Press

July 2007 - La Hora del Blues

"High level band with a huge experience along Canadian blues circles. They fluently perform an excellent effective mixture of blues, rhythm and blues, funk, swing, rockabilly and rock along the thirteen songs included on the cd. The arrangements of the original covers have got great quality with a cool lush sound. The Jukes can feel proud of being a solid band with a powerful guitar sound and an delight ful daring vibrato. Josh Gordon guitar solos have a personal stamp with very close Texan references which give them a straight charisma, something not very usual among many actual guitar players. Toronto musical scene can be proud of that excellent band. VERY GOOD. ".

La Hora del Blues, on "What A Night"

October 2006 - Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records

Drinking All Night - "Grooves well, and you sound like you're having fun. Really good guitar work. I'm sure this gets across well live where people can holler along."

What A Night - "I can tell a lot of work went into the lyrics here, and there is some clever writing...Nice organ solo and good groove"

Will She Go - "nicely slinky groove. Lyrics kept my attention. Again, good guitar solo."

Drowning Man - "most enjoyable track so far, just because everyone feels so comfortable. Nice use of alternate chord voicings on the bridge."

Run Dear Boy - "good boogaloo groove. One of your better vocals with some nice vibrato. Good intensity. One of my favorites. Good guitar solo too."

Summertime - "enjoyable swinging version of this classic. I liked it".

Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records, on "What A Night"

April 2006 - E .B. Bluesday

"This album is a nice variety of rockin’ blues, jump blues, swing, shuffle and funk from a hard working band out of Toronto. There’s nothing like a really cool base line start to a tune and I Blame You gives you just that. Their originals are outstanding , not only musically but lyrically as well. The only tune they cover, Summertime, is performed exquisitely well. A really fun album! "

E .B. Bluesday , CKUW 95.9 FM, Winnipeg

March 2006 - Mary4Music.com

"'WHAT A NIGHT', the debut CD from a very tight and talented band called the JUKES is already the second submission of 'Blues from North of the Border' in as many months. The perfect blend of Blues, Funk, Rockabilly, R&B, Jazz and Swing - that you'll hear on 12 original tracks - comes to you from PETER CHARLES on Vocals, JOSH GORDON on Guitar and Vocals, ANDREW TAYLOR on Bass and Vocals, CHRIS CHIARELLI on Drums and Percussion and special guest ROD PHILLIPS on Organ.

The all important, impression setting opening track - 'RAINING IN TORONTO' - did exactly what it was supposed to do - it had me liking 'WHAT A NIGHT' already. The lead vocals and lead guitar are very impressive and the bands already in a groove that they never leave.

'DRINKING ALL NIGHT' exhausted me - and I was sitting down as I listened! This has to be one of the JUKES most requested songs at live shows. It's a smokin' hot party song that no doubt gets everyone in the joint jumpin'. The band certainly was.

'WILL SHE GO' is full of funk and you all know what that means - the rhythm sections real hot on this one. It's also the first track, and thankfully not the last, that features ROD joining in with some blazing organ highlights.

'DROWNING MAN', as the title may indicate, is good old straight up Chicago Blues. The track opens with some serious blues guitar highlights which set the mood on this scorcher. Once again, ROD shines bright throughout the track on background and organ solos.

'NO CENTS' is no pun. It's a smooth shuffle about a cat whose so broke that if poverty were hip he'd be one cool cat. However, he has absolutely 'no cents'. Along those same lines, 'THE SUN AIN'T SHINNING' is about a cat whose old lady is going out with other cats because he's so broke. Sounds to me like these two cats just might be blues musicians.

The only cover on this CD is a very nicely done, jazzy version of 'SUMMERTIME'. JOSH and CHRIS compliment each other real well on guitar and drums. This one is real smooth yet very hot and is an impressive ending to a very impressive project.

Check out the JUKES at www.thejukesband.com and while you're there be sure to pick up a copy of 'WHAT A NIGHT'. "

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, Mary4Music.com

March 2006 - LivinBlues.com

"The Jukes have been honing their Blues chops on the Toronto bar scene for years, and once went under the name Redbird. A 4-piece unit fronted by vocalist Peter Charles, special guest Rod Phillips’ of the Pie Guys is also featured on organ, with Steve Grisbook handling production duties .... There’s lots of playful, high energy Boppin’ Blues here, and their guitar-intensive instrumentation makes them sound quite reminiscent of the early Jack DeKeyzer, before he headed into a more soulful direction. The Jukes know how to rock out.

