Lou DeAdder

Lou D

On his 2005 CD release, LouD, Canadian guitarist Lou DeAdder shoots straight with ten blues rockers which have been described as Robben Ford meets Johnny Winter meets Jeff Beck. DeAdder doesn't shy away from the solos, as the initial cut, "Beer Drinkin' Mama" (a beer swillin' sing-a-long), features two extended solo sections - cool! DeAdder goes after the guitar lovin' market by ensuring each song is marked with passionate lead lines from his trusty Les Paul, Fender Telecaster and Gibson 335 guitars. His all-original material is flavored with funk and R&B elements, as well as plenty of smoking riffs and brassy grooves. And here's something you don't hear every day, a flute solo on a blues-based track ("You Said")! Assembling a team of crack musicians to play on LouD ensures a positive listening experience for anyone into guitar-oriented blues/rock.

Lou has been playing guitar for well over 30 years, beginning at age 12, and playing full time by age 18. Earlier influences include Jeff Beck, Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Mike Bloomfield and Jimmy Page (all are still favorites). He has lately latched on to pickers such as Robben Ford, Albert Collins and Stevie Ray Vaughan - all contributing to Lou's fluid style of playing. Lou has worked with many bands such as Shirley Eikhard, Brandy, Whip, 100 Proof, Mother Nature, Mason Dixon Line, Biggy Twiggy Band, Lockerbie, Level Crossing, Music Box, Hickory Creek and also did a single for about 12 years. After playing just about every style under the sun to survive as a musician, Lou went back to his musical roots (rockin' blues).

DeAdder is already hard at work on his next CD, having nine songs in the can. He and his band maintain a steady gig schedule in order to promote LouD. - Guitar Nine Records

Lou D

On his 2005 CD release, LouD, Canadian guitarist Lou DeAdder shoots straight with ten blues rockers which have been described as Robben Ford meets Johnny Winter meets Jeff Beck. DeAdder doesn't shy away from the solos, as the initial cut, "Beer Drinkin' Mama" (a beer swillin' sing-a-long), features two extended solo sections - cool! DeAdder goes after the guitar lovin' market by ensuring each song is marked with passionate lead lines from his trusty Les Paul, Fender Telecaster and Gibson 335 guitars. His all-original material is flavored with funk and R&B elements, as well as plenty of smoking riffs and brassy grooves. And here's something you don't hear every day, a flute solo on a blues-based track ("You Said")! Assembling a team of crack musicians to play on LouD ensures a positive listening experience for anyone into guitar-oriented blues/rock.

Lou has been playing guitar for well over 30 years, beginning at age 12, and playing full time by age 18. Earlier influences include Jeff Beck, Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Mike Bloomfield and Jimmy Page (all are still favorites). He has lately latched on to pickers such as Robben Ford, Albert Collins and Stevie Ray Vaughan - all contributing to Lou's fluid style of playing. Lou has worked with many bands such as Shirley Eikhard, Brandy, Whip, 100 Proof, Mother Nature, Mason Dixon Line, Biggy Twiggy Band, Lockerbie, Level Crossing, Music Box, Hickory Creek and also did a single for about 12 years. After playing just about every style under the sun to survive as a musician, Lou went back to his musical roots (rockin' blues).

DeAdder is already hard at work on his next CD, having nine songs in the can. He and his band maintain a steady gig schedule in order to promote LouD. - Guitar Nine Records

From Canada comes guitarist Lou DeAdder, who's impressive Slow Down may not be considered a true Blues recording, but it certainly has Blues roots and a lot of tasty licks, too! This is DeAdder's second release, which follows on the footsteps of his 2005 release LouD.
Eclectic would be the appropriate word to describe DeAdder's all-original music, but it all has soul and passion and stands out as one of the better self-produced recordings I have heard in some time.

