Reviews & Bio

CD Baby

An award winning blues harp player & vocalist serving up a main course of rockin' blues, smothered with a Texas/Chicago gravy with a side of funk, and some sweet acoustic desserts.

As flattering as it is that folks draw comparisons between Tracy K and Janis Joplin, there's much more to get excited about than her passionate performances and award winning voice - Tracy K stands out in the male dominant world of blues harmonica players. These two elements and accredited songwriting sum up what Tracy K is all about. She was honoured with "Female Vocalist of the Year" and "Harmonica Player of the Year" at the 2006 WinnipegBlues.com Music Awards. Tracy K was proud to be the first female featured at the 2003 Toronto Blues Society's Annual Harmonica Workshop. This followed on the heels of a knock-out performance at the (Toronto Blues Society & CBC Saturday Night Blues) 16th Annual Women's Blues Revue. Since 2000, Tracy K has been featured as a main stage attraction in Canada, to U.S. destinations, and south to the Caribbean. Her only problem is selling out of cds wherever she goes! A personal thrill for Tracy was opening for harp legend James Cotton in concert and sharing a festival billing with Koko Taylor, one of her earliest blues influences. After years of playing, Tracy K's own sound and passionate style evidently developed to capture the ears of thousands of blues enthusiasts, both live and on her recordings.

Born a singer-songwriter, Tracy K first picked up harmonica in 1982, turning professional in the late eighties. After three children prompted an eight year hiatus, she returned to release a ten song all original album in 2000, "Welcome to my Fantasy", named such as it was her fantasy coming true. Critical acclaim surrounding her performances opened new doors. In 2002 Tracy K penned "Rock This House" for a Los Angeles film “Scared Silent” starring Penelope Ann Miller. In 2003 she contributed three original tracks to the "Prairie Fire Project" Blues CD for the Canadian Diabetes Foundation. An appearance as singer-in-the-band in the movie “More than Meets the Eye” followed. Personal issues had imposed another brief hiatus upon Tracy K, causing the long delay in releasing a second cd. Back on track, the afore-mentioned songs appear on her much anticipated second cd, appropriately titled "Old, New, Borrowed & Blues" (2007). Well worth the wait, this knock-out album is produced by award winning Toronto blues great Jack de Keyzer and features her own solid band of five years, the "Right Hand Band". Their highly developed original sound reflects Tracy K's Chicago and Texan influences. They are revered by fans and musicians alike, as one of the hottest bands heard on the circuit today. The band's formal musical training and jazz smarts induce tasty arrangements and instrumental virtuosity, that draws other players out to their gigs.

Tracy K loves performing and it shows. She can be experienced live in two formats: with her "Right Hand Band", in a four piece high-energy contemporary blues & roots-rock concert presentation, best suited to open air festivals and soft seat venues. Commended for their outstanding lively performances time and again, they feature Tracy K's popular originals and covers of Chicago and Texas influence; or in a cabaret style acoustic duo featuring Jamie "Snakeman" Steinhoff, a seasoned talent on slide, dobro, and fingerstyle acoustic with a soulful, gritty vocal delivery. His dedication to early blues of the 1920's to 40's shapes their sound, his wry and clever songwriting baring these influences. Tracy K's intricate harp and amazing voice marry naturally with Jamie's style to produce a memorable show you'll long carry in your heart. This duo and John Sebastian were exclusively invited to give private concerts recently on a small island in the Caribbean! Getting to meet some of her heroes and making new ones is all part of the thrill. Becoming a hero to several others along the way is her karma.

“...an impressive harmonica player, with a voice that commands your attention. Add her songwriting, her versatility, and her on-stage charisma and you've got someone special.”- www.canadianblues.ca  

Review from Edmonton Sun's Jeremy Loomes - http://www.hardlineblues.com/page103a.html  

