By Teresa Mallam
Prince George Free Press
February 27, 2008
Jack Semple gives a sample of his ‘electric’ voice and guitar stylings.
Jack Semple is not bashful about singing his own praises. In an interview Monday with the Free Press, Semple skirted the standard questions and got right into it, rattling off his list of accomplishments (including CBC spots, music awards, album releases.)
He also gave an abridged version of how he got to where he is today as one of the hottest, most versatile guitarists in the country.
Blues Underground Network presents Semple at Treasure Cove Casino Showroom March 14 and 15.
Semple grew up on the family farm where he first learned to play guitar from his two older brothers.
Hailing from Regina, Sask. Semple lived briefly in Toronto where he played full-time with The Lincolns but then moved back home to the prairies to pursue his own musical path and preferred country lifestyle.
No bones about it, Semple is one of the best in the biz, even if he does say so himself.
“I’m known as one of the country’s best rhythm and blues guitar players,” he said. “I have a reputation as a highly energetic performer full of passion and energy. I’m an eclectic guitar player - I do it all - blues, classical, flamenco and acoustic. I just did a tango gig for CBC.”
When he hits Prince George in a couple of weeks, Semple plans a sampling of his abilities as an artist.
“I’ll be doing some R & B classics like Hard Times, Shotgun and lots of other (genres) of music. I’ve never been in Prince George before and I’m looking forward to it. People who come out to the show, they will have the best time of their lives.”
Semple will be in good company with local artists, he said.
Why does he prefer singing (and playing) the blues?
“Blues music is a fundamental roots art form,” he said.“We already hear the blues – all modern R and B music is rooted in blues, especially with its harmonies and melodies. It’s easy to understand and that’s why everybody loves it.
“It’s the root of rock, jazz, hip hop, all music really. The blues will never go out of style. Sales may be better for other kinds of CDs but anyone hearing a BB King or Eric Clapton song understands what it’s all about.”
Semple’s musical style is reminiscent of the late Canadian musician Lenny Breau who also pulled different sounds out of his acoustic guitar from country, classical, flamenco and jazz.
Checking out Semple’s website provides a tasty morsel of the performance he will bring to Prince George.
The artist’s Qu’Appelle (2004) album has two samplings called Three Day Rain and Faith which are dynamite recordings and on his Live at Kaos (2001) album, is one of the sultriest, sweetest slow versions of Rainy Night in Georgia ever.
Tracks from his Cool Yule (2006) album recently featured on CBC Radio are also well worth listening to.
Semple first came on the Canadian national music scene when he won MuchMusic Guitar Wars contest in 1992 garnering him fans across the country.
During his fast rising musical career, Semple also got involved in television and movie scores and had a title acting role in the 1994 movie Guitarman.
