Last week we flew to Ottawa, Canada, to cover the 21st annual RBC Bluesfest (you can view our coverage HERE), featuring some of the world’s finest artists – alongside a selection of great Australians too! Along the way we had our highlights, in addition to our favourite discoveries! Here now are our five favourite from each category, placed in alphabetical order – though do note as we were only on site from the 12th to the 17th, this only captures a small selection of the massive 11 day event!
Bahamas
Photo by Danyca MacDonald
We ended up spending quite a bit of time with Toronto musician Afie Jurvanen – aka Bahamas – on Friday, who, accompanied by a four piece (including the stunning backing vocals of Felicity Williams) had the crowd chanting for his signature slow jams as soon as he hit the stage. Opening with “All I’ve Ever Known”, the engaging set was Folk music at its best. “I Got You Babe” was an early highlight and tracks like “Caught Me Thinking”, “Waves” and “Can’t Take You With Me” all sounded fantastic live. Though it didn’t get much better than the beautiful “Like A Wind”, with the accompaniment of the lap steel guitar giving us a memorable moment indeed. Coincidentally he ended up announcing an Australian tour just hours after we saw him! You can read more about that HERE.
Catriona Sturton **DISCOVERY**
Photo by Danyca MacDonald
Catriona Sturton – who used to be in the band Plumtree – was an enjoyable discovery of our Friday, proving herself an engaging performer, and an excellent harmonicist (even covering an instrumental harmonica-led track within the set). “Calling From My Pants” proved this isn’t a songwriter who takes herself too seriously, and it was as entertaining as it gets. Though she started out solo, the artist who bases herself in the Blues – but loves to “rock out” – eventually introduced two other girls onto the stage to accompany her on the drums and bass guitar. They moved through tracks like “Black is the Colour” and “Lowdown”, which finished out the set.
Current Swell
Photo by Scott Penner
BC outfit Current Swell brought their surf roots rock to the Canadian stage. They couldn’t be better suited to a Bluesfest, and indeed played Australia’s own back in 2013. With harmonica and slide guitar, plus the harmonies of songs like “I Want a Bird”, the group channel the likes of the John Butler Trio. And as you’ll find out in our interview with the band, they are directly influenced by the man himself – and are a fantastic live band to boot. One of the highlights of the day, for certain.
Dear Rogue **DISCOVERY**
Photo by Mark Horton.
On Friday, Vancouver’s Dear Rouge impressed with a set that at times reminded me of early (fellow Canadians) Metric. Danielle McTaggart leads the quartet with stunning performance swagger, highlighting her indie pop vocal sensibilities with tracks like “Black to Gold” that had the crowd singing. There was plenty of 80s synth goodness in there, and their cover of Blondie’s “Call Me” only highlighted the time sensitive comparison. “Tongues” was another highlight of the energetic and entertaining set, while their single “I Heard I Had” closed the set. Definitely make sure that you check this group out.
Future Islands
Future Islands once again proved themselves to be one of the most unique and entertaining live indie synth pop/rock acts around on the Tuesday. Amidst some very impressive dance moves and chest thumping, singer Samuel T. Herring gave it his all with his gravelly, growling vocals to deliver upbeat tracks including the rocking “Walking Through That Door”.
Hamish Anderson
Photo by Larry Heath
Melbourne’s blues/rock/folk act Hamish Anderson’s played to a packed out room as a four piece. Proving himself to be a truly compelling and exciting emerging solo artist, Anderson exhibited his great ability to play powerful blues rock with tracks including the he super smooth “Burn”.
Lurrie Bell **DISCOVERY**
Photo by Danyca MacDonald.
The absolute highlight of our Thursday would have to be the brilliant performance by legendary Chicago blues guitarist and singer Lurrie Bell, accompanied by his harmonica player, guitarist and drummer. Bringing the soaring and utterly magical blues style of fellow Chicago based artist Buddy Guy to mind, Lurrie Bell’s show had the whole crowd entranced – mostly for the guitar and harmonica playing on show for tracks including “Have You Ever Been Mistreated”.
Lucas Haneman Express **DISCOVERY**
The most exciting discovery of Tuesday the 14th would have to have been of Ottawa local band, Lucas Heneman Express. Unsurprisingly fronted by Lucas Heneman, the band plays an impressive blend of blues, funk and soul, complete with intricate guitar work and Heneman’s crooning vocals that bring Jeff Buckley to mind. The act mostly played tracks from their debut album Welcome Aboard, in addition to a vibrant cover of the Black Keys’ “Lonely Boy”.
Mama Kin
Photo by Larry Heath – Backstage at Ottawa Bluesfest
Mama Kin exhibited her incredible talent for writing stirring folk roots music as she drew in her Canadian audience with tracks including, “Red Wood River” and the introspective “Was It Worth It”. Luckily, the gathering storm only hit and sent the crowds indoors upon Mama Kin’s last track – enabling the enchanting songstress to undoubtedly gain a plethora of new fans across her set.
Walter Trout **DISCOVERY**
Photo by Danyca MacDonald.
A Bluesfest wouldn’t be complete without its namesake, and for that they brought in the incredible blues guitarist Walter Trout. Backed by a three piece on the bass, guitar and the organ, the man who once was John Mayall’s backing guitarist gave us everything you want to see at a Bluesfest. Great songs – such as “Life in the Jungle” – and amazing jams, through the likes of “Got A Broken Heart”, and songs like “Blues For My Baby”, which are the epitome of the genre. After all, as Trout quipped, “This is a Bluesfest! I think after Kanye West I gotta play the Blues!”.
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“Discovery” indicates that this was the first time the writers had been exposed to the artist. The RBC Bluesfest in Ottawa took place from the 8th to the 19th of July. For more details head to: http://www.ottawabluesfest.ca/
Article by Lucy Inglis and Larry Heath.
