Sept. 2008 - Terry Blersh, veteran guitarist and singer-songwriter has just released his self-titled debut CD. If you’re a fan of Canadian blues and roots music, you’ve probably seen him, doing his own thing or backing up many of your favourite artists, on stage and in the studio. The record features nine of Terry’s original tunes and one blazing cover, Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire”. Blues, rhythm & blues, rock ‘n roll and jazz influences are all evident, with Terry’s smooth vocals, fiery guitar and clever writing, tying it all together. Recorded and mixed by ace engineer Jeremy Darby (Lou Reed, Eric Clapton, Joe Jackson) of The Canterbury Music Company, the record features some of Canada’s finest musicians; Denis Keldie, Al Cross, John Mays, Garth Hudson, Lance Anderson, Mike Sloski, Charlie Cooley, Garth Vogan, Tom Griffiths and Alec Fraser. Toronto, Canada native Terry Blersh began singing and playing guitar at a young age. Terry’s first influences were early rock ‘n roll, Elvis, Sam Cooke, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Band, Stax, Motown, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and local guitar legends, Dominic Troiano and Freddy Keeler. It wasn’t long before he became aware of the music and artists that had influenced his heroes. That led to a musical journey back to where it all came from, blues and jazz, and the music of Albert King, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Ray Charles and Nat King Cole. In the Canadian tradition, Terry played around Toronto and The Great White North in various bands. Of note was blues/funk band Wooden Teeth with blues great Michael Pickett and guitarist extraordinaire, John Tilden. In 1982, Terry stepped out on his own with The Terry Blersh Band, playing a mix of original material and rhythm & blues standards. Terry enjoyed success on the Toronto club scene, and as the 90’s rolled around, found his guitar skills very much in demand as he began to record and perform with a long list of artists (see below). He continued to work with his own band, back up others and composed and produced music for theatre and television, all the while concentrating on his song writing and working towards the goal of recording a CD of his own. With the 2008 release of his new self-titled debut CD, Terry Blersh is back in the spotlight and making some noise! Check it out! Terry has performed and/or recorded with many of Canada’s top blues/roots artists and producers including Garth Hudson, Danny Brooks, The Cameo Blues Band, Michael Pickett, Rita Chiarelli, Dean McTaggert, The Gary Kendall Band, Chuck Jackson, The Johnny Max Band, Michael Fonfara, Lance Anderson, Richard Bell, Kathryn Popham, George Olliver, Steven Ambrose, Danny B, Robbie Rox, Robbie Lane & The Disciples, and many more.