Cameo Blues Band
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Blues music, albums |
The Cameo Blues Band is a blues ensemble originating from Toronto, established in 1978. It is recognized for showcasing several distinguished Canadian blues vocalists, including Richard "Hock" Walsh, Tony Flaim, and Chuck Jackson, all of whom have connections to the Downchild Blues Band.
History
The band takes its name from the Cameo Lounge located within Toronto's Hotel Isabella, where it began as the resident band in 1978. Initially, Richard "Hock" Walsh led the group during his intermittent breaks from Downchild. Founding members featured keyboardist "Rabbit" Ray Harrison and guitarist John Bride, with early lineups also including drummer Billy Bryans (who later joined Parachute Club) and bassist Omar Tunnoch (who went on to be part of Fathead).
After Walsh left, Tony Flaim—also formerly of Downchild—assumed the role of lead vocalist. The band expanded its sound by adding tenor saxophonist Wayne Mills. Prior to forming Cameo Blues Band, Harrison, Bride, and Mills had collaborated in the 1970s within rock and swing outfits such as Greaseball Boogie Band and Shooter.
In 1979, Chuck Jackson became a member and stayed until 1981, after which he and John Bride created Citizen's Arrest. The band was reformed in 1982 by Harrison with fresh personnel including bassist Joe Agnello and drummer Sonnie Bernardi. Despite recording sessions that year, no official release emerged. Later on, Jackson took over as Downchild’s lead singer in 1990. Other vocalists who contributed to Cameo Blues included Walter Zwolinski, Malcolm Tomlinson, and John Dickie.
Up until the mid-1980s, Cameo Blues held the position of house band at the Cameo Lounge, where they welcomed prominent guests such as Georgie Fame, Spencer Davis, Huey Lewis, Sting, Dan Aykroyd, and Kelly Jay. Subsequently, the group maintained a steady presence performing throughout Toronto while members engaged in various side endeavors; notably, John Bride toured with The Partland Brothers following their hit "Soul City."
Their debut album was released in 2002 through Make It Real Records under producer Lance Anderson. This record featured Ray Harrison on piano, John Bride on guitar, Tom Griffiths handling bass duties, Michael Sloski on drums, and vocals from past lead singers Dickie, Jackson, Tomlinson, and Zwolinski. Guest appearances included Michael Fonfara (Downchild keyboardist), guitarists Freddie Keeler and Terry Blersh, as well as Larry Shields on tuba.
By the early 2000s, most members were involved in other musical projects, resulting in occasional performances by the band. A significant reunion took place in 2009 celebrating their 30th anniversary at Port Dover’s Lighthouse Festival Theatre with principal members and special guests.
In 2012, Cameo Blues Band issued their second album titled 10,000 Hours, also released through Make It Real Records.
Discography
- 2002 All Play and No Work (Make It Real Records)
- 2012 10,000 Hours (Make It Real Records)