Jack deKeyzer’s new “Six String Lover ” album has now been released and, a promotional video of the John Mars/Jack deKeyzer penned song “Jump Right To It” has been pegged for release as a promotional video. Watch for it on the “BRAVO” television station. Jack was recently a huge hit at the Montreal Jazz Festival in July, headlining a Friday night show and, playing to a crowd of 20,000. Congratulations to our buddy – he has been building an audience in Quebec over the last 15 years and, it’s nice to see him have such a huge success. John Mars will be a special guest on a couple of Jack’s gigs this fall – keep your eyes on Johnny’s “gigs” page for details.
On July 13 in Paris, Ontario, John Mars made a surprise appearance singing one song in the middle of a gig by his Nova Scotian pals THE TREWS (formerly TROUSER). With Colin MacDonald of The Trews spontaneously calling for John to trundle on up to the stage to sing the Rolling Stones’ classic “Paint, It Black”, John then turned around and, called up his long time friend Dave Rave (The Shakers/Teenage Head/The Dave Rave Conspiracy) , who was in the audience to join in on the backing vocals and it all went down a storm. John and Dave had not sung together onstage since the late 80’s when John’s group the Children were sometimes a warm-up act for concerts by Teenage Head, while Dave was a member of that group.
The Trews are currently working on new recordings that are being produced by Gordie Johnson of Big Sugar. Meanwhile, Dave Rave’s classic “Valentino’s Pirates” album has finally come out on CD . Go to the Bullseye Records web site for ordering info.
Another John Mars “sighting” in July saw him in the company of his old BRIAN’S CHILDREN cohort Temp’s, when they were noticed together in the audience at a London apprearance by Eric Burdon and New Animals. Temp’s and the Martian have neither performed together nor written music together for many years – could something be in the offfing ?
A hearty “Get well soon” wish must go out to ROOM 101 guitarist Jamie Robertson (who is having a surgery). The group’s activities are currently suspended, due to Jamie’s illness (John Mars sometimes performs with ROOM 101 and, they are close friends). On a more positive note, we must send out congratulations to ROOM 101 bassist Chris Blacker, who became a dad this month.
submitted by Huggy Bundle July 2002