A Look Back and Ahead At The International Music Scene

Happy New Year to the readers of Jambands.com. Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday.

During the past year, the jamband scene has come to the forefront of music culminating with Phish playing Big Cypress on NYE. In Canada, it's been a great year for live music. The Burt Neilson Band hit their stride and our becoming the leaders of a burgeoning local scene. We also saw the arrival of The New Deal, perhaps the best new band to appear on the scene. The Fat Cats evolved into a four piece outfit and are playing better than ever as was evident at their NYE gig opening for the Burt Neilson Band at the Comfort Zone. Speaking of which, The Comfort Zone solidified itself as Toronto's best live music venue (as noted in the nickname, "Wetlands North"). The Zen Tricksters, Michael Ray, Merl Saunders, Jazz is Dead and many others passed through during this eventful year. The highlight in Toronto was the Phish show at Molson Amphitheatre on July 20. It was the first time in nearly five years that the band had played in Toronto and they did not disappoint with blaring renditions of Twist Around and the inaugural Misty Mountain Hop. We have many things to look forward to here in Canada as well as, in the International column. Upcoming articles on hot Toronto group, The Would Be Travellers Promenade will appear as well as profiles and reviews of top local acts as well as updates on our favourite groups.

I would like to thank Ian Oakley and Nils Hallberg for their overseas contributions. Hopefully, we will see more articles from around the world. As well, more Canadian content from local readers. To submit an article email me at international@jambands.com. Thanks again to everyone who has made this site so great. To our readers, thanks for your input and interest, all the best in the new year!

Upcoming Tour Dates

Burt Neilson Band:

January 20, The Shot, Kingston
January 29, Le Swimming, Montreal
February 2, The Outpost, Thunder Bay *CD Release Party!
February 4, Amigos, Saskatoon February 10-12, Uplander, Rossland, B.C.
February 14, The Boot, Whistler, B.C.
February 16, The Starfish Room, Vancouver

The New Deal:

January 21, Zaphods 2 *Opening for Ivana Santilli
January 22, Le Swimming, Montreal
January 26, MT Muggs, Saratoga Springs
January 27,The Haunt, Ithaca
February 2, The Wetlands *Upstairs
February 3, Metronome, Burlington VT
February 11, The Hudson, Hamilton, On
February 12, Reverb, Toronto *Sound+Light Records Night

The Fat Cats:

January 20, Red Dog, Peterbrough
January 21, La Luna, Hamilton
January 22, Mountainview, Collingwood

Jazz Mandolin Project:

February 18, The Opera House, Toronto (w/ Jon Fishman)

Derek Trucks:

January 29, Comfort Zone

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe:

February 14, Comfort Zone (perfect for Valentines Day!)