Review by John Valenteyn, Maple Blues Magazine, August, 2007 

"The first runner up in the Talent Search this year, Thunder Bay’s Tracy K returns home leaving us with this delightful CD to remember her by. Co-produced by Jack de Keyzer, herself and her Right Hand Band, her strong vocals, harp & acoustic guitar grace a program of originals plus two covers. The Right Hand Band compliments her perfectly: Tony Desmarteau is the guitarist, Vaughan Poyser, the bassist and Ty Rogers, the drummer. Jack de Keyzer did not leave his guitar at home. Her songs are very well written, a seamless blend of blues, country and rock - not a surprise, perhaps, given the Thunder Bay/Winnipeg focus. “C U Again” is a funky workout with a catchy chorus. “Cruisin’”, with its Santana-ish lead guitar part, is getting some radio play. “Stop! Wait A Minute” keeps that “C U Again” groove going with some nice harp work and a strong vocal – it’s a sharp-eyed vignette from the dance floor. “Here All Along” is another highlight, with strummed guitars over a driving drum pattern. Tracy K’s CD should be at a store near you. If it isn’t, you can go to www.tracyk.ca and find out more about Tracy. There are audio samples of her songs there too. May she return soon."

TOP BLUES: SEPTEMBER 2007

Selected by Ian Angus host of the Let the Good Times Roll! CIUT-FM (89.5) Thursdays 3 to 5 pm 
The Soul of John Black - The Good Girl Blues (Yellow Dog)
*Shakura S’Aida - Blueprint (Independent)
Michael Powers - Prodigal Son (Baryon)
*Fathead - Building Full of Blues (Electro-Fi)
*Saturday Nite Fish Fry - Dirt Road Blues (7 Arts)
*Johnny Max Band - A Lesson I’ve Learned (Independent)
*Steve Grisbrook - Blue Sneakers (Independent)
Phillip Walker - Going Back Home (Delta Groove)
*Paul Reddick - Revue (NorthernBlues)
Tad Robinson - A New Point of View (Severn)
*Tracy K - Old, New, Borrowed & Blues (Independent)
The Mannish Boys - Big Plans (Delta Groove)
*Son Roberts Band - You Don’t Know Yet (Independent)
Maria Muldaur - Naughty Bawdy & Blue (Stony Plain)
*Dawn Tyler Watson & Paul Deslauriers - En Duo (Justin Time)
Mem Shannon - Live - A night at Tipitina’s (NorthernBlues)
*Steve Strongman - Honey (Independent)
Roxanne Potvin. Sue Foley, Deborah Coleman - VA : Time Bomb (Ruf)
*The Terry B3 - Money Talks (Independent)
*Mike Goudreau - Boppin’ 15 (Independent)

CFBX 92.5 FM, Cable 106.1 - The X
Campus/Community Radio in Kamloops, BC
Top 10 Blues Albums

1)Harry Manx/Kevin Breit* - In Good We Trust (Stony Plain)
2)Watermelon Slim and the Workers – The Wheel Man (Northern Blues)
3)Rick Holmstrom – Live in the Night (MC)
4)Tracy K and the Right Hand Band* - Old, New, Borrowed and Blues (Independent)
5)Mavis Staples – We'll Never Turn Back (Anti)
6)Chris Whiteley/Jeff Lang – Desolation Blues (Rounder)
7)John Mayall – In the Palace of the King (Eagle)
8)Guy Chaput and Sci-Fi* - Awakenings (Independent)
9)Donald Ray Johnson* - Travelin' Man (Independent)
10)Slowburn* - Slowburn (Independent) "Old, New, Borrowed & Blues is an outstanding recording and will get the attention it deserves. Anyone who loves the Blues should have this album in their collection" - S. Magian

"Finally, some Tracy K fan favorites on CD! Cruisin’, CU Again are just the first couple of tunes that any of Tracy K ’s fans can relate to. Producer Jack de Keyzer unquestionably brings out the best in Tracy and her Right Hand Band, creating a great party album!"
E.B. Bluesday (CKUW 95.9FM)

Bio

With a sound compared to Janis Joplin, Melissa Etheridge, or Bonnie Raitt, “the real treat is Tracy K's voice - well controlled, and gritty as a whisky-soaked hobnail" (Jeremy Loomes, Edmonton Sun, 2007). An award-winning vocalist, Tracy K is also an award-winning harmonica player, entertainer and songwriter. Since 2000, she has been a main stage attraction, sharing stages and playbills with great legends (Koko Taylor, James Cotton) and exciting newcomers (Watermelon Slim, Kelly Richey). Tracy K was the first female featured at the Toronto Blues Society's Harmonica Workshop, following a knock-out performance at the society's (and CBC Saturday Night Blues) 16th Annual Women's Blues Revue. From blues festivals to theaters, special events to fundraisers, electric band to acoustic duo, sideman on harmonica and vocals, her vast experience is a testimony of her talent.

