Canada’s Ross Neilsen has struck out on his own recently and he’s bringing his solo show to Lazy Mike’s House of Music in Qualicum Beach next Monday. The last time the Fredericton, N.B. native was in the area he played at the Rod & Gun with his bands, the Ross Neilsen Band and Ross Neilsen and Sufferin’ Bastards.
“I’ve been in a ‘band’ all by my lonesome for about two months,” he said. “I’m enjoying it.”
While Neilsen said the solo show is heavily blues influenced, he wants audiences to know it’s not all “cry in your beer, sad music.” While he does attempt to imitate the blues masters, Neilsen said he can’t match them exactly because he hasn’t lived the lives that inspired the music. “I try to draw on my own experiences,” he said, explaining this changes the sound of the music. He also draws influence from all genres of music including country, folk, and rock, and plays everything from delta blues to more folk-inspired singer songwriter music. “It’s blues with a twist,” he concluded.
Music is subjective and personal, and giving too much away ruins that for them, he said.
“I want to lead them down a path and let them look around at their surroundings,” he explained. “Let them feel what they want to feel; not tell them what they should feel.”
Still, he’s excited to connect with the audience during the show and is happy to do so at the House of Music. “It’s easier to connect with people in a small venue,” he said.
“It’s such a beautiful, intimate thing,” agreed Mike Mallon, owner of the House of Music. “It’s like seeing someone in a living room.”
Ticket’s for Ross Neilsen’s Feb. 9 concert are $20 at the door, though you can reserve them by phone at 250-594-9951. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show following at 8 p.m. There will also be $3 eats and treats available for purchase at the show.