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February 25th, 2010 FATHEAD GUITARIST RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVMENT AWARD
The Great Lakes Blues Society of London, Ontario has awarded Teddy Leonard with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his involvement in blues music. In his early years Teddy played with local band Soul Sausage. He later became a sideman with Juno Award winner Morgan Davis for several years, then toured with Colin Linden where he had the opportunity to perform with the Band's Rick Danko and Garth Hudson. A stint with harmonica ace Michael Pickett ensued a few years later before joining FATHEAD in 1992. He continues to be an “in demand” guitarist for a variety of side gigs including the Maple Blues Revue, Chuck Jackson, Pork Belly Futures, Paul Reddick and many more. His gritty and soulful approach is paramount to Fathead’s sound. Congrats Teddy!
January 19th, 2010
FATHEAD DRUMMER IS TOPS!! Bucky Berger was voted "Drummer Of The Year" at the 13th Annual Maple Blues Awards held in Toronto on January 18. Way to go Buck!
January 5th, 2010
FATHEAD The journey continues for two time Juno Award winners, Fathead, the sturdiest of Canadian bands. Fathead, individually and collectively, has garnered numerous awards and accolades; notably two Juno Awards – “Blues Recording of the Year” for Blues Weather (1998) and Building Full Of Blues (2008) respectively. And now, buoyed by the return of long time member Teddy Leonard on guitar and the full integration of Bucky Berger on drums and percussion, Fathead offers up a new assortment of material on the soon to be released Where’s The Blues Taking Me. A more than worthy successor to “Building”, Where’s The Blues Taking Me takes it to a new level with the band’s most fully realized recording to date. With production handled by B-3 master Lance Anderson, the CD boasts a number of different sounds via always eloquent stories weaved into song, (courtesy of the band’s long time song writing team of Al Lerman and Omar Tunnoch), soul bearing vocals, sterling musicianship, and superior production values. The release demonstrates that the Fathead sound is constantly evolving and provides a generous supply of everything within Fathead’s wide musical sphere including straight up Blues, R&B, 50’s framed Rock & Roll, Funk, Gospel, and even some cabaret Soul/Blues. All selections are delivered with the warmth and accessibility listeners have come to identify with the band. The subject matter brings to light all things common and uncommon in everyday life and generally displays a courage to keep on moving forward despite life’s unpredictability. As evidence look no further than the title song: “I nearly met my maker once or twice,
“Teardrops” is a soul satisfying conclusion to an offering that effectively adds to the Fathead legacy. FATHEAD Where’s The Blues Taking Me CD Release Party WHAT: Fathead’s CD release party for, Where’s The Blues Taking Me (Electro-Fi 3416) WHEN: Sunday February 7, 2010 WHERE: Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas Street W., 416-531-6604 Tickets: Advance $15 / At The Door $17 Doors: 6:00 pm Show: 8:30 pm Dinner Reservations are available by calling the club Copies of Where’s The Blues Taking Me will be on sale ($20) Parking is available on the street and free parking is available in the Zellers / Loblaws lot until 12:00am WHO: John Mays – lead vocals Al Lerman – harp, tenor sax, vocals Teddy Leonard – guitar,vocals Omar Tunoch – bass, vocals Bucky Berger – drums, percussion, vocals Plus special guest: Lance Anderson – Keys
Septenber 27th, 2009 FATHEAD BEGINS PRODUCTION ON NEW CD Fathead headed into Toronto's top notch Canterbury Studio today to begin recording tracks for their upcoming disc "Where's The Blues Taking Me". This time around they have Juno winner/keyboard ace Lance Anderson producing with Jeremy D'Arby engineering. This disc will be the band's seventh release, and their fifth on the Electro-Fi imprint. The official release date is slated for January 2010. Mostly recorded live in the studio, this album promises to be Fathead's best yet.
AUGUST 7, 2009
In September, FATHEAD will head into Toronto's famed Canterbury Studio to record their seventh disc which will be produced by Juno Award winning musician/producer LANCE ANDERSON. Electro-Fi Records will release the disc world-wide in January 2010. May 4, 2009
Leaving the fold is our good friend and brother, Darran Poole. It was a real treat working with him and we wish him all the very best. For Darran, trying to juggle the responsibilities of a young family and a day job, along with the rigorous demands of a full-time touring band proved to be an impossibility. Darran was obviously the first to realize this and after some careful thought gave his notice last week.
