THE BLUE VOODOO

South Surrey-based acoustic roots blues band The Blue Voodoo has been nominated for a national award.
The band is up for the best new artist or group of the year category
in the seventh annual Maple Blues Awards. Winners will be announced Jan. 19 at Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre, according to the nomination announcement by the Toronto Blues Society.
The Blue Voodoo is in good company. Leading B.C. nominations is Vancouver jump blues band The Twisters (with six nominations) and
Nanaimo's David Gogo (five).
Competing in the same category for the award are Charlie A'Court,
Jimmy Bowskill, Bobbie Browne and the Onions, The Rockit 88 Band and
the duo of Peter Schmidt and Shane Scott.
The Blue Voodoo, which plays regularly in Surrey and White Rock
venues, is promoting its CD, Ride, being played currently in 14
countries and 200 radio stations worldwide.
In a national broadcast in Australia, The Blue Voodoo's music was
carried on 130 stations, while one U.S. station featured almost all
of the album.
Ride sold out a limited first run of 1,000 copies, with more pressed
to meet demand-a fine accomplishment for the debut album of an
independent band.

from nov 5 2003 issue of the Peace Arch News
- PEACE ARCH NEWS White Rock BC

Blue Voodoo entertain legendary singer

PEACE ARCH NEWS

The Blue Voodoo worked a little local magic for a Canadian music
legend last weekend.

The busy South-Surrey based band was the principal entertainer for
singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell's 60th birthday bash, Nov. 7 at Ruby
Lake Resort, just north of Pender Harbour on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast.
That's a half hour from Mitchell's current residence at Half Moon
Bay, Blue Voodoo leader Ted Tosoff said.
"She was smiling and happy-it was really neat," he said of the
soiree, which drew 65 guests.
Playing their fingers off for the star were Tosoff and fellow Blue
Voodoo-ers Rick Delgarno, Chris Weekes and Dan Ross.
"We met a lot of her friends and family from Saskatoon, where she
grew up, and there were people there she knew from L.A. and Toronto.

It was a bit of a mix from the east of Canada to people from down
south in the States, but everyone was very nice."

Among the not-too-shabby company rubbing shoulders at the bash were jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall, super agents Sam Feldman and Steve Malcolm (who represent Krall and Norah Jones) and Denise Donlon, former Much Music boss and now head of Sony Music Canada.

The gig came about because Mitchell had heard the group play in
October at Ruby Lake. She booked them right on the spot for her
birthday.

"She said I hope you guys aren't busy on this date'," Tosoff said.
"Actually we were supposed to be playing Washington Avenue Grill, but Brent Gray and the guys down there were very gracious about it,
understanding this was sort of a once-in-a-lifetime thing."

It was additional recognition for the increasingly high-profile blues-
based band, currently promoting a new CD, Ride, and recently
nominated for the national Maple Blues Awards.

"It was one of those surreal kind of things that you play, and take
in at the moment, but it was a really nice experience," Tosoff said
of the Mitchell party.
At one point, Mitchell joined the band for an impromptu rendition of
the old '60s classic Love Potion No. 9, Tosoff said.

"She sang the same song with us when she saw us the first time," he
said. "She doesn't do any singing outside of a concert situation, usually, but she was gracious enough to do it to entertain her guests. Everyone loved it."

The Blue Voodoo followed up the birthday gig with a benefit for Fort
Langley School of Fine Arts' Chief Sepass Theatre Nov. 8, donating
two hours of their non-stop acoustic roots and blues-rock music.
That same blend can be heard tonight (Saturday, Nov. 15) at
Armadillo's At The Beach (9 p.m.-1 a.m.).

The blues band will perform an acoustic promotional set Sunday
afternoon, (Nov. 16) at 2 p.m. at The Tunbridge Well Gallery in White
Rock.

November 2003 issue
Alex Browne Reporter


- Peace Arch News-White Rock

The Blue Voodoo continue to "Sparkle and Shine"
John Taylor -Ejazznews.com
The Blue Voodoo-Sparkle And Shine BVCD12832
Reviewed by: John Taylor Email: john.taylor@ca.ey.com

The blues, emotionally speaking, are universal. Heartache and sorrow and the very human need to cry out in acknowledgement and defiance of it all are part of our shared experience. It's why traditional delta blues can still reach us across the years.

