When most people think of a "smooth guitarist" the name Carlos Santana usually pops up. When I think of a smooth guitarist, number one on my list is Canada's very own Jack de Keyzer.

Jack brought his current five piece band back to Toronto's Silver Dollar on November 20 to a near full house. They played a mixture of Jack's latest CD, "the Corktown Sessions" as well as classic Jack de Keyzer favourites. Thrown into the mix were some classic rock numbers like the Stevie Wonder hit "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and Sam & Dave's "Hold on, I'm Coming", done in Jack's clear bluesy style.

One of the things I like most about Jack's shows is that he isn't afraid to share the stage with his band. From the fabulous solos by Richard Thornton on tenor saxophone and bongos to the keyboard mastery of David McMorrow, backed by the solid granite rhythm section of Al Duffy on Bass and Rick Donaldson on drums, each number highlighted the fabulous musicianship of the band as a whole, proving my theory that if you want to be brilliant, surround yourself with brilliant people.

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The second set brought a special treat. Joining the band on stage was a second saxophonist, Glen Woods. I didn't know much about Glen's music but was blown away by expert skills on the sax. He fit into the band like he'd been playing with them for years and the additional sounds of the second horn took the band to a whole new level. The blues crowd was most appreciative and, as expected, the entire evening was a resounding success. They even called the band back for an encore, an event that doesn't often occur in a blues club.

If you are unfamiliar with the music of Jack de Keyzer, you really need to get out more. He is a two time Juno winner for Blues Album of the Year, for "The Corktown Sessions" (2010) and "6 String Lover" (2003). He is also a seven time Maple Blues award winning artist, blues guitarist, singer, song writer and producer and one of the finest blues guitarists on the Canadian and International blues scene  today. His career has spanned more than three decades. He has released 7 CD's  and 1 DVD as a band leader and appeared as a session guitarist on hundreds of recordings. He has appeared with the likes of Etta James, Otis Rush, John Hammond Jr., Ronnie Hawkins, Duke Robillard, Willy Big Eyes Smith and Bo Diddley. 

Experiencing live music is a privilege. Get out this week and support your local blues events and don't forget to buy your CDs from the musicians.

All photos are copyright by Dawk McCarthy. They are available for use with permission only. If you would like him to photograph your club or recording session, contact Dawk by EMAIL or visit his photo web site at www.dawk.ca for more information as well as blues and other photos.