DeKeyzer keeps things rolling at Stouffville tour stop
Jack DeKeyzer had the sold-out crowd at Nineteen on the Park in downtown Stouffville dancing Saturday.
Photo by Susan Ponting
Like some holy rollers pulling into town to spread some love, truth, maybe a few tales and the blues, Jack DeKeyzer and his seasoned band of musicians moved into the Lebovic Centre for Arts and Entertainment – Nineteen on the Park in downtown Stouffville Saturday.
Like a preacher on fire, Mr. DeKeyzer delivered his standard brand of blues to a packed house. To call him one of the hardest-working bluesmen in Canada would be an understatement – the blues and rock and roll are in his DNA.
The seven time Maple Blues Award and two-time Juno Award winner has played with some of blues music's greats: Etta James, Otis Rush, Willy Big Eyes Smith, Ronnie Hawkins and Bo Diddley.
And, he's played every musical venue imaginable – from strip clubs and stadiums to the Residence of the Prime Minister of Canada where Mr. DeKeyzer gave Stephen Harper's son, Ben, a guitar lesson at the request of Laureen Harper.
The Nineteen on the Park stage is a performer's wonderland. It was obvious the band relished the opportunity to play in its theatre setting. The blues purists enjoyed the assigned seating as much as the band did. Mr. DeKeyzer, interacting with the audience, said, "This is such a great place to play, it's great to be able to see everyone."
"You've played here before!" someone shouted.
"That's right!" Mr. DeKeyzer said. "I just can't remember when it was, and we practically live down the street!"
For some though, the assigned seating was obviously too restrictive. After all, dancing is not only a prerequisite at a Jack DeKeyzer show, it's a compulsion – so they danced, wine in hand, in their seats.
Mr. DeKeyzer's band of blues brothers, who he says he "loves and is very proud of," is made up of a group of veterans: bassist Alan Duffy, tenor sax player Richard Thornton, David McMorrow on organ and piano and drummer Rick Donaldson.
The bandmates' rapport on stage was a treat to watch. They play almost telepathically as musicians who've been together for so long do.
A musician's musician, Mr. DeKeyzer has full bands in every province he plays in, most of whom he's worked with for more than 30 years.
His distinctive voice is infectious, and his Dylanesque tone matches the edgy and raw sound of his guitar.
It was the guitar that changed everything for him when he was given one as a little boy.
Years later as a pro, the British-born, Hamilton-raised Mr. DeKeyzer becomes one with his beloved Fender, the guitar he came very close to losing when he once traded it for another and realized the next day he'd made a horrible mistake.
When he went back to the shop, the guitar had been sold. Mr. DeKeyzer was crestfallen. But like a good song, thankfully, as he recalls on an episode of Kim Mitchell's, HiFI TV series, Guitar Picks, it took some effort, but the guy who bought his Fender eventually sold it back to him.
Mr. Dekeyzer's been married for 23 years to his elegant wife, Emily. They have three children. Their marriage is an inspiration considering Mr. DeKeyzer's on the road from coast to coast throughout the year.
Emily says, "I go to all the shows I can, but with the kids, my elderly mom, and the distance and late nights, it's not always possible."
Emily does make the Toronto shows though, and says now that the kids have grown, "They appreciate Jack's music. They often go to gigs and bring their friends. They all love music so it's understandable that they admire and recognize Jack for the incredible musician he is," she added.
Mr. DeKeyzer has managed to do in Canada what many only dream of – playing as a full-time traveling musician, winning awards, and making a living at it. Not to mention, having a successful marriage and raising kids.
It's obvious he doesn't take any of it for granted; and as many of the blues aficionados among us know, he didn't have to go to the crossroads to do it.
