Nanaimo guitarist David Gogo returns to Joe’s Garage on Oct. 20.
Gogo was the recipient of the Western Canadian Music Awards nod for Blues Recording of the year, it was announced at the gala event in Regina. This was the tenth anniversary of the awards and the associated Break Out West Festival and Conference.
The recording, Soul Bender, was recorded in Nanaimo at Lois Lane Studios by Rick Salt and was the focus for Gogo's extensive Canadian and European touring this year. Soul Bender was released earlier this year in Europe on France's Dixie Frog label.
"I didn't expect this when I came to Regina," Gogo said after the ceremony. "But, I am very pleased!"
David is one of Canada’s hardest-working blues-rock guitarists, and he has a string of remarkable accomplishments to show for it. Gogo has garnered three Juno Award nominations, the Saturday Night Blues’ Great Canadian Blues Award for a lifetime contribution to the blues in Canada, WCMA Musician of the Year, and has twice been named Maple Blues Guitarist of the Year.
Over the years, he has performed with blues and rock legends B.B. King, Bo Diddley, George Thorogood, and numerous others — most recently touring with Johnny Winter on Canada’s west coast. Soul Bender, his 11th release, is adding even more acclaim to an already impressive list.
It features outstanding new tracks, some Gogo originals and a few covers that run the gamut of sources and styles (Procol Harum, Elmore James, The Doors, Michael Jackson) but infused with a Gogo twist. The album was recorded by Rick Salt at Lois Lane Studios, where five of Gogo’s previous albums have been recorded.
Every effort was made to capture the feel of Gogo’s incredible live shows, and the result showcases Gogo’s best guitar and vocal performances ever! Soul Bender is a sizzling, hard-rocking blues album that is filled with heavy grooves, grit and emotion.
Because of limitations set out in the rules for the special occasions licence, tickets for the Oct. 20 gig at Joe's must be purchased in advance of the show and are available for $25. Tickets are limited.
This show is sponsored by the Society For Artistic Development Comox Valley, with a portion of the proceeds going to helping local artists develop their talent and to foster community spirit through the organization of performing art events.
— Joe's Garage