DESCRIPTION:
To listen to Johnny Max tell it, and to watch Johnny Max present it, you understand very quickly that there's more to creating great music than simply performing a first-rate piece of music well. It's much more all encompassing than that.

Max's take includes engaging the audience, making his show accessible. He wants to more than simply feed off the audience, he looks to make them part of the experience. And he does so with his good natured wit.

Using humour to get your point across is always risky because there's a fine line between entertaining and being the comic. To his credit Johnny Max knows how to tread that line because the music always comes first.

Max's music doesn't always follow conventional Blues lines. Rather than be confined to the traditional 12 bar influenced forms, this veteran of the musical wars favours substance rather than convention.

You would think that all of the above would be enough to keep anyone busy but Max also finds time to host a radio show: ("Sunday Morning Soul" on The HAZE FM, www.thehazefm.ca, Canada's only commercial web radio station Sunday mornings at 11AM and Wednesdays at 10PM.), and co-program the CNE Bandshell BluesFest, (with Rico Ferrara), among other ventures.

JOHNNY MAX

Johnny is a soulful singer whose respect, and passion for all types of music is evident. He is also a brilliant entertainer who has audiences thoroughly enjoying each show. Johnny Max has built up a solid reputation as one of those guys who gives 110% and is one of the most action-packed and satisfying entertainers around. Johnny takes to performing like a fish to water, a perpetual motion machine, galvanizing his spicy blend of Stax/Volt, Atlantic, Funk, and Blues into frenzied heights, often propelling himself into the audience's eager arms.

Johnny Max Band Members and Alumni

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VINCE MACCARONE

Vince Maccarone is a sought after performer and studio musician on both drum set and hand percussion. He is also a band leader, writer and conducts master classes and workshops. Vince is best known for his unique "world music" approach and is well versed in all styles of music. His live performances display an unbreakable link between traditional music and cutting-edge contemporary. Originally from the mining town of Sudbury, ON Canada, he is based in Toronto and tours throughout Canada, United States and Europe. After a 25 year absence from post secondary education, Vince is currently earning his under-graduate degree from Humber College with plans to obtain a Master's Degree in Ethnomusicology from York University. Vince's drumming has been featured on commercials for clients such as Tim Hortons, Coca Cola, TD Bank and many more. Some artists Vince has worked with include: Colin Linden, Denny Doherty of The Mammas and Pappas, Deanna Bogart, Gregory Hines, Jim Belushi and New Orleans great Earl King who commented "that drummer is hot!" he also has been with Paul Reddick and The Sidemen for the past 15 years. He has shared the stage with many blues greats such as BB King, Junior Wells, Joe Louis Walker, Koko Taylor, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Colin James and a 2 week tour backing blues legend Buddy Guy.

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JOHN FINDLAY

Singer-songwriter, guitarist & pianist John Findlay has worked with numerous pop, blues & jazz luminaries including: Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Katrina and the Waves, Marc Jordan, Carlos Del Junco, Colin Linden, Rita Chiarelli, Georgie Fame, Snooky Prior, Sylvia Tyson, Cindy Church, Richard Carpenter & Carol Welsman.

With the release of "FAIRPLAY" at Hughs Room in 2006 John garnered the attention of the Canadian blues community and the CD has sold all around the world.

"John's sound is a kind of uptown goes downtown." Steely Dan meets Little Feat with a touch of Motown: a mix of blues, jazz and funky New Orleans.

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WAYNE "SHIFTY" DEADDER

Wayne began playing professionally at 13. Played in JUNO nominated ("Best Blues Recording" - 2000) band Big Daddy G from 1997-2005. Also played with Hock Walsh (original Downchild singer), Dawn Tyler Watson, Michael Pickett, Jeff Healey, David Wilcox, Richard Bell (The Band, Bonnie Rait), Jimmy Bowskill, and Dan Gallagher's Beat Heathens. He has written songs for Steve Marriner , Big Daddy G, Jimmy Bowskill.