Tina Alvarez On Music

It's in the can...

Canned Heat perform their legendary, self-styled brand of rock and urban blues to Tucson, arizona's Boondocks Lounge, Thursday, October 1, 1998 at 8 p.m.

Currently, the line-up features original members Adolfo "Fito" de la Parra (drums, percussion) and Larry "The Mole" Taylor (lead and bass guitars) as well as Robert Lucas (lead vocals, slide guitar, harmonica) and Greg Cage (bass). Founding members Alan Wilson died in 1970, Bob "The Bear" Hite followed in 1981 of a heart seizure and most recently Henry Vestine passed away in 1997.

In their Tucson appearance, Canned Heat will be playing tunes from their latest release, "Canned Heat Blues Band," along with some of their classic numbers such as "On the Road Again" and "Goin' Up the Country."

Emerging in the mid-60's, Canned Heat played the happening festivals at the time, including the Monterey Pop Festival with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and The Who, and Woodstock, thereby embedding their niche in the pages of rock 'n roll history. Their unique blend of modern electric blues, blues rock and boogie rock won the group a rapt audience and influenced many aspiring guitarists and singers.

During their music career spanning well over three decades, they have played over 30 European tours, 15 Australian tours and 20 Mexican tours. Their sound has been utilized in commercials for General Motors, Miller Beer, Levi's, Pepsi and 7-Up. Their discography included 32 releases and Adolfo de la Parra has penned the book, "Living the Blues," which chronicles Canned Heat's triumphs and tragedies.

For an evening of authentic, infectious blues and boogie, Canned Heat can be expected to dish out the works. Following a recent European tour, vocalist Robert Lucas told one publication that "We went over well, better than I thought we would. The guys in the band told me it was the best tour they'd had in a long time. The audiences were very receptive and the critics -- some of them have followed this band for 25 years -- said it was the best line-up since 1969."

Tickets, $15 dollars in advance and $20 the day of the show, can be purchased at the club, 3306 N. First Avenue. Opening the performance will be local TAMMIES (Tucson Area Music Awards) recipients, the Bad News Blues Band.

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