Thursday was another day of rock at Ottawa Bluesfest; if you liked the classic sounds, it was definitely the Thursday for you. First up were local faves The White Wires, who had plenty of stuff to toss into the crowd along with their usual power-pop rocking. Since Allie is still hanging out in California, they had Caylie from Boyhood - a.k.a. the other band Luke plays in - to play drum in their 35-minute set.
The White Wires at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
They were done so early I got over to the Black Sheep Stage for some of Terry Gillespie's set. He had the Texas Horns along to help out.
Terry Gillespie at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
"Just blow through this one," he told Kaz and Co., who duly obliged.
The Texas Horns with Terry Gillespie at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
The it was off to The Pack AD, who offered up their usual distorted mutant blues to a very appreciative crowd.
The Pack AD at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
I popped over to the main stage for a bit to see what Cowboy Junkies are up to these days. Margo Timmin's narcoleptic croon is no longer, though she's still a fine singer. They were making quite a bit of noise; perhaps that's what the main stage demands.
Cowboy Junkies at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
Then it was back to the River Stage (where I probably could have camped out on Thursday) for The Hold Steady. Granted, it's not quite the same as catching them at Zaphod's, which was a wild Top 5 type of show, but a good time was had by all, with lots of audience singing along.
The Hold Steady at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
Then I went over to listen to a little bit of John Mellencamp, who was looking a bit dishevelled and sounded raspier than in his heyday, but still doing a good job, kicking off with Authority Song. I was really to far away to bother with phiotgraphy, though there are a couple of dark and distant shots in my Flickr stream for those interested in hunting them down. After 15 minutes I went off to watch The Sheepdogs. I saw them play to a small audience at Zaphod's, and wanted to catch them at the last Bluesfest but went to see PS I Love You and Girl Talk instead and only caught the tail end of their set. This time I made the correct decision and went over to see them start things up. Once again I was mighty impressed by their super harmony work and 1970s classic rock skills. I have to assume they'd have been huge if only they'd been 40 years earlier. Oh well, they still had a big crowd in the palm of their hands.
The Sheepdogs at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
Not my favourite day so far, but still real good.
- Show reminder: Cousins of Reggae, Matt Morel and Adam Saikaley bring strange sounds to Raw Sugar; The Alexis P Suter Band performs at The Rainbow; Al Wood & The Woodsmen and Firebell play Irene's; Waterbomber and Port Manteau drop in at the Elmdale.
