Reprinted From Issue: #240 January 9 to January 15, 2002  by Gary Tate

TATE'S TOP 10 OF 2001 

Photo: from left -  Brian Blain,  Dave Rotundo, Brian Gladstone, Tranzac Club, Toronto December 1, 2001

By Gary Tate

Here's my choice of the top ten Canadian releases from the year 2001. They're listed in no particular order: All come highly recommended:

1. Michael Jerome Browne: Drive On (Borealis)- A gratifying smorgasbord of Country Blues, Appalachian Bluegrass, Soul, and even straight-ahead Country. All done in a mainly acoustic setting, yielding a world of surprise, delight, and celebration.

2. Sparkjiver: Bluesyjazzyfunkychurchy (Independent)-The phrase to describe the trio of Rod Phillips, Gene Hardy and Jim Casson is "gritty soulfulness". Lots of high-quality originals and exceptional covers abound. There are some excellent special guests along the way too, making this one a "must-have" for those who crave an unstoppable groove.

3. Dave Rotundo and the Blue Canadians: Blowin' for Broke (Independent)- Harpist Dave Rotundo captures the excitement, fun, and tension inherent in his live performances - a rare feat for any studio recording. Dave's songs are contagious, and he deftly handles a broad range of Blues styles. As for his back-up crew, they're the best in town.

4. Paul Reddick and the Sidemen: Rattlebag (NorthernBluesRecords)-Rattlebag leaves little doubt that Paul Reddick and the Sidemen are now Canada's rising Blues super group. There's a sense of completeness to it all. Nothing more could possibly be said - or added to it.

5. Livin' Blues Band: Got Me Crazy (Independent)-These guys are living proof of the old adage that nothing can replace experience. Bill Speer, Mike Fitzpatrick, Larry Goodhand and Bill Lyons are a compelling unit, whether they're doing horn-heavy soul shakers, straight-up Chicago Blues, or super-Funky offerings


6. Brian Gladstone: Psychedelic Pholk Psongs (Independent)-This 19-track odyssey represents the great leap forward for the inimitable Gladstone. He is constantly stretching out, experimenting, and testing boundaries, while consistently being faithful to bluegrass, blues, Celtic, authentic country, and other roots-based genres.

7. Downchild Blues Band: A Matter of Time (Blue Wave)-A 30-year retrospective on the amazing career of the group that introduced Canadian blues to the world. Songs from every album they've ever done, starting with their 1971 debut 'Bootleg' to 1998's 'Lucky 13', are included on this 20-track, 72-minute ear feast.

8. Little Bobby and the Jumpstarts: Tickets in the Glove Box (Independent)-Everyone is raving about Little Bobby, and this recording is his crowning achievement. It would be tempting to describe it as West Coast jump 'n' swing, but that merely hints at the riches that follow. Also check out the super-guitar work of Peter Schmidt plus Mel Brown (who also performs majestically on the keyboards).

9. The Unity Band: Let's Return To Love (Independent)-Reggae-influenced music at its most sublime, and also touched by the glow of Bob Marley's legacy. All 15-tracks are blessed by an all-star cast led by saxophone ace Pat Carey and wife Debbie-Doo. The result is an outpouring of harmony and commitment that will touch you deeply.

10. The Whiteley Brothers: Taking Our Time (Borealis)-There are many sublime pleasures here, as the multi-talented Whiteleys return to basics Only two of the 13 tracks feature drums, but you'll hardly even notice. The range of other instruments handled by the guys are more than enough to keep your feet moving "Hold It" is my nominee for song of the year.