The Terry Whalen Band

It was Whalen’s husky voice and agile fingerwork on the guitar, along with the song writing talents of the band that helped snag the group a 2009 ECMA Nomination for Blues Recording of the Year for their CD, the Devil’s Fireplace.

“It is nice that there’s something you believe in so much and then someone else does too. It was really cool. I got the e-mail and I had to read it to make sure it was meant for me. I haven’t printed it off and framed it yet, but it was great,” beamed Whalen.

The band, which began with Whalen and bass player/co-songwriter Stephen MacKnight, is relatively new to the scene, having recorded their first album just two years ago. Recently they added a drummer, Jimmy Larsen, to the mix and recorded the new album in the studio Whalen set up in his basement at home.

“We thought we’d come up with some really good songs,” said Whalen, noting “Breathe In Breathe Out” has the kind of sound he expects made the ECMAS take note. And he believes it is the original songs that have taken his career to the next level.

Whalen has played in loads of cover bands over the years, but he said this turn toward making his own music has ultimately been the most rewarding.

“There are so many great songs you get to do in a cover band, but there is something really special about looking out into a crowd while you’re playing one of your own songs and see them tapping their toes or up dancing. Because that is one of your songs, and to see someone liking it, that beats cover band stuff by a million years.

This song didn’t exist and now it exists and it is yours.”

This weekend the band is taking those original tunes on the road, playing a couple of live shows in Newfoundland, where the ECMAs will be gearing up for the conference and awards gala in Corner Brook from Feb. 26 to March 1.

“It’s is great because that will get us some more exposure,” said Whalen. “We were fairly well known playing around the Miramichi, but now the rest of Canada, someone might check us out. We are taking our profile to the next level.”

Take a quick glance at the band’s website and it is clear the band has already taken advantage of the new prestige locally. They are busy hopping from one Miramichi bar to the next and then back again, playing nearly every night since the nominations came out.

Whalen, who works as a teacher by day, becomes a hardworking musician by night, so although they are new, The Terry Whalen Band has now become a staple to the local music scene.

I caught up with two of the three bandmates at during a show at Gaby’s Cafe.

Gaby’s is less than a year old but has already positioned itself as a must-play spot for aspiring talent and a must-sit spot for anyone in search of a cozy place to relax while taking in some live entertainment.

Because of the cafe’s size, Whalen only plays solo gigs there.
MacKnight sat at the bar making a set list for the next night’s full band show at the Boulevard.

“I can sit back here and listen,” said MacKnight. “It’s a chance to stand back and say, ‘those songs sound good back to back’ — or ‘that should be played faster’.”

Hearing the two joke with each other, it is hard to believe they haven’t been friends all that long.

Whalen worked as a teacher with MacKnight’s wife Theresa.

They only knew each other in passing.

But Theresa suggested to her husband, who then ran the local CD Plus store, he should listen to Whalen’s demo.

“When I was running the record store, people would always come up to me saying, I’ve got some songs, can you have a listen,” laughed MacKnight. “Most of the time they were, eh. But with Terry there was a spark. You can hear the passion coming from his voice. He cares. He has something special.”

The two met up one night and Whalen said they just clicked.
“We wrote three songs that one night,” he said.

One of those songs was “Sleepwalker’s Blues,” the title track off their very first album in 2007.

MacKnight admits while he has - The Miramichi Leader - March -2009

February 1, 2012

by Bob Merereau at CBC Blog - East Coast Music


When the East Coast Music Awards nominations came out last week, there were lots for New Brunswick, 32 in all, which didn't really surprise me much. There were some that were pretty obvious going in; you had David Myles, who continues to build a strong career on the national stage, putting out a couple of albums last year, one live and one studio, he seemed a shoe-in, and yes, that resulted in five nominations. Then, of course, Matt Andersen, I mean, he's already been crowned the top blues artist in the country, with 3 Maple Blues awards. That translated into another fist-full of nominations for him, five in total, including best blues recording. I always look to the blues for New Brunswick nominations, we have a rich tradition in that genre, and in ECMA nominations and wins over the years. Hot Toddy, Keith Hallett, in fact, for the 2009 blues award, all four nominees were from New Brunswick.

Who, you ask? I've mentioned three of them: Andersen, Hot Toddy, Hallett. But there's another act that quietly, surely has become established as one of the regions best, and they're nominated again this year. They may not get all the headlines, but the Terry Whalen Band out of Miramichi has a great reputation in the blues community, and especially among fans who get out to their scorching club shows. In the past four years, The Terry Whalen Band has been nominated three times for Best Blues recording. That's the group's last three albums, all nominated.

