Wilderness Entertainment Series Review – Johnny Max Band I Weber Brothers, April 10, 2024, Red Lake Legion
by Marilyn Duncalfe
It was a weekday night with a decidedly weekend vibe. The culmination was a musical jamboree featuring nine highly-talented musicians having a rip roaring good time on the modest Red Lake stage. Pinch me. It truly was “double the pleasure, double the fun”. Let’s unpack the show.
High-octane electric roots music was capablly delivered to the enthusiastic crowd by two prominent, tight and stellar bands, both active for years in the Toronto music scene. First up was the Johnny Max Band.
With front man and vocalist Johnny leading the charge, the two excellent guitar players and bumpin’ rhythm section provided a range of bluesy music that one audience member likened to the style of Delbert McClinton. Perhaps best exemplifying the tone and tenor of the act would be to mention that one tune on offer was entitled “Memphis Women and Fried Chicken”.
It is often the case that when bands perform their original music on stage, the audience is secretly waiting for the covers. Although some great covers were on offer, the crowd was whole-heartedlyimmersed in the songs authored by both bands.
Next up were the Weber Brothers. With a cross of rockabilly blues and even a hint of jazz, it was on with the second half of the show. Coming with a tradition of performing with high-profile celebs such as Kris Kristofferson and the pride of Arkansas & Toronto, Ronnie Hawkins, the four piece band pounded out the tunes.
During the standing O, the cheering crowd was delighted when the Weber Brothers called the Johnny Max Band back up to the stage. A high-energy jam of Bo Diddley’s classic “Who Do You Love”? ” ensued.
It was a bit of a mind-bend to be transported to such a different space on a dullish April night. Angela Bishop, the Wilderness Entertainment Series Emcee, noted in her intro, that WES has so far brought over 80 shows to Red Lake since its inception. There seemed to be no dispute from the audience that this dual performance truly delivered the goods.
