On The Beat

A Bless-ed Debut

BLESS: This new and musically adventurous rock band made its much-anticipated local debut recently with a showcase performance at Richmond Street club Hush. Tracks from their upcoming debut album were previewed alongside two imaginative videos, and they showed that Bless has the potential to go far. Their guitar-driven sound is by turns atmospheric, melodic and dramatic, and they possess a charismatic and powerfully voiced frontman in MICHAEL OZ. His four comrades are superb musicians, with guitarist ALEX HUGO especially shining on the haunting song "Fountains." The sound in the room was less than pristine, but the band's talent shone through. Definitely one to watch closely.

LUCIANO PAVAROTTI: The legendary opera singer seems to have been out of the spotlight of late, but that's about to change. On Sept. 23, Decca/Universal will release Ti Adoro, a new album from Pavarotti that is being described as his first ever-solo crossover/pop album. New and original pop songs are featured, while rock guitar icon JEFF BECK joins Luciano on a new version of the classic "Caruso." Pavarotti returns to the concert stage as well, with dates from this month through to March 2004. No Canadian shows appear on the schedule as yet.

SOUTHSIDE SHUFFLE: There are still some fun summer music festivals left, and this Port Credit one promises to be a real treat for blues and jazz fans. Officially entitled the Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival, it marks its fifth year of operation with the strongest line-up yet. It takes place from Sept. 5 to 7, with shows at a Carlsberg Main Stage area plus a Saturday evening Street shuffles featuring 18 acts in more than 20 venues in pretty downtown Port Credit. Some of Canada's top blues players and singers are featured alongside some major league American acts. Famed Detroit blues singer ALBERTA ADAMS is still going strong in her '80s, and Texas blues-rockers OMAR AND THE HOWLERS are highly recommended. Ace singer/guitarist SUE FOLEY appears on September 6, following by the always entertaining DAVID WILCOX. Highlights on the Sunday include the gospel-fuelled blues of DANNY BROOKS & THE ROCKIN' REVELATORS and a Super Jam led by JEFF HEALEY. The veteran DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND are the main attraction on the Friday night, preceded by local singer ALEX PANGMAN and FATHEAD. Southside Shuffle is the brainchild of Downchild singer CHUCK JACKSON, a local resident who has come up with a great event that publicizes his town in fun fashion.

DAVID USHER: This pop-rock singer/songwriter achieved national stardom as the frontman of MOIST, and has now developed into a mature solo artist. His handsome looks make him the KEANU REEVES of Canadian music, but there's far more to him than a pretty face. He has just released his third solo album, Hallucinations, and he is clearly being given priority status by his record label, EMI CANADA. That's understandable, given that his previous CD, Morning Orbit, was a platinum-plus seller. They recently hosted an elegant industry party at The Rivoli (individual bottles of champagne, even). After listening to some of the new tracks, guests were treated to a short performance by Usher and his excellent band. Look for cross-country touring to begin soon. Hallucinations is released on September 9.

LAST SUPPER: Egypt may not seem a likely market for a local rock band, but Last Supper have met with a warm welcome there. In fact, they recorded some of their fine new album, Served (on Vamp Records) there, and the use of Egyptian musicians adds an exotic touch to their brand of progressive hard rock. Look for more Toronto area dates in the months ahead.

NEW RELEASES: One of the most talented of contemporary Italian musicians is saxophonist/composer GIANLUIGI TROVESI. Universal Music will soon release his new CD, Fugace. It has been described by the Observer as "haunting music on the borderline between jazz and Italian folk music."

Publication Date: 2003-09-07
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=3123