But the blues rely on truth, and if ones truth includes a musical education significantly more sophisticated than most early practitioners of the form,
combined with an urban experience they couldn't have imagined . . .well,
the blues that result are going to sound different.

Vancouver's "The Blue Voodoo" guitarists Rick Dalgarno and Ted Tosoff and percussionist
Chris Weekes have never picked cotton under the blazing
Mississippi sun. But the driving rhythms and stark imagery of delta blues infuses every groove of "Sparkle and Shine", their stunning follow-up to 2003 "Ride".

Although there =are touches of electric guitar here and there, the overall feel on "Sparkle And Shine" is acoustic. Dalgarno contributes both six and twelve-string as well as slide guitars along with dobro and acoustic harmonica; Tosoff is on acoustic rhythm for most songs and contributes electric bass on some (with Dan Ross guesting on the rest); and percussionist Weekes, whose arsenal includes djembe and box o rocks, is as likely to be wielding brushes as sticks. All three share vocal duties, Dalgarno and Tosoff taking the lion's share. Weekes feral growl is strikingly effective as employed here (sparingly), but both Dalgarno and
Tosoff are top-notch, rough-hewn and real throughout.

Tosoff's brother (and the band's number one booster), Bryon, adds sparkling piano on several
tracks to excellent effect.

And then there are the songs. By no means restricted to twelve-bar
convention, there's often a hint of southern soul at play, and whoever's responsible (notes don't list individual writers, and credit the band as a whole with arrangements, they have an uncanny way with hooks. Add in
layered guitars and percussion, top with ragged harmonies, and the result is both raucous and righteous. The boys explore familiar themes witness both
"Walkin' Shoes" and "Railway Blues", both originals,but they do so on their own terms, with more than a hint of hipster cool and an edgy energy that's utterly irresistible.

A rollicking good time from beginning to end, "Sparkle And Shine" is an
unqualified delight, a first-rate outing that proves that blues can stand a little livening up, can even (horrors!) be fun!

Highly recommended . . . !
- E Jazz News

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to BLUES ROCK GROUP, THE BLUE VOODOO!

VANCOUVER, B.C. CANADA

The Blue Voodoo will soon have Six Years and 1000 GIGS under their belt since their inception in late 2000

On December 29 2006 the Blue Voodoo will reach the magic 1000th Show when they perform at the FIREHALL Centre for the Arts in Delta, BC The show promises to be an evening of great entertainment and original music provided by this areas best acoustic roots blues rock band.

Since 2000, Ted Tosoff and Rick Dalgarno have played their brand of blues rock at just about every possible venue in Western Canada and Europe. They have grown a fan base around the world in the roots blues genre. After two CD releases and Award nominations from the Toronto Maple Blues Awards in 2003 for Best New Artist and last year receiving a nomination for Most Outstanding Blues CD at the 2005 Western Canadian Music Awards The Blue Voodoo look to add to their booty of nominatons with their upcoming 3rd CD release.

Through-out the last 6 years The Blue Voodoo have brought a level of excitement and energy to the shows they perform unmatched by any other group for some time in The Vancouver Area. Exclaimed as "The Show To See" in this Area by Now Entertainment Columnist Dave Chesney, The Blue Voodoo have revved up their show with a higher octane dynamic powerhouse performance with new material and new faces.

After Touring Europe last February 2006, The Blue Voodoo began retooling their band and spread the word they were looking to grow the group.
Ted Tosoff and Rick Dalgarno, the original Voodooheads brought two new faces into the fold by adding Kelly Stodola -on Percussion and Gerry Berg -on Bass

Drummer Kelly Stodola brings a slamming driving style that elevates the magic of the Blue Voodoo Vibe, coupled with the talented Bass playing of Gerry Berg the New Look Blue Voodoo now has the engine to drive the group to the next level...Watch out, cause the Voodooheads are on the loose. Look for their New CD to be Released in early 2007.

