“The blues is celebration, because when you take sorrow and turn it into music, you transform it.” ~ Odetta Holmes Folk, blues, spirituals guitarist, lyricist (1930–2008)

I last saw this band at the Roots and Blues Festival last summer. There has been somewhat of a transformation with new members joining and adding bass, slide guitar and harmonica, while dropping the keyboards. You don’t get many blues acts in Kamloops anymore. Maybe that’s one of the reasons that Jeremy Kneeshaw and Velvet Groove Blues Band have appeared on the local horizon. The played their first local show at the Blue Grotto on Sunday January 18. Generally Sunday shows are poorly attended, but this was not the case. There’s been quite a buzz around town about this band and they did not disappoint. The band consists of Jerermy Kneeshaw on guitars and vocals, Darren Cherewayko on drums and vocals, Charlie Frie on accoustic & electric bass and vocals, plus sixteen-year-old Jake Soberlak on guitars (including slide), harmonica (harp) and vocals.

They had the large crowd dancing from the downbeat and they continued on dancing most of the evening. The Velvet Groove Blues Band played a selection of great, classic blues tunes. Generally there’s no problem finding blues tunes. As the late, Amy Winehouse, said, “Every bad situation is a blues song waiting to happen.” Yet with the blues, often bad situations work themselves out. The band covered “I’m Crying” from Stevie Ray Vaughan, “I’m Tore Down” by Freddie King, “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers, “Dust My Broom” Elmore James’ electric version of Robert Johnson’s tune. “Shake Your Money Maker” from Elmore James, again, They also played “Got My Mojo Working” popularized by Muddy Waters and “Everyday I Have the Blues” popularized by B.B. King … and a few more! Jeremy Kneeshaw and Velvet Groove Blues Band also put on quite a show.

Kneeshaw is known for his lively dance steps and his high kicks. Bassist Charlie Frie got up even higher balancing on his double bass while playing it and later balanced on it while playing the electric. Cherewayko is always lively on his drum kit, too. In the second set Jamie Marshall, last seen in Mama Soul, was a nice addition on the harp. It is obvious that he has a solid R&B background and the audience really appreciated his appearance.

I really can’t say enough about the performance of Jake Soberlak. He played well above his years and the variety of instruments he has to offer make him an asset to any band. Kneeshaw, Cherewayko and Frie are seasoned pros and did a great job of displaying their talent and showmanship.

It was a fun night at the Grotto and plenty of local musicians could be seen in the audience. Jeremy Kneeshaw and Velvet Groove Blues Band will next appear March 22nd 2:00 PM at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Kamloops.