This guy can rock out and blasts out with some very hot and creative guitar playing. For example check out "Ain't Got Two Nickels," the title track "Slow Down," the explosive "Without You," and the appropriately-titled instrumental "The Funky Strudel," which all show that DeAdder is reaching out to explore his roots, yet his music sounds very new and contemporary. All in all there are eight vocal tracks and two instrumentals. The music contained is a righteous mix of rocking Blues, ballads, some good Funk and R&B tunes. I repeat, this is not just a Blues album nor is it just a Rock album; it is much more than that. DeAdder also surrounds himself with a good crew of supporting musicians, most notably co-producer Brett Piekarz on rock-solid bass, Franko Woodcock on drums, Leo Sullivan on all horns and arrangements, John Marmora and Steve O'Connor on various keyboards, Steve McDade on trumpet, and Doug Johnson on pedal steel, all of these musicians stand tall in their accompaniment of DeAdder's often driving and complex guitar playing.

In the conversations I had with DeAdder it's no surprise that he looks up to the guitar playing of Robben Ford and Albert Collins as his main influences. See for yourself on Slow Down as he gets very unique sounds from his guitar just like his heroes. DeAdder also told me he is working on his next, not one, but two new CDs, so stay tuned as I suspect you will be hearing a lot more strong and original music from Lou DeAdder.
- Bob Putignano - Blues Wax

From Canada comes guitarist Lou DeAdder, who's impressive Slow Down may not be considered a true Blues recording, but it certainly has Blues roots and a lot of tasty licks, too! This is DeAdder's second release, which follows on the footsteps of his 2005 release LouD.
Eclectic would be the appropriate word to describe DeAdder's all-original music, but it all has soul and passion and stands out as one of the better self-produced recordings I have heard in some time.

This guy can rock out and blasts out with some very hot and creative guitar playing. For example check out "Ain't Got Two Nickels," the title track "Slow Down," the explosive "Without You," and the appropriately-titled instrumental "The Funky Strudel," which all show that DeAdder is reaching out to explore his roots, yet his music sounds very new and contemporary. All in all there are eight vocal tracks and two instrumentals. The music contained is a righteous mix of rocking Blues, ballads, some good Funk and R&B tunes. I repeat, this is not just a Blues album nor is it just a Rock album; it is much more than that. DeAdder also surrounds himself with a good crew of supporting musicians, most notably co-producer Brett Piekarz on rock-solid bass, Franko Woodcock on drums, Leo Sullivan on all horns and arrangements, John Marmora and Steve O'Connor on various keyboards, Steve McDade on trumpet, and Doug Johnson on pedal steel, all of these musicians stand tall in their accompaniment of DeAdder's often driving and complex guitar playing.

In the conversations I had with DeAdder it's no surprise that he looks up to the guitar playing of Robben Ford and Albert Collins as his main influences. See for yourself on Slow Down as he gets very unique sounds from his guitar just like his heroes. DeAdder also told me he is working on his next, not one, but two new CDs, so stay tuned as I suspect you will be hearing a lot more strong and original music from Lou DeAdder.
- Bob Putignano - Blues Wax

Lou DeAdder is back! The crazy Canadian guitarist has returned from the Great White North with album number three, Altered Reality and as always this guy plays his guts out.

Altered Reality kind of sees Lou returning to trying out a bunch of different styles and attempting to make them all his. The guy is versatile and over the course of his three albums, he's proven he can just about play any style out there. Whether its delta blues or rock n' roll Lou DeAdder can tackle it and tackle it with a prowess second to none.

Altered Reality is top notch stuff that despite being all over the place musically, is cohesive enough to keep your interest. Lou's band is focused and keeps up with him throughout the record. Wherever Lou goes, his band is right there with him delivering the chops. From the crunchy rock and roll of, "Hot Rod Beach Party," to the jazzy funk of "The Funky Strudel", Altered Reality is a fusion fueled jazztastic listen that brings to mind Joe Satriani at his laid back best.

