The Blazers are a mix of seductive honky tonk, great rock ’n’ roll and funky rhythm and blues.
It’s a band that St. Albert singer-songwriter Rennie Boisvert describes as “one of the better rock bands in town,” as the foursome prepares to let off steam at LB’s Pub on Friday, July 19.
Musing on the band’s success Boisvert points to their use of the more low-key iconic covers as well as original material – which by the way, he composes.
“It’s got to be the originality. We’re a real country rock band that draws from different styles. We pull out more rootsy stuff.”
Sprinkling their sound with different grooves, The Blazers extracts inspiration from the likes of electric blues guitarist Albert Collins, blues singer-songwriter John Lee Hooker, rock band Little Feat, country singer Buck Owens and The Rolling Stones to name a few.
As seasoned road warriors, Boisvert (guitar), Randy Forsberg (bass) and Charlie Deshane have crossed paths in varying bands and projects. Two years ago when Boisvert kicked around the idea of The Blazers he didn’t look any further than Forsberg.
“He’s one of the finest versatile bass players in the business. He’s always hired to play the blues and he has a sweet tooth for country. He was a no-brainer.”
Adding Deshane proved just as easy.
“He has a history with different bands. He’s a great live player and he brings a lot of experience to the band.”
While scouting for a drummer, Forsberg suggested his son Cody, 22. But because of his youth, Boisvert was initially hesitant.
“We tried a few drummers. Finally we got together with Cody and ran a rehearsal and hired him on the spot. For a young guy, he could cross over wherever we needed him and he could pick up the beat when we needed it.”
As The Blazers gelled they started putting out originals such as Good Samaritan, a song questioning whether a so-called Utopian world would be all that perfect, and One Wink, a sassy, fun tune looking at a guy who gets all fired up after a girl winks at him.
In December 2012, the band unofficially released a full-length seven-track CD with Too Far Gone, a co-write with Colleen Rae and Innocent Dreams, a number that is a cross between Pink Floyd and a power ballad.
In a sweeping look at the music, Boisvert notes, “I really believe in those songs and we are a great group of musicians.”
The concert runs from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 23 Akins Dr.
