Sunday night the Wreckhouse capped off another highly successful week of jazz and blues and called it quits for another year.

Well, not quite. With a festival such as this, there’s so much that goes on behind the scenes before, during and after the festivities that most people never see or here about.

They never really call it quits.

Take these folks for example. While everyone else is enjoying themselves at the Wreckhouse closing ceremonies, they’re patiently waiting to pack up all the requisite gear and equipment.

It takes lots of people to run a festival, not the least of which are the volunteers.

Festivals like these wouldn’t even exist were it not for the hard work and dedication of these unpaid patrons of the arts.

Then you’ve got the staff who work throughout the year to secure funding and sponsorships, book venues and artists, arrange accommodations, organize events, hire technicians, attract volunteers. It’s never ending, and I doubt they’d have it any other way.

So as we bid farewell to another Wreckhouse Jazz and Blues Festival, thinking fondly on next year, remember that just because you can’t hear the music play it doesn’t mean the festival’s not still underway.

Last year, Richard Underhill was here with the offbeat jazz fusion group, The Shuffle Demons. This year he was offering up much more traditional jazz fare with The Richard Underhill Quintet at the Masonic Temple.

Richard Underhill Quintet | Photo: Melissa Hogan

Planet Earth, a Toronto based funk group, was rocking Dusk. It’s a shame that people didn’t take advantage of the groove to get up and dance. Perfect opportunity.

Planet Earth | Photo: Melissa Hogan

Planet Earth | Photo: Melissa Hogan

The crowd at the Majestic got it, though, and were up dancing the night away to H’Sao, a family group originally from Chad that exuded joy and demonstrated those elusive sibling harmonies that I love so much.

The audience especially loved when band members would let loose and dance. It was mesmerizing.

H'Sao | Photo: Melissa Hogan

H'Sao | Photo: Melissa Hogan

H'Sao | Photo: Melissa Hogan

The first band I checked out on Friday night was the Griffith Hiltz Trio at Yellowbelly Brewery. I just barely missed seeing this group last year.

Right off the bat I was impressed with the way that Nathan Hiltz mastered the set of bass pedals at his feet. No bass player? No problem.

Then Johnny Griffith pulled out a bass clarinet and proceeded to play it at the same time as his alto sax. Colour me impressed.

To round out the band, drummer Sly Juhas easily could’ve challenged Alex Cuba for the title of Best ‘Fro at the Wreckhouse.

Griffith Hiltz Trio | Photo: Melissa Hogan

Nathan Hiltz | Photo: Melissa Hogan

Meanwhile another group from Toronto was on deck at the Martini Bar. I’m sure a few people did a double take when they read the group’s name in the schedule: The Worst Pop Band Ever.

The group describe themselves as being the ugly love child of Miles Davis and Radiohead. Jazz traditionalists, they are not.

To illustrate: we were treated to a tripped out version of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing mid-set. I mean, really, how many groups do you see at jazz festivals with a DJ?

Worst Pop Band Ever | Photo: Melissa Hogan

Worst Pop Band Ever | Photo: Melissa Hogan

Chris Gale of The Worst Pop Band Ever | Photo: Melissa Hogan

The crowds might not have been mighty but according to sax player Chris Gale, after the show they received one of the best compliments they could get: “Man, that set was a trip!”

Friday evening featured a lot of good music. I’d attempted to take in as much as possible, hitting up Yellowbelly, Martini Bar, Dusk Ultralounge, Fat Cat and The Majestic Theater.

Despite Matt Anderson being the most popular event of the night, I was left singing a Rowdy Blues song entitled “All I Want Is To Travel” all of Saturday afternoon as I ran errands. You can check them out here.

Also on tap for Friday night was The Lori Cooper Band. My girlfriend quite liked Lori Cooper as well and being that she’s local (Cooper) we’ll probably be making the effort to see her again from time to time. She kind of reminded me of those silly people who just love to dance, sing and carry on… always smiling while aiming to make you laugh and enjoy life.

Rowdy Blues at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Rowdy Blues at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Lori Cooper at the Fat Cat | Photo: Colin Peddle

Lori Cooper at the Fat Cat | Photo: Colin Peddle

Tidbit time: Lori played keyboard for Thomas Trio and Red Albino, who in my opinion are creators of one of the best songs in Canadian history with “142 Thru”.

