Originally Published: 2009-11-22

DOG DAY: This Halifax modern rock band are an OTB fave, an opinion reinforced by an excellent recent set at The Horseshoe. This was their first Toronto show with new drummer ROB SHEDDEN, and his addition has clearly infused Dog Day with new energy. Their sound continues to revolve around the vocal and guitar interplay of mainman SETH SMITH and bassist NANCY URICH, while keyboardist CRYSTAL THILI adds melodic and visual variety. The set mixed in songs from the Night Group and Concentration albums and a new EP. Husband and wife team Smith and Urich closed out the high-energy show by playfully wrestling each other’s guitars to the ground. It’s a mystery why this highly talented and original band hasn’t become bigger, but hopefully justice will prevail. Victoria band IMMACULATE MACHINE hit the stage prior to Dog Day. One of their prime claims to fame came when singer/keyboardist KATHRYN CALDER joined the very popular NEW PORNOGRAPHERS. The group’s melodic new-wave inflected songs are pleasant enough, but a little lacking in depth.They’re certainly a hard-working bunch though, having just toured Europe (including Italy) and soon heading to China for gigs. Mustachioed mainman BROOKE GALLUPE told an entertaining story about the group’s recent visit to a former BEATLES abode in Hamburg.
THE WOMEN BLUES REVUE: This is a must-see annual event for local blues fans. Produced by The Toronto Blues Society, it takes place at Massey Hall on Nov. 28. Onstage will be such powerhouse vocalists as DIANA BRAITHWAITE, TERRA HAZELTON, and SHAKURA S’AIDA. SASS JORDAN, SAIDAH BABA TALIBAH, and RACHELLE VAN ZANTEN. They’re backed by an all-star female band, including COLLEEN ALLEN, BRANDI DISTERHEFT, MICHELLE JOSEF, and SUZIE VINNICK. Go to www.torontobluessociety.com for more info.
CANADIAN JAZZ: Unless your name is DIANA KRALL, it sure isn’t getting any easier to be a professional jazz musician in this country. CD sales are declining and clubs keep closing, but Canada’s best jazz artists continue to put out records of genuine international caliber. Virtuoso veteran bassist DAVE YOUNG (a member of The Order of Canada) has played with greats like OSCAR PETERSON, LENNY BREAU, and countless American stars. He has just released his third CD as a bandleader, and Mean What You Say is a gem. He’s accompanied by KEVIN TURCOTTE and ROBI and FRANK BOTOS, and the quartet shine on tunes by the likes of BUD POWELL, THAD JONES , and COLE PORTER (three Young originals are also strong). Another local virtuoso bassist ROBERTO OCCHIPINTI produced the disc. Equally fine is It’s About Time, by veteran drummer TERRY CLARKE (also an Order of Canada recipient). Given that he’s played jazz at a high level for 50 years, the title of this first recording as a bandleader is fitting. The impeccably chosen (and played) material includes compositions by MCCOY TYNER, DUKE ELLINGTON, JOE LOVANO, JIM HALL, and PHIL DWYER (the last three named all play on the album.)

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