Jeff, after all, was a force of nature, a world-class musician, musicologist, radio host, and nightclub owner.  And throughout it all he remained an unpretentious, down-to-earth friend to all. 

Healey rose to fame on the strength of his blistering blues-rock, but recent years found him delving deeply into his first love, traditional jazz.  A renowned collector of vintage 78’s, of late he’d turned more to trumpet than the guitar he played so unconventionally yet brilliantly.  

But his final outing finds him fronting what Healey modestly claims is a ‘bar band’ through a rollicking set of up-tempo rockers and blues standards.  And while it may be a little over-the-top for down-home purists, on its own terms it’s utterly flawless, proving a magnificent monument to a genuinely gifted musician. 

A mix of live and studio tracks, this collection finds Healey and company at the top of their form. Initially assembled as the house band for his club, Healey’s cohorts are easily the equal of any touring unit – witness the furious yet impeccably tight “Tore Down” that kicks things off, or the sympathetic support they provide through an extended “How Blue Can You Get.”  Both recorded live, the two tracks find guitarist Dan Noordermeer and pianist Dave Murphy matching Healey note-for note while bassist Alec Fraser and drummer Al Webster lock down relentless rhythms. 

Healey intended this as a compilation of fan favorites, though, and as a quintessential working band it’s entirely appropriate to throw in fine covers of “The Weight” and “Jambalaya,” neither at all out of place on a blues–based disc thanks to the band’s earthy readings on both.  Elsewhere there’s a funked-up “Sugar Sweet,” the bouncy, sing-along title track, and raucous rock ‘n’ roll with Murphy tackling the vocals on his own “It’s Only Money.”   The Canadiana quotient is covered via Neil Young’s “Like A Hurricane,” and “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” finds Healey reaching deep down before ripping off a typically stratospheric solo for one of the disc’s blue highlights. 

The party closes on an exuberant high with “Shake, Rattle and Roll.”  Though a studio recording, it fairly bursts with the sheer joy of making music – a fitting legacy indeed.  Others might play with greater refinement, but few ever put as much life into their music as Healey.