Got the Blues

by CAM HAYDEN

String Theory Jack de Keyzer’s latest disc, 6 String Lover, is out this week (available through Spirit River Distribution and Indiepool) and on it 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 the country. Add to that the fact that the disc has an incredible “live” feel and you’ve got a more than adequate follow-up to 1999’s Juno-nominated Down in the Groove. The 14 originals on the disc range from hard-blues rockers like “Your Pleasure Is My Business” to the smooth (and appropriately titled) “Soul Lover.” Thrown in for good measure are the swinging “Jump to It” and two acoustic pieces, including the title track. De Keyzer is ably assisted by Michael Fonfara’s organ and piano and the tight rhythm section of drummer Tony Ajo and bassist Alec Fraser. De Keyzer has had the opportunity over the course of his 25-year career to play with heavyweights such as fellow Hamiltonian King Biscuit Boy in his early days and the likes of Bo Diddley, Otis Rush, Etta James and Duke Robillard as a more seasoned musician. For his stint at the Blues on Whyte, which runs through Saturday night, he’s teamed with a dynamite western band that includes Calgary’s Kit Johnson on bass along with locals Dave Babcock on sax and Scott Anderson on drums. Make sure you pick up a copy of 6 String Lover while you’re at the show.