“I think the willingness of blues musicians to be open minded when it comes to exploring other ways to keep the blues alive. Tradition doesn’t mean stagnation… being open crossing over with other genres isn’t the loss of tradition, it’s more like preservation.”

FOG Blues & Brass Band: Backs Been Broke

Canadian FOG Blues & Brass Band released their new EP: “Backs Been Broke” (2026). The title says it all. The band are: Pete Pascetta - drummer, Dan Jancar - tenor saxophone, Hills Walter - lead vocalist, ​Steve Ofner - guitarist,  Joe Dublansk - alto saxophone, Bobby Becker - keyboardist, Al Hosack - bass guitarist. Life threw some curveballs at FOG Blues & Brass Band, with two band members stepping away and health challenges to overcome. But true to their spirit, the band has bounced back stronger than ever. Welcoming new talents Steve Ofner (Guitar) and Pete Pascetta (Drums), FOG embraced fresh styles and new vibes that bring a dynamic twist to their signature sound. Originally slated for a June 2025 release, the EP took its time to perfect, featuring an exciting blend of new tracks alongside bonus singles that stand proudly within this fresh collection. Their self-produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered project showcases both evolution and resilience, capturing the energy they shared during an unforgettable summer of live performances at top festivals like the TD Kitchener Blues Festival, Wasaga Beach Blues Festival, Guelph Ribfest, and Dresden Blues Festival.

(FOG Blues & Brass Band / Photo by Tracy McCormick)

Fans will also be thrilled to hear from acclaimed saxophonist Dan Jancar, a Maple Blues nominee, who recently earned a spot in the inaugural Canadian Blues Music Awards Band—a testament to the remarkable talent within FOG Blues & Brass. Backs Been Broke is more than an EP; it’s a celebration of pushing through setbacks with passion, unity, and a slightly different, yet deeply authentic sound. Experience the journey and feel the vibrant pulse, and hear the ballsy, authentic sounds of FOG Blues & Brass Band.

Interview by Michael Limnios                        Archive: FOG, 2024 Interview

Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity

What keeps you passionate over the years in soul & blues music? How does your hometown that affect your music?

Bobby: I started when I was sixteen years old, playing blues from the rolling stones, and I have been playing blues and rock and roll ever since- being in kitchener or Waterloo for 50 years. I have seen all kinds of music. Come and go, but I always was supported for playing Blues music here because of Mel Brown. influenced by many others!

Hills: Passion is found in Melody! Most melodies come to me when I am alone! There is always a melody going through my mind at any time of day! Honestly, I don’t even know where the passion comes from. It’s just built in. I used to walk down my family’s country road at night and sing to the cows! Pretty funny when you think about it not much of an audience response! You could tell any story you wanted to the darkness. How I truly felt inside. Loves, loves lost trials and tribulations. Easy to get in touch with these things when you’re alone.That’s what drove the music. My instrument was always with me. 24 seven and wherever I lived, determined the story in my mind.

Dan: For me, it’s making sure I’m playing as often as I can with other musicians. When you do that, you really start to feel like a part of a community. There are so many brilliant musicians in the KW, Guelph, and Hamilton areas> it keeps me inspired and motivated.

“Music with AI today is becoming cookie cutting mathematics. I love that I can create without a calculator. I feel like the only way something can be different is if it’s fed by heart and soul Does music constantly evolve? If you mean by interpretation, I guess that statement is true.“ (FOG Blues & Brass Band: Pete Pascetta drummer, Dan Jancar tenor saxophone, Hills Walter vocalist, ​Steve Ofner guitarist, Joe Dublansk alto saxophone, Bobby Becker keyboardist, Al Hosack bass / Photo by Tracy McCormick)

The title Backs Been Broke sounds very powerful and personal. What does this release mean to you, and what message do you want to convey to your listeners through this EP? 

Bobby: This EP touches on different emotions. Some of them are fun loving songs, others, hit to the heart of sadness and despair, but hope at the same time!

Hills: As a musician you end up alienating most of your relationships. It takes a very strong person to survive someone who is driven by force that knows no boundary. I think in life because of the passion that drives, myself anyways I have been let down or even let down people who have come into my life! I get knocked down, but I get up again words to live by. You never know when you’re really going to end up where you belong. Till you do! Sometimes that miracle happens later in life and you find out it was all worth the cost.

Your new EP, Backs Been Broke, was originally scheduled for a June 2025 release, but you took your time to perfect it. What were the most significant moments or challenges during the self-production and mixing of this record?

Dan: We had 2 long time members step away from the band. There were also some health challenges to overcome. Once everyone got back to health, we then had to rehearse with our new band mates Steve Ofner (guitar) and Pete Pascetta (drums). Once we started to gel as a band, we stared to write, re write and arrange the songs. We already had a sound and fully understood that would change slightly. So, our approach to the songs needed to change and fit with the new lineup. You have to go through that process. But, by the then, we were pretty far behind on our goals time wise. Things started coming together quickly though! We all dug in and got it done. We released just in time for CBMA submissions. Mixing is always a challenge when you have 7 musicians chiming in with their wants for the mix. Steve Ofner did a great job accommodating us.

“I think blending some genres with blues is a good thing, as long as it doesn't stray too far from the original feel of the song or message! We blended 2 genres a little bit in one of our new song, However, kept it traditional to the blues!!” (FOG Blues & Brass Band / Photo by Tracy McCormick)

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

Bobby: I think Artificial Intelligence should be used to a bare minimum to enhance anybody's creative processes. Real music is created by real people, and it should be that way always!!! The best change to me would be no change!!

Hills: There really is nothing you can change. If you can connect, you can survive, but if I could change one thing, it would be time management. A song really can put time in a bottle, and it will remain in a memory till the end of life. I guess I would like all those special melodies and lyrics to travel with me into the afterlife.

Dan: Fair artist pay for streaming would be nice.

We notice that the blues is constantly evolving auditorily and blending with new genres, without ever losing its traditional identity. What drives this balance, and what do you think the next step in its evolution will be?

Bobby: I think blending some genres with blues is a good thing, as long as it doesn't stray too far from the original feel of the song or message! We blended 2 genres a little bit in one of our new song, However, kept it traditional to the blues!! Experimentation is expected with changing music scenes. But we should still strive to be in the traditional sense without losing any identity that you are playing blues.

Hills: Music with AI today is becoming cookie cutting mathematics. I love that I can create without a calculator. I feel like the only way something can be different is if it’s fed by heart and soul Does music constantly evolve? If you mean by interpretation, I guess that statement is true.”It’s all been done before” is what I hear nowadays it’s finding a way to give your own song and identity that makes people know who you are. I like chasing dreams. After all the dream is what brought us here in the first place. It’s a special gift if you attract listeners along the way!

Dan: I think the willingness of blues musicians to be open minded when it comes to exploring other ways to keep the blues alive. Tradition doesn’t mean stagnation… being open crossing over with other genres isn’t the loss of tradition, it’s more like preservation. At least that’s how I see it. Maybe I’m way off? But, aren’t we just opening up the doors for more folks to dig the blues? I’ve herd this statement so many times “I don’t like blues music” play them a song and they say “I didn’t know that was blues, I really like that!” Those types of turnarounds are just what the blues needs. I really don’t know what the next evolution will be? Blues Hip Hop? Thrash Blues? But, it’s fun to think about!

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(FOG Blues & Brass Band / Photo by Tracy McCormick)