Wow – I have to admit, I was taken a little off guard by the amazing line-up that appeared at this year’s Dutch Mason Blues Festival in Bible Hill, Truro, Nova Scotia – a fine Maritime province up here in Canada.

It seems that Jimmy Vaughan has been touring with the James Cotton band for some gigs, Jimmie is the ultimate in groove with some of the most rock-steady, hit you in the gut blues rhythms that have ever been played on guitar.

So many people comment on how different Jimmy and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s styles were, yet every time I listen to Jimmie I immediately pick out the shuffles and rhythm’s that Stevie used to root each and every one of his classic blues guitar tunes.

Also at the show was Kenny Wayne Shephard – and as you can see in this video – Chris “The Whipper” Layton was the drummer for Kenny’s set – cool!

Other names that were on the bill include the fabulous Downchild Blues Band from Canada – great to see they are touring again and of course a personal favorite up here in Canada – Colin James (who seems to have gone into hiding of late up here).

In its 5th year, this one looks like a blues festival I’m going to need to keep on my radar next year – how about you?

Jeff