May 1, 2009
January 22, 2009 FATHEAD SINGER IS TOPS AGAIN!!!
October 29, 2008 FATHEAD UP FOR TWO MAPLE BLUES AWARDS
April 8, 2008 2ND JUNO AWARD WIN FOR FATHEAD!! FATHEAD's latest release "Building Full Of Blues" (Electro-Fi #3402)) has just received a 2008 Juno Award (Canada's Grammy) for 'Blues Recording Of The Year'. It's been nine years since the band won their first Juno for their disc "Blues Weather" (Electro-Fi #3357), and they now return to the winner's circle with an album that typifies all things Fathead: solid grooves, soul drenched melodies, ace musicianship, and compelling true-to-life songwriting.
February 20, 2008 NUMBER 22 ON THE U.S. CHARTS!!!
Feburary 5, 2008 FATHEAD NOMINATED FOR THIRD JUNO!!!!! Fathead's disc "Building Full Of Blues" has garnered a Juno nomination for "blues Recording of The Year". It is the band's third nomination. They had previously won the coveted award i 1999 for "Blues Weather". The Junos take place this year in Calgary on Sunday, April 6.
January 15, 2008 FATHEAD CHARTS ON US SATELLITE Fathead's "Building Full Of Blues" disc has been charted on XM Satellite Radio, one of the biggest broadcasters in the US. This means massive airplay, coast to coast. The band will be heading to Memphis at the end of this month to participate in the Blues Foundation's International blues Challenge. December 20, 2007 FATHEAD ON BLUZ.FM Fathead's own John Mays was recently interviewed by Danny Marks for his Bluz.FM show. John's segment will air Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 9:00 pm. He'll be talking about his gospel roots and spinning a few gems from the past, and hopefully a song or two from Fathead's latest. Tune into FM 91 on your radio dial!
October 31, 2007 FATHEAD NOMINATED FOR THREE MAPLE BLUES AWARDS!!! CAST YOUR VOTE. FATHEAD has garnered three nominations at the 2008 Maple Blues Awards. Voting from fans across the country will determine the winners. Voting begins online http://www.mapleblues.ca from November 4th untile midnight (PT) December 8th, 2007. The band is nominated in the following categories: John Mays for "Male Vocalist of The Year" Al Lerman for "Horn Player of The Year" Bucky Berger for "Drummer of the Year" July 19, 2007 The U.S. release date for "Building Full of Blues" has been moved to September 18, 2007. American fans will be able to order on line from this site or thru Electro-Fi Records.
April 24, 2007 BITTER WHEN I'M OLD ON YOUTUBE Check out the brand new video for "Bitter When I'm Old" on YouTube Click here to watch the video on Youtube.com
March 8, 2007 FATHEAD CD RELEASE PARTY!!!
Join Fathead on Wednesday April 18, 8pm at Healey's Roadhouse (56 Blue Jays Way, Toronto) as they celebrate the release of their sixth album, "Building Full Of Blues" (Electro-Fi Records #3402). The disc features guest appearances by Shakura S'Aida on vocals, Jesse O'Brien on piano, and Lance Anderson on Hammond B3 organ. All will all be on hand at this gala event. Since we're throwing the party, we're making this a FREE ADMISSION event! The new CD will be available for sale and the band will gladly autograph them for you. As an additional bonus for this night only, Fathead will be offering any of our previous discs for only five bucks with the regular priced purchase of "Building Full Of Blues"! This is a great way to round out your Fathead collection. "Don't miss this party! We wanna see your face in this place!" Feb. 20, 2007 VETERAN DRUMMER JOINS FATHEAD!
FATHEAD is extremely pleased to announce that veteran roots drummer BUCKY BERGER has joined the band. Originally from Montreal, Bucky emerged on the Toronto music scene in 1974 after living and performing in the US for a year. Over a long career, he has played and/or recorded with Chilliwack, Rough Trade (including the hit, "High School Confidential"), David Wilcox, Danny Brooks, Curley Bridges, The Whiteley Brothers, Elvin Bishop, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Willie P. Bennet, Maria Muldaur and many, many others. His first gig with Fathead will be on April 6 in Thorold. Bucky is a superb fit for the band, and we welcome him with open arms as we look forward to a long and creative association together. Bucky replaces drummer Hayden Vialva who joined the group in 2003.
