TERRY BLERSH

ABOUT

If you’re a fan of Canadian blues and roots music, you’ve probably seen Terry Blersh, guitar player, singer-songwriter, doing his own thing or backing up many of your favourite artists (* see list below), on stage and in the studio. 

His debut CD "Terry Blersh" realized a dream of "recording and releasing an album of original tunes", and was well received by blues radio and critics, including a review in DOWNBEAT magazine.  (** see below)

His new album PLAY IT ALL DAY  has just been released!

Once again, Terry brings a lifetime of experience and a unique and wry perspective to his wonderfully diverse songs.  While rooted in the blues, like any great songwriter, he is not confined by the form.  Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll, Tex-Mex, Reggae and Jazz influences all find their way into the mix.

His guitar playing throughout is unadorned.  His tone is warm and expressive, his touch responsive and dynamic.  And best of all - you know it’s him.  It's easy to hear why Terry is considered one of the most musical, and what we call “tasty” guitar players, in Canada. 

Terry's voice is warm and moving on the Chet Baker-esq ballad “Only One”, showing a vocal reach not heard on his previous album. 

His duet with the multi-talented Jimmy Bowskill (The Sheepdogs), on Gordon Lightfoot's classic "Early Morning Rain", earned a shout out from the composer himself.  "Really liked your version on Early Morning Rain, keep up the great tunes, keep making great music". 

Other highlights include 3 additional tracks featuring these great vocalists:  soul man John Mays (Fathead) on The Girl Outside My Window;  R&B/Jazz dynamo John Finley (The Checkmates, Rhinoceros) on It’s All Right;  and the soulful Quisha Wint (Jacksoul, Matt Dusk) on Play It All Day.

Self-produced and arranged, Terry has assembled some of Canada’s top musicians, each with a specific song or feel in mind.  They all deliver in spades. 

Masterfully recorded and mixed by Grammy and Juno nominated Jeremy Darby (Eric Clapton, Lou Reed) at The Canterbury Music Company, the sound is nothing less than world-class.

*  Terry has performed and/or recorded with many aritsts; Harrison Kennedy, Garth Hudson, John Mays, Paul Reddick, Chuck Jackson, Michael Pickett, Paul James, Jimmy Bowskill, John Finley, Danny Brooks, Steven Ambrose, Danny Marks, Roly Platt, Anderson/Sloski, Rita Chiarelli, Danny B, Gary Kendall Band, Johnny Max, Dean McTaggert, Denis Keldie, George Olliver, Robbie Lane, Virgil Scott, Cameo Blues Band, Robbie Rox.  Featured spots in producer Lance Anderson's celebrations of "The Last Waltz", "Soulsville - Stax Records", and "Mad Dogs & Englishmen".

**  “....he goes about his work with confidence and efficiency....not beholden to a particular blues style, this veteran writes good bluesy songs that even reference antecedents like '70s white-soul and toned-down, dreamy Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix....an outstanding merger of personal expression and lyricism with expert craftsmanship.  His reliable sidekicks include organist Garth Hudson of The Band.”  Frank-John Hadley  DOWNBEAT 

"....culls his music from various influences: Blues, Soul, Rock and a smidgeon of Jazz. Terry’s fiery guitar work is reminiscent of another Canadian, Robbie Robertson .....intelligent lyrics, interesting hooks....nice organ work by Garth Hudson and Denis Keldie....one of the finest independent releases of the year!”  Bob Putignano  BLUESWAX 

“....roots rocker....with original songs...."Wearin' Out My Heart" and "Walkin" are very good as are the more R&B numbers, "Doin' All Right” and "I Don't Need No".....surrounds himself with the cream of our local heroes....This one's definitely worth checking out.”  John Valentyn  MAPLE BLUES

Bob Putignano’s Top 10, Blueswax, Hittin’ the Note, Westchester Herald 

1. Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood “Live from Madison Square Garden” 

2. Enrico Crivellaro “Mojo Zone” 

3. Derek Trucks “Already Live” 

4. Delbert McClinton “Acquired Taste” 

5. Brian Bromberg “Is What It Is” 

6. Carl Verheyen “Trading 8s” 

7. Felix Cabrera Band “Live at the Turning Point with Jimmy Vivino” 

8. Cold Blood “Live Blood” 

9. Zora Young “Sunnyland” 

10. Terry Blersh “Terry Blersh”

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