Downchild are a household name in Canada, and the legendary jump–blues band are coming off one of their most successful years in their 40–plus year history — selling out Massey Hall and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa while celebrating multiple airings of their TV concert special and the coming release of their brand new album Can You Hear the Music? Founder Donnie Walsh, singer Chuck Jackson and their bandmates have won countless music industry awards, including a JUNO (the Canadian equivalent of a GRAMMY Award) and Entertainer Of The Year at the annual Maple Blues Awards (Canada’s W.C. Handy Award). The inspiration for Dan Aykroyd’s and the late John Belushi’s fabulous creation, The Blues Brothers — who recorded Downchild’s “Shotgun Blues” and Walsh’s “(I Got Everything I Need) Almost”, the latter shortlisted as one of Canada’s Essential Songs in a survey conducted by the Toronto Star in 2007 — Downchild is an institution in their homeland, and revered by blues fans around the world. America’s National Public Radio service pays regular tribute, featuring Downchild in concert specials and blues programs. Musicianship of the highest order, sharp arrangements, strict adherence to its legitimate sources, slick pacing and a steely fix on the moods of its audiences have always set Downchild apart. This has been a class act for the entirety of its 40–year life.