That's how they keep them happy at the clubs. They particularly succeed when they write material that falls somewhat 'outside the box'. It gives them that extra edge. They deliver a moving deep Blues via Drowning Man, while No Cents (an obvious wordplay song) benefits from self-mocking, slightly askew humor. They also elevate their game on the title track and Run Dear Boy. What A Night is worth checking out"

Gary Tate, LivinBlues

February 2006 - 701.com

"Oh, what a blues breakout! The Jukes are hoppin’ and boppin’ on this, their debut CD. The Jukes are a varied bunch of serious blues players who like to have fun too. Peter Charles wails out the vocals, and I was really impressed with Josh Gordon on guitar. It was his playing that held my attention throughout the CD playing time. For example, I swerved from smiling at the tongue-in-cheek remorse on ‘Drinking All Night’, straight into sadness on ‘I Blame You’.

That is what makes the blues special, it combines humour, pathos and meaningful life experiences as lyrical paintings. Some well-selected covers include Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’, dressed in swinging blue notes . I also liked the funk-oriented ‘It Don’t Matter’ - with great lyrics about being real and cool.

It is a treat to listen to players that have spent years honing their skills in and around the Toronto Blues scene. They do remind me of The Stray Cats mixed with classic Blues Brothers energy—and I am talking about the first movie, folks, not those scary sequels! This CD is really a teaser for what I imagine is really hot show to experience live. They play constantly so check them out at a local watering hole near you. And, oh yeah, buy the CD too. "

Sue Andreychuk, 701.com

January 2006 - Maple Blues Magazine

"With the help of a promising CD, this band is generating some buzz on the local scene. They are not new players, having formerly been Redbird. The new name has clearly re-invigorated everyone however. Peter Charles handles vocals, Josh Gordon, guitar, Andrew Taylor, bass and Chris Chiarelli, drums. Gordon or Taylor wrote most of the material here and they've learned their craft well..... The opening song, 'Raining in Toronto', should hit home with anyone who's spent more than they have.... Rod Phillips guests on organ on five of the songs, adding a bit of a different sound but by and large the vocalist plus trio sound holds up well over the length of the album. Songs like 'Drinking All Night' and 'What a Night' must really go over well with the bar crowd and perhaps then they'll pay attention to the more serious ones like 'I Blame You' or 'The Sun Ain't Shining'."

John Valenteyn, Maple Blues Magazine

January 2006 - Tecka's Tracks HOTFM 106.7FM

"I’ve been playing The Jukes album for the past couple of months on my program…These guys have produced a great CD. Fits right in the mix of my Rock & Blues Show."

"TECKA"..Terry Iredale Tecka's Tracks HOTFM 106.7FM

January 2006 - SweetSarahBlues.com

"There is a new band on the scene, making waves and packing dance floors everywhere they go. Riding high on the hype following the release of their debut album 'What A Night' The Jukes will be sure to secure a place on the Blues map in Toronto. With a great mix of Blues, R & B, Rockabilly and Soul, the disc features killer originals, and a sweet, modernized and funky version of the classic ‘Summertime’.

The first cut on the disc is ‘Raining In Toronto’, a great jump Blues track featuring outstanding guitar work from Josh Gordon. The title track, ‘What A Night’ is a fun tune about the familiar feeling of overdoing it on a good night out with the boys. ‘Run Dear Boy’ is a fine example of the talents of lead vocalist Peter Charles. He has a fairly wide vocal range, and is perfectly suited to sing Blues and R & B. The aforementioned ‘Summertime’ is jazzy, smooth and gorgeous. There are 13 awesome tracks on "What A Night" and I would be hard pressed to find one that did not stand out.

