De Keyzer has long
been known for his accomplished songwriting, deft arrangements and distinctive
string-bending but his evolution revolves around what is fast becoming his secret weapon:
his voice. Elements of funk, R&B and traditional jazz permeate his blues credentials
with a degree of confidence that borders on swagger...
Eric Thom/Exclaim
 |
| Jack De Keyzer -
"Blues Thing" - Considering De Keyzer's multiple awards and achievements, it
would be weird to think, this may be his strongest album. For me, the songs are the key.
The ace guitar legend has also added a depth of jazz chops that are simply sparkling. If
that was not enough his vocals are much stronger than on any of his past efforts. John
Emms/ Daily Press
|
Canada’s Jack
de Keyzer is a rare breed who can play it all: blues, funk, swing, and more. You’ll
hear all of those styles on this CD. Here, his music has matured and his guitar tone has
become one of the finest in Canada. Jack de Keyzer is a well rounded musician, who strives
for perfection and attains it on this excellent CD.
Tim Holek/ Blues Bytes Top 10 of 2007
|
| " It would take
an entire separate page to list out the awards conferred upon Jack De Keyzer. He’s
deserved every single one of them, but his latest release Blues Thing is absolutely out of
sight. Jack’s at the very top of his game on this one..." Gary Tate
jazzreview.com
|
BLUES THING/ Jack de
Keyzer/ Bluestar Records/ 9-out-of-10
So you like guitar blues, but with a big band feel, then you are in for a treat
when you spin Blues Thing by Jack de Keyzer.
De Keyzer is the guitar slinger here, and a dang fine one, in addition to providing the
vocals, and he shines there too.
CALVIN DANIELS-Yorkton This Week Oct. 31, 2007 - Yorkton, SK.
|
| "All's right in
the world as long as Jack de Keyzer keeps on making records and bringing them home to
Hamilton to play. His latest, Blues Thing, is simply superb." Graham
Rockingham/ Hamilton Spectator |
"Blues Thing
...an entertaining album that includes straight-ahead rockin' blues, and influences from
Stax Records southern soul feel. De Keyzer remains one of the most experienced and
expressive blues players in the country."
Roger Levesque/ Edmonton Journal |
5
Bottles of ‘Blue’ for another exceptional CD (Blues Thing) from Canada’s
most talented and honest Blues Rocker. May you
have the opportunity to experience him ‘Live’ and get your head and heart
re-focused. This is what Music should be all
about. A. Grigg/ Real Blues Magazine |
"Despite lightyear advances in
technology, killer live albums seem harder to come by these days. BB’s Live at the
Regal set the stage and it would be a challenge to name nine others. The great ones hit a
nerve and present an artist in his prime, comfortable in his surroundings and firing
– with his band – on all pistons. Such is the case with Silver Blues..."
Blues Revue/
Eric Thom |
"His guitar suggests the more
sophisticated teachings of Grant Green and Kenny Burrell while his vocals, too, have
evolved bearing out his love of Marvin Gaye with tracks such as "That’s The
Way". One of the album’s best tracks – the Bop Cats "Dressed To
Kill" – gets all gussied up itself, underlining de Keyser’s gifts as
composer and arranger. Yet the shining star here is Jack’s guitar – his
signature tone and in-the-pocket leads never fail the faithful."
Penguin Eggs-
Canada's Folk, Roots & World Music Magazine |
"Fans who like
Jazz, Funk, and Blues, magically mixed together, will love this thoroughly enjoyable Live
Album Silver Blues"
Blues Underground |
"...de Keyzer’s music has
matured, and his guitar tone has become one of the finest in Canada."
Blues Beat Magazine/Western
NY Tim Holek |
"In addition to blues,
you’ll hear smooth jazz, adult oriented rock and soul. De Keyzer is well traveled,
and his stylistic band operates like a well oiled machine.Musicians and a grown-up crowd
will thoroughly enjoy."
South West Blues |
The Strong
Such As Jack de Keyzer Always
Survive (headline) Full Story
Blues Art Studio Magazine |
| "While 6 String Lover is a
powerhouse record fuelled by de Keyzer's impeccable virtuosity, it only hints at his
smoking live show" Scene Magazine Sept 30, 2004 - Richard Moule |
"One of Canada's premier
blues guitarists"
haltonsearch.com |
| "A coveted super-hero in
Canada. 6 String Lover blends blues with elements of jazz, soul, r&b and
early rock'n'roll." Eric Thom Blues Revue |
"Killer tunes...one of the
last true-blue rock'n rollers"
Andy Grigg Real Blues |
"Blues bands would kill to
sound as good as this crew"
Peter North Edmonton Journal |
Jack de Keyzer has a mystique
about him that is rare among even the best known musicians. “Jack de Keyzer is in
town” — the statement tingles with expectation, with the sense that something
good is about to happen.
