This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Roddy Ellias continued from page 49


playing with the real vets. He had finally become a Guitarist. That might be why he didn’t pass out


when he was asked to sit in for Lenny Breau. Now Lenny Breau was to Jazz guitar


what Wayne Gretzy was to hockey. Breau’s fans include the legendary Chet Atkins and Randy Bachman, who learned at the feet of the master. Breau was a regular visitor to Ottawa in the heyday of the folk and jazz clubs in this area, and guess who was usually in the front row? “He used to come to town to play Le


Hibou five to six nights a week, and I would be there every night,” remembers Roddy. “I got to hang with him a bit. The last time he was here, it was about three months before he died. He was playing at the Cock and Lion in the Chateau Laurier. I was at the bar, and Lenny’s Bass player, who recognized me, came up and asked me if I had my guitar. Lenny had just phoned down and said he couldn’t make the last set. I actually had to sit in for him.” Sat in for Lenny Breau! If that’s not a


testament to Roddy’s ability, nothing is. But where other musicians might cash


Mon. to Sun. 8am. - 10pm.


“I love shopping at Moncion’s”


in on their talent and standing in the music field, he’s always been reluctant to step out into the spotlight. “I’ve never believed in marketing


albums,” he says. “I’ve been in this business for 50 years and I’ve got three recordings out under my own name.” The annual success of the Ottawa Jazz


Festival indicates that Ottawa is a pretty good Jazz town, even though the number of venues catering to fans has dwindled over the years. I asked Roddy if he had any concerns


about the future of Jazz, with legends passing on and no mainstream media exposure. “In a way,” he answered, “Jazz is North


America’s art form. It’s not part of our culture the way it should be. It should be like classical music is to the Europeans. Jazz is very strong in the Jazz community. There’s no shortage of talent, there’s a shortage of schooling. There’s a shortage of Jazz on the radio, there’s a shortage of Jazz concerts. But there’s no shortage of dedicated, highly skilled Jazz musicians. I have no fear of Jazz disappearing.”


613-822-4749 671 River Rd., Ottawa 62 BOUNDER MAGAZINE


Grocery • Produce • Bakery • Deli • Primacy Medical • Vineyards Estate Wines • Pharmacy • Goodlife-women • Joe Fresh • Entertainment platters • Custom gift baskets www.bounder.ca


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72