Big Dave McLean - Pocket Full of Nothin' (2019)

Big Dave's newest songs joyously communicate several musical flavours while keeping the integrity and continuity of the recording intact. Pocket Full Of Nothin' was never envisioned as a simple blues album. With an assembled group of Black Hen regulars including Steve Dawson on multiple stringed instruments, Jeremy Holmes and Gary Craig handling bass and drums, and Chris Gestrin on piano and organ making up the nucleus of the band, what sets this recording apart from his previous efforts is the addition of a fully realized horn section. It was then a thrill and a pleasure when Steve brought in Jerry Cook on Baritone sax, Dominic Conway on tenor sax and Malcolm Aiken on trumpet. This truly made Big Dave's sound complete as the ensemble dug right in and recorded the album mostly live off of the floor in just a few days. A few well-chosen cover songs are included to complement Big Dave's original compositions. The release of 'Pocket Full Of Nothin'' coincides with the thrilling announcement that Big Dave will receive an appointment to the Order of Canada award for his contributions to the nation's cultural life.