The second CD release party (I was unable to attend the first CD party at the Slice last week) of local rock band the Juxtaposers for their second CD at the Owl Acoustic Lounge, Aug. 6 was bittersweet as it was pretty much the last local show for guitarist /vocalist Taylor Ackerman, who is moving to Halifax.
 They played their second CD from beginning to end, showing off their more bluesy side in addition to a touch of funk and some old fashioned rock and roll.
 Taylor Ackerman switched between playing guitar and Keyboards and took turns singing lead vocals with frontman Don Cassell and lead guitarist Tyler Bird. Paul Holden and Aaron Trozzo, held down the rhythm together on bass and drums respectively.

 I missed Jon Martin‘s opening set, which the full house enjoyed, but was just in time for the Juxtaposers, who started their set off on a slow note.
“We‘re just going to play  the album. if you like it, buy it,” Cassell advised.

 The second song had a beautiful groove as Tyler Bird sang lead vocals and Cassell played a harmonica solo.

 Bird also sang the more bluesy third song as Ackerman switched from  keyboards to the guitar to sing the more ’60s style soul and pop number.
 The fifth song “Transfigure Boogaloo,” was my favourite, blending ’60 pop with a solid blues boogie  groove.

“We weren’t even going to put this one on the album,” Cassell said.
Ackerman switched back to keyboards for the slower blues of the sixth song.
Tyler Bird took over keyboards for the next song.

 They wound down that set with a a groovy original and cover of the Eurythmics‘ “ Missionary Man.”
 Their second set was pure fun, as it included harmonized guitar solos, harmonica and a compendium of  music from several of the bands Ackerman played in including Toques and Beards and a song from Tyler Bird’s alternative rock band Queen of the Worms, “Pussy on Wheels.”