Dominic Mancuso at Dusk Ultralounge | Photo: Colin Peddle

Dominic Mancuso at Dusk Ultralounge | Photo: Colin Peddle

Dominic Mancuso at Dusk Ultralounge | Photo: Colin Peddle

Matt Anderson at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Matt Anderson at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Matt Anderson at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Lots more pics from Friday night’s goings on here

Tom Power from CBC Two's Deep Roots | Photo: Colin Peddle

When Tom Power from CBC Two’s Deep Roots is on hand, you know you’re in for a show.

Last night at the Majestic was a big tick in my life box — a big ‘yes that was a good day’. Alex Cuba’s style and showmanship was astounding and surprising to say the least. My ears were smiling throughout the entire show and I’m fairly certain if the Dos Equis Guy had a best friend, it could only be Mr. Cuba.

The show opened with The Dogberries performing their brand of contemporary jazz with a hint of folk. I must admit, they too were very pleasing on the ears and their clean style kept the Cuba-awaiting audience very happy.

The Dogberries at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Alex Cuba at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Alex Cuba at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Alex Cuba at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Alex Cuba at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Alex Cuba at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Alex Cuba at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Alex Cuba at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Standing applause... except for that guy. | Photo: Colin Peddle

After the standing ovation was applied by the patrons, Alex Cuba decided to do “one more”… this quickly turned into a few more. I think he played for another 15-20 minutes, just during the encore. We all know that sultry has been a recurring theme during this year’s Wreckhouse Festival, but it can’t get more sultry then having ladies from the audience dancing on the stage while you’re playing.

Alex Cuba did just that.

Alex Cuba at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Alex Cuba at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Alex Cuba at the Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

Click here for the rest of the photos from The Dogberries and Alex Cuba

On the surface, George Street looked pretty chill last night. Like the temperature in the air, it seemed like all the heat from the previous night of jazz and blues had dissipated, perhaps in anticipation of a hot and hectic Friday.

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You merely had to step inside one of the many venues for last night’s Wreckhouse, though, to realize George Street was in fact burning up with the heat of jazz and blues.

My first stop last night was my first stop from the night before. I couldn’t resist the call of the Creaking Tree String Quartet, giving their second and final performance of the festival at Yellowbelly.

Click to enlarge.

Once again, the Creaking Tree String Quartet stole the hearts and expanded the minds of the capacity crowd.

While we’re on the subject of capacity crowds, The Majestic was literally filled to the rafters for Alex Cuba.

Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge.

Cuba had the heat turned up on bust.

Shawn Beresford and the Soulution at the Fat Cat and Elvis Bossa Nova at Dusk Ultra Lounge rounded out the night for me.

Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge.

It’s been a great week of jazz and blues so far. Here’s looking forward to what the Wreckhouse weekend has in store!

Elvis Bossa Nova: Elvis tunes re-imagined in a blend of rock, jazz, Latin, bluegrass, country, classical and improv?

I’m in.

Elvis Bossa Nova | Photo: Melissa Hogan

If you were expecting to sing along with Hound Dog or Jailhouse Rock however, you might’ve been disappointed. The songs were definitely Elvis, but they were so deconstructed that it’s hard to pick out which tune was which. That didn’t make the music any less enjoyable, though. And the blistering solos from Michael Davidson on the vibraphone were certainly a highlight.

Not bad for something that started out as an experiment.

Alex Cuba | Photo: Melissa Hogan

Despite the cooler temperatures outside, inside the Majestic it was downright sultry. All thanks to the man with the afro.

Alex Cuba is a Juno award winning singer-songwriter originally from Cuba. The stage name gives it away, eh? He’s got a smooth charisma that pulled in the packed house. There were a lot of bopping heads and more than a few dancers along the aisles.

Alex Cuba | Photo: Melissa Hogan

Cuba’s songs have all the elements to make for some perfect summer listening, which was exactly what we got last night.

Bill Brennan with Banda Brazil at The Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

It was a late start for me last night, but better late then never. And what better way to start things off than with Bill Brennan and Banda Brazil at the Majestic. Not quite the capacity crowds reported by Darcy and Melissa at the Fat Cat, but those who did attend were subjects to a fantastic show.