The last time I ran into Whalen and the crew, I heard them way before I saw them. It was the after-awards party at Music NB week, in Moncton, and as we approached the Plan B club, it was obviously loud and rocking inside. It was a bit of a cold fall night, but that was outside. Inside, the walls were sweating, the crowd was sweating, the band was sweating. That wall of sound was coming from the Whalen four-piece, featuring Terry on lead vocals and guitar, Little Terry, Terry James Whalen on bass, drummer Colby Jardine, and a new guy on lead guitar. It's veteran player Ian McLaws out of Halifax, so new to the group he wasn't featuring on their most recent disc, the newly-nominated one called A Work In Progress. McLaws has really added to their sound, it's bigger and fuller, it's that muscle I heard outside the club.

Terry and Little Terry, they aren't little, they kinda remind me of the father and son duo that run the pawn shop on the show Pawn Stars. It's an interesting dynamic in the band, a combination of experience and youthful energy, with vets Mclaws and Whalen the elder up front, and Jardine and Little Terry, both early 20's, in the rhythm section. The Whalen band most often gets compared to early Z.Z. Top, and that's because of the big thick electric guitar boogie, but there's also an acoustic side to the band as well, with Whalen bringing singer-songwriter material into the mix. There's some subtlety there. It's quite a contrast too, especially with the live show able to harness so much power. There's not too many artists that can go onstage and deliver a thoughtful number like Somewhere, which is a delta-style number from the recent album, kinda has that Keys To The Highway feeling, and then follow it up with an AC/DC cover version.

Whalen had spent almost two decades playing music before he started recording in 2007, when he decided it was time to get some of the songs he'd written catalogued. Now, after four albums in five years, he's showing no signs of slowing down, and has actually been working away on disc five with the new configuration of the group. Umm, slow down there Terry, you have some accolades to collect in Moncton in April thanks to your nomination, as the East Coast adds the group to the long list of talented New Brunswick blues acts.

- CBC Radio Blog - April 2012

Breathe In Breathe Out (Score 4.9/5.0)
Track of Day: 8Aug2008
Track of Week: 18Aug2008


The Band be Jammin!...the Guitar is out of control!!! I love this is Blues! this is ROCK AND ROLL...Nice sound.

I love the energy when it starts with that rif.

Classic...traditional, but their own sound too

This is Blues made a bit tighter and modern in its control.

I LOVE IT these guys are great...when are they playing...I am there!!


TheArm66
Orange, California
August 12th, 2008
- GarageBand.com

Breathe In Breathe Out (Score 4.9/5.0)
Track of Day: 8Aug2008
Track of Week: 18Aug2008


The intro smacks you from the first beat with a full on classic "Green Onion" groove.I'm "hooked".If you cant get behind this groove you dont like the blues.The bass,drums,and rythym guitar laid it down hard,dirty and tight.Guitar solos and fills were right on the money with great tone and a soulful presentation.Vocals had a gritty laid back delivery perfect for the cut.Backup vocals were a tasty addition.Just an all around great blues Jam here!Dug it man!
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Female Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Bass, Production, Lyrics, Beat, Mood, Most Rocking Track.


fubillt
Gainesville, Georgia
August 7th, 2008
- GarageBand.com

Breathe In Breathe Out (Score 4.9/5.0)
Track of Day: 8Aug2008
Track of Week: 18Aug2008


The intro smacks you from the first beat with a full on classic "Green Onion" groove.I'm "hooked".If you cant get behind this groove you dont like the blues.The bass,drums,and rythym guitar laid it down hard,dirty and tight.Guitar solos and fills were right on the money with great tone and a soulful presentation.Vocals had a gritty laid back delivery perfect for the cut.Backup vocals were a tasty addition.Just an all around great blues Jam here!Dug it man!
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Female Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Bass, Production, Lyrics, Beat, Mood, Most Rocking Track.


fubillt
Gainesville, Georgia
August 7th, 2008
- GarageBand.com

Breathe In Breathe Out (Score 4.9/5.0)
Track of Day: 8Aug2008
Track of Week: 18Aug2008


Very Stevie intro Voice does not let down. The driving groove is right on the money. Lead guitar very tasteful and an excellent clean live sound. With this sound you can't go wrong. Harmony choice is good. Chorus is a sing-a-long. I like it! Radio friendly, Night club friendly, Party friendly, I will be adding this track to my library and watching for future tracks.
PS. I like the Brushes!
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Female Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Production, Lyrics, Melody, Beat, Mood, Originality, Most Rocking Track.


