guitar at age 12. A constant search for new musical ideas led him into jazz and he has made improvisation his life. With four CDs released under his name, he forges forth to establish himself as an artist of importance.

 

Shelaugh Hart Trio

Shelaugh was born and raised in Pontiac, Michegan. She moved to Canada at the age of 21 and has kived here since. She now resides in Barrie with her husband Glen. She is quite versatile as a vocalist, singing Jazz, Blues, R&B and light rock. She has performed at all the local Jazz and Blues Festivals as well as at the CNE and the du Maurier Jazz Festival.
Will was born and raised in Toronto, but now resides in Orillia with his wife Sheila. He is a true lover of Jazz and has attended numerous Barry Harris workshops where he has perfected his Jazz piano style. He has also performed in local festivals, the CNE and the du Maurier Jazz Festival. Ralph grew up in Durham, Ontario. He now lives with his wife Mary Lou in the Midhurst area. He has played in rock bands but has always been interested in, and played, Jazz. He has played in all the local festivals as well as touring the United States, playing in various festivals there. Check out www.cois.on.ca/~shelaugh for more info.

Fathead

As well as keeping busy around Torontoand southern Ontario with numerous club dates, the band successfully toured Canada this past year garnishing rave reviews and overwhelming response whereever they went. Fathead lead vocalist, John Mays, won BEST MALE VOCAL in the West Coast Blues Awards. At the same awards, the band's debut CD was also names to the TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR category. Radio airplay has been received both in Canada and the U.S. Fat head just recorded a CD with Chicago bluesman Little Mack Simmons which was produced by Al Lerman. Plans are underway for Fathead's follow up album. 
Fathead consists of: Al Lerman; harp, sax, vocals.  John Mays: lead vocals. Bob "Omar" Tunnoch: bass, vocals. Teddy Leonard: guitar, vocals. Ed White: drums, vocals.

 

The Whiteley Brothers

Here's a unique package of soul-driven Cancon blues that treats the ear with an exuberance of sound rarely heard north of the border. Brothers Chris and Ken Whiteley, Americas who have lived in Toronto since 1956, have tenderly hones their blues craft, obviously with several of the blues masters in mind.

They have appeared on well over 100 recordings including work with John Hammond, Blind John Davis, Leon Redbone, Tom Paxton and Sylvia Tyson.

Live appearances have included over 100 folk festivals, club and concert performances across Canada and the United States. They are frequently featured on CBC Radio and have been on a number of TV shows, including Saturday Night Live. Their invitation to the 1993 Chicago Blues Festival marks a first for any Canadian Group.

 

Come and watch and listen to these brothers play 20 different instruments.

The Sensations

 

Everyone around the Orillia music scene knows Suds Sutherland who always makes you tap your feet while leading the best rhythm and blues band around. Their sets, steeped in blues with a heavy "Downchild" flavour, also puts a blues twist on rock and roll standards.

Chris Clark is on drums and vocals and gives great Joe Cocker renditions or R & B tunes. Gerry Markman, who plays lead guitar, will cover B.B. to Bop Diddley with his eyes closed and his fingers screaming. A tight horn section backed by Dave Devine on Bass will get you dancing so get to Frankie's early because there is bound to be a line-up.

Back to Top of Page
Back To Orillia Spring Blues Home Page