While Altered Reality is a bit more varied than his last effort, Lou Deadder still manages to crank out the guitar jams with such ease it would make most guitarists just stop playing. Lou is clearly someone that lets his fingers do the walking and for someone who quietly is building his reputation with quality release after quality release it's only a matter of time before he shreds himself to stardom.
- Paul Zimmerman - First Coast News

Lou DeAdder is back! The crazy Canadian guitarist has returned from the Great White North with album number three, Altered Reality and as always this guy plays his guts out.

Altered Reality kind of sees Lou returning to trying out a bunch of different styles and attempting to make them all his. The guy is versatile and over the course of his three albums, he's proven he can just about play any style out there. Whether its delta blues or rock n' roll Lou DeAdder can tackle it and tackle it with a prowess second to none.

Altered Reality is top notch stuff that despite being all over the place musically, is cohesive enough to keep your interest. Lou's band is focused and keeps up with him throughout the record. Wherever Lou goes, his band is right there with him delivering the chops. From the crunchy rock and roll of, "Hot Rod Beach Party," to the jazzy funk of "The Funky Strudel", Altered Reality is a fusion fueled jazztastic listen that brings to mind Joe Satriani at his laid back best.

While Altered Reality is a bit more varied than his last effort, Lou Deadder still manages to crank out the guitar jams with such ease it would make most guitarists just stop playing. Lou is clearly someone that lets his fingers do the walking and for someone who quietly is building his reputation with quality release after quality release it's only a matter of time before he shreds himself to stardom.
- Paul Zimmerman - First Coast News

Chuck Berry, in his classic “Rock and Roll Music”, wrote about changing the beauty of a melody “until it sounds just like a symphony”. True enough, but I love the orchestral ELO version of “Roll Over Beethoven”.

Guitarist LouD, as he is better known, is a master at creating beautifully complex melodies but, in instrumentals, they tend to get saturated in the intensity of the overall production. That’s not to say the results sound bad, but if it’s subtlety you’re seeking, forget it. Whether they are based in blues, jazz, funk, r&b or progressive rock, these songs pretty much adhere to a “take no prisoners” approach. The only exception to that personal impression is one of the brand-new compositions, “Randy’s Mushroom Song”, which is more of a musical seduction than a sonic assault.

The new brass-laden entries are “Groove Crew” and “Modal Therapy”, the latter which wavers between moderately mellow jazz and progressive rock, showcasing each of the different instrumentalists. These include four organists, three drummers, two trumpeters, one saxophonist, one bassist – Brett Piekarz, who co-produced and engineered the sound – and Lou DeAdder playing all of the prodigious guitar work. The smokin’ CD opener, “Hot Rod Beach Party”, pretty much sets the anthemic tone for what is to come. The title track, on a par of excellence with “Wobbly Pop”, is of the organ-filled, psychedelic jazz-rock variety that fans of Jeff Beck, Steve Vai and Captain Beyond would appreciate.

If you like your music hard, hot and heavy (not unlike that of Canada’s progressive rockers Rush), you’ll love this collection, which includes past instrumental recordings – the country-fried “Space Cowboy”, the classic blues-rocker “Wobbly Pop” (a.k.a. beer and “bum pudding”, its original title), “The Funky Strudel”, and “Struttin’”.

Lou’s own summary descriptions of the songs offer a more interesting perspective of these compositions, particularly regarding “Hod Rod Beach Party”, which he likens to a modern-day Martian gathering but featuring ’60s Disney Mouseketeers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello – hilarious and right on the mark!

Altered Reality may take several listens to appreciate, particularly if you’ve forgotten your own rockin’ roots, but the musical genius of Lou DeAdder and company will eventually send you off a whole new plane of musical existence. - D.M. Wells

Chuck Berry, in his classic “Rock and Roll Music”, wrote about changing the beauty of a melody “until it sounds just like a symphony”. True enough, but I love the orchestral ELO version of “Roll Over Beethoven”.

Guitarist LouD, as he is better known, is a master at creating beautifully complex melodies but, in instrumentals, they tend to get saturated in the intensity of the overall production. That’s not to say the results sound bad, but if it’s subtlety you’re seeking, forget it. Whether they are based in blues, jazz, funk, r&b or progressive rock, these songs pretty much adhere to a “take no prisoners” approach. The only exception to that personal impression is one of the brand-new compositions, “Randy’s Mushroom Song”, which is more of a musical seduction than a sonic assault.

