GARY CLARK,JR.

The Toronto Blues Society (TBS) has been nurturing the
national blues scene since it formed in 1985 – the last 16 of these
years recognized in the form of the Maple Blues Awards (MBAs).
From its mission statement, wherein the TBS is “dedicated to the
promotion and preservation of the blues,” to the fact that the potential
fan base for Canadian blues is spread over the second-largest
country in the world makes this a tall challenge. Needless to say, a
significant body of talent can get lost over such a massive area.
From the pockets of blues artists harbored in St. John’s, Newfoundland
to Victoria, British Columbia; from Waldron,
Saskatchewan to Whitehorse in the Yukon, the MBAs attempt to
remedy this situation by doing their best to seek out and recognize
the cream of Canadian blues talent with an eye to nurturing it along
the way.
From its industry and media-based nominating committee to
its online voting procedure – giving a voice to all Canadian fans,
the MBAs work hard to
draw attention to where STRONGMAN
it’s needed most: to the
musicians and their
work.
Every two years,
the TBS organizes a
Blues Summit (this was
their sixth) capped off
by the MBA gala on the
final evening. The Summit
is designed to further
the universal blues
cause by bringing
together artists, promoters,
fans, likeminded
blues societies,
media, and industry
representatives for the
purpose of educating, idea-sharing, elbow rubbing, and network
building. It packs a three-day schedule with artist showcases, targeted
conversation, and a little bit of showbiz. The net result is an
intensive soaking in some of the best blues Canada has to offer.
The Royal Conservatory’s stunning performance room,
Koerner Hall, has set the stage for the MBA event for the last few
years, dressing up the blues while elevating the image of this
auspicious annual occasion. Ably hosted by Toronto actor and
bandleader, Raoul Bhaneja, the evening moved ahead on
greased rails thanks to the Maple Blues Band, a Dream Team of
Toronto’s best bluesmen under the musical direction of big-bottomed-bassist
Gary Kendall (awarded Bassist of the Year on this
occasion).
The audience was treated to performances, backed by the
band, from Harrison Kennedy, Suzie Vinnick, Steve Strongman,
The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer, Nanette Workman, Carlos
del Junco, and Matt Minglewood, a clear highlight of the evening.
Winners from both coasts blanketed the Ontario-based, multiple
award winners which, if nothing else, serves to push everyone
34 BLUES REVUE
16 TH ANNUAL
MAPLE BLUES AWARDS
Koerner Hall – Toronto
January 21, 2013
to play a little harder, regardless of where they’re from. You can
find this year’s lineup of award winners from an impressive field of
nominations at the link below.
The best news was the appearance of new blood in the mix
with some notable upsets by fresh, upcoming talent. Jon Wong, a
progressive sax player
VINNICK
key to the sound of the
24th Street Wailers,
earned his award
against a tough group
of players who often
swap the title each
year. Likewise, in the
keyboard category,
transplanted Birmingham
native, David Vest
(now living in British
Columbia), walked
away with the title
based on the strength
of his latest album
and blistering skills.
Ottawa’s Monkey-
Junk, Toronto’s Suzie
Vinnick, and Hamilton’s Steve Strongman each took home multiple
awards. The coveted lifetime achievement award was won by
much-loved Cape Bretoner, Matt Minglewood, while another
blues heart was recognized as longtime TBS organizer and selfconfessed
music hound John Valenteyn took home the Blues
Booster award for his years of dedicated service.
For a complete list of winners, go to torontobluessociety.com
– Eric Thom
SHAKURA S’AIDA WITH VALENTEYN
PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE) © ERIC THOM