The Future Blues Band

Eleanor Gang, vocals/chant
Andrew MacDonald, guitar/guitare
Mike Gauthier, guitar/guitare
Guy Breton, bass/basse
Kevin Sullivan, drums/batterie

The Future Blues Band was formed in 2005 and has since explored such highlights of the blues repertoire as the works of Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, Willie Dixon, Sonny Boy Williamson, Blind Willie Johnson, Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith and Blind Lemon Jefferson, to name a few. Starring the stunningly eclectic vocalist Eleanor Gang, Juno Award-winning composer/guitarist Andrew MacDonald, Montreal’s acclaimed jazz guitarist Michael Gauthier, Sherbrooke’s most-celebrated bassist jazz Guy Breton and the versatile yet sensitive drummer Kevin Sullivan, the FBB continues to seek out rarely-heard repertoire for fresh new interpretation.

Black Horse Blues

by Blind Lemon Jefferson

Tin Cup Blues

by Blind Lemon Jefferson

Future Blues

by Willie Brown

Sittin’ On Top Of The World

by Walter Vinson

I’m A Good Man But I’m A Poor Man

by Cecil Gant

That Black Snake Moan

by Blind Lemon Jefferson

St. Louis Blues

by W.C. Handy

I Ain’t Superstitious

by Willie Dixon

Eleanor Gang, vocals

After devoting herself to the classical repertoire, Eleanor Gang has turned to jazz and blues as a more personal form of expression. She has been teaching singing at Bishop’s University since 1988 and pursued a career as a singer of art song, ranging from Elizabethan lute songs, German Lieder, and French mélodies to the avant garde. She has been recorded by the CBC and Société Radio-Canada, and has performed as a soloist across Canada and in the U.S. Miss Gang has been vocalist with the Future Blues Band since 2005.

Andrew MacDonald, guitar

Well known as a composer of works for symphony orchestra and chamber groups, Andrew MacDonald has been a classical guitarist for many years. Recent work in the field of jazz has opened up new avenues for improvisation and composition, and because of his unique background he brings a fresh approach to this genre. The Hot Jazz Trio (now the MacDonald-Breton-Sullivan Trio) has enjoyed considerable success of late and their recent CD “Shuffletown Blue” has been featured nationally on CBC, SRC and local radio stations. One reviewer states that “the band is free-flowing and wildly creative…this first release provides a pleasant and enthusiastic blend of several different styles adding up to a wonderful sampling of accessible jazz fusion. Check these guys out.” There are twenty CDs of MacDonald’s compositions to date, one of which won the Juno Award for Best Composition, another both the East Coast Music Award and a Canadian Independent Music Award for best recording, while two others were nominated for EMC and Opus awards. His many works are frequently performed across the country and abroad by notable orchestras, chamber groups and soloists, and are often broadcast on public and independent radio stations. His recent opera, Mary’s Wedding, was premiered by Pacific Opera Victoria to critical acclaim by the international press.

Michael Gauthier, guitar

Michael Gauthier’s soulful approach to the jazz guitar follows Aaron Copland’s philosophy: “Music should be as simple as possible but no simpler”. A self-taught improviser, Gauthier’s prowess as a performer has placed him on stage with numerous internationally known jazz stars. His playing style evokes the human voice and is influenced by guitarists Kenny Burrell, Grant Green, and Robert Johnson, and singers Ray Charles and Jimi Hendrix. His compositions incorporate dancing rhythms, lyrical conversations and a touch of blues. A favourite on the club and festival scene, he can be heard regularly on both local and national radio broadcasts. Mike teaches jazz at l’Université de Montréal, McGill, Bishop’s, and l’Université de Sherbrooke and has also been a jury member for the Alcan Canadian Jazz Competition and le Ministère des Affaires Culturels du Québec.

Guy Breton, bass

Guy Breton has performed as a professional bassist for many years. He was a founding member of the Boppin’ Blues Band, a recording group highly regarded on the jazz and blues scene in Québec and beyond. He has performed at numerous festivals, including the Festival de Blues de Jonquière, the Canadian Blues Summit and the Festival de Blues de Sherbrooke. In 1995 Breton founded the Blue Note Quartet to explore the jazz classics immortalized on the Blue Note label. He performed with Garou and the Untouchables from 1995 to 1998 and in 1999 opened for Corey Hart with Kate Morrison. He has recorded for television broadcasts with TVA and was tour bassist and bassist/musical director for the Téléthon du CHUS from 2003 to 2008.

Kevin Sullivan, drums

After devoting herself to the classical repertoire, Eleanor Gang has turned to jazz and blues as a more personal form of expression. She has been teaching singing at Bishop’s University since 1988 and pursued a career as a singer of art song, ranging from Elizabethan lute songs, German Lieder, and French mélodies to the avant garde. She has been recorded by the CBC and Société Radio-Canada, and has performed as a soloist across Canada and in the U.S. Miss Gang has been vocalist with the Future Blues Band since 2005.