Toronto Blues Band on the Street

We are moving towards the end of the year (how time flies) so it is time to start to look back on the year that was. For me one of the best shows of 2009 was on the street - literally. Fathead is a great blues band that has been around for quite a while. The singer is an expat American (Georgia-raised lead singer JOHN MAYS. He has had a storied career that began in the Southern gospel tradition, crossing over into Doo-Wop, R&B and Blues, not to mention a stint with the Godfather Of Soul JAMES BROWN.

Along with band leader AL LERMAN (harp and saxophone) FATHEAD's core has remained constant since 1992, offering ace musicianship, soul stirring harmonies and incendiary live performances. Guitar ace TEDDY LEONARD is showcased in this clip, along with iconic drummer BUCKY BERGER (he has played with many Candian icons from Rough Trade to childrens' entertainer Mister Dressup).

To find such a great band playing on Queen Street at the annual Beaches Jazz Fest was a joy.

Check out this clip - one of the best of 2009.