The FireHall Centre for the Arts is located at 11489-84th Ave Delta BC, Doors Open at 7:30 P.M. Show starts at 8 P.M. Friday, December 29, 2006


Voodoohead Productions
Management , The Blue Voodoo
15690 Buena Vista Ave
White Rock, B.C. Canada V4B 1Z5
604 531 9828

the_bluevoodoo@shaw.ca www.thebluevoodoo.com
- Voodoohead Production

"With the new album, Blue Voodoo raises its own standards. From the full,attractive packaging to a fuller production with horns on a few tracks, the quartet jumped up. The group writes in a broad variety
of styles but identifiably is a blues band. Yes, they've got their mojo working (hear Mojo Lovin' Man)
but they also touch on southern rock and country,and they write songs devoid of the usual blues cliches.
There is a fresh upbeat quality to "Watch think about that", a sense of humour to Somewhere else instead and a suitable dark moodiness to Black Moon. - Vancouver Province-Tom Harrison

*THE BLUE VOODOO: BACK TO THE SHACK (BLUE VOODOO)*


In terms of commitment, persistence and dedication, *The Blue Voodoo *band (*Ted Tosoff, Rick Dalgarno, Kelly Stodola *and *Gerry Berg*) has few peers. These guys have been slogging it out for at least 5 years (to my knowledge) in an era (and market) that is becoming increasingly unfriendly to live music and especially Blues Bands. They’ve had the dogged determination to create their own gigs when other bands just simply gave up (and that may be the saving grace for Blues Bands in the next decade (i.e. become self-reliant and rent your own Halls etc…just like we did in the 1960s/1970s) and The Blue Voodoo steadily created a very large following in Vancouver and throughout Southern British Columbia. The other thing they should be lauded for is creating their own unique music and original material and gradually honing their identity and sound. I’ve heard their last 2 CDs and listened to them doggedly develop to the point where “Back To The Shack” has garnered loads of support in the U.S. and Europe, giving them the reputation they needed to move up the ladder and compete with The Big Boys. This is a hard-core veteran band of life long music lovers and they’ve also got ‘guests’ of note sitting-in on this disc: *Dave ‘Hurricane’ Hoerl* on harp, *Paul Wainwright* (sax), *Daniel Ross* (strings and guitar), *Chris Weekes* (backup vocals) and last, but not least, *Bryon Tosoff *on keyboards. This album is dedicated to Ted Tosoff Sr. and to the memory of Vivian Marie Tosoff (their Mom, who gave her love of music to her sons). The vintage photo cover is of Ted Tosoff Sr. in the 1930s and it’s quite a vivid image.

