Reviews

REVIEW-Queens Bush in Hanover

November 18, 2008

"Why do kamikaze pilots wear helmets?" I faced this challenging question a couple of times the other night on the wall of the men's room at the Queen's Bush in Hanover. But it wasn't this puzzle that had the greatest impression on me, it was the talented young Blues artist performing in the main room. This was our first opportunity to hear Erin McCallum and her band (listed on the board as Roadtrip but simply introduced as the Erin McCallum Band) and we had to make the hour trek over to Hanover in one of our first winter blasts up here this year. Yet, the three hours we spent in the comfortable Queen's Bush and the incredible talents on the stage were most rewarding!

First we want to acknowledge this venue that is bravely scheduling weekly live entertainment. With an open kitchen, clean and attractive decor and a most friendly wait staff, we compliment the Queen's Bush and expect to return soon.

But to Erin. We were given the head's up about her by local radio personality Mike Anderson of Bluewater Radio who interviewed her a few weeks back. We were dimly aware of her recent appearance at The Waterfront Festival last summer and the Beaches International Jazz festival the year before but it was mostly Mike's reccommendation that drove us inland. That and the fact that we really wanted to hear a lady sing the Blues!

Erin didn't disappoint. She gave us a solid mix of swinging Blues (opening with Flip Flop and Fly) and some of her originals that make up her second CD Feel This being released this month. Her lively composition Two Steps Forward came ealr on her playlist and it's the opening track of the CD. She is backed by a stron rhythm section of Joe Pace on drums and Ronald Lombard on the bass. Her lead guitarist on this night, and on the CD that we picked up, is Trevor MacKenzie and he is, simply put, incerdible! While we enjoy every one of the songs she sang (and offers up on the 10 track, all original CD Feel This), we have to admit those ballads with Trevor's piercing guitar solos made us stand up more. The title track Feel This, Through My Soul, Justified, and Home are all excellent examples from the CD and you'll want to hear.

Erin's talents have earned the band an Ontario Independent Music Award "Best Blues Band" nomination in 2008 for her first CD "5 a.m. Blues" and there's likely to be more industry recognition ahead for her.

Erin and her bandmates come from Owen Sound, Collingwood and other points east if here but based on this introduction to her we're hoping (and planning) to bring her west to the coast and share here with the Blues fans of Bruce County.

A relatively new arrival on the scene, Erin McCallum and her band are getting lots of work around souther Ontario. Feel This is thier second CD and it's a strong contemporary blues rock effort. The band is a trio behind the vocalist and harmonica player, with Trevor MacKenzie on guitars, Ronald Lombard on bass and Joe Pace on drums. Gregg Dechert adds keys to several songs. McCallum is also the songwriter and delivers her song with a poweful, direct voice. "2 Steps Forward" is a fine choice for an opener and should have the same effect in the clubs, getting people on the dance floor.

"Feel This" is a highlight, a catchy, medium tempo 'homage to the power of song. It's a capella opening and dynamics adding to the interest. "Justified" is also a highlight, with MacKenzie's guitars creating a particularly good accompaniment to the vocal. Ms. McCallum might consider using Dechert more often, his piano on "Two Steps Forward" is most effective, as is his B3 on "Take Me Slow".

If you see Erin McCallum's name on a marquee near you, you should not hesitate to go in. By this evidence, you'll have a very good evening. Her website is www.erinmccallum.com and her CDs are available through CD Baby.

The lady we can hear something from on the Blues and Beyond site is as far as I'm concerned, discovered way too late. She has been active since 2003 doing what she's good at: singing Blues and Roots - and it sounds delicious!

The American, Erin McCallum, has a style that can be viewed as traditional Blues influenced by Roots and Boogie Woogie. As far as I'm concerned, she scould play together with Mr. Boogie Woogie himself....

Her voice reminds me of some early Etta James - she can be raw at times. The songs are diverse with pure slow Blues, Boogie Woogie Blues, and Rock type Blues where the lead guitar has a big role. He does it well with a lot of variations in his playing.

The album opener ( 2 Steps Forward) sets the tone to prepare you for a nice Blues record. The more you hear it, the more you like it. Modern Blues can be very interesting if you let a band do what they want. It sounds fresh, and there is a good buildup of tension without going over the top. Needless to say...the Lady in question as far as I'm concerned is very talented. She deserves recognition. In 2006, she released an album (5 a.m. Blues) that the press reviewed favorably.

"Here I Am" is a Blues rocker and the title track is a serious slow Blues track that shows this fragile lady with a strong presence. "Through My Soul" is a song you'll want to hear more of. Erin doesn't get cornered. She sings a ballad as easy as a strong or heavy Blues rocker. Adding this with band on the disc is very good, but the guitar can be a bit overwhelming at times - but it doesn't take away from the album. Overall - a very enjoyable Blues album that deserves recognition.