They were the classic rockin’ blues band, a runaway favourite from their hard-luck bucket blues to the quieter ballads.
When Slowburn slowly dissolved and stopped doing regular shows three years ago, locals lost more than their driving rhythm and sheer energy. We lost a community staple, a portal that defined our dreams, memories and musical spirit.
But the eclectic foursome reunites and returns to the ’burbs of St. Albert for a one-off at LB’s Pub on Friday, May 17 – the venue where they released their first self-titled CD.
The homecoming reunites Slowburn’s roster from 2005 to 2007, a one-of-a-kind marriage with Bruce Watson (vocals), Patrick Hughes (guitar), Phil Wilson-Birks (bass) and Dare Trommler (drums).
“This group was from our golden times. There was a real connection between the players,” said spokesperson Phil Wilson-Birks in a telephone interview from his Nelson, B.C. home where the poor bugger is suffering from a 28 degree heat wave.
Wilson-Birks, a former industrial arts teacher for the St. Albert-Morinville Catholic division, moved to Nelson five years ago.
“You never get used to the beauty here. Everything is stress free. It’s a much-scaled-back lifestyle. There’s a vibe where everybody appreciates the outdoors and takes part in it.”
But even after immersing himself in the blues-reggae-ska band Sunshine Drive, and White Lightning, a pure blues band, Wilson-Burke used social media to connect with former cronies.
The planets aligned for a dynamite reunion when Hughes moved back to Edmonton after obtaining a bachelor of education degree in music from the University of Western Ontario.
“We feel very confident we can step back without any problem. We’ve kept up our chops and Patrick always did blow us away.”
Handling a polished, fast-paced repertoire of over 1,000 songs, the acoustic band not only plays straight-out sharecropper blues, but also the many sub-genres that evolved from Mississippi plantations and Chicago speakeasies.
Parlaying a unique personal-musical chemistry that translates so fluidly on stage, they salute the soul of icons from Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Stevie Ray Vaughan to The Cream, Eric Clapton and The Who.
Many bands like to put their own signature on a classic. Slowburn shies away from reinventing the wheel.
“We play for the genuine love of music and we have no desire to change something that doesn’t need to be fixed.”
There’s enough originality in the band to keep a steady spotlight on them starting with Watson’s raspy, sensual sounding vocals.
“Bruce’s voice is just golden. He could read a phone book and make it sound like a song. I envy him. He can open his mouth and be on pitch every time. He’s one of the best frontmen on the scene and could blow away contestants on American Idol.”
And once again, Wilson-Birks is itching to shred his bass alongside Hughes.
“We started out as mature players. We were very comfortable with each other and we make no bones about it. We’ve settled comfortably in our own skins, and it will be interesting to see how he’s grown.”
The theme of the evening is simply reconnecting with old friends and fans.
“Sometimes it’s good to go down memory lane. We appreciate that LB’s has responded in the way they did, and for us basically it will be like stepping into the past.”
LB’s is at 23 Akins Dr. Showtime is at 9:30 p.m. No cover.
