Just BS Without The B Is A O K

While holding down the fort at Walkhams Pub the other night Steve Abbott one half of the local Bonavista group Just Bs walked into the pub and suggested to play friday night just for the good of him. The pub haven't had music in a while so of course it was a great idea to get it back to rocking form. So we thought that Friday night would be a good night to play and if it goes well he would do Saturday as well. As 10:30 Friday night rolls round Abbott walks in to a empty room with backs turned to him on the other side of the room, eyes glued to the machines. But that didn't stop him from putting on a solo performance in which he put every inch of his heart and soul into. I didn't mention that this was Abbotts first solo performance in public. Being the first I must say you couldn't tell if he was uncomfortable or nervous. Tackling new songs like John Prine's Souvenirs, in which I for one hopes will be in his set list from now on, Abbott played in front of hardly anyone but made it seem like a packed house. Abbott kept on playing and never let up. It wasn't until 12:00ish until people started flowing into the pub. A happy bunch of music lovers that wanted to hear Abbott wail out their favorites and sing along. It was more of a kitchen party than a concert/performance. At times having duets with Kayla Little and Chester. Even Randy Stead showed off his Newfoundland Ugly Stick skills on one song and had everyone stomping the ground with smiles from ear to ear. Abbott really killed it that night giving the crowd a great show and left them going home that night singing sweet songs into the moonlight. Great job Abbott, I for one can't wait for the repeat performance tonight at Walkhams Pub. Everyone who missed it last night really should take it all in and if you were one of the lucky ones who witnessed it come back show Abbott your support, he more than deserves it.

The Blues That Howse Built

This past weekend has certainly been a busy one. I've took in an array of live music, the best that St. John's can offer. From Legends to up and coming locals who are blazing their way through to becoming legends. It probably can't ever be beaten to see so much great music in one weekend again and probably shouldn't be. It had good times where my face was hurting from smiling so much at what I considered to be an privilege to be able to sit and listen to music that built this land and gives me goosebumps. To sit back and listen to amazing acoustic blues one night to down home traditional newfie music the next to deep in the woods folk the next. I can't be thankful enough to Harv Templeman enough for bringing me to these shows which I probably wouldn't have otherwise. The next few days on the blog I will post the music I took in each night, starting with Thursday. So here we begin.
We rolled into St. John's around 9pm Thursday night. Pushing in through to catch a legendary Newfoundland blues musician who now resides in Nova Scotia named Roger Howse. It was his new cd release party and there was no way Harv wanted to miss this guy play. He knew I would be blown away by this guy being a huge blues fan and oh boy was I ever. We went our separate ways and planed on meeting at The Ship pub where the show was being held later. I got talking to friends and had a few beer primers so unfortunately I ended up missing a bit of the show. As I broke away from the gathering I took the corner of ally where The Ship is neatly tucked away and outside low and behold Harv is outside having a smoke with Howse. I was introduced to the blues singer even before I had the chance to listen to him play. So I go in and order my beer and anticipate the next set having missed the first. The pub was packed with St. John's finest from actors and musicians. Older folk who appreciate great music so after scanning the place I knew that I was in for a great show. Roger makes his way up on stage with his new duet group Stonehowse with Brenda Stone. The moment I heard and felt the pick of the strings I was floored. Roger and Brenda played old blues and new tunes that sounded like old blues. It was a great show and the great thing about it all was everyone was in awe of it. They were the perfect crowd to watch a great show. They knew great music and came to listen to it and not to pay 10 bucks for a ticket and then sit at the bar and talk all night over the live performance. Unfortunately I missed out on the first set where Roger put on a great solo show but I got the album and have listened to it alot in the past few days. After that show I could have went back to Bonavista a happy man, pleased and thrilled at what I just saw. But low and behold it was only the beginning. 

Dave White Takes Over The Pub

Back in high school I remember a couple of my buddies started a band, Maybe Fog. Weird name right? Well it was a great band playing traditional irish mixed with Tragicly Hip and Our Lady Peace songs among others. Unfortunately Maybe Fog disbanded and went their separate ways. David White was the lead singer in Maybe Fog and still plays thoroughly in pubs and clubs around St. John's every week. Playing a mix of cover songs from The Hip to Steve Earle to Great Big Sea and everything in between. Some people may heckle him and want him to play ACDC, asking Dave to play ACDC is equivalent to saying " play Free Bird ". Its refreshing to hear a guy do these songs with great justice and its no wonder why he has such a lengthy career in playing around great pubs in St. John's. Last night Dave honored us with his presence at Walkham's Pub in downtown Bonavsita. Even though unfortunately not a lot of people showed up to support local talent, maybe because of the not so nice night that it was? Who knows? But even so Dave played as if the place was packed and he was singing to a full house, the sign of a true performer. Everyone that witnessed the show was impressed to say the least, a couple people even got up on stage and sang along with dave on a couple songs, it drawled a good laugh to say the least and everyone left satisfied with a smile on their face and a belly full of booze. Next weekend however at Walkhams Pub Dave will be back again but this time bringing along a partner, Carl Peters, who has played before numerous times with Dave in around St. John's and as well as Walkhams Pub. Hopefully next weekend we will have nicer weather and show some support to local musician's, they play their heart out for little so lets give them a lot. I for one will be there with ears wide open, enjoying every minute as I did last night. Great show!      

Just BS Was Just That Damn Good

New Years Eve I had a great time working behind the bar at Walkhams Pub in downtown Bonavista. It was my first time working as a bartender but I absolutely loved it, running back and forth and grabbing drinks here and there for people was something that just came natural to me. Working there was a blast but what made it even more fun was having the joy of listening to Just BS. Steve Abbot and Bob Little covered tunes from Tom Petty to Stan Rogers. They really had the pub jumping and jigging with their traditional Newfoundland songs. Just the two of them played instruments ranging from acoustic guitars to fiddles to banjos and harmonicas. They are the perfect pub band that pairs well with a glass of beer. They are the perfect pub band who I can see playing in the best pubs in St John's any day. I enjoyed my time at Walkhams Pub that night and Just BS was traditional music to the ears