Tracy was born an actress, artist, and musician to working class parents in the tiny prairie town of Beausejour, near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Piano lessons were part of her childhood, and she liked to write songs and play around on her brother’s guitar. As her musical interests developed with the British Invasion and psychedelic era, blues became her foundation. Citing Sonny Terry as her first harmonica influence, Tracy K started blowin' harp while backpacking Europe in 1982 on an old harmonica given to her by a Canadian soldier in Germany - a lifelong passion was born. Back in Winnipeg, she attempted a teaching degree in music and art, but was diverted by her musical calling. Tracy K spent the rest of the decade in Toronto experiencing the studios and stages of the bustling indy music scene. Motherhood prompted a move back to the prairies in 1991 for an eight year maternity leave, where she raised three children. She finally released her first album in 2000, a collection of original songs in the blues/roots-rock spectrum. Steady performances and critical acclaim opened new doors for Tracy who licensed a song to a Los Angeles movie, performing in the film with her band. She recorded three original songs for a fundraising blues compilation CD, and appeared as "singer in the band" in another L.A. film. Then, in 2004 Tracy K's career was forced on hiatus due to personal issues. This imposed a delayed in recording her second album, but she came back swinging with her 2007 release "Old, New, Borrowed & Blues". Reaping international airplay and rave reviews, it is produced by Toronto blues great Jack de Keyzer and features her own solid band of five years. Tracy's Chicago, Texas and Delta influences are finely crafted into an original contemporary sound. "Her songs are very well written, a seamless blend of blues, country and rock - not a surprise, perhaps, given the Thunder Bay / Winnipeg focus." (John Valenteyn, Maple Blues Magazine, August, 2007)

Tracy K can be experienced live in two formats. Her four piece high-energy contemporary blues and roots-rock concert presentation is commended for their outstanding musicianship and stage delivery. "Tracy K & her Right Hand Band" were nominated as Best Electric Act by Winnipegblues.com in 2006. The band's formal musical training and jazz smarts induce tasty arrangements and instrumental virtuosity, each member garnering their own awards. They feature Tracy K's popular originals and covers of Chicago and Texas flavor. She also performs as a cabaret style acoustic duo with Jamie "Snakeman" Steinhoff, a seasoned talent on slide, dobro, and fingerstyle. Tracy's masterful acoustic harmonica work is showcased in this newly developed act. Early blues of the 1920's to 40's shapes their sound, both in covers and originals. Their songwriting was celebrated when Jowi Taylor's (CBC Global Village) Six String Nation came to Thunder Bay, for which the duo co-wrote the epigrammatic tribute song "This Axe is your Axe". Gaining festival credits, special event and night club performances in their short history, this duo gave an exclusive private concert in the Caribbean. Together, they have shared stages and performance billings with the likes of John Sebastian, Bill Bourne, and Tim Williams. Getting to meet some heroes is all part of the thrill. Becoming a hero to others along the way is karma.

AWARDS
- 2007 Ontario Independent Music Awards Best Blues 
- 2007 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search First Runner Up
- Female Vocalist of the Year, Winnipegblues.com, 2006
- Harmonica Player of the Year, Winnipegblues.com, 2006
- Electric Act of the Year Nominee, Winnipegblues.com, 2006

DISCOGRAPHY
- Album "Old, New, Borrowed & Blues", 2007
- 3 Singles for "Prairie Fire Project", Canadian Diabetes, 2003
- Single "Rock This House", licensed to Zernick Von-Sertner Films, 2002
- Album "Welcome to my Fantasy", 2000

"Tracy K does a killer job on harp, something of a rarity for female performers in the genre. She has found a maturity where her lyrics match her vocals." (Calvin Daniels, Yorkton This Week, 2007)

Read this interview to reveal a deeper, more intimate view of Tracy K - Yorkton This Week

http://www.tracyk.ca 

http://www.myspace.com/tracykmojomama