Over the years, in my quest to know more about the neighbourhoods I sell, I've been trekking the long streets that define who we are. So far, I've walked the Danforth, Queen Street East, Yonge Street, Kensington Market, Spadina Avenue and Queen Street West.
On the weekend, an old friend, circa 1966, was visiting Toronto and wanted to experience the music scene here. John Mabbott had a Hagstrom guitar back then and I, owner of a lowly Stella, was mightily impressed. He was the first musician I ever played with if I recall so in a way, he was my Pete Best.
Our stroll began at Queen West near McCaul and the plan was to head west until we stopped.
The Rex, a local jazz club, was a happening joint. The stage was covered with musicians and their little music stands with their little sheet music. In my little world, that can only mean music with no soul. On to the next club. The Cameron House. Now, there's a club with soul. The room has soul. In fact, it screams at you when you enter, "I'VE GOT SOUL!" As we walked in the door, the three piece band began.... Tall lanky guitarist/singer, dog house bass player (doubled on dobro) and old time honey tonk pianist (doubled on accordion) and wow, were they fantastic!
The band is called the Rattlesnake Choir starring (a man who I should have recognized since we've performed together before) John Borra. There was a fantastic keyboard/accordion player who's name I never caught but he told me in passing that he's played with various bands around town, including Blue Rodeo. The bass player was no slouch. The cost for this fine entertainment? They passed the jug. They play the Cameron every Saturday, 6 to 8.
With a happy helping of good acoustic music under our belts, we continued our journey. Stopped at the sex toy store (can't recall the name since I wasn't looking at the sign but you must know the one I mean) to watch "the ladies" dance and gyrate in an attempt to lure us in. Being the wiley old buggers that we are, we resisted their tempting offer and continued walking. The street scene was right our of the Rocky Horror Picture Show as in, lots of young people dressed up as gargoyles and freaks and the like. Did I miss something? Did they change Halloween to the third weekend in October? I really must listen to the news once in awhile.
The Swan, local oyster bar/restaurant beckoned as we walked by so we ate heartily and socialized with an old friend in the process. Damien is the proprietor of The Swan. I met him years ago when he was waiter #1 at Cafe La Gaffe in Kensington and 12 years ago, he took the plunge and opened this fine restaurant in a strip of Queen Street (across from 999 Queen, the old mental hospital in fact) where there were no other fine restaurants. This establishment was quite instrumental in changing the area and he is to be congratulated for his courage.
Satiated with good halibut and good wine, John and I are now in the final stretch. For a couple of old 60 year olds, it's getting late and I'm fading fast. It's 9:00 pm for crying out loud. I can't stay up all night.
My plan was to take him to the Caddie (Cadillac Lounge), home of Whiskey Jack the first Sunday of every month. However, the sandwich board in front of the Gladstone advertised another band I've performed with often and they're one of my favourites, Mr. Rick and the Biscuits.
As it turns out, John couldn't have picked a better Saturday to walk the strip. This band was also in fine form and we finished the night listening to their version of the gospel classic, Down By The Riverside. Wow. They brought the house down.
Queen West at night? Not a finer street in the city.