November 13, 2006 FATHEAD NOMINATED FOR THREE MAPLE BLUES AWARDS!!! Canada's national award programme promotes and recognises outstanding achievements in blues music. Nominations are determined by a Canada-wide panel of music industry experts. Fans all across Canada will decide the winners by casting their vote online. Please take a moment to visit www.mapleblues.ca to cast your vote. Vote for: Male Vocalist Of The Year - John Mays Bassist Of The Year - Omar Tunnoch Harmonica Player Of The Year -Al Lerman WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!!!!
June 1, 2006 FATHEAD RE-SIGNED TO ELECTRO-FI RECORDS! Electro-Fi Records is delighted to announce the re-signing of multi-award winning band FATHEAD. A new studio album by the band will be released in March, 2007. Electro-Fi released three previous CD's by this dynamic and soulful band including 1998's Juno Award winning "Blues Weather". -Andrew Galloway, www.electrofi.com
March 27, 2006 FATHEAD HIRES NEW GUITARIST
We're pleased to announce that guitarist DARRAN POOLE has joined Fathead! It only took about a minute into his audition to realise Darran was the perfect replacement for Teddy Leonard. Although Teddy leaves very big shoes to fill, Darran brings his own distinct style, characterised by roots-heavy, fat-toned guitar that compliments the band's sound perfectly. Having worked most recently with Gary Kendall and Mark "Bird" Stafford, Darran is a veteran of the local and Niagara Peninsula blues scene. He spent several years with Bluesafire backing some of Canada's best blues and roots musicians as part of the Blues and Soul Concert Series. He has also shared the stage with notable Bluesmen including Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Phil Guy and Guitar Shorty. We look forward to a long & creative relationship with Darran. He makes his official debut at the Live Wire concert in Kingston on April 8. Teddy Leonard will play his "farewell" show with the band at the Silver Dollar on April 15, then Darran re-joins the band for the Orillia Spring Blues Fest on April 28-29. Fathead is ready to roll! Watch for a new studio album release in early 2007!
March 9, 2006 FATHEAD TO GET NEW GUITARIST We're sorry to say that, after 14 years, guitarist Teddy Leonard has decided to leave the band. With Teddy's increased involvement in other ventures - The Pork Belly Futures, Paul Reddick, Mark Stafford among others - he's decided that he can no longer commit to Fathead on a full time basis. We wish Teddy all the very best. We walked a long road together and at this particular fork, it's time to go our separate ways. Meanwhile, Fathead will be holding auditions and using a variety of different guitarists until we find the right person for the job. At this time our spring/summer tour schedule is shaping up nicely and we are working toward a new studio album that will be released early in 2007.
January 2006 Fathead's segment on TVO's "In Session At Studio 2" is now slated to air on April 11th, 2006.
June 2005 Fathead recently taped a segment for TVO's "In Session at Studio 2". The show will air in fall/05. The band is interviewed and performs "Crawfishin'" and "Blue Water". March 2005 Fathead's song "Blue Water" has won honourable mention in the Blues category in the 2004 International Songwriting Competition. Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, this year's competition judged over 11,000 entries. The song, penned by Al Lerman, was featured on the band's third album "Where's Your Head At?" and is also featured on the current disc "Livelier Than Ever!" February 2005 FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD A live version of "Blues Weather" MP3 Download is now available from the Fathead Music Store. You can find this track right after the LIVELIER THAN EVER! song list on the Music Store page. January 2005 MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR John Mays won "Male Vocalist Of The Year" at the 8th annual Maple Blues Awards gala held at the Phoenix Concert Hall in Toronto. This is the third time John has taken home the hardware in this category. November 2004 FATHEAD RELEASES A BRAND NEW DISC With 4 cds to their credit, the band is now set to break new ground with the January 2005 release of their first live album, LIVELIER THAN EVER! The disc captures the band in full throttle, tossing off familiar Fathead material as well as a number of strong covers. Recorded at The Silver Dollar Room in Toronto earlier this year, it delivers the best of Fathead: Soul drenched vocals and virtuoso soloing bed-rocked in powerful ensemble playing. It should go a long way to cementing Fathead's rightful place as one of the best bands on the scene today while gaining some new fans along the way. Call it Blues; call it R&B; call it what you want. This is feel good music and it's what Fathead is all about!
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