There are only so many blues fans in Lethbridge, so when two blues shows are competing with each other, one is bound to suffer, as was the case for Colorado bluesman’ Johnny O’s show at the Slice, Oct. 19.
They were competing with Tri-Continental at the Lethbridge College Cave. I was hoping the last starting show would get some spill over from the Folk Club, but it was not to be.
The trio still played an outstanding set of R and B tinged, soulful blues music. And , of, course, I caught them going on a set break. But knowing how good they are, had to stick around for a beer or three.
They had a dedicated audience clustered together to watch them.
Johnny O was just here with an acoustic quartet about a month ago but this time he had the hot Calgary rhythm section of bassist Viktor Szuroczki and drummer Hollywood Bob, who usually play with the show’s host Keith Catfish Woodrow.
They laid down some sweet grooves for Johnny O to sing and play over.
Tenor voices seem to be the in thing and Johnny O had a great one, only matched by his tasteful guitar playing.
They played original music and blues classics and even a Little Feat cover, which was pretty sweet.
