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BLACKBURN

“Talk to me like I talk to you brother”

www.myspace.com/blackburnbrothers

Given their lineage – their father, highly regarded keyboard player Bobby Dean Blackburn, a seminal figure of Toronto’s Blues and R&B scene in the 60’s – coupled with their evident talents, it’s rather surprising that this band of brothers has yet to capture the imagination of the general public.

Blackburn, descendents of fugitive slaves who escaped to Canada in the 1850’s, lean hard on their legacy while remaining fiercely proud of their home grown talent.  Catching the band live, first time listeners are quickly drawn in by their natural, infectious in- the- pocket groove.  Duane Blackburn’s smoldering vocals and churning B-3 take centre stage giving way to Brooke Blackburn’s tone perfect, fluid guitar forays while backboned by Cory Blackburn on traps and lifelong friend Mark Ayee on bass.

September of 2008 found the band in the studio laying down their 2nd release – the aptly titled Brotherhood – on the Make It Real Records imprint.  With Lance Anderson at the board, the Blackburn brothers effectively replicate their live sound with an “off the floor” set.  Half of the tunes are originals that blend in nicely with Blackburn stamped covers in a combination of Blues, Jazz, and Soul that echoes a true sense of community, roots, culture, and family.

On the strength of Brotherhood the band earned a 2010 “Best New Artist” Maple Blues Award; and with a number of high profile festival appearances this summer, more is sure to be heard of Blackburn.