The Jukes are one tight band! From the vocals provided by Mr. Charles, the exceptional guitar work from Josh Gordon, funky bass lines laid down by Andrew Taylor, to the formidable drumming from Chris Chiarelli. These gentlemen have hit the nail on the head with their radio friendly, crowd pleasing musical team. Keep your eyes peeled for The Jukes in your city, and do yourself a favor by checking them out live, and grabbing a copy of this incredible disc. "

Sarah French, SweetSarahBlues.com

January 2006 - Patchwork Blues, CFMU McMaster 93.3 FM

"This particular ensemble definitely leans towards upbeat rhythms in jazz, swing, blues, rockabilly, funk and old-time rock and roll, so there’s an exciting mélange of original compositions here."

"Although each of the band members ... dedicate themselves to their respective instrument, they all contribute original material based on their various influences. Well-known keyboardist Rod Phillips (of The Midnite Walk) adds an organic element to several of these recordings, including the title track and most notably on 'Drowning Man', the only slow-blues sandwiched among these rockin’ tunes."

"There’s a strong parallel to Ottawa’s The Mudboys and Hamilton’s Jack de Keyzer in several of the musical presentations here, including 'Raining in Toronto', 'I Blame You' and 'The Sun Ain’t Shining', so it’s really easy to get into the overall groove."

Diane Wells, Patchwork Blues, CFMU McMaster 93.3 FM

December 2005 - WhereTheMusicTakesMe.com

"I am most pleased to report the entry into the world of blues of 'The Jukes'. This, their debut album contains a total of mostly original tracks that clearly demonstrate the talents and diversity of the group. Composed of four members this compact group demonstrates a fusion of Chicago Style Blues, a mixture of Allman Brothers Southern Rock and Rockabilly with an ample sprinkling of funk, garnished with a smidgen of Soft Swing all of which makes this collection a fun listen.

My personal Favorites were the high energy Jump track entitled 'Drinkin’ All Night' A track that has rockabilly flavor mixed with a pure unadulterated swing beat. A feel that just gets up and goes full bore to your feet. For those who like it toned down just a bit track eight entitled 'No Cents' is a solid shuffle that made these old feet want to hit the floor and style for a while."

WhereTheMusicTakesMe.com

December 5th 2005 - Feedback from Max Trax

"I added the track 'Raining in Toronto' about a month ago. I was listening at home on Saturday myself and thought how good it sounded in the mix with Eric Clapton, Etta James, Glamour Puss and others."

Peter Silversides - Music Director, Max Trax Digital Music

November 4th, 2005 - Tecka's Tracks HOTFM 106.7FM

"This is some” Top Kick Ass" Blues you got here…shuffles, a bit of jump, some great 12 bar stuff and I love the B3 which has been inserted in some fine spots."

"TECKA"..Terry Iredale Tecka's Tracks HOTFM 106.7FM

October 26th 2005 - CD Review, 94.9 FM The Rock

"The Jukes have that fresh Bluzy/Jazz groove that want you craving more!"

Rockin' Rod - 94.9 FM The Rock

October 5th 2005 - Performance/Interview on Lowdown 2 Uptown on 88.1 FM CKLN

"Nice Stuff! You guys definitely have a nice tight ensemble sound."

"Well, I think you guys are going to have a good reputation just based on having met you all tonight. I really appreciate you coming in and playing for us, it’s been a pleasure hearing you."

David Barnard - aka Dr. Feelgood - CKLN.FM 88.1 Lowdown 2 Uptown
CKLN-FM 88.1

September 18th, 2005 - Sunday Night Soul Broadcast

THE JUKES are a great little band and pretty much straight ahead blues and their new CD is fantasic!

Johnny Max, host of Sunday Night Soul
www.sundaynightsoul.com

Listen to Johnny Max speaking about The Jukes.

June 4th, 2005 - Review from our performance at P.K. CREEK

"Unfamiliar with the band and their music, I had no idea what lay ahead. The boys blew me away! Turns out, THE JUKES are another immensely talented compilation of Toronto area musicians forming a one of a kind blend of rockin’ blues band."

"Sets consisting of THE JUKES kick-ass originals flowed fluently with their fiery, soulful deliverance of traditional blues and classic rock covers. THE JUKES original rockin’ blues reminded me of the unique musical blend of none other that Jack de Keyzer. Not bad for a relatively youthful, new band. What really catches one’s eye is the amazing chemistry these four musicians possess creating an electrifying energy that reaches the depths of one's heart and soul."

Diane Goldsmith - P.A. Blue Star Records