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artist Bentroots

Toronto, ON, CANADA
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biographical info

BENTROOTS was a project born out of a Blue Monday Revue at the legendary Chick ‘N Deli in Toronto, where it became the house band hosting weekly guest performers, such as Chuck Jackson of Downchild Blues Band, Al Lerman of Fathead, bluesman Johnny Wright and the soulful Errol Fisher, to name a few.

BENTROOTS has evolved into a permanent band of impassioned and pedigreed musicians (see line-up below), whose sole purpose is to play every song as though it was their last, challenging each other to higher heights, and exploring familiar and unknown realms. The result is a mix of swampy bluesy funky jazzy musical magic.

Stoked by the chemistry of some of his favourite players and a burning desire to record some of his own original songs (of which there are hundreds), singer/songwriter/guitarist Nicholas Balkou took it to the next level producing the first BENTROOTS cd, Tales Of A Swamp King in 2009 – a collection of N’Awlins flavoured tunes guar-an-teed to put a smile on your face, get your hips a movin’ and toes a tappin’. 

Fresh Smoke, the 2nd independent cd release of BENTROOTS, dropped in May, 2012 and is an eclectic blend of soulful, blues and jazz-inspired ballads and playful romps.

The 3rd independent CD release of BENTROOTS Welcome To Club Bluenote, was released on May 7, 2013 is an homage to the club which came to be known as Toronto’s “Home of Rhythm and Blues”

BENTROOTS can be found every Monday night at Toronto bar Relish, where they play their brand of hip-shakin’ Louisiana-style music for an enthusiastic multi-generational crowd.

lineup

Nicholas Balkou Vocalist/Guitar
Robert Newman Bass Guitar
Michael Fonfara Piano/Keyboard/Organ
Duncan McBain Drums
Ed Roth Accordian/Keyboard
Welcome To Club Bluenote
Independent
May, 2013
List Tracks ▼
Fresh Smoke
Independent
May, 2012
List Tracks ▼
Tales of a Swamp King
Independent
March, 2009
List Tracks ▼

3rd CD Release Party

posted by AlagaucheBassman   

Tuesday May 7, 2012 was a night to remember for us.  The Revival on College is where we celebrated the release to our 3rd CD “WELCOME TO CLUB BLUENOTE”.  

This CD is an homage to the club which came to be known as Toronto’s “Home of Rhythm and Blues”

Featured performers from the CD include Gayle Ackroyd, The Lincoln’s Steve Ambrose, Diana Braithwaite, John Dickie, John Findlay, Johnny Max, Fathead’s John Mays, Peter McGraw, Osunlade, Betty Richardson, Son Roberts and Johnny Wright. 

The evening was emceed by CIUT’s program director and host of “Funky Fridays” and “Global Rhythms”, Ken Stowar.

“WELCOME TO CLUB BLUENOTE” is a collection of mostly original tunes, penned by Little Nikky Balkou and hand picked for each of the artists who appears on the CD. “It is my vision to celebrate the Toronto entertainers past and present who make up the current Toronto rhythm and blues scene.” says Balkou. “I also want to pay tribute to my cousin Bill and his contribution to the Toronto music scene. After all, it was Bill who resurrected the original club from the sixties. I remember him greeting people at the door in his tux…a class act all the way.”

Stay tuned for CD #4 which we are aalready recording bed tracks.

Keep the Blues alive and check us out at http://www.bentroots.ca and pick up your copy today at http://bentroots.bandcamp.com/

posted by AlagaucheBassman   
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