TORONTO (CelebrityAccess) Colin James and several female blues musicians dominated the 22nd Maple Blues Awards, the awards show presented by the Toronto Blues Society to honor the finest in Canadian blues.
Vancover’s Colin James took home five awards for entertainer of the year, electric act of the year, male vocalist of the year, recording/producer of the year and songwriter of the year.
Female blues musicians were represented in several categories. Sue Foley got guitarist of the year, Lindsay Beaver got drummer of the year, Laura Greenberg won bassist of the year, Shirley Jackson was honored with horn player of the year, Emily Burgess landed new artist, and Angel Forrest got the award for female vocalist of the year.
Calgary-based Ellen McIlwaine aka Goddess of the Slide, was honored for her long career and outstanding contribution to the Canadian blues scene with the Blues with a Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award).
The Blues Booster of the Year Award, another special Maple Blues Award, was handed out to the Hornby Island Blues Society for their continued contribution the Canadian blues scene
The awards show took place at Koerner Hall in Toronto.
Performances included Edmonton expat Jenie Thai, Newfoundland’s Earle & Coffin, Ottawa’s Sue Foley (now based in Austin), and Toronto-based guitarist and singer Emily Burgess. Salt Spring Island’s Harry Manx teamed up with Monkey Junk’s Steve Marriner to preview their new release and Raoul closed the show with the Big Time joined by surprise guest and big winner Colin for the finale.
Entertainer of the Year
Colin James
Electric Act of the Year
Colin James
Acoustic Act of the Year
Big Dave McLean
Male Vocalist of the Year
Colin James
Female Vocalist of the Year
Angel Forrest
New Artist of the Year
Emily Burgess
Recording/Producer of the Year
Colin James – Miles to Go / True North (Colin James & Dave Meszaros)
International Artist of the Year
Buddy Guy
Songwriter of the Year
Colin James
Blues with a Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)
Ellen McIlwaine
Guitarist of the Year
Sue Foley
Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year
David Vest
Harmonica Player of the Year
Steve Marriner
Horn Player of the Year
Shirley Jackson
Drummer of the Year
Lindsay Beaver
Bassist of the Year
Laura Greenberg (JW-Jones)
Blues Booster of the Year
The Hornby Island Blues Society
