TERRY GILLESPIE & THE GRANARY BLUES BAND rolled into THE COVE INN from Vankleek Hill/Montreal last Friday night and delivered a great Show – the second of this year’s Blues On The Rideau Series. Terry - an Ottawa blues legend going back into the ‘60’s & ‘70’s (anyone remember Le Hibou?) - played delicious licks on lead guitar all night long with vocals that reminded you at times of Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Mark Knopfler and a few other notables. He mixed in some good stories and anecdotes along the way. His veteran backline included Peter Measroch on keyboards, Gordan Adamson on drums, Stephen Barry on bass (a legend in his own right!) and Jody Golick on sax – all consummate pros. Not a missed chord all night.

Their repertoire included everything from straight up Chicago blues to soul, R&B, reggae and even a little country. They played classic covers done in their own unique style as well as original compositions (including a bunch off their excellent new CD “Brother Of The Blues” and Terry’s re-released “Heaven’s Radio” albums originally recorded in the ‘70’s). Both these albums are up for several Blues Awards this year and all those who attended got to see why.

The crowd loved them! The dance floor was packed all night, there was lots of loud applause and many CD’s sold. They came from near and far including a bunch from the Hawkesbury/Alexandria area who love Terry’s music and follow him everywhere. There was even a visitor from Prague, Czech Republic! Ticket sales took off in the last week so it was almost a full house.