Blackburn is without a doubt one of the hardest working bands in Canada and surely remains the go-to guys when it comes to true soulful music. They have been around for the last 15 years, bringing traditional R&B, Soul and Blues music with the inevitable Urban Funk. For those with fond memories, Blackburn entertained audiences for a long time at Toronto’s now mythical “Bamboo”.
Blackburn is actually 3 brothers: Duane Blackburn does lead vocals/keyboard/B3 Hammond organ, Brooke Blackburn on guitar/vocals, Cory Blackburn on drums/vocals and their good family friend Mark Ayee on bass guitar/vocals. Blackburn became a Band in 1995 (they have played together all their lives, all 3 brothers are the sons of “Bobby” Dean Blackburn, one of the legends of the blues/R&B scene in Toronto in the 60’s)
They released their first CD “Soul Searching” in October 1997 , their song “Africa” off that CD was played in high rotation on Much Music. They released their second CD “Livin’ ” in 2002 and now with the launch of their newest CD “Brotherhood” (first Blues CD) Blackburn has returned to the prominence they enjoyed when entertaining a packed house at the Bamboo for 15yrs! They are inevitably part of Toronto’s street culture.
Most interestingly, the 12 song release “Brotherhood” were done in Studio straight off the Floor, all in one shot to capture the live sound that Blackburn has always been known for, but Blackburn goes a bit further than merely being amazing live musicians, descended from fugitive slaves that escaped to Canada in the 1850’s through the Underground Railroad, Blackburn’s conscious lyrics reflect their family heritage.
Brooke Blackburn, by the way, is one of the Artistic Directors for the Owen Sound Emancipation Picnic that is marking it’s 147th year this Summer. Owen Sound was the most northerly retreat of the Underground Railroad journey Canada. This is a huge festival now on for the August 1st long weekend.
To get your hands on their music head right here:
“Brotherhood” CD is available in stores (HMV ask for it-Fontana North/Universal) and on line at www.maplemusic.com, www.makeitrealrecords.com, www.cdbaby.com.
Upcoming shows:
The Beaches Jazz Festival July 17, 2009, The Wreckhouse Blues Festival in Newfoundland July 18 & 19, 2009, The South side Shuffle in Port Credit Sept.11,2009
For all other information go here:
www.myspace/blackburnbrothers