This album began to take shape in the winter of 2012. While auditioning a number of live recordings I had not yet listened to, I came across a tape made on December 9, 2000 at a club called “Chicago’s” on Queen Street - now long gone. It was the last gig I played as a resident of Toronto. We had emptied the house, packed the U-Haul and were ready to leave for Nova Scotia the next day. Many long-time friends and musicianers attended the show, and I was happy, excited, and blissfully unaware of the tape rolling, which resulted in a loose, relaxed night of fun. Unfortunately, a huge snowstorm prevented our departure the following day, and while parked overnight, my van was broken into and eight guitars were stolen, leaving me with one - “Old Red” - my trusty Supro.

This recording documents the last night I played with “Old Tan” – my 1957 Fender Duo-Sonic which had served me well for almost 30 years. The Toronto Blues Society and the blues community came together and staged a benefit which resulted in the acquisition of a guitar made by my friend Joe Yanuziello. It is my main instrument today and was used for the studio part of this record. I chose six songs from the live recording, then booked a day at The Rogue Studios in Toronto and recorded eight new tracks. My old pal David Wilcox was happy to play when I invited him down - until that day in the studio, we had not played together for 37 years ! Colin Linden continues to be a great friend and supporter, and I was so glad he could whup some guitar on my tribute to Hubert Sumlin, as Colin and I share a long history of love for the Howlin’ Wolf’s music.

So… this disc has some new original songs, as well as a glimpse into a typical night of live performance, graced by a couple of old friends who sat in…. I hope you enjoy it.

Morgan

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