Rumblehouse
August 9th, 2008
- GarageBand.com

Breathe In Breathe Out (Score 4.9/5.0)
Track of Day: 8Aug2008
Track of Week: 18Aug2008


Very Stevie intro Voice does not let down. The driving groove is right on the money. Lead guitar very tasteful and an excellent clean live sound. With this sound you can't go wrong. Harmony choice is good. Chorus is a sing-a-long. I like it! Radio friendly, Night club friendly, Party friendly, I will be adding this track to my library and watching for future tracks.
PS. I like the Brushes!
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Female Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Production, Lyrics, Melody, Beat, Mood, Originality, Most Rocking Track.


Rumblehouse
August 9th, 2008
- GarageBand.com

Breathe In Breathe Out (Score 4.9/5.0)
Track of Day: 8Aug2008
Track of Week: 18Aug2008


Twelve bar blues never sounded better. If you are ever in the mood for going out or just chillin at home, crack open a cold one throw this tune on. It will set in the right direction for a good ol' time.

I hear SRV influences, I hear Jeff Healey, I hear greatness.

The guitar is well exectuted. The sound is clean and down right dirty at the same time.

Makes you think of a smoke filled Chicago blues bar.
Extra Credit: Guitars, Drums, Bass, Melody, Mood, Coolest Chill-Out Track.


mvalexiou
Castro Valley, California
August 11th, 2008
- GarageBand.com

Breathe In Breathe Out (Score 4.9/5.0)
Track of Day: 8Aug2008
Track of Week: 18Aug2008


Twelve bar blues never sounded better. If you are ever in the mood for going out or just chillin at home, crack open a cold one throw this tune on. It will set in the right direction for a good ol' time.

I hear SRV influences, I hear Jeff Healey, I hear greatness.

The guitar is well exectuted. The sound is clean and down right dirty at the same time.

Makes you think of a smoke filled Chicago blues bar.
Extra Credit: Guitars, Drums, Bass, Melody, Mood, Coolest Chill-Out Track.


mvalexiou
Castro Valley, California
August 11th, 2008
- GarageBand.com

When Terry Whalen first picked up a guitar 25 years ago, the possibility of ever attending the East Coast Music Awards (ECMA’s) didn’t even cross his mind.

At the time, music was just a hobby, something Whalen did during his free time away from work.

However, it wasn’t long before it turned from something he wanted to do, into something he had to do.

Music, blues in-particular, had become a passion for Whalen and the possibility of attending the ECMA’s began to seem a little more tangible.

From there, it didn’t take long for Whalen to make a name for himself.

He eventually teamed up with current band mate Stephen McKnight to form the Terry Whalen Band and before long the group had recorded two albums, the most recent of which is titled The Devil’s Fireplace.

That album was recently nominated for an ECMA in the category of Best Blues Recording.

Monday the group was returning from the awards show in Corner Brook, N.L., and although they didn’t snag the award (having been bested by Matt Anderson of Perth-Andover) Whalen said the experience was something they will never forget.

“The best word to use to describe it would be incredible,” Whalen said, during a phone interview from Newfoundland.

“It was just perfect. Just to be around all the people that are serious about music in Atlantic Canada was just phenomenal.”

Whalen said the weekend was a great opportunity to rub elbows with some of Atlantic Canada’s finest musicians and couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.

“It was everything and more than we ever expected,” he said. “The awards show Sunday night was a lot different than seeing it on TV. It’s just so well put together.”

But the gala evening was only one aspect of the weekend. According to Whalen, one of the most memorable and exciting part for him was meeting the Moncton-based band The Divorcees.

“They were so open to talking and giving advice,” Whalen said. “They were just tremendous guys.”

McKnight’s take on the weekend was much the same.<BR><BR>
“The weekend was very exciting,” he said. “We shared the stage with musicians who are musicians 24-hours a day. They don’t have day jobs. It was just incredible.”

McKnight said he and Whalen had the chance to play a number of songs on stage including the title track from their album, “The Devil’s Fireplace.”

“I was very proud of the songs Terry and I put together,” he said.

He too felt the best part of the weekend wasn’t necessarily the awards show.

“It was exciting,” he said. “But it wasn’t the main part of the weekend for me. But it was fun. But that wasn’t what the weekend was about.

The weekend was about the music and the people. Not the awards show.”

While the weekend was a rare and momentous occasion for the group, McKnight said it was a relief to be on their way home.

“It will be nice to get home to our own beds,” McKnight said. “A lot of late nights. But it was well worth it.”

