The Fraser Valley Blues Society (FVBS) presents one of Canada’s rising stars in the blues and roots world on Saturday, March 23 in Abbotsford.
LJ Mounteney is a Vancouver singer-songwriter who has been gaining international and national attention for her sophomore album, Mama Danced.
Recorded under the careful eye of veteran powerhouse producer Jack Lavin, founder of Powder Blues, the album showcases top-notch B.C. and Alberta musicians such as recent Juno-nominated artist Brandon Isaak.
The album features eight Canadian original compositions, with two co-writes by Mounteney, along with five carefully curated covers.
Mounteney is fresh off a sold-out show at Frankie’s Jazz Club for International Women’s Day.
She brings out a stellar band to the Eagles Hall (33868 Essendene Ave. in Abbotsford) to perform selections from Mama Danced as well as vintage and more recent blues material.
The band includes saxophonist Jerry Cook (Colin James, Powder Blues), bassist/vocalist Linda Kidder (kd lang, August), guitarist Tim Porter (Brickhouse, Long John Baldry) and drummer Allan Dionne (Ashely MacIsaak, Mad Pudding).
Mounteney has been drawing comparisons to artists such as Susan Tedechi and Bonnie Raitt, with her rich voice and a commanding stage presence.
“I try to have as much fun as I can onstage while playing with the best musicians Vancouver has to offer,” she says.
Cora Price, founder and president of the FVBS, is carrying on the theme of International Women’s Day and is pleased to invite Mounteney as one of the few local female-led blues groups to the FVBS’s regular monthly concert series.
The FVBS supports home-grown blues music and recently sponsored three acts at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. It was the only society from Western Canada to send musicians to the competition.
Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30. Tickets are $20 in advance at fvblues.com or $25 at the door.
