B.C. Read has been performing his unique and original style of roots and blues music throughout Western Canada since the late 1970’s.
He has been charted by blues DJ’s all over the world. People from Australia to Germany, Greece to Mexico have heard B.C. Read on their radios.
His music is a mix of Chicago, Delta and Texas styles of Blues over a generous helping of Folk, Rock and Country.
Comparisons have been made to The Band, Joe Cocker, John Hiatt, Slide Guitar Man Roy Rodgers as well as classic blues men like Son House and Big Bill Broonze.
In the past B.C. Read and his band have backed up some of the greatest roots & blues players of our time, including Hubert Sumlin, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Anders Osborn, Joan Baez and opened for Keb Mo, Buddy Guy, John Hammond, Joe Louis Walker, Billy Branch, and many, many others.
His original style of slide guitar has been praised by many of the countries great guitar players and B.C. has been asked to do many guitar work shops over the years.
B.C. is the founding President (Past) of the Saskatoon Blues Society and keeps involved with "The Blues In Schools" program, a Blues education and performance workshop available to schools throughout Saskatchewan.
B.C.'s last project was called "Bowl of Sugar". This album was nominated for a "Western Canadian Music Award - OUTSTANDING BLUES RECORDING" in 2007. It features long-time band mates, George Tennent on Bass, Sheldon Corbett on Sax & Accordion, Tom Cunningham on Drums, Rod Saloum on Keyboards, Doug Scarrow on Electric Guitar and features B.C.'s old friend "Big Dave McLean" on harp for two songs. Also contributing were Brent Longstaff (principle Tuba player from The Saskatoon Symphony), Ross Ulmer on Trombone, David Anderson on Trumpet, Sharon Matheson & Kelly Read on Vocals, as well as Glenn Ens, who co-produced the recording and played Drums on one track.
"Bowl of Sugar" has been charted #1 in Kamloops & Regina, #3 in Toronto, #4 at Ryerson and keeps on being played by DJ's all over Canada and the World.
B.C.'s new album "1,000 Miles" is now available. It features special guests Suzie Vinnick, Big Dave McLean, Jack Semple and Wilma, as well as the O-So Sweet Horns and B.C.'s regular live band. The music, like B.C.'s other albums, ranges from Gut Bucket Delta Blues (Jellyroll Baker) to New Orleans Funk (That's The Deal) to Bluesy Folk (What Could Have Been). The album also includes a bluesy cover of Neil Young's "Are You Ready For The County" recorded live off the floor. "1,000 Miles" promises to be Read's best album so far.
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