Bob Liddycoat Hamilton View Magazine |
"'Engine Trouble' is a
masterpiece, invoking feelings of the late Muddy Waters at his best...sure to become a
classic."
Stuart Blower Live on Stage  |
"Stepping in for MIck Taylor,
the ex- Stones guitarist, didn't faze de Keyzer. Playing hot tunes from his latest album,
6 String Lover, he shone."
James Reaney (London Free Press) |
This CD has it all....a very nice
mix of blues, groove, funk and even a couple of delta blues type cuts. "Funk
This" great funk track, "Rock 'Til We Drop" neat rockabilly feel to it,
"Soul Lover" and "Engine Trouble" are powerful blues tracks. This
whole CD is awesome. Actually one of my favourite CD's. This album is highly
recommended.
Luc Vanderdonckt WinnipegBlues.com |
"There's a line-up of people
wanting to borrow it. (6 String Lover) It's that good. He's b-b-bad to the
bone. Get your own!"
Gary Curtis Hamilton Spectator |
"The songwriting and artistry
are this disc's greatest strengths. A stomping house party...mind-blowing guitar
solos."
Tim Holek Blues
on Stage |
| 6 String Lover runs the gamut from
up tempo Rock ‘n’ Roll to slow old Blues, James Brown inspired R&B to Robert
Johnson style Roots/Blues from the very beginnings of recorded Blues music... the whole CD
is a winner from start to finish. This is also true anytime we’re lucky enough to be
witnessing live, the genius that is Jack de Keyzer and his very special band.
J. Curtis New York
Blues & Jazz Society |
| "Jack de
Keyzer's guitar playing and singing both have a commanding presence and he pulled out all
the stops on this CD. I hope one of the 'major' labels pick up this CD."
A+ Christopher Michaels (London Scene) |
"6 String
Lover...exudes spirit, class, stlye and the ever-present de Keyzer wit. This could be the
album to finally garner the recognition long overdue."
Gary 17 T.O. Nite |
| "De Keyzer
displays the mastery of straight-ahead blues, funk and soul that has earned him a
reputation as one of the best musicians in this country." Cam Hayden, Vue Weekly (Edmonton) |
"A genuinely
great and talented musician...his finest work to date...bound to be another award
winner."
Stella Ducker (Oshawa Life) |
| "I’m gonna
keep on sayin’ it until he’s a superstar worldwide; if you love the smooth,
smouldering guitar, soulful singing and the rockin’ blues then you MUST check out de
Keyzer now." Colin Bryce Mohair Sweets |
| Multi-talented Jack
de Keyzer, a gifted songwriter, a mean guitarist and a smooth, sultry
singer. Ruth Schweitzer Maple
Blues |
| "Hot
Stuff.." Roger Levesque, Edmonton Journal |
"Possibly
the greatest guitarist Canada has spawned in the genres of Blues and Rock 'n'
Roll" Andy Grigg REAL BLUES 1999
|
"Down
in the Groove should take de Keyzer's career to the next level. The songwriting is
excellent...great guitar solos. Some of the tunes have the potential to become
blues classics...a mature artist who has found his voice. I'm betting this album
will garner a Juno nomination." Christopher Michaels London
Scene Magazine 1999
|
"De
Keyzer is at the top of his form...wicked, awesome, true blues. A brilliant channel
of positive musical energy. This album will be constantly spinning on my CD player
for a long time." Luca D'Addario Tandem News
Toronto 1999 |
"A
guitar-slinger of rare talent" Kerry Doole MapleBlues/Toronto
Blues Society |
"Smoking
...wicked...de Keyzer's track record of being one of Canada's best guitarists is NOT
hype!" John Emms Timmins Daily Press |
"Canada's
definitive roots rocker" Peter North Edmonton Sun |
"The
guy's a killer!" John Mackie Vancouver Sun |
"One
of the premiere guitarists in Canada" Nick Krewen
Hamilton Spectator |
"If
you think the hippest, hottest bands are coming out of Los Angeles, you are
mistaken! More power to Jack de Keyzer, come show the Americans what we've
been missing!" Kathy Pellizzi Los Angeles Film
& Music |
"Full
of rhythm, alive, swinging and joyful. Blues that gets you up dancing.
Universal, ageless, a Master!" G Loiselle La Frontiere
Rouyn Noranda |
"Jack
de Keyzer plays guitar like a man with his pants on
FIRE!" Liam Lacey The Globe
& Mail |
