Spotlight Ottawa

From the first time I met this guitarist/singer/songwriter/recording artist named Trevor Finlay, and watched him perform on the Calabogie Blues & Ribfest stage last summer, I was hooked. From his searing blues solos to some serious chicken-plucking frenziness, Trevor has developed a unique style of his own since the start of his musical journey at just 9 years of age. I caught our Ottawa native this past Friday night at the Byward Market’s landmark venue, The Rainbow Bistro, who have recently celebrated their 29th year in business.

Trevor answered to the call of Nashville a few years ago, where he currently resides, and has been busy in the throes of songwriting and recording ever since. Last night, he shared a selection of songs from his fifth, and brand new CD, “Sandpaper & Bourbon”, categorized as Americana/Americana Rock, and Country.

Last night, Trevor gave an unplugged show to a multitude of Ottawa fans, friends, and family members who were also present in the crowd. It was just the man and his acoustic guitar, kicking off the evening with his newest material, “Anywhere Else”, and “I Need A New Heart”, two songs that are on a steady climb, and receiving some generous airplay. Another track from his latest CD, entitled “Send My Mail To Nashville”, was written when he knew he’d grown new roots in the land of Music City and would now call it home. The audience received a treat of toe-tapping, infectious blends of blues, funk, rockabilly, southern rock, and country, complete with smooth, buttery vocals, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. His guitar work is bar none some of the best I’ve ever seen…there were several times it sounded like there was more than one person on that stage! Other songs performed last night, included his popular ode to the nectar of the gods, simply entitled, “Coffee”; the playfully naughty “Let’s Get Drunk”; and his skilfully creative covers such as “Folsom Prison Blues”, and “Thunderstruck”. If you were among the unfortunate who missed Trevor Finlay’s performance last night at the Rainbow, don’t worry, he’ll be making another appearance this Monday, December 2nd at Greenfield’s Pub in Barrhaven. This will be a live taping performance/interview with Ottawa Studio DAWG FM’s Patricia Lever…don’t miss it!

Photos: Terry Steeves