Here’s a secret: I’ve always had a fondness for Brazillian music and I know all of the “words” — sadly I don’t speak Portuguese — to Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66′s song Mas Que Nada. Frankly, I’d argue it’s one of the best songs ever, which is why it pleased me to no end when Bill Brennan and Banda Brazil sang it… and I sang along with them.

Jeff Dyer | Photo: Colin Peddle

Kelly-Ann Evans| Photo: Colin Peddle

Bill Brennan and Banda Brazil were so good some girls showed up to dance. How nice!

Dancers at Banda Brazil | Photo: Colin Peddle

Dana Parsons w/ Bill Brennan on Percussion | Photo: Colin Peddle

Next up, I was lucky enough to gain access to the Fat Cat. By this time, it was at capacity and I had to use my best smile to be allow in, if just for a few moments.

Treasa Levasseur at the Fat Cat | Photo: Colin Peddle

Now, the word “amazing” gets tossed around a lot these days, very unjustly in most cases.

Tresa Levasseur is amazing. I’m just going to say that right now. You need to visit her website, buy her CD, give it to your significant other and enjoy it – if you get my drift.

Treasa Levasseur at the Fat Cat | Photo: Colin Peddle

James Robertson on the Electric w/ Treasa Levasseur at the Fat Cat | Photo: Colin Peddle

Downtown St. John’s was humid and warm last night, with a subtle hint of Bourbon Street. I expect and hope Friday night will be sticky and sweaty with 10 times the people, making the atmosphere all the more New Orleans-esque — I don’t think they could pick a better week to do a Jazz and Blues festival in St. John’s.

The Scene | Photo: Colin Peddle

If you’re not getting down to see anything from the Wreckhouse Festival you’re doing yourself a serious injustice. Some of the greatest talent in blues and jazz are in town this week and even if you’re not one to actually listen to either genre on a regular basis, like myself,  experiencing it live is a whole other story.

My night kicked off at the Majestic to see Havana to Canada, a local Latin jazz group with heavy Cuban leanings.

Mojito anyone?

They literally brought the house down: two songs in a chunk of the ceiling came tumbling down a few inches from my head. There was a decent sized crowd there, which I was surprised to see had thinned out later that night when I came back to see Bill Brennan and Banda Brazil, another great local Latin jazz group.

Too much heat, maybe? Shoulda had that mojito!

Havana to Canada. Click to enlarge.

Next it was over to the Fat Cat, to squeeze my way through the crowd on my way to the front for a few snaps. The vibe in this room was different than over at the Majestic: hotter, grittier, bluesier.

I loved hearing Chris with a horn section. Being a former sax player, I’m probably biased but it seemed to just bring the songs up to another level. I would love to see that become a regular thing.

Chris Kirby. Click to enlarge.

Last stop of the evening was Dusk Ultra Lounge to see Toronto-based singer, Elizabeth Shepherd. Armed with sincere lyrics and a soulful voice, her introductions for each song really pulled you in and invested you in her music.

Elizabeth Shepherd. Click to enlarge.

Shepherd’s even got a Newfoundland connection with her grandmother. I hope those roots bring her back this way again sometime.

The Forgotten Bouzouki got things started at Yellowbelly last night with some beautiful Greek music. Featuring George Miminis and a slew of local talent, they set the tone for a captivating night at the downtown brewery.

After a short break, which I enjoyed over a delicious pint of Yellowbelly brew on the balcony around back, The Creaking Tree String Quartet emerged from various corners of the room and arranged themselves with slow intensity around a single microphone stand.

One of the band members looked steely eyed into the crowd as he uttered, “we like to create an awkward tension before we play,” much to the audience’s amusement.

Creaking Tree were that magical mix of breathtaking and laughter inducing. You know that thing where you’re completely captivated by something and then suddenly this half gasp, half laugh just comes out? That happened to me a lot during their set.

Rounding out the night was a trek to the Fat Cat for some Chris Kirby & The Marquee goodness, with support from the Horns of Justice. And those horns were packing heat. It was a hot and sultry scene at the Fat Cat, with the place just about filled to capacity.

You can catch Chris Kirby with John Clark and The Creaking Tree String Quartet tonight at Yellow Belly, which I highly recommend you put some serious thought into doing.

Not sure where I’ll be just yet, there’s so much to choose from.

Not sure yourself? Don’t forget you can always view the complete Wreckhouse schedule online here.