2006-11-24, Grossman's Tavern - Toronto, ON

Could Frankie Foo possibly get any better? They have added even MORE authentic ska songs to their repertoire. I forget the song titles off the top of my head, as he has been awhile since the show, but I can tell you, they alone would be worth making the effort to go see these guys. With the addition of an upright piano to Grossman's Tavern, it makes for a unique sound. It is good these guys have a loyal following now, bigger than when I first went to see them. If you haven't seen these guys, you should be slapping yourself silly. GO SEE THEM NOW!

PS - They don't play Rocksteady, in-case the title was misleading you.

Frankie Foo and the Yoyo Smugglers  


Comments (1)

(Posted 2007-01-10)

2006-11-11, Spotlight Theatre - Newmarket, ON

Newmarket is a weird town for shows. It almost as if shows in general is a cult following. I know it isn't Toronto with the sheer amount of shows we have, but it is just something you have to experience. A definitely plus for bands is that there will always be a decent amount of people at the show. With Newmarket being right in the middle between Barrie, and Toronto, The Agency play there a lot more than they play Toronto. This means they have a greater following there. It is cool to see them play when more than just yourself know the words, or better yet, when they know the words to all the songs. The dancefloor was practically empty until these guys went on, and really showed of the energy those Newmarket kids have.

True Trout was up next, playing their Op Ivy style ska. This was my first time seeing them without their trumpet player. They have also picked up a new member to the band from Grand Skam, but he also wasn't there on this night. I was hoping to see what the new addition would do for this band. I'll guess I'll just have to wait and see. I unfortunately had to leave before The Septic Tanks Disasters went on. It has been forever since I had seen them last.

The Agency   True Trout  


Comments (0)

(Posted 2007-01-08)

2006-11-08, Phoenix Concert Theatre - Toronto, ON

I can't tell you how much it meant to me to be able to see Prince Buster. It is a night I'll never forget. Another shovel full of salt in my wounds for not going to the Legends of Ska show in 2002.

Willi Williams was really good. If you like Roots Reggae, he would be right up your alley. My only real complaint was that he played for an hour and half. It felt like his set dragged on and on. By the end of it, it seemed like the current song sounded like the last. A very talented singer, but could have done with a much shorter set.

"The Lynn Taitt Band" was backing up Prince Buster and Delroy Williams. The real sad thing is that they were able to do only one song on thier own. Lynn Taitt has a wealth full of material that could have lasted twice as long as Willi Williams' set. Luckily I was able to see him at Hugh's Room awhile ago.

Then the man everyone was waiting for came on. He performed for just over an hour, which was good to see/hear. He was absolutely amazing. I think he "wow'ed" me more than Toots did when I saw him at Lee's Palace. He started off with Madness and finished his encore with Wash, Wash while doing every song you wanted to hear inbetween. I was lucky enough to have him stand in front of me for about 90% of the show, so I had a great spot. Hopefully, he will come back again soon. I don't think I'd ever get tired of seeing him.

Willi Williams   The Lynn Taitt Band   Prince Buster (set 1)   Only man to sing into the mic...   Prince Buster (set 2)  


Comments (5)

(Posted 2007-01-05)