Summer and the Sinners CD release party Mar 31 2006 Central Bar Vic.
Buddy Love productions. Buddy and Sum are friends of mine and play in a blues/R&B/ boogie type band. They just finished their second CD and were having a little party at the Central Bar in Victoria. It was time I got out of my closed idiot mind and checked out something different so off I went to check these guys out. Being an underground music enthusiast I don't usually go see live shows of this genre. Trying not to sound prejudice, I have never been that hip with a white band playing the black mans music. I did have the fortune of seeing John Lee Hooker some years back at Harpos and have to say is it's pretty powerful when it comes directly from one of the originators. Still the blues and R&B have been played very well and more popularly by white people for years. Realistically Blues and R&B is a feeling not a color, so I should just shut up and listen! I entered the Central to find a full almost standing room only crowd grooving to the sound of S&S. This was an older crowd and I could tell there were a few authentic Disco kings and queens from the 70's dancing on the floor. Yes the floor was dancing. We found a seat at the back and I started to feel this band. Summer was dressed in a glorious velvet gown that at times almost spilled out her ample bosom as she sang. Summer can sing along the lines of Aretha/Etta/Janis Joplin.... and she was belting it out with all the passion and feeling that night. The band that adds the music to this singer is quite a batch of Canadian/ musical history. These guys have resumes dating back to the sixties with bands like Downchild Blues Band, Kenny Loggins, Morning Star, Sling Shot just to name a few. Some serious talent was standing on that stage. The Sinners "went off" pulsing and shuffling to the boogie. The guitar licks where shared between David Vidal and Buddy Love and when the solos where brought to center stage you could see these guys flex and strangle the necks of their guitars with true boogie intensity. Paul Nixon was drumming with the steady beat similar to a train ride through the Rockies. Brenden Headly on the keyboards was the finishing touch that filled in the spaces well. A saxophone was added later to the show to add even more blast. It was an energy that the Sinners where giving and the packed dance floor proved this band wasn't just dealing a second rate product.
Although I'm a fan of a stronger music this little gig was enjoyable. Their new Cd is available on their website www.summerandthesinners.com and if you’re a fan of the boogie/blues/R&B you must give it a try...... even if you are a "Whitey"! cheers - ricky jak (rule 62)