Fathead

Fathead may be the best blues and roots band to come out of Canada since Ronnie Hawkins hired the future-Band to become his backup group, The Hawks, in the mid-1950s. An ultra-tight ensemble, Fathead brings together the most respected musicians in the United States' northern neighbor to create an energetic blend of funk, soul and rockin' blues. "Real Blues" referred to the group's harp and guitar-dominated sound as "one of those rare, much sought after, but seldom achieved, chemical/spiritual reactions that happens when all the right ingredients come together: talent, personality, humour, united vision and a little bit of "hoodoo/voodoo".

"The Toronto Star" praised Fathead when it commented, "If the blues were a sports league, Fathead would be the equivalent of an all-star team".

FATHEAD's latest CD "WHERE’S THE BLUES TAKING ME" is the crown jewel in the band's seven CD catalogue thus far. It's been a long but steady climb since FATHEAD formed in 1992, and the band has been tearing it up on the North American festival and concert hall circuit ever since - winning over new fans every time they play - making FATHEAD one of the country's top roots acts. Signed to the world renowned ELECTRO-FI RECORDS' imprint, their previous release "BUILDING FULL OF BLUES" garnered them a second coveted JUNO AWARD (Canada's "GRAMMY") in 2008 for "Blues Recording Of The Year".

That they have been described as a Blues Tour De Force comes as no surprise. Georgia-raised lead singer JOHN MAYS has had a storied career that began in the Southern gospel tradition, crossing over into Doo-Wop, R&B and Blues, not to mention a stint with the Godfather Of Soul, JAMES BROWN. He has won numerous Maple Blues Awards for “Male Vocalist Of The Year”.

Band leader AL LERMAN is a journeyman musician who plays with sizzle and a whole lot of soul. He’s garnered several MAPLE BLUES AWARD nominations for both his harp and saxophone playing as well as his song-writing.

Bassist OMAR TUNNOCH played in seminal Toronto bands Whiskey Howl and Wooden Teeth, and has played with John Lee Hooker, Etta James and Paul Butterfield. He along with Lerman, is a major contributor to FATHEAD’s arsenal of original material.

Guitar ace TEDDY LEONARD has played with Morgan Davis, Colin Linden, Rick Danko, Paul Reddick and a host of others. Along with iconic drummer BUCKY BERGER (2009 Drummer Of The Year), Fathead creates a fresh sound that is immediately recognizable as their own. They have a ball wherever they play and it shows!

Press

" Fathead's new album Where's The Blues Taking Me is a real cracker! Unequivocally recommended! " - Blues & Rhythm magazine U.K.

“Where’s The Blues Taking Me” - Another all original project (with the exception of the bonus track “Lonely Teardrops”), this CD is quintessential Fathead. Each member of the group is a master of his craft as evidenced by their multiple past Juno wins and Maple Blues nominations (along with several wins). Vocalist John Mays brings Al Lerman’s lyrics to life... particularly in “Lay It On The Line” and a wonderful ballad, “Don’t Leave Me Tonight”. - Ottawa Blues Society Magazine

"At Blues On Whyte this weekend, Toronto's Fathead blew through charged sets of music that were convincing reminders of why this band has won so many awards. Outstanding lead vocals from John Mays, punchy gang vocals from the whole crew and grooves that are alternately slippery and punctuated make for a satisfying evening." - Peter North, Edmonton Journal

FATHEAD/BUILDING FULL OF BLUES - Twelve great songs... solid and well built, played with conviction, passion and strength, fast and effective with solos in the guitar, harmonica and saxophone, without neglecting the piano and Hammond B-3, which are handled by two guests recruited for the occasion, Jesse O'Brien and Lance Anderson - Distrito Jazz, Spain

Long considered one of the hottest Blues bands in Canada, Fathead once again delivers a solid recording on the Electro-Fi label. Fathead is one of the best examples of ensemble playing in a Blues band. They are equally talented and each plays his part exceptionally well." - Mark Goodman, Blueswax

"Fathead's 'Building Full Of Blues' is smokin' from top to bottom and John Mays' incredibly soulful vocals are definitely a highlight along with Darren Poole's guitar and Al Lerman's harp and sax. - Eric Cohen, WAER Radio, Syracuse, NY

Fathead is a joyful sounding five-piece blues and R&B band. This is their first release since re-teaming with the respected Electro-Fi label. Three original members - band leader Al Lerman, vocalist John Mays, and bassist Omar Tunnoch - comprise the core of Fathead's sound. Lerman's 1950' style Chicago harp was obviously influenced by Carey Bell. On "Bitter When I'm Old", his brilliant harp creates a classic Fathead sound. The band resists singing about typical blues topics. Instead they tackle life's harsh realities in their advice-filled lyrics. They attempt to relieve devastation on "Katrina". Here they have enough confidence to break away from their musical safety zone by adding Darran Poole's fiddle to a cajun melody. The twelve animated songs - 11 are originals -aren't dramatically different from those contained on their pleasurable prior albums. Fathead knows what they do well, and they continue to do it remarkably well. The first time I heard this enchanting ensemble, I thoroughly enjoyed their party blues. BUILDING FULL OF BLUES reinforces how true those initial impressions were. - Blues Beat magazine (U.S.A.)

"The members of Fathead have honed their craft into an art form... Fathead has set the standard for Canadian blues bands." - Blues Revue magazine (U.S.)

"...FATHEAD with their fourth outing "Building Full Of Blues" on the oustanding Electro-Fi label. As usual there's plenty of variety here, with an underlying joie-de-vivre, even in the upbeat, Cajun styled "Katrina". - Juke Blues magazine, UK

"I really love the new Fathead album (Building Full Of Blues). This is some infectious stuff, so original and refreshing. It's definitely on my top 10 albums of the year list!" - Roger Gatchet, KVRX, Austin, Texas

"The Canadian based and Juno Award winning band "Fathead" have recorded "Building Full of Blues" on the Electro-Fi label, a strong CD with lots of variety in it. Guest vocalist Shakura S'Aida does a great job on the album. Fathead is as steady as a rock, yet smooth as silk. The songs: "Jellyfish Blues", "Fire in the Hole" and "Building Full of Blues" are jewels. Now I know why this band has already won one Juno Award. Now go on guys...you are ready for the second!" - Triple R Radio, The Netherlands

"Who are those boys?! They can flat out play. And that boy singin' is good, man - he reminds me of Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland!" - Mississippi bluesman Jimmy Burns