Barb Diab and The Smoked Meat Trio; Smokey Kind of Blues …

Sometimes, it is – all about The Blues.

Barb Diab and her Smoked Meat Trio ( a condensed version of the full band) are fairly new to the ‘Blues’ scene yet have already made an impact.

Whether securing regular spots at The House of Jazz downtown and Laval, or – various other entertainment venues in Montreal and abroad, Diab and her ‘Bluesmen’ are earning their chops.

Pierre Lamontagne on Bass, a man who learned to play years ago as a Heavy Metal fan, has ‘un’ retired and has been resurrected as a Blues student. Laying down solid riffs on songs such as ‘ Kool Cat Strut’, ‘Early in the Morning’, ( Diab’s Rhumba version) or a cover of Tracy Chapman’s ‘Give Me One Reason’. His Bass as diverse as the song selection within the Smoked Meat Trio.

Barb Diab combined with Lamontagne on Bass, complimented perfectly by a legend in the Quebec Blues scene. A legend on guitar …

J.D. Slim.

A veteran of the Quebec and Blues scene for over forty years, J.D. spent many years as Nanette Workman’s touring guitarist and has produced, written, arranged and played on albums for everyone as well as for himself.

His slide playing reminiscent of one of his idols – Eric Clapton. Slim’s finesse, spacing and tone, perfectly fit for any type of song. ‘That’s All Right Mama’, Elvis’ original signature song is tailored made for JD’s pickin. ‘Blues for T-Model Ford’ a vehicle for the ‘easy’ chords made not so easy by Slim. Adding licks and riffs far superior to the any Chuck Berry -esque three chord challenge. Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’, requiring adeptness as soft as a feather yet hard like a beak, performed uniquely and tenderly by both Slim and Diab. One word.

Magical …

At the risk of sounding corny, Barb Diab and her Smoked Meat Trio, have ‘Got their Mojo Working’. Playing Muddy Waters’ Blues cornerstone or in general, the Mojo is evident on songs such as ‘I’m A Woman’, ‘My Babe’, ‘Big Boss Man’ and the ubiquitous ‘Fever ‘. Diab effortless altering her range to suit each one with pizazz and style.

Diab and her mates have travelled a few times to Memphis. Learning their craft from the real Bluesmen. One of whom, very famous and special in the big theme of the Blues.