Niagara Rhythm Section – Live At The Anchorage 1.0 & 2.0

LIVE BLUES - Click link on menu above for complete listings

Thu, Mar 11th, 2010
ON (Burlington) James Anthony, Garth Vogan, Dave Russell Jam

Thu, Mar 11th, 2010
ON (St. Catharines) Matt Andersen

Thu, Mar 11th, 2010
QC (Quebec) Mike DeWay

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Niagara Rhythm Section – Live At The Anchorage 1.0 & 2.0

Written by John Taylor

There are tons of gigs like this going on across the country - seasoned musicians, most more or less retired from active musical duty, holding court as invited guests make each week's show a special event ...

Some, of course, do it better than others. Together since 2004, The Niagara Rhythm Section play like the dream band every guest longs for - tight yet supple, responding to the musical needs of the moment with assurance and aplomb, accomplished enough to get along quite well on their own, yet selfless enough to concentrate on making the star shine.

The NRS consists of bassist Steve Golberger (bandleader and producer, he's responsible for recording and mixing), with Steve Grisbrook on guitars and Herb Nelson on keys. Drummer Dave Norris and percussionist Penner McKay provide the propulsion.

The theme on Volume 1.0 is predominantly bluesy, beginning with the relaxed "Early In The Morning" that kicks things off. Guests are primarily local legends, though all are first-rate performers. There's Chuck Jackson, Downchild's current vocalist, who contributes fine harmonica to the rhumba-rhythm "Who's Been Talking." Fathead's John Mays is typically soulful on "Georgia Swing," while Johnny Max gets suitably swampy on a sizzling "Polk Salad Annie." Tony Springer, who's worked with the likes of David Bowie, brings a funky sensibility to Bob Marley's immortal "Stir It Up," and Lance Anderson nails the Memphis groove of "Green Onions" on the B3 he actually lugs from gig to gig. Things come to a fitting close with the belly-rubbing "Talk To Me," done here with classic bar-band beer-bottle bravado.

Volume 2.0 is a little more varied, from the opener (and NRS theme song) "Looking For The Heart Of Saturday Night," here treated as an easy-going shuffle, to a extended, funked-up instrumental take on Ellington's "Don't get Around Much Anymore." There's foot-stomping bluegrass ("Can't Stop My Heart From Loving You,"), balls-to-the-wall rock ‘n' roll with John Dickie leading a furious romp through "Long Tall Sally," the obligatory Stones cover (Paul Martin, "Sympathy For The Devil," with Martin Alex Aucoin sparkling on keys), and a spine-tingling "I'd Rather Go Blind" courtesy of Gayle Ackroyd.

Return appearances include Chuck Jackson supplying the Bob Marley content with "No Woman No Cry," Lance Anderson playing both piano and accordion on Professor Longhair's "Back To New Orleans," and Tony Springer, whose interplay with Grisbrook on "I Play The Blues For You" is a highlight.

Are either of these absolutely necessary for your continued musical health? Probably not. But if you're a fan or friend of participants, or simply looking for an instant party platter, one that puts you in the party, either volume will provide a suitable soundtrack - Goldberger's production strikes a fine balance between clean sound and a lively ambiance.

Again, not essential, but both volumes are eminently likeable outings by a solid, unpretentious, and uniformly excellent cast. Real music by real players - it's a good thing!