"I think its due to the strong blues societies we have in Canada. So many devoted blues fans who want to see the genre stay in the forefront devote hours of their time volunteering to that end! Running and planning festivals, organizing events, keeping blues societies running and fostering new young blues talent, are all key to generate a following. These devoted folks are the unsung heroes of the blues. Without them, we are nothing."

FOG Blues & Brass Band: Groove & Fun

Following the success of their 2023 EP Twelve Bar Prescription, which garnered a Maple Blues Award nomination for Horn Player Of The Year for FOG Blues & Brass Band saxophonist Dan Jancar, the Kitchener, Ontario based band have released this self recorded/produced single tribute to Copperpenny. Originally written & recorded by Copperpenny, "Sittin’ On A Poor Man’s Throne" was released in 1973. In 1977, Bobby “Blue’ Bland (seven time Grammy nominee and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee) released his own version. Fast forward to 2024, FOG Blues & Brass Band (with the blessing and encouragement of original writers Bill Mononen, Ron Hiller and Rich Wamil) release their version simply called "Poor Man’s Throne". Bobby Becker (FOG Keyboardist) and Bill Mononen (Copperpenny) have been friends since the early 70’s. This friendship eventually led to a song writing collaboration with FOG and Mononen. In fact, the collaboration brought forth the title track on FOG’s 2018 debut album Into The Fog. Bill also co wrote "Automatic Blues" the first track on the 2018 release.

(FOG Blues & Brass Band / Photo by Jimmy Gribbon)

“Recording and releasing ‘Poor Man’s Throne’ is in many ways us saying thank you to Bill, and of course paying tribute to Copperpenny", says Jancar. “Poor Man’s Throne has been a staple in our live shows since the early days of FOG Blues & Brass Band. Friendship and collaboration are not the only connections Copperpenny and FOG Blues & Brass Band have. They share roots in Kitchener Ontario, where both bands were formed and cultivated followings. Copperpenny in 1968, FOG Blues & Brass Band in 2016. Nearly 50 years passing between the two bands. Yet, the love of creating music binds them. Music will always find a way!

Interview by Michael Limnios                    Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity

How has the Blues influenced your views of the world? What is the role of Blues in today’s society?

Bobby: I think blues is just as topical as it always was. Maybe even more so now? The subject matter is mostly about struggles in life. Blues can eve be quite sarcastic at times too. Topically, I feel the blues of today is generally more uplifting than in years past.

Dan: Blues is a community. Political viewpoints don’t seem to creep into blues music too often. The blues don’t care who you voted for… so I guess the blues in a way mediates? The blues gives us a place to come together. Wet your reeds, plug in your guitars, get that bass thumping and drums shufflin’ cuz we’re all in agreement here!

Hills: At a time when technology appears to be separating people more than bringing everyone together, the music of the blues is getting stronger than ever. Like-minded people who would like to see peace and love rule, unite through this music. I believe the role of this music is to literally join all people together! Blues music is a gift!!!

When did the idea of FOG come about and how do you describe FOG’s sound and music philosophy? What is the story behind band’s name FOG?

Bobby: I describe our sound as soul/ R&B/ blues. My philosophy is: Everyone play in their own style! Your original music reflect that. Your sound will be unique. Groove! Just have fun!

Dan: FOG sound is the best of all our strengths and influences. Blues/ rock/ r&b/ soul and funk all come through in our sound. Our Philosophy is to have each others backs, play to our strengths, and grow as band. When an audience sees a band enjoying themselves, they want in on the experience. That’s how you connect.

Hills: Blues music is communication. Its a language unto itself. The power of the blues is changing human thinking. From field hollers and chants to uniting all people in one powerful work song, we all get to learn the power of music. Blues music brings the beauty of African-American culture good and bad and it gives the opportunity for all people to learn from wrong doing to love and gives us direction for understanding. Fog music is a path of learning. We believe a listener should be able to go through a range of emotion when they experience a show. From how dare they to tears to enlightenment we hope we can get your ear.

"I think blues is just as topical as it always was. Maybe even more so now? The subject matter is mostly about struggles in life. Blues can eve be quite sarcastic at times too. Topically, I feel the blues of today is generally more uplifting than in years past." (FOG / Photo by Jimmy Gribbon)

Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in Canada?

