Home Town: Winnipeg, Manitoba Website: Click Here Booking: CD Sales: Email: Record Label: Sunshine Records
Isaac Mandamin (Vocals & Guitar of South Thunderbird) Isaac was born and raised on the Whitedog Ojibway Reserve (Wabseemoong First Nation 100km North of Kenora ON).
Isaac was blown away when he first heard Stevie Ray Vaughans music and thats when he knew he wanted to play the blues. He has been influenced by lots of old and new artists.
Some of Isