Welcome to my blues and photography web. I've been involved in the blues for almost 30 years now, as a listener, player, photographer, and radio host and I've set up this web to help promote blues in Montréal as well as my photography.
I've been hosting blues on CKUT since January 4, 1990 when I went on the air with the "Mornin' Roll 'N Tumble" which aired Thursdays from 9-11AM. My current show, "Cha Cha Cha In Blue" airs Sundays from 9-11PM. I'd never had any radio experience before I lucked into this and it's been one of the most enriching experiences I've had. I used to listen to the Thursday morning blues show on CKUT but the original host moved out of town, leaving the station to fill the slot with a succession of staffers, none of whom was really a knowledgable blues fan. One evening, at a blues show, I happened to run into a girl I knew from college and she was substituting for one of the regular hosts at the station. I told her that I'd love to take over the blues show but had no experience so she invited me to co-host one evening with her and use that as my demo ... and I got the call.
I usually post my playlists to both Blues-L and MapleBlues and will soon include them in the CKUT pages on this site.
I graduated from the Institute of Photography of Dawson College, winning the Patron's Award For Outstanding Achievement for my portfolio of advertising illustrations. But my passion is for concert photography and I've amassed an archive of thousands of photos, almost all blues. I work almost exclusively in B&W and do all the processing and printing myself.
I've been playing guitar for a long time but haven't been out with a band for a few years now. I subbed for a show a while back but it's just not the same as having a band. Jamming is fun too but ..
I've definitely got the itch to go play and I'm on the lookout for the right group, maybe something like guitar, organ, drums and a horn. A real 50's style combo. In the past I've had the opportunity to work with a couple of legends: John Lee Hooker (on a double bill with B.B. King!) and A.C. Reed. Bands I was in at the time were hired to back up these artists when they came through town.
Enjoy my photos and feel free to drop me a line with any comments or suggestions or requests. Bands, musicians: if you want to promote your upcoming Montréal show, make sure you get the info to me!
All images and text © 1998 John Detcheverry