Bobby: I think blue's music is followed by a lot of country, and rock & roll music fans. I’ve played these genres for many years now. I find that the blues music fans are very loyal. Canadians seem to be embracing blues more. Canadian blues bands are gaining more recognition all over the world. Mostly because they are quite good! We start to realize the talent in our own back yard is world class.

Dan: I think its due to the strong blues societies we have in Canada. So many devoted blues fans who want to see the genre stay in the forefront devote hours of their time volunteering to that end! Running and planning festivals, organizing events, keeping blues societies running and fostering new young blues talent, are all key to generate a following. These devoted folks are the unsung heroes of the blues. Without them, we are nothing.

Hills: I feel like people in general are losing touch with reality in one way or another. That being said when we get together for blues events it’s like the family getting together. Kind of like Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion. Not everything is perfect but we all leave with a sense that unity gives comfort.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

Bobby: Some of the best times I had were in early 70’s! During that time, I was in Detroit at G&M recording for the Sussex label. I was doing sessions with producer Dennis Coffey who was the guitarist for the Temptations and also a member of the Funk Brothers. As a 21 year old who had just finished high school 3 years prior, That was pretty cool! Another highlight would be a 3 month stint playing in Dubai.

Dan: So many great memories! A highlight for me would be doing a recording session with my mentor Larry Bodner and one of my saxophone hero’s Pat Labarbara at the same time! That was for FOG’s debut album. Memories recording with John ‘Beetle’ Bailey and Robi Banerji come to mind as well. Also, getting on stage and rocking with Goddo was a trip!

Hills: There are so many however one that sticks out for me personally was inviting my uncle, Pat Labarbara to come play on Into The Fog. It was amazing to get to see the horn group track. From Dan’s nervousness of sitting with giants like Pat, William Carn and Larry Bodner under the direction of John (Beetle) Bailey and watching him settle in, to his nomination for Maple Blues Horn player of the year this memory will remain forever etched in my memory.                             (FOG / Photo by Jimmy Gribbon)

"You just need to love what you put your time into. You don’t need to be loved by everyone. Every time we (Fog Blues And Brass Band) connect with our audience is a moment I cherish! Any time I get to sing with my loss of ability to memorize my lyrics, is a day that I have championed."

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

Bobby: I miss the old school recording processes of doing it "live off the floor”. I really love getting that live feel on record! FOG is getting back to that! I fear the possibility of the blues genre fading with the state of the music biz nowadays… But then I think of all the great blues societies we have in Canada! That fear subsides when I see young blues artist coming from youth programmes fostered by these great Blues societies.

Dan: I really miss purchasing an album from a record store. I miss putting the stereo speakers in the window to the backyard and playing that record all weekend. Listening to every track in the order that band wanted you to hear them. I miss that music becoming the soundtrack of my summer. I miss going to see that band when they came to my town. I miss hearing that music being played live. It was just so satisfying. That’s what I miss most from the music of the past. My fear is: being paralyzed by fear! Lol… So I don’t allow myself to spend too much time thinking about my fears.

Hills: The excitement of anticipation just waiting for my favourite artists new release. The general population seems to have lost the ability to really connect with an artist in the way we did in the past. Those that do are my kind of music community! I only want to focus on the hopes for the future the fears take humans alike to darkness. I hope my grandchildren get to see a better future filled with music and love, not war and oppression.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Bobby: From an early age I learned playing in a band is teamwork. My band members are like family. Everyone feeds off each other. That stirs up a creative atmosphere. And it's just plain fun!

Dan: Never say no to a gig or a session! If you can’t, or don’t want to do it, just say “sorry I’m booked already”. That way you haven’t turned them down, you are just booked elsewhere. Everyone understands obligations...right? Also, as a musician, you want to enjoy the experience of playing music. It’s a huge part of why we perform. Don’t let the business end rob you of the fun. Lastly, know your job! If you are hired to play a bar gig remember, your job is to get people dancing and happy. That way the establishment does well on food/alcohol sales. So leave your moody reflective slow stuff out of your sets. If you are hired to play a Festival, be as entertaining and respectful for and to your audience. The festival has a reputation to uphold so, do your job. Be a good human on, and off stage.

Hills: You just need to love what you put your time into. You don’t need to be loved by everyone. Every time we (Fog Blues And Brass Band) connect with our audience is a moment I cherish! Any time I get to sing with my loss of ability to memorize my lyrics, is a day that I have championed.

FOG Blues & Brass Band - Home

(FOG / Photo by Tracy)