Monday nights are usually deadly slow, but Aug. 15 featured a couple of great shows.
Montreal blues musician Cecile Doo-Kingue played the second of two shows at Plum. I only caught her first set and, as usual, was impressed.
Her music and attitude was all about love, happiness, good vibes, good times, and great musicianship but with a couple of serious moments.
They had a good sized crowd for the show, who listened intently and applauded politely.
“This will get your ooh la las going,” Doo Kingue promised before a big jam on “Des Minuten.”
She and band mates drummer Anthony Pageot and bassist Pierre Desmarias were in the mood to jam, especially when they got a few people on their feet dancing on “Des Minuten.” So the band was happy to oblige. Doo-Kingue played a smooth, funky guitar solo, while drummer Pageot played a beautiful jazzy drum solo which kept those feet flying and butts shaking.
She introduced one of my favourites “Ma’s Kitchen” by talking about coming from Cameroon and dedicating it to anybody who grew up with wonderful cooks.
She ended the first set on a serious note, by introducing Bloodstained Vodka” with a spiel about queer rights.
I would have stayed for the second set, but didn’t want to miss a couple of my favourite performers, Twin Peaks at the Owl Acoustic Lounge.