The new brass-laden entries are “Groove Crew” and “Modal Therapy”, the latter which wavers between moderately mellow jazz and progressive rock, showcasing each of the different instrumentalists. These include four organists, three drummers, two trumpeters, one saxophonist, one bassist – Brett Piekarz, who co-produced and engineered the sound – and Lou DeAdder playing all of the prodigious guitar work. The smokin’ CD opener, “Hot Rod Beach Party”, pretty much sets the anthemic tone for what is to come. The title track, on a par of excellence with “Wobbly Pop”, is of the organ-filled, psychedelic jazz-rock variety that fans of Jeff Beck, Steve Vai and Captain Beyond would appreciate.

If you like your music hard, hot and heavy (not unlike that of Canada’s progressive rockers Rush), you’ll love this collection, which includes past instrumental recordings – the country-fried “Space Cowboy”, the classic blues-rocker “Wobbly Pop” (a.k.a. beer and “bum pudding”, its original title), “The Funky Strudel”, and “Struttin’”.

Lou’s own summary descriptions of the songs offer a more interesting perspective of these compositions, particularly regarding “Hod Rod Beach Party”, which he likens to a modern-day Martian gathering but featuring ’60s Disney Mouseketeers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello – hilarious and right on the mark!

Altered Reality may take several listens to appreciate, particularly if you’ve forgotten your own rockin’ roots, but the musical genius of Lou DeAdder and company will eventually send you off a whole new plane of musical existence. - D.M. Wells

This is the fourth CD from Ontario, Canada based singer and guitarist Lou, and as with its predecessors, it definitely gets the thumbs up. Lou is a blues guitarist, but equally, he is unafraid to ‘mix it up'. The opener is a fine example; is it blues or is it jazz? It is accomplished enough to please fans of both genres, I guess. Next up is a tough piece of funk-blues, then some more or less straight blues, with Lou’s cool singing throughout. ‘Drivin’ Down The Line’ is a blues, though with a curious riff that owes a lot to jazz and rock. As the CD title indicates, the set continues in this eclectic vein with blues, soul ballads, funk and even some country-rock. As the backing musicians include two horns, the famed blues harpman Carlos Del Junco and Bob Taillefer on pedal steel guitar, Lou always has the band to pull it off. How come no big label has signed this guy up yet? Buy this and be one step ahead. - Norman Darwen - BluesArtStudio

This is the fourth CD from Ontario, Canada based singer and guitarist Lou, and as with its predecessors, it definitely gets the thumbs up. Lou is a blues guitarist, but equally, he is unafraid to ‘mix it up'. The opener is a fine example; is it blues or is it jazz? It is accomplished enough to please fans of both genres, I guess. Next up is a tough piece of funk-blues, then some more or less straight blues, with Lou’s cool singing throughout. ‘Drivin’ Down The Line’ is a blues, though with a curious riff that owes a lot to jazz and rock. As the CD title indicates, the set continues in this eclectic vein with blues, soul ballads, funk and even some country-rock. As the backing musicians include two horns, the famed blues harpman Carlos Del Junco and Bob Taillefer on pedal steel guitar, Lou always has the band to pull it off. How come no big label has signed this guy up yet? Buy this and be one step ahead. - Norman Darwen - BluesArtStudio

Canadian guitarist Lou DeAdder has a strongly blues-based style and a highly varied approach (a previous release was tellingly entitled 'Mr Eclectic'), and both are given free rein on this release, his fifth CD. It is split between four vocal tracks and four instrumentals. You want metal? You'll find it here. Soundtrack for a seventies gritty urban television show - yep, all present and correct. Some jazzy, funky stuff - you can strut along with this CD. Blues? Of course! 'Tight...Eh?' is described by Lou himself as "insanity at its best", which is as good and accurate a description as any I can provide. Lovely playing throughout, and noteworthy contributions from the horns..... - Norman Darwen - BluesArtStudio