“Back To The Shack” has a lot of Power in the Sound (overall) thanks to some terrific horn charts from Wainwright who multi-tracked sax ‘sections’ seamlessly. This is very evident on the opening track “Somewhere Else Instead”, a hard-rockin’ number that quickly establishes the identity of the disc. “Watcha Think About That” is an excellent bit of song crafting and it straddles the Rock/C&W/Blues genres effortlessly. One the DJs will love. “Shoeshine Shuffle” is another original ‘hot one’ that features a fiery guitar solo (Dalgarno?) and acoustic harp from Hurricane Hoerl. By the 3^rd track’s end you will agree that this CD needs to be targeted at the huge Rock audience as it’s definitely better than 95% of the crud that’s being peddled as Rock these days. “Black Moon” is another hard-rockin’ gem with tasty guitar and a nice Hammond organ swirling about. “Monday Mornin’ Blues” cries out for a video. A real jumpin’, infectious ditty with baritone sax bottom (or pseudo-baritone?) and the guitar work will have every old-time Rocker smilin’. Just how much they’ve evolved just in the last 2 years is really amazing and this disc certainly deserves Juno consideration (based on the music…). Each track is a revelation, especially for those of us who’ve followed The Blue Voodoo. They’ve evolved to the point where they should have U.S. labels seeking them out for distribution and given that these guys are ‘True Believers; in the Power of Music as a Healer and connecting link to all Humanity, it couldn’t happen to a more deserving crew. “Sunny Day” is another excellent track and “Simple” is a balls-out rocker that is aimed at the dance-floor. Definitely has the power to become an Anthem and the guitar work will have you grabbing your air-Telecaster. It is a knock-out. “Suitcase Blues” gets back in the alley with sweet slide and harp and it’s another Ace track. (Geez, Dalgarno & Tosoff have emerged as a supremely Excellent song-writing duo). Nice drum work from Stodola and throbbing bass from Berg. I think this is my favorite…so far. “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is a poignant take on the hypocrisy that still prevails in neighboring cultures (and here too…). “Gone” is a ballad (I’m not big on ballads, but it’s well done) and “Mojo Lovin’ Man” is a superb Blues-rocker that’s guaranteed to please everyone from old Blues fogeys to 20-somethings who’ve never heard of *Muddy*. “World Is Burnin’” is a comment on today’s pain-filled world and it is another excellent track. Everything is just right. The Production work warrants Juno consideration as well. If there’s a Canadian Blues/Rock album as good as “Back To The Shack” I’m not aware of it. (And they did it all without help from anyone in Toronto!). The last track “Texas Speed Trap” is another hard rocker and a fine closer. Besides being an extremely enjoyable album to listen to, “Back To The Shack” also is a hard-hitting reminder of what Blues/Rock and Rock are SUPPOSED to sound like with real people playing all the instruments. I have to be honest; this CD is far, far better than I had anticipated. I listened briefly to 3 tracks on a portable player 2 weeks ago and now after listening to it full-volume on a good stereo, I’ve just had my mind deliciously blown. These guys will probably be the next BIG THING in Canada (and beyo - REAL BLUES MAGAZINE

The Blue Voodoo -Back to the Shack -Blues- 5 stars- Voodoo Head

The Blue Voodoo steps back into the blues music scene with a vengeance with the release of their new album "Back To The Shack".

This has got to be one of the best blues bands in the Americas. This album demonstrates what a band can do when they write their own material and play their instruments like banshees from hell. Each track is
dynamic with its own unique sound and that's a great thing for fans of truly great music. "Back To The Shack" covers the gamut of genres of roots music, from blues to roots country and roots rock. The Blue
Voodoo simply delivers everything and then some, that would be expected from a hit release. This will be the album to watch in 2007.

Robert Bartosh
- Roots Music Report

"With the new album, Blue Voodoo raises its own standards.
Reviewer: Tom Harrison -Vancouver Province
"With the new album, Blue Voodoo raises its own standards. From the full,attractive packaging to a fuller production with horns on a few tracks, the quartet jumped up. The group writes in a broad variety of styles but identifiably is a blues band. Yes, they've got their mojo working (hear Mojo Lovin Man) but they also touch on southern rock and country,and they write songs devoid of the usual blues clickhs. There is a fresh upbeat quality to "Watch think about that", a sense of humour to Somewhere else instead and a suitable dark moodiness to Black Moon."
Tom Harrison.Vancouver Province, April 3 2007 - Vancouver Province-Tom Harrison

Reviewer: Canadian Cath-Sugar City Blues Radio-4CRM Australia
Just a few comments on Back to the Shack - WELL DONE! I like the way it opens with all guns blazing! - Somewhere else instead - Yeah! Watcha think about that - well I think's it great. Black Moon - I've heard and already liked. But my two all time favourites on the album is Monday Morning Blues (the Devil of the neighbourhoood) & SIMPLE - simply marvellous." "Now Uncle Tom's Cabin - is Beatles influenced ...And Mojo Lovin' Man - I like the way the Voodoo took Mojo and made it their own. That's what the Blues is all about. All in all a fine Blues album if I do say so myself." - Canadian Cath-Sugar City Blues Radio-4CRM Australia

Reviewer: Eddie Russell, Outlaw for Peace, Radio DJ, Texas
Just finished listenning to the very cool ' Back To The Shack ' CD Bryon......and the variety of sounds are still rippin' & snortin' through my mind like a blustery cyclone from BC on past the speed traps of Texas . Hot & sassy my friend . Will be airing...and thanks for sending.......cheers , Eddie - Eddie Russell, Outlaw for Peace, Radio DJ, Texas