Gig Review: Eddie Turner, Rainbow Bistro, Ottawa, ON, April 28 2006

Checked out Eddie Turner on Friday night after a hard week of work. I was hoping to see some lightning fret work on top of some soulful riffs, and I got exactly what I was looking for. Turner's blues-rock-funk sound combines amazingly with his husky Motown-esque vocals to create a live wall of sound that evokes the kind of artistry that only comes from hungry, independent musicians who make their instrument an extension of themselves.

Although his Northern Blues recordings are produced by Kenny Passarelli, (ex-Elton John, Tommy Bolin and co-writer of Joe Walsh's "Rocky Mountain Way"), you have to see the man live to appreciate his work. Unlike a lot of show-offy players, Turner always puts the song first and makes sure that the groove is properly laid down before going wherever his fingers will take him. He'll be playing at Ottawa's Bluesfest in July on the "Blues Till Dusk" stage, and you gotta check him out if you are looking for something new, fresh and real.

Overall rating: 9.25/10