Canadian guitarist Lou DeAdder has a strongly blues-based style and a highly varied approach (a previous release was tellingly entitled 'Mr Eclectic'), and both are given free rein on this release, his fifth CD. It is split between four vocal tracks and four instrumentals. You want metal? You'll find it here. Soundtrack for a seventies gritty urban television show - yep, all present and correct. Some jazzy, funky stuff - you can strut along with this CD. Blues? Of course! 'Tight...Eh?' is described by Lou himself as "insanity at its best", which is as good and accurate a description as any I can provide. Lovely playing throughout, and noteworthy contributions from the horns..... - Norman Darwen - BluesArtStudio

Lou DeAdder's press release describes him as a Canadian fusion guitarist. If fusion means proficient in varoius styles of music, that blurb is right on the money. Although not a blues artist the jaunty, breezy blues of "Low Down Feelin' Blues" that leads off this disc reminds in a positive way of blues songs done occasionally by big name pop artists. Nothing heavy here in music or vocal, just a very enjoyable listen featuring Lou's pleasant pipes and peppered by the harmonica of phenom Carlos Del Junco. Lou also interjects a brief 'bluesy' guitar solo.

If you heard this record without the benefit of liner notes, you might think it was a compilation of unissued tracks by fusion- era Jeff Beck and horn band Chicago and others. "Guitar Wank" and "Curtains Calling" sound like a slightly tamer Jeff Beck with the latter featuring Lou on vocal. On my first listen of "Aftermath" and "Tight...Eh?" I was waiting for a smooth vocal to kick in about about Saturday in the park or something else Chicago-y.

The two man horn section of Leo Sullivan and Steve McDade have that breezy horn vibe down to a tee. DeAdder also does a great job of mimicing Beck's stuttering, string bending, herky-jerky guitar sound all the while sounding fresh. "Guitar Wank" has a mellower middle section that sets up the release of final portion. "Jazzy" starts off life as a guitar- instrumental-for-a-Sunday-afternoon leading to a more complex Beck-affected mid-section. "Curtains Calling" has a lead in that sounds like an outtake from 'Blow By Blow', followed by a DeAdder vocal that could pass for 'Styx' or 'REO Speedwagon' with less emphasis on the pop-star dramatics. The double-tracked guitar rocker "Crash And Burn" comes on like 'Bachman-Turner Overdrive'.

A varied retro-ish expericence is waiting here for fans whose tastes lean towards classic rock. That vibe is presented while not coming off as mimicry, but more like a nod that Robin Trower gave to Hendrix. High production values and sure-fire band backing ensure an interesting day-dreamy-listen..
- Greg Szalony - Blues Blast Magazine

Lou DeAdder's press release describes him as a Canadian fusion guitarist. If fusion means proficient in varoius styles of music, that blurb is right on the money. Although not a blues artist the jaunty, breezy blues of "Low Down Feelin' Blues" that leads off this disc reminds in a positive way of blues songs done occasionally by big name pop artists. Nothing heavy here in music or vocal, just a very enjoyable listen featuring Lou's pleasant pipes and peppered by the harmonica of phenom Carlos Del Junco. Lou also interjects a brief 'bluesy' guitar solo.

If you heard this record without the benefit of liner notes, you might think it was a compilation of unissued tracks by fusion- era Jeff Beck and horn band Chicago and others. "Guitar Wank" and "Curtains Calling" sound like a slightly tamer Jeff Beck with the latter featuring Lou on vocal. On my first listen of "Aftermath" and "Tight...Eh?" I was waiting for a smooth vocal to kick in about about Saturday in the park or something else Chicago-y.

