Highly acclaimed as “one of the finest blues vocalists in Canada” by Real Blues Magazine and awarded “Calgary’s Top Blues Vocalist” in 2008 by the Calgary International Blues Festival, Kirby Sewell, is on top of his game.
In keeping with the spirit of Calgary Blues Festival, Kirby is set to launch his new cd The Blues Found Me at Lord Nelson Hotel (1028 8th Ave SW) on Saturday, August 7. With the abundance of international talent being showcased in our city, it is important to identify the world-class musical talent that calls Calgary "home."
Kirby’s full-length cd is a re-creation of his original cd, A Southern Country Fried Blues Serenade (a six-song album). Four additional tracks, recorded live at the sold-out show at Cantos last year, have been added to the initial cd selections. The six-piece Kirby Sewell Band has provided a rejuvenating lift and tuck of these cuts with phenomenal results.
Bob Pfeifer, former President of Hollywood Records/Disney attests that “the music world [is] a better place to have Kirby singing in it.”
“[By] (g)rabbing the blues and soul of the past and pulling it into the present,” (Tony Charron, Avenue Magazine) Kirby has woven personal trials and their attached emotions into soulful and heartfelt renditions of old favourites such as “Aint No Sunshine.” As stated in his bio, “his interpretations of blues classics escort you on a musical journey that is moving and surprising.”
Kirby’s style is a self-proclaimed combination of “blues, roots, gospel, jazz and soul.” If you have not yet had the not-to-be-denied pleasure of listening to Kirby, The Blues Found Me is your opportunity to be introduced to the powerful sexy vibe he emits when his music pours forth. “Melanie” (a original track on the new cd) is one example of Kirby’s ability to articulate the personal pain and strife of failed love and meld the darkness of a broken heart into a profoundly artistic piece of art.