Very excited to be performing at the big event this summer here in my home town, and to see my name on the poster amidst such a stellar line up of some of the best blues artists from across Canada and around the world. My time slot is 1pm Saturday August 5 on the main stage. Get your tickets now! https://calgarybluesfest.com
“Midnight, because the music seems threaded through the keyhole of that lovely, lonely, magical hour, and Microphone, because it sounds like the tunes tumbled through a condenser microphone into a place where smooth, rich vintage tones are cradled within the space between the notes.” - Mary-Lynn Wardle
— The Scene Magazine, Calgary, 2023
Welcome to the on-line home of Calgary based musician, blues guitarist & singer/songwriter John Rutherford.
#1 Roots & Blues Record in Canada!
To see the complete Roots Music Report's Top 50 Canada Album Chart follow the link below.
https://www.rootsmusicreport.com/charts/view/album/country/canada/weekly
On The Charts!
The recent radio charts from Roots Music Report are out and I am thrilled to say that my new recording Midnight Microphone has made the list. In fact it is on three different charts! It entered the Top 50 Blues Album Chart at #46, the Top 50 Contemporary Blues Album Chart at #21 and incredibly my record currently sits at #2 on the Top 50 Canada Album Chart. The most amazing part for me is looking at these lists and seeing my recording alongside so many great artists. You can follow the links below to the various charts and see the complete lists of artists with recordings that are currently charting.
NEW EP RECORDING IS OUT!
And, it's released! The new EP Midnight Microphone dropped earlier today! Streaming everywhere. Listen on Apple Music, Spotify and many other platforms.
Coming soon to a stream near you!
I've been in the studio recently working on a new four song EP that is due for release in the days to come. The project is produced by legendary guitarist Tim Williams and engineered by Steve Gerard. Also on the sessions is a “Western Canadian Wrecking Crew” rhythm section with Thom Moon on drums and Bill Price on bass. The new work will be streaming everywhere and we'll have some physical product as well. I'll be announcing soon some live shows around the province of Alberta to celebrate the release. Can't wait to share some new music.
New Videos!
Pleased to share some really great video footage. The filming took place at The King Eddy in Calgary back in October when we performed an opening set for guitar great Amos Garrett. The shoot was made possible by the diligent and highly skilled folks at the National Music Centre and was part of The Story Tellers Oral History Project sponsored by ATB Financial. Thanks to all involved. Check out my video page.
Previous events
A long running and distinguished noon hour concert series presented by The ProArts Society. Concerts take place in a spectacular and historic venue in the heart of Calgary’s cultural district.
A fun summer night with the trio!
Join me for lunch at the marvellous Blues Can.
Brilliant world class blues event. Very proud to be part of the 2023 lineup.
John Rutherford with Russell Jackson & Tony Coleman
Calgary International Blues Festival, The King Eddy, 438 9 Avenue SE, Calgary
The Calgary International Blues Festival presents A Walk Through Blues History. Each festival I get to host this largely spoken word event as an interview/conversation featuring artists from the festival lineup. Each episode we discuss issues, stories and history through the lens of the blues. This year's discussion will welcome both Russell Jackson and Tony Coleman, two veteran blues artists who's careers have taken them from the chitlin circuit to concert halls around the world as bassist and drummer for the legendary BB King. This will be an investigative and provocative conversation as we unfold some of the issues around race and the music industry both historically and in light of a present day racial reckoning.
Calgary Downtown Association and Stagehand activate Stephen Avenue Mall. STAMPEDE WEEK!!!
Join me for lunch. 12 - 2pm. STAMPEDE WEEK!!!
The trio with Aaron Scholpp on bass and Kelly Kruse on drums. Come on down and ask for a free CD because you saw this on my website.
Blue Plate Special - Lunch time performance noon to 2.
Playing guitar in the hottest hoodoo boogie blues band in the city.
A special concert appearance celebrating the release of the new EP Midnight Microphone.
Artists in Residence Inn Night. An new ongoing schedule of live music performances presented by: Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown | Beltline District and Stagehand
Hangin' and playing some hoodoo boogie blues with my pals.
Big Labour Day blues bash with multiple artists over two days.
This is a spoken word event where I will be interviewing the great boogie boogie piano player David Vest. We will discuss various topics touching on blues history, David's monumental career in blues and R&B and the path ahead for the music. The 75 minute discussion will include Q & A.
Playing guitar with my buddies in the most juke joint jumping' band in the west!
Sunday afternoon music series in the park.