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, although, as always, he makes it all “seem” so easy, as if he’s simply plucking those melodies from thin air and making them come fully alive with witty lyrics. The opening line of the first song is a harbinger of things to come on this 14-track tour de force: “Music is the food of love…play on.”
Blues Thing covers a wide swath of blues-related genres but at least half fall into a category best called “Urbane Rock ‘n’ Soul” and it’s an area where Jack has preeminent domain. Great musicians are also great actors and Jack knows how to caress a lyric like few others. He’s worldly, but at the same time, there’s also a sensitive side to his musical persona, so while he may get bruised by the vagaries of life and romance, he’s always ready to give it another chance.
Check out “If I Had Your Love,” a sensitive moody piece about longing and unrequited love that features a totally convincing performance: heartfelt vocals, stunning guitar work, all surrounded by impeccably arranged horns, courtesy Chris Murphy and Dave Dunlop.
The level of writing has gone up several notches and Jack was no slouch beforehand in the composing field. “That’s The Only Time” is a stunner, superbly executed and as convincing a soul ballad as one could possibly hope for. “That’s Your Love” is a funky thing showcasing Mike Fonfara’s B3 grooves that provide perfect shading to Jack’s always tasteful guitar fills and solos.
“Good Life” has a solid Latin groove and Jack is right in the pocket all the way as his jazz chops really come to the fore on this one. “Miss America” is a street poet’s musical sermon about the fleeting nature of celebrity while “Bills” owns up to the truth that even a successful musician is in a constant struggle to make ends meet.
De Keyzer strikes up an optimistic note on “We Go Together,” an unabashed Chuck Berry that crackles with fire and energy. There’s lots more great stuff on Blues Thing, meaning Jack De Keyzer should be dusting off a few more shelves to handle a new set of
awards.
Jack de Keyzer is a Juno (Canada's Grammy) and multiple Maple Blues award winning artist, blues guitarist, singer song writer and producer. Born in London, England, de Keyzer's professional career has spanned 32 years. He has led his own band since 1985 and has released 4 CD's as a leader. He has worked as a session guitarist for many artists including Etta James, Otis Rush, John Hammond Jr., Robert Gordon, Bo Diddley, Willy "Big Eyes" Smith & Blue Rodeo.. His songs have appeared on video; rock & blues radio charts; other artists CD's; motion pictures; TV soundtracks and most recently the Bravo Channel for the Talkin' Blues series. An exciting entertainer, soulful singer and electrifying guitarist, Jack de Keyzer delights a vast spectrum of music lovers wherever he performs. Performing 120 + dates a year, the Jack de Keyzer band (David Colter, drums; Alan Duffy, bass; Chris Murphy, saxophone) has toured throughout Canada, the USA, Mexico and Europe and has performed at many major blues festivals & corporate events including the BB King Blues Festival and the Montreal International Festival of Jazz. His latest CD, "Silver Blues ", released on his own blue star label, is the latest milestone in the lifelong musical journey of a contemporary blues journeyman.
Jack de Keyzer plans to release "Blues Thing", a collection of 14 new original blues, r&b and cool jazz tunes this spring 2007!
AWARDS
Juno
6 String Lover/ Blues Album of the Year 2003
Nomination: Down in the Groove/Blues Album of the Year 2001
Maple Blues Award
Guitarist of the Year 2004
Entertainer of the Year 2004
Electric Act of the Year 2004
Down in the Groove/ Blues Album of the Year 2000
Blues With A Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement) 2001
Jazz Report Award:
Down in the Groove/Blues Album of the Year 2000
Real Blues Magazine Award
Live Act of the Year 2001
Guitarist of the Year 1999 -2004 (tie with Mel Brown)
Durham Region Music Award
Blues Recording of the Year 2005
Jack de Keyzer performs "That's the Only Time" from his latest album, "Blues Thing"
at Jeff Healey's Roadhouse.