The two man horn section of Leo Sullivan and Steve McDade have that breezy horn vibe down to a tee. DeAdder also does a great job of mimicing Beck's stuttering, string bending, herky-jerky guitar sound all the while sounding fresh. "Guitar Wank" has a mellower middle section that sets up the release of final portion. "Jazzy" starts off life as a guitar- instrumental-for-a-Sunday-afternoon leading to a more complex Beck-affected mid-section. "Curtains Calling" has a lead in that sounds like an outtake from 'Blow By Blow', followed by a DeAdder vocal that could pass for 'Styx' or 'REO Speedwagon' with less emphasis on the pop-star dramatics. The double-tracked guitar rocker "Crash And Burn" comes on like 'Bachman-Turner Overdrive'.

A varied retro-ish expericence is waiting here for fans whose tastes lean towards classic rock. That vibe is presented while not coming off as mimicry, but more like a nod that Robin Trower gave to Hendrix. High production values and sure-fire band backing ensure an interesting day-dreamy-listen..
- Greg Szalony - Blues Blast Magazine

I've been following Lou DeAdder's career since his first release about five or six years ago. Over the years, Lou has made a name for himself through his talent and songwriting and has pretty much sustained a career by himself with some help from his friends including his redonkulously good backing band. The guy is a DIY marvel, having now produced, recorded, and released five albums all on his own and proving you can have a go on your own. This Canadian native has constantly strived, with the assistance of his band, to out do every release they've done and for the most part they have.


I think it's fair to say that five albums in, Lou and his band of blues rock troubadors have gotten pretty good at what they do. If you don't believe me you only have to listen to about three minutes of his latest album, Five, to see what I'm talking about. Lou and his band are tighter than a watchspring and play so well off of each other, you'd almost swear that they've been making music together their entire lives. Five is a cohesive, well produced record that puts Lou's rockin blues guitar up front and lets his talent take over.


While I prefer his jazzier, more instrumental work, the guy can clearly write a melody and set it to a few blues chords with the best of them. His band of merry men follow him around and keep the jam going with a non-stop barrage of laid back groovy riffs that have a hot night in New Orleans written all over them. Even when the band slows things down a bit during some of the instrumental tunes, Lou and company keep the songs action packed with imaginative arrangements and fantastic playing on all levels. Simply put, the chemistry between the members of this band is impressive and it's reflected in each and every song on Five.


There's really nothing bad you can say about Lou DeAdder, the guy is a trailblazer who takes it all on and churns out fantastic record after fantastic record. If rockin blues is your thing then you would be doing yourself a massive disservice by not purchasing this record.
- Paul Zimmerman - First Coast News

I've been following Lou DeAdder's career since his first release about five or six years ago. Over the years, Lou has made a name for himself through his talent and songwriting and has pretty much sustained a career by himself with some help from his friends including his redonkulously good backing band. The guy is a DIY marvel, having now produced, recorded, and released five albums all on his own and proving you can have a go on your own. This Canadian native has constantly strived, with the assistance of his band, to out do every release they've done and for the most part they have.


I think it's fair to say that five albums in, Lou and his band of blues rock troubadors have gotten pretty good at what they do. If you don't believe me you only have to listen to about three minutes of his latest album, Five, to see what I'm talking about. Lou and his band are tighter than a watchspring and play so well off of each other, you'd almost swear that they've been making music together their entire lives. Five is a cohesive, well produced record that puts Lou's rockin blues guitar up front and lets his talent take over.


While I prefer his jazzier, more instrumental work, the guy can clearly write a melody and set it to a few blues chords with the best of them. His band of merry men follow him around and keep the jam going with a non-stop barrage of laid back groovy riffs that have a hot night in New Orleans written all over them. Even when the band slows things down a bit during some of the instrumental tunes, Lou and company keep the songs action packed with imaginative arrangements and fantastic playing on all levels. Simply put, the chemistry between the members of this band is impressive and it's reflected in each and every song on Five.


There's really nothing bad you can say about Lou DeAdder, the guy is a trailblazer who takes it all on and churns out fantastic record after fantastic record. If rockin blues is your thing then you would be doing yourself a massive disservice by not purchasing this record.
- Paul Zimmerman - First Coast News