The gig was on. Despite a good portion of Toronto being thrown into an icy cold darkness by a 2-days-and-counting power outage, Johnny Max's kick-start to the this weekend's Blues Summit at the Trane Studio was a "Go".

Driving south on Bathurst, I passed Dupont to realize that everything south was cast in total blackness. With no light save the approaching headlights, I found my way to a locked door and a sign on the window stating that the show had moved two blocks north to Mayday Malone's. I arrived to see Johnny and his crew feverishly setting up in a room so cold you could still see your breath. As fans and blues lovers stole out of the darkness and into the fully-lit locale, the venue began to warm up - although sales of hot chocolate over cold beer might have proved the answer.

As Johnny apologized for the power outage beyond his control, his powerful band kicked into high gear and all eyes and ears were focused on the very reason why they'd come in from the cold on this freezing Friday night. The combination of Teddy Leonard, drummer Vince Maccarone and bassist, Uli Bohnet, were just the ticket the crowd needed to transform the ambience from one of an ice fishing hut into that of an intimate, sultry soul revue. Johnny's mix of rockin' soul blues - driven by its crack rhythm section and taken over the top by Leonard's note-perfect leads - was in top form as the band showcased tracks from A Lesson I've Learned, notably the "compulsory ballad", "Write Your Name".

In no time, the band had worked up a sweat and the crowd was loving the lesson being learned - and masterfully taught - by seasoned veterans with a perfect set of crowd-pleasers. Paul Reddick took advantage of the pre-heated room with a band's band that borrowed Teddy Leonard, added David Baxter on guitar, Gary Craig on drums, Jack Dymond on bass and Paul on lead vocals, harp, maracas and choreography. With a bit of a slow start, Paul gradually brought on his best game - but not before, visibly delighting in the band that surrounded him with dynamic sound. The audience realized that this was something special - the combination of Baxter and Leonard lifting Paul's Sugar Bird-based songlist (primarily from Song Bird) beyond anyone's wildest dreams - a lethal team, with Paul's longtime rhythm section turning on a well-rehearsed dime. This coaxed Paul into a passionate performance that dug deep and reminded the room what a powerful poet can do with his unique blend of roots, rock, blues and all shades in-between. It was one of those nights where people just didn't want to go home - and it had nothing to do with it being so cold outside.

 A great way to start the Summit was shared by everyone in the room.

All photos are copyrighted Eric Thom 2009.
You want to use them - ask permission first - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Send the Johnny Max Band to Memphis!VisitThe Johnny Max Band Feature Listing

The Canalbank Shuffle Festival (Thorold, ON) have entered The Johnny Max Band to compete in the International Blues Challenge .

For the 25th year, Blues musicians from around the world will compete for cash, prizes, and industry recognition as The Blues Foundation presents the International Blues Challenge beginning Wednesday, February 4 through Saturday, February, 7th 2009 in Memphis, Tennessee. One hundred bands and 60 solo/duo acts will compete.

On Saturday, Jan 10, The Canalbank Shuffle held a fundraiser for The Johnny Max Band at the Moose & Goose in Thorold, ON (CLICK HERE for blog and pictures). Although a guaranteed amount of funds was raised, still more is needed to get the band to Memphis and to help pay for lodging, food and festivities. 

Canadianblues.ca is supporting this worthwhile cause by setting up a donation fund through Paypal. We will also give ALL proceeds from the sale of any of his CDs off our site and are offering a special price of $15 (plus shipping) each.

	$15 (plus shipping) CLICK HERE for store link
	$15 (plus shipping) CLICK HERE for store link
ALL proceeds collected will be given to The Johnny Max Band	You choose the amount you want to give. Every penny will be helpful so give small or give big, but be sure to give!