A Wonderful Surprise...
Watermelon Slim shakes things up at
North Bay's brand new blues haven
by Bear Claw Bob
(April 9, 2006) On April 6 Watermelon Slim and the Workers roared into North Bay for a one-night show at Cecil's Eatery & Beer Society, the revamped Wylder's Music Hall on Main Street that now on occasion features big name blues acts. It was a rollicking good night, and Slim provided the highlight to this excellent introduction to the revitalized venue.
We started off with supper, which came from a moderately priced menu featuring a varied selection of standard fare - nothing ostentatious or overly exotic, but featuring fresh food well prepared and well presented. There were even enough interesting non-alcoholic beverages available to keep this full-time designated driver happy.
There was no introduction for Slim. His gear was set up on the stage when we walked in. About 9 o'clock we saw a guy we didn't know wearing a white suite and a black bowler strolling around the room, stopping at a few of the tables and chatting with the patrons as they finished eating. We assumed this must be Slim - he looked a bit like the photo on his cd cover, only not as rough. By 9:30 the rest of the band wandered up onto the stage, got set up in two or three minutes, then got to work the minute Slim took his place at centre.
Slim's persona is a bit clownish, but his virtuosity on vocals, harmonica and slide guitar but to rest any misconception that he is anything less than a serious blues talent. While I watched him do his thing, I kept finding myself wondering, "where has this guy been hiding all this time?" His music is steeped in the Delta-based Chicago blues traditions of the greats like Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf, and his show is packed with respectful references to their work. But Slim isn't derivative like I've read some reviewers comment. He's the real thing, with his own voice and style, and an energy level that is awe-inspiring.
The band, featuring guitar player Ike Lamb and Bassist Cliff Belcher, provided a tight seamless foundation for Slim's musical pyrotechnics. Toronto's Maureen Brown, subbing for the regular drummer who had troubles getting into Canada, turned in a solid performance all night long on the kit.
This is a must-see show that will leave you breathless and inspired. Catch these boys when they roll into your neck of the woods!
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