Fond farewell

Last Saturday there were a couple of potential shows I could have gone to, but only one that really demanded my attendance: The memorial for Mark Valcour at the Dominion Tavern. Mark was the soundman for countless Dom shows that I attended since well before I got the blog up and running, and his students and colleagues will testify to his efforts at Algonquin, Carleton and CKCU. For the occasion Steve Fai of Black Boot Trio, Lonesome Paul and The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol paid tribute.

Here's Lonesome Paul; I'm embarrassed to say this is the first time I've seen the local legend in action.



And here are his Valley Ramblers, starting with bassman James Stevens (not Ian Cook as I said in an earlier version of the post).



Michael Ball, also of Ball & Chain (of course).



Dave Bignell on telecaster.



More Paul!



And so on, with Peter Von Althen on drums. Been a while since I've caught him with Trevor Alguire or the Jupiter Ray Project.



Singalong action!



Next up, Steve Fai, who I almost didn't recognize with puffy hair.



He started with a Rev. Gary Davis tune.



Steve's other side.



On to The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol, starting with a few heartfelt comments from John Westhaver on Mark Valcour's considerable legacy.



And now to increase the volume!



Guitar action with Dave and Bill!



John hits!



More volume with Nate and Miche, who is now hanging out officially.



Even more guitar!



Jason adjusts!



John hits!



Extra Nate!



A well-deserved tribute to a guy who was a huge contributor to music and radio in the city.

Run to the finish line

Last stop at Bluesfest for 2008: The Roots Stage. Trevor Alguire was the first (and second last) show of the day there. It was also the release show for his new album, 30 Year Run. It was actually an improbably long time since I'd seen him live - the last time had been at The Bayou, when he performed with The Brothers Chaffey, back in the summer of 2006. In the intervening years he's a acquired a completely new backing band, The Roving Troubadors: Keith Glass, Michael Ball, Peter Newsom, Alistair Dennett and Gilles Leclerc (who wasn't around for this performance, but does play on the album).



Michael Ball is of course one-half of Ball & Chain.



Left to right, Peter, Prairie Oysterman Keith and Alistair.



Michael also handled mandolin duties this time around.



Rhythm section action!



Keith sings a bit.



Roving action!



And so on.





Big finishing kick!



His next show in town is at The Elmdale Tavern December 12. He's also playing solo in nearby Shawville, Quebec, Dec. 6 at Cafe 349.

• Show reminder: Hawksley Workman and Hey Rosetta! play the Bronson Centre; it sounds like an evening of infectious fun at The Bayou with Diearea, Germ Attak, The Zero Hours, Acid Overdose and Gut Reaction; Bombs and Sin Kickers play Zaphod Beeblebrox; The Holy Cobras and The Beach Blankets hold a tape release show at The Rocker Room (under the James St. Feed Company on Bank). The Hammerheads get funky at The Rainbow. The Kingmakers perform at Irene's.
  

Bye bye blues

The last day of Bluesfest, and the last day of my vacation. I didn't see much on the final day ... I wanted to see Trevor Alguire and Martha Wainright again, and did, and managed to catch a couple of other shows, but most of my attention was reserved for later in the evening (about which more elsewhere). Last year Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings provided an explosive capper to my 2007 Bluesfest, the year before it was The New Pornographers. This time around the thought of Canned Heat, Robert Randolph or the Master Musicians of Jajouka weren't quite temptation enough to keep me at LeBreton Flats. I arrived at the Flats around 3 p.m. and stopped by the River Stage to listen to some blues.


Debbie Davies, Ottawa Bluesfest, July 13, 2008

The lady with the guitar was Dr. John-approved blueswoman Debbie Davies. She's highly regarded in the field, and I for one fancy her eclectic pickup choice. As with previous acts, she had some help from the Texas Horns; David Maxwell sat in on piano before his own set down on the Roots Stage later in the day. I enjoyed a few of her songs but my appetite for blues had been pretty well sated the day before, so I went off to check out Trevor James and The Perfect Gentlemen on the Giant Financial Institution Stage.


Trevor James and The Perfect Gentlemen, Ottawa Bluesfest, July 13, 2008

James was once in The Architects; as far as I can tell from my limited contact with both acts, his new project is less rock, more singer-songwriter. I like it when he tunes down the rock a bit - he has a very usable high range to his voice. His set ended around 4 p.m., which was just about when Trevor Alguire's was beginning, so the timing was perfect.


Trevor Alguire and His Roving Troubadors, Ottawa Bluesfest, July 13, 2008

This show was also the release gig for Alguire's new album, 30 Year Run. His Troubadors are stacked with talent - including Keith Glass of Prairie Oyster and Michael Ball of Ball & Chain. Alguire is playing his next gig at the Kars Fair July 19. I waited around for my last Bluesfest set of the year.


Martha Wainwright, Ottawa Bluesfest, July 13, 2008

It was a good one: Martha Wainright put on a fine show a couple of years ago, and I love her albums and her voice. She came on stage wearing a black coat, tie-die frock and a pair of silver heels that look like they could be used to stab someone.


Kate McGarrigle, Ottawa Bluesfest, July 13, 2008

She didn't have her band with her this time, but she did have her mother, Kate McGarrigle, who played piano and sang along on a few songs. I can't say her performance was note perfect, but then again as she said before the duo performed Ma Rainey's version of Oh Papa Blues, they only had a half-hour to practice it. Then I biked on home to grab a glass of water and head over to Babylon to get my ears boxed.

On the Bayou

Trevor Alguire isn't just the man behind noted Ottawa skateboard haven On Deck - he's also a very talented country rocker. He released an album under the Mercury Pickup name, and now has an even better one, As Of Yesterday, out under his own name. He's gathered a stellar bunch of local musicians to back him, and it all sounded quite nice in The Bayou's spacious environs.

Here's one natural light photo that turned out surprisingly nice.



Trevor.



Tom Thompson puts the pedal to the metal.



Department of Foreign Affairs man Rob Skitmore.



Rhythm action with Simon Wright and Peter von Althen.



Singalong action!



A somewhat clearer picture of Peter.



Trevor is not actually this much taller than Rob - but close to it.



"This is about how most guitars feel on me."



Country rock action!





Big finish!



Alguire and Co. will be opening for Slim Cessna's Auto Club July 19. First time I saw Mercury Pickup was back in 2004 at The Dom - they were supposed to play with Cessna's crew, but border problems got in the way, if I recall correctly.

As of last night

Richard from CKCU's Both Kinds of Music and The Stumblers praised The Bayou last time we crossed paths, and there is indeed a lot to like about the Ottawa South venue. It's a spacious underground room with a good view of the stage and a quick bar staff - and there's good live music; witness the CD release for Trevor Alguire's new one, As Of Yesterday. The Brothers Chaffey played a great opening set and Trevor and Co. finished it up right.

Matt and Curtis.



The rest of Alguire's band will appear in a later post (unless you count the bit of Rob Skitmore you can see here).



Best of all I was actually in a fit state to make it out - sure is quick by bicycle from MacLaren to Sunnyside.