Live at the Palais Royale [Digipak]

losing in on the end of their fourth decade as a Toronto jump-blues institution, and consisting entirely of men who are at or beyond retirement age, Downchild continue to make music that crackles with energy and joy. Founding member and guitarist Donnie Walsh wrote most of the songs on this powerful 11-track live set, which includes such fan favorites as "(I Got Everything I Need) Almost" (which features a particularly impressive guitar solo from Walsh and a great, swinging horn chart) and the rollicking "It's Been So Long," along with the slightly less compelling spoken word excursion "I've Been a Fool" and a fine slide guitar showcase titled "It's a Matter of Time." The album closes with a brilliant instrumental, a Walsh original titled "Soaring," on which Walsh and Chuck Jackson duel on harmonica and which also features pianist and organist Michael Fonfara. When it's running at full tilt, it becomes clear what makes Downchild such an impressive band: it's the lack of any weak spot in the lineup. Jackson has a rich, chesty voice and a jubilant delivery that belies his careful attention to pitch and phrasing; the horn section is sharp and punchy (and often joined on its melodic passages by Walsh's guitar); and the rhythm section drives everything from below with solidity and power. None of this would matter if the songs weren't worth hearing, but they're remarkably consistent in quality. Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson|