DESCRIPTION:
In 2003, accomplished vocalist and pianist Bill King pared down his dream band, the Saturday Nite Fish Fry, to guitarist Neil Chapman and the rhythm section and allowed it to feast on its own vices. A steady gig at a local Toronto hotspot helped the four-piece group find their name, attitude, distinct personality and new repertoire. The sound was classic blues married with New Orleans rock. The group went on to garner a Maple Blues award for "Best New Artist" and their debut album Too Much Fun captured a Juno nomination for "Best Blues Album." Joined by musical heavyweights Lionel Williams on bass and Jim Casson on drums, the band released a second Rockit 88 Band album, Sweet Sugar Cane. The live-off-the-floor recording is a mix of blues, country rock, Appalachian and electric folk, featuring a blend of rockin' piano, heavy slide guitar, thundering bass and pounding drums. Rockit 88's own Bill King serves as artistic director and emcee for the Beaches International Jazz Festival.