Danny took us on a wonderful ride down south last Friday (September 21) at Blues On The Rideau at The Cove. What a Show - “Blues, soul, R&B and gospel sung with power and grace” – as advertised! You could have sworn you were in Tennessee or Alabama at times instead of rural eastern Ontario. Some bands take a song or two to get warmed up but not these guys. From the opening note they hit the groove and held it all night. Danny on guitar & harmonica with those trademark gravely deep soul vocals of his and a tight band of veteran players behind him – Teddy Leonard on lead guitar (rapidly becoming a regular at The Cove – rumour has it he may be renting an apartment in Westport), Ed Zankowski superb on sax and the solid engine room of Dennis Pinhorn on bass and Bucky Berger on drums. The Cove crowd loved them – it was a full dance floor all night as usual despite the heat.  Danny featured many songs from his great new CD “No Easy Way Out” which has 2007 Maple Blues, Juno and U.S. blues awards written all over it.

Judging by the number he sold that night and the comments and applause I’m not the only one to think so. “

This place has a great vibe. It’s a perfect venue for Blues. Great surroundings & great people. Can’t wait to come back!” Frohm Stotland, Montreal (heard about BOTR through friends in Lanark) “Danny Brooks should play Ottawa Bluesfest in 2008! Everyone sure feels like part of the family at The Cove” Laury Clark, Ottawa “Danny Brooks is fabulous! What a wonderful evening” Jim & Gail Graff, Perth All three of the above rated the night a perfect 10 out of 10!

The Cove’s buffet included delicious roast pork loin and shrimp paella with caesar salad, lots of veggies and scrumptious pumpkin crumble for dessert - all this for $49 tax in! I know it sounds clichéd but these BOTR nights just keep hitting the top end of the bar - proving my contention that we have some of the best blues talent in the world right here in our own country. And there’s no better venue to see talent like this up close and personal than at The Cove.  Owner Terry Cowan said “I think these guys are the best we’ve had yet” but I reminded him that he says that after every Show!

$430 was raised for the Elgin Schoolhouse restoration