South ThunderBird

South ThunderBird has been honoured with a nomination at the 2005 Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMA) in the Outstanding Blues Recording category for their album "Tough Go". The trophies will be handed out at a gala event held on October 23, 2005 at Vancouver’s prestigious Commodore Ballroom. www.westerncanadianmusicawards.ca - Western Canadian Music Awards

South ThunderBird has received two nominations at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards for Best Blues Album and Best Group or Duo.
www.canab.com/mainpages/events/musicawards_files/2005finalists.html - Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards

Isaac Mandamin is the man behind the blues of South Thunderbird. Following in the steps of great Manitoba bluesmen such as Big Dave McLean and Brent Parkin, Mandamin specializes in electric blues of the Stevie Ray Vaughan variety. Tough Go is a credible effort for this quartet — which is rounded out by Steve Klotz on bass, Kris Soderman on guitar and Luc Vanderdonckt on drums — and proves that these guys know what the blues are all about. You wanna hurt just a little? Then check out the wailing, wah-pedalled notes of Shuffle It. Mandamin’s vocals could use a touch more emotion on a few tracks to truly jerk some tears, but he and Soderman make up for any shortcomings with nice guitar tone and some solid licks. Steve Klotz gets special mention for his solid basslines on Crying With Blues. The liner notes reveal that these tracks were laid down without any rehearsal, and that gives this outing a raw quality you’d expect from a true blues recording.
- Mike Warkentin, The UpTown Magazine - June 30, 2005 issue - Winnipeg, Manitoba

Stevie Ray Vaughan-inspired electric blues with a bit of southern boogie.
- Bartley Kives of The Winnipeg Free Press - Winnipeg, Manitoba

South Thunderbirds debut C.D Tough Go is definitely not tough to soak up. These guys have produced authentic Blues with a sound that is passionate and addictive! Isaac Mandamin's lyrics and vocals move you into the zone called the Blues. This release is a must for any music lover.
- Kelly Sky Host NCI's 'Spotlight' on Arts and Entertainment - Winnipeg, Manitoba

I like it when a band just gets down and plays……and plays….and plays! This cd is another excellent example of Canadian Blues at its best. “Tough Go” is not just the great singing of Isaac Mandamin , but also the contagious guitar riffs from Isaac and Kris Soderman. “Chase” is a must listen! - Earl Krushelnicki “Blues Underground” - Prince George, British Columbia

Great rockin’ album! The title track Tough Go contributed by Dave Mowat starts the album off with what I consider the true sound of South Thunderbird…gritty, and that’s a good thing. My fave happens to be Good To Me; don’t even ask why, I think because it’s lyrics make it really easy to sing along with. The young Kris Soderman plays some really mean lead guitar, while Luc Vanderdonckt plays a really nice fitting drum sound. What can I say about Isaac Madamin; he’s written some outstanding lyrics and done a really nice job on the vocals and rhythm guitar! This local band can be found around town, so do check them out. - Eleanor Reimer.....Host of CKUW 95.9 FM Bluesday on Tuesday - Winnipeg, Manitoba