Originally Published: 2008-11-16

DIESEL JAZZ SERIES: Given the recent closures of some of our top jazz clubs, it’s pleasing to see The Diesel Playhouse come to the fore as a jazz venue. they have some impressive names for their current Jazz @ Playhouse series (co-presented by TORONTO DOWNTOWN JAZZ) , including American KURT ELLING (Dec. 4), , MARC JORDAN (Dec. 12), veteran bluesman COCO MONTOYA (Nov. 16), local hero JANE BUNNETT (Nov. 21), pop-soul duo TUCK & PATTI (Dec. 19), and more. Go to www.dieselplayhouse.com for more info.
KATHLEEN EDWARDS/JOHN DOE: The chance to see the pairing of Canadian roots music sweetheart Edwards and California punk pioneer turned roots-rock troubadour Doe (X, THE KNITTERS) in such an intimate venue as The Dakota Tavern created real excitement. Fans of both were pleasantly surprised that so much of the recent show featured the two singing together, while swapping around on acoustic and electric guitars (with occasional fiddle from Edwards). The pair are friends, and an easygoing, loose atmosphere prevailed. Covers they sang together included classics from GRAM PARSONS, MERLE HAGGARD, LINDA RONSTADT (“When Will I Be Loved,” their final encore), and even THE NEW YORK DOLLS (“Pills”). Each also did three or four songs solo, and this setting allowed Edwards rich voice and skilled guitar picking to shine on tunes from her current album, Asking For Flowers. The fact that the gig was held the night before the U.S. election made Doe’s choice of X classic “New World” a fitting one. He’s apparently been in town working on a record with the great THE SADIES, so the results of that are eagerly awaited.. A fun evening indeed.
BLUE PETER: In any history of the Canadian new wave scene of the ’80s, this Toronto band would deserve a full chapter. Their stylish and melodic sound landed them some radio and video hits (“Don’t Walk Past” won one award as Canada’s Best Video of 1983) and they were always a fine band live. They’ve had the occasional reunion gig in recent years, but our sources tell us that their upcoming Nov. 27 gig at Tatoo Rock Parlour may well be their last. Tickets (just $15) are available through www.ticketweb.ca.

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