Lyle Odjick
The Bluesfest locals series will introduce you to the talented music makers from the Ottawa area performing at this year’s RBC Bluesfest. Come on out early to Bluesfest and discover some great new music!
Lyle Odjick
Tuesday, July 12
6pm to 7pm
SiriusXM Stage
Bio
Originating from the Algonquin reservation of Kitigan Zibi, QC, now based in Ottawa, ON, Lyle Odjick went from living in a small town with very little exposure to blues or live music to teaching himself harmonica and starting his own blues band.
After playing one gig with a borrowed house band he knew he needed to scout out some local blues musicians on the Ottawa scene to form his own blues band. Less than a month later “The Northern Steam” was formed and became a solid foundation for his Chicago blues harmonica driven sound. What began as a blues cover band with a fat swinging rhythm section and a harmonica wielding front man has evolved into a high energy blues-rock band with their own foot stomping sound. Some recent festival appearances include RBC Ottawa Bluesfest (x2), Calabogie Blues & Ribfest (x2), Mont Tremblant International Bluesfest, Junofest and Ottawa’s Westfest. A burning desire took Odjick from strumming in a small town to opening for heavy hitting blues acts such as Colin James, Randy Bachman, Monkeyjunk, Paul Reddick and more. Whether they’re showcasing their original blues-rock material or performing a modern take on a blues classic by Muddy Waters, Lyle Odjick & The Northern Steam never cease to turn heads at every venue they play.
The Talent
Lyle Odjick – Vocals, Harmonica, Slide Guitar
Ben Griggs – Lead Guitar
Fred Sebastian – Drums
Sean Burke – Bass
Sean McGee – Keys/Organ
Q&A
What was your reaction to the news you’d be a part of Bluesfest and who was the first person you told?
I was very happy to see they reached out and honored bookings to the local acts that were originally booked for the 2020 festival, as well to see festivals returning as a whole made me quite happy. The first people I told were my band mates to make sure they were available to play.
Please describe your sound.
High energy blues and blues-rock steeped in Chicago blues influence.
How did you get started on your musical journey?
My first experience playing on stage in front of people, with a band and first time singing was in a blues harmonica competition here in Ottawa. Local blues heavy hitters “Monkeyjunk” were the backing band and I was expected to front them for 4 songs. After finishing the first song and seeing the crowd’s reaction I knew what I had to do – start playing the blues in a band.
What can music fans expect from your show? Will you be playing any new music at Bluesfest and/or releasing new music ahead of your performance?
A high energy blues experience, we will be displaying a range of new cover material as well as showcasing material off our recently released debut album “Through The Rain”.
What artists are you hoping to catch during this year’s Bluesfest?
Hoping to catch Jontavious Willis right after us as well as Crown Lands and Rage Against The Machine.