CD Description
Following a lengthy struggle with cancer, Jeff Healey sadly passed away in March 2008, on the eve of the release of
Mess of Blues, his first album in over eight years. Arguably one of the most distinctive blues-rock guitar players of our time, the album is already regarded as a storming return to Healey's blues-rock roots.
The album was recorded late in 2007, with the musicians who regularly accompany the guitarist at Jeff Healeys Roadhouse in Toronto. While most of the album was recorded in the studio, two tracks were in fact recorded live at the club, and two more cut at a concert in London, England. The guitarist called his group "the best damned bar band in Canada"; it consists of Dave Murphy on keyboards (he also sings on two cuts), bassist Alec Fraser (who co-produced the record with Healey), Dan Noordermeer on guitar and Al Webster on drums.
"Making this record is a chance to introduce the band to wider international audiences and give some great songs a new and fresh lease on life," said Healey. Choosing the songs for the album was easy, he says. "For the most part theyre tunes that get the best response when we play them live, either on tour or at home in the club." Classics like "The Weight", "Jambalaya", "How Blue Can You Get" and "Shake Rattle And Roll" are all marked by Healeys innovative and sparkling guitar work.