About

“Think Southside Johnny on serious steroids: swing-cool, passionate and sitting atop a time bomb of R&B thunder. From soul belter to crooning, passion-fired singer-songwriter, McCord is the real deal.” - Exclaim!

When the band in question is Scott McCord and The Bonafide Truth, straight out the box is a phrase that springs to mind. Why? The raucous soul band’s first gig was the Toronto Blues Society’s Talent Search in 2008 – and they bagged the top prize. That same year, their superb debut album, Blues for Sunshine, was released to critical acclaim. They opened for the legendary Edgar Winter and Grammy winner Dan Hill, and were heard across Canada on CBC Radio2 ’s flagship show, Canada Live. Last year they made a splash at the 2010 International Blues Challenge in Memphis and were also nominated Best New Artist of the Year at the 2010 Maple Blues Awards.

Memphis soul, jazz, funk and blues have made a major impact on this group of musicians whose killer grooves perfectly compliment their charismatic frontman’s soulful, elastic voice. But this isn’t a group content on mimicking the music that’s obviously inspired them. It’s filtered through their indie rock and blues sensibilities, and this signature sound is what’s causing such a buzz. And if you’ve witnessed the rock and soul crew in concert, then you’re familiar with its take-no-prisoners style of throwing down.

Comprising a crack rhythm section that features drummer Bryan Humphreys (Jeff Healey, Tony Springer) and bassist Charlie James, and an explosive Stax-y horn section that includes baritone saxophonist Todd Porter (Mr. Something Something), trumpeter/flugelhorn player Steve Dyte (Jully Black) and trombonist Christian Overton (King Sunshine, Jully Black), the Bonafides make a glorious noise in the studio and on stage.

To date, Scott McCord & The Bonafide Truth have delighted and charged huge crowds at the Beaches International Jazz Festival, the Toronto TD International Jazz Festival, the Playing With Fire festival in Omaha NB, the Toronto Blues Summit IV, the Waterfront Blues Festival, Sarnia’s Jazz In The Village, and the Southside Shuffle. In between playing select dates, Scott has been writing furiously and they have been woodshedding tracks for their next full length due May 2012.

And you can be sure that soul and blues will be all up in the mix on their next strike. Those in need of a soulful fix, get ready.

» Download a hi-res photo of the band

Instrumentation
Scott McCord – lead vocal, acoustic guitar
Simon Craig – electric guitar
Charlie James – bass
Bryan Humphreys – drums, vocals
Todd Porter – baritone and tenor saxophones, vocals
Steve Dyte – trumpet
Christian Overton – trombone
David Atkinson – keyboards, vocals

Discography
Scott McCord & The Bonafide Truth (May 2012) LP
Love & Sorrow/Mystery Song Mini-EP (2009)
Blues For Sunshine (2009) LP