Birthdays are for celebration. And that is just what Richard (Rick) Carr did the evening of Monday, February 25th at Quai Des Brumes at the event billed as a Birthday Blues Bash. At first a little shy about organizing his own birthday party, Richard said, "Everyone I contacted was happy to join me in celebrating my 39th birthday."
Family, friends and fans crowded into the elegant, but intimately cozy rue St-Denis bar to enjoy Richard and an exciting line-up of performers, some well-known, and some new to the local music scene. Here's how the evening went.
Kenny Dupree (vocals and harmonica), who consistently brings energy, animation and enthusiasm to the stage, got the show started with Michel Padra (electric guitar) and Yves Desbiens (acoustic guitar), members of one of his latest projects, Wood, Strings and Voices. A pleasing blend of strong and subtle, the trio delivered sweet and colourful versions of such favourites as, The Sultans of Swing and Honky Tonk Woman.
As promised, Richard (guitar and vocals) with sidemen, Gabriel (Gabou) Lajoie (bass), Jean-Francois Lauzon (drums) and Peter Modos (harmonica) presented the audience with a huge helping of Blues. Capturing the essence of the music genre in his voice and in his performance, Richard wooed the audience with his opening tune, Purcolating, a Charlie Batty number, soothed our souls with a smooth string of slow Blues including, All Your Loving, Fine as Wine, Big Long Buick, Rock This House, and left us feeling ‘oh-so-good' with Sugar Never Was So Sweet.
Up next were Frederic Laliberté (leadguitar) with Gabriel (Gabou) Lajoie (bass), Daniel Vézina (drums) and Sylvain Laliberté (guitar). Definitely the youngest performer that night, Frederic had celebrated his 18th birthday only a few days earlier. Fender Telecaster in hand, Frederic dazzled everyone with his high energy singing and sure-fingered playing on a variety of tunes ranging through rock n' roll, heavy metal and slow Blues.
Unless Carlos Veiga is there, you really can't call it a party, can you? Carlos (guitar and vocals) had Gabriel (Gabou) Lajoie (bass), Jean Francois Lauzon (drums) and Peter Modos (harmonica) join him for Bye Baby Bye Bye, Evening and Shake Baby Shake. For Ticket To Ride, Carlos performed alone once again demonstrating his usual determination and passion for playing and singing.
Ŕ la ‘jam' style, Richard, Kenny, Michel, Gabriel, Daniel, Carlos and Peter took to the stage again to bring us, Crossroads, Chain of Fools, Teenie Weenie Bit and Mustang Sally. Definitely a crowd-pleaser, the evening closed with appreciative cheering, shouting and whooping. What a way to celebrate the ripe old age of 39.
Richard acknowledged with appreciation that the proceeds raised from "passing the hat" were timely. His first CD, Richard Carr Real Blues, will be ready for release this April or May. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears on this up and coming Bluesman. I'd guess he was "born to be Blue."
Copyright © Barbara Lavoie, 2002