The complete lineup for the Terry Whalen band during the recording of The Devil’s Fireplace was Whalen singing and on lead guitar, McKnight on bass, Danny Gray and Colby Jardine on drums, Tim Irving on hammond organ and Abby Kierstead and Bev Graves on back-up vocals.
- The Miramichi Leader – March 4, 2009

When Terry Whalen first picked up a guitar 25 years ago, the possibility of ever attending the East Coast Music Awards (ECMA’s) didn’t even cross his mind.

At the time, music was just a hobby, something Whalen did during his free time away from work.

However, it wasn’t long before it turned from something he wanted to do, into something he had to do.

Music, blues in-particular, had become a passion for Whalen and the possibility of attending the ECMA’s began to seem a little more tangible.

From there, it didn’t take long for Whalen to make a name for himself.

He eventually teamed up with current band mate Stephen McKnight to form the Terry Whalen Band and before long the group had recorded two albums, the most recent of which is titled The Devil’s Fireplace.

That album was recently nominated for an ECMA in the category of Best Blues Recording.

Monday the group was returning from the awards show in Corner Brook, N.L., and although they didn’t snag the award (having been bested by Matt Anderson of Perth-Andover) Whalen said the experience was something they will never forget.

“The best word to use to describe it would be incredible,” Whalen said, during a phone interview from Newfoundland.

“It was just perfect. Just to be around all the people that are serious about music in Atlantic Canada was just phenomenal.”

Whalen said the weekend was a great opportunity to rub elbows with some of Atlantic Canada’s finest musicians and couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.

“It was everything and more than we ever expected,” he said. “The awards show Sunday night was a lot different than seeing it on TV. It’s just so well put together.”

But the gala evening was only one aspect of the weekend. According to Whalen, one of the most memorable and exciting part for him was meeting the Moncton-based band The Divorcees.

“They were so open to talking and giving advice,” Whalen said. “They were just tremendous guys.”

McKnight’s take on the weekend was much the same.<BR><BR>
“The weekend was very exciting,” he said. “We shared the stage with musicians who are musicians 24-hours a day. They don’t have day jobs. It was just incredible.”

McKnight said he and Whalen had the chance to play a number of songs on stage including the title track from their album, “The Devil’s Fireplace.”

“I was very proud of the songs Terry and I put together,” he said.

He too felt the best part of the weekend wasn’t necessarily the awards show.

“It was exciting,” he said. “But it wasn’t the main part of the weekend for me. But it was fun. But that wasn’t what the weekend was about.

The weekend was about the music and the people. Not the awards show.”

While the weekend was a rare and momentous occasion for the group, McKnight said it was a relief to be on their way home.

“It will be nice to get home to our own beds,” McKnight said. “A lot of late nights. But it was well worth it.”

The complete lineup for the Terry Whalen band during the recording of The Devil’s Fireplace was Whalen singing and on lead guitar, McKnight on bass, Danny Gray and Colby Jardine on drums, Tim Irving on hammond organ and Abby Kierstead and Bev Graves on back-up vocals.
- The Miramichi Leader – March 4, 2009

Breathe In Breathe Out (Score 4.9/5.0)
Track of Day: 8Aug2008
Track of Week: 18Aug2008


Hell yeah!...some roadhose blues here...Beats got me grooving and that guitar man is just wailin...got some John Lee style vocals...I'm waiting for a "how-how"!...When a band like this plays, either everybody's dancin or someone's getting stabbed...either way its gonna be exciting!
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Bass, Beat, Mood.


Dirk_McNasty
Rockaway Beach, Missouri
August 12th, 2008
- GarageBand.com

Breathe In Breathe Out (Score 4.9/5.0)
Track of Day: 8Aug2008
Track of Week: 18Aug2008


Hell yeah!...some roadhose blues here...Beats got me grooving and that guitar man is just wailin...got some John Lee style vocals...I'm waiting for a "how-how"!...When a band like this plays, either everybody's dancin or someone's getting stabbed...either way its gonna be exciting!
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Bass, Beat, Mood.


Dirk_McNasty
Rockaway Beach, Missouri
August 12th, 2008
- GarageBand.com

Breathe In Breathe Out (Score 4.9/5.0)
Track of Day: 8Aug2008
Track of Week: 18Aug2008


The Band be Jammin!...the Guitar is out of control!!! I love this is Blues! this is ROCK AND ROLL...Nice sound.

I love the energy when it starts with that rif.

Classic...traditional, but their own sound too

This is Blues made a bit tighter and modern in its control.

I LOVE IT these guys are great...when are they playing...I am there!!


TheArm66
Orange, California
August 12th, 2008
- GarageBand.com