Cream-Of-The-Crop Maple Blues Revue Releases Debut Record

Toronto, Canada (Top40 Charts/ Maple Blues Revue Official Website) - Originally formed as the backup "house band" for the Toronto Blues Society's annual national blues awards ceremonies in Toronto, the Maple Blues Revue is now a cream-of-the-crop group that combines the talents of some of Canada's best musicians in the idiom.

Since the members are all key players in Canada's best-known blues bands, the opportunities to play together are limited - but a festival appearance last summer was recorded, and has finally been released by Montreal's Preservation Music.

The Maple Blues Revue recording, Live at Twisted Pines, will be launched at a special event at Toronto's venerable Old Mill Inn on Monday May 4, with an early show set for 7.30 p.m.

The Revue features three vocalists - Montreal diva Dawn Tyler Watson, Downchild's Chuck Jackson, and John Mays, singer with the Juno-winning band Fathead.

Musical director and bandleader is Gary Kendall, the long-time Downchild bassist with two solo albums to his credit. Other Downchild colleagues in the band include Michael Fonfara (piano and Hammond B3 organ) and tenor sax player Pat Carey.

Fathead, in addition to its singer, contributes Al Lerman on harmonica and tenor sax) to the Revue, which is rounded out by horn arranger and sax player Chris Murphy, guitarist Teddy Leonard and drummer Tom Bona. Each member in the group is a multiple winner of Maple Blues Awards.

Howard Moore will play trumpet at the event, replacing regular member Chris Whiteley, who will be on tour with singer Diana Braithwaite.

Who: The Maple Blues Revue with Dawn Tyler Watson, Chuck Jackson and John Mays.
What: Canada's award-winners' blues band rocks out
Why: A party to launch of the Revue's debut CD, Live at Twisted Pines
Where: Old Mill Inn, 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto
When: Monday May 4, doors at 6 p.m., show at 7.30 p.m.
How much: Minimum food & refreshment order $25.00 per person
(Toronto Blues Society members $20.00)
Reservations: 416 236-2641