The Live at Studio 64 spring concert series came to a resounding climax last Saturday night (May 13) when the Jason Buie Band took to the stage and gave a fiery, reverberating, rocking blues performance for over two hours that had the audience on its feet and whistling for more when it finally came to an end.

Although the band was a trio with Jimmy Jones on drums and Merv Martin on bass, this show was actually a solo performance by guitarist and vocalist Jason Buie who fronted all the numbers while Jones and Martin supplied the steady rhythmic backing.

Buie had a large stage presence and it wasn’t just because he’s a big man; it was the intensity with which he played his worn Fender Stratocaster that had such a powerful impact upon the audience. With enhancing electronics he made that little guitar scream and reverberate throughout the evening.

Twice he went walkabout round the studio, sweating his way between the packed tables to pause and play before a number of ladies who caught his fancy. While he gave us one or two original tunes, including the title track from his soon-to-be-released new CD, Driftin’ Heart, much of the night was spent with popular tunes from the last century, favourites like Purple Rain that had the audience singing the chorus lines.

It was an exciting night and a memorable baptism for Studio 64’s new portable stage that raised the musicians above the crowd high enough that they could be seen over the heads of the audience sitting up front.

Kimberley Arts Council president Mike Redfern thanked those whose generous donations, grants, and fund-raising efforts made the purchase of the stage possible. These included the Columbia Basin Trust through a grant from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, Telus, the Lady’s Leg Dancers, Greg Sternig, ABBA and Mama Mia sing-along movie nights organized by Jim Webster, and a silent auction.

MC Keith Nicholas thanked the Live at Studio 64 committee for making this spring series such a success, with past shows including the Sultans of String and the Silver Screen Scoundrels, both of which, like the Jason Buie concert, were sold out events.

Next fall, the Live at Studio 64 concert series will feature solo blues performer Tim Williams on September 30, jazz with the Melody Diachun Quartet on October 28, and the Rooster 6-piece Blues Band on November 17.

Series and individual advance tickets are available at Centre 64 and it’s worth noting that Kimberley Arts Council members pay less for their tickets so it might be worth joining if you’re not already a member.

Photos by Rod Wilson

– Concert review by Mike Redfern

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