Fathead

Emerging from Canada, Fathead ranks among the strongest blues and roots rock outfits to appear since Ronnie Hawkins recruited the future-Band as his backing unit, The Hawks, during the mid-1950s. The ultra-tight ensemble unites the most respected musicians in the United States' northern neighbor for an energetic blend of funk, soul and rockin' blues. "Real Blues" described the group's harp and guitar-dominated sound as "one of those rare, much sought after, but seldom achieved, chemical/spiritual reactions that happens when all the right ingredients come together: talent, personality, humour, united vision and a little bit of hoodoo/voodoo". "The Toronto Star" offered further praise, noting, "If the blues were a sports league, Fathead would be the equivelent of an all-star team".

Fathead's self-titled debut album appeared in 1995 and earned recognition as one of the year's top five albums at the Westcoast Blues Awards. Two years later the group collected a "Jazz Report" award as "Best blues group of the year". Featuring Al Lerman (harp, saxophone, vocals), John Mays (lead vocals), Teddy Leonard (guitar, vocals), Omar Tunnock (bass, vocals) and Ed White (drums, vocals), the band has maintained a perennial presence at the Maple Blues awards. In 1998 Fathead received six nominations and took home the honor for "Electric group of the year"; the following year it earned eight category nominations.

Released by Electrofi/Festival in March 1998, the second album Blues Weather captured a Juno award as "best blues album of the year". Where's Your Head At? followed in 2000.