Local musicians are finally catching up on their CD release parties.
The Steve Keenan Band held their long awaited CD release party at the Slice for their excellent new CD “ In My Hands.” Friday, Oct. 8.
I missed Karen Romanchuk’s opening set, but was just in time to catch Keenan and company blast through the CD in order.
Keenan was joined by Paul Kype on guitar, bassist David Popovitch, drummer Darwin Romanchuk and Keyboardist TJ Waltho hidden in the shadows on the side
of the stage.
Everybody got to solo including Waltho, whose understated piano played enhanced the band’s blues and country with a touch of honky tonk vibe.
Kype and Keenan seamlessly traded guitar solos.
The audience made up for lack of numbers with lots of enthusiasm, applause and appreciation, right from the country tinged “Country Buzz” and carrying on through the set.
“Country Buzz” was one of several songs featuring a hot TJ Waltho piano solo.
They showed more of their blues side on “ Drowning Sorrows” and “Gamblers Hand.”
“ Doin’ Fine,” was a highlight as always.
They slowed down things a bit for “In My Hands,” which Keenan said was about his daughter.
They ended the set with the last few songs on the CD , the always popular “Something New,” and The last track on the Cd , a crowd favourite “Whiskey Drinking Blues.”
— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor