These photos are also available in the Mighty Fredericton Photo Gallery courtesy “Squire at County Crier.Com” 

COUNTY CRIER'S OFFICE

September 20.2005 Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada

Just back in town from a great Blues Festival in Fredericton NB Canada. It was raining and cold but the Blues is soothing to the soul and always eases the pains of life.

 The large tent venues were host to sell out crowds for Little Feat who did both Acoustic & Electric Hot Tomato Shows. Not much difference between the two shows and the fans were also lucky to get local boy Matt Anderson opening on a most aggressive style of acoustic delta blues. Matt has become a regular performer at the festival since winning the Galaxy Rising Star Showcase there a few years ago. Hailing from Woodstock, NB, Matt has grown himself a grassroots following of Saint John River music lovers!!!

Cyrill Neville and his ten-piece New Orleans band were forced to cancel for the Friday night booking. Hurricane complications beyond the control band and family concerns kept Cyril from being here this year. Apparently all is well and the band is spread out throughout the U.S. staying with family & friends. Maybe next year or sometime in the future we'll be fortunate enough to have them here in New Brunswick at the Jazz Blues Harvest Festival.

David Wilcox returned once again to the capital event as a replacement for Cyril Neville. David has his own blend of blues/rock/boogie and was every inch an idol to the jam-packed crowd on Friday night. Legends are every so often born and David has established himself as a very accomplished writer/performer instrumentalist of mandolin & acoustic/electric guitars Thanks David for the photo shoot during your afternoon soundcheck. (Man that was loud!!!)

Minglewood & Friends, Jeff Healey, Paul Reddick & many more was a sellout on Friday and a second Saturday night show was added. Jeff Healey had to return to Toronto so Matt announced that they had a few surprises for the evening show.

Throughout the show Paul Reddick joined Matt on harmonica and his East Coast Blues pounded the tent for a solid forty minutes. The George Street Project, Danielia Cotton, Fathead, Glamourpuss Blues Band and more then graced the stage. Those who had left after Matt's show were quite disappointed they did not stay for the surprise acts when spoken to on Sunday.

The Saturday afternoon Guitar Workshop with Colin Linden was well attended. Those attending were provided with informational instruction and enjoyed the gentle voice and delta blues guitar and Dobro of the well-established Canadian musician. Colin’s past project include Blackie & The Rodeo Kings and has performed with Willie Bennett, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson of Junkhouse on many other occasions. (I had previously seen Colin open for Bob Dylan at Wonderland outdoor amphitheater solo acoustic.) These workshops each year are Free to attend and also include, percussion, harmonica and bass guitar and are, as this year usually held at the Playhouse Theater.

Futureman was only a short block away at the Barracks Tent so I ran over just in time to hear his amazing sound check. With guitar player Area 51 and Street Maestro on keyboards & synth/techno effects the Futureman Project launched itself into an intergalactic soundscape never before heard in this type of festival. Or any Festival for that matter as this is a brand new show. Futureman has been with the Bella Fleck Group as bass & percussion for quite a few years and has now delved into his own field of techno/afro/electric/computer funk/synth genre of music. Building most of his instruments and multitalented in the field of drums & percussion his blend of tecno/mutitrack Futureman Project's live performance should not be missed if given the opportunity.

Racing back to the Big Tent I was just in time to find out that David Gogo was doing the Late Night Afterburner there. Afterburner it was and the packed tent was provided with a show that explained his recent awards. Drawing songs from his many already recorded albums and all his hits David provided the tent with two hours of electric Canadian Blues. New addition on harmony vocals is a young lady from Ottawa Ont. Becky Abbott (Hope I got the spelling Becky?) Her sultry voice and looks were very much appreciated and this was evident after David Gogo introduced her late in the show. She was acknowledged with a hearty applause and standing ovation from the bleachers. David also provided me with a photo-op and I do thank-you very kindly for that Mr. Gogo! You Rock

Harry Manx the "Mystic-sippi" Stringed Instrument Virtuoso was amazing again this year. Fruteland Jackson The Legendary Folklorist/Historian/Educator/Bluesman was a treat to the senses. Fruteland will be extending his visit to Canada to include a Blues In The Schools program throughout the Fredericton School District over the next several weeks.

The Delta Fredericton hosted a Gospel Brunch with Juno winner Fathead Sunday at noon. The big event to end the year was once again at the Parade Square at Officers Barracks Tent. New Brunswick’s Isaac & Blewett, Californian EC Scott and Kermit Ruffins, Trumpeter from New Orleans ended the Festival with easy soothing soul music for the family orientated crowd. Once again the Harvest Jazz Blues Festival was a great success. Squire was happy to have attended and is already in the planning stages for next years event! Thanks to all those who shared information and conversation with throughout the festival, you know who you are!

Our hearts here in New Brunswick go out to Cyrill Neville & his New Orleans based band and all others effected by the hurricane damage on the Gulf Coast.

The Canadian Red Cross had workers throughout the festival collecting donations for the Hurricane Katrina relief fund.

"Squire your County Crier"

(Dirk did all the work and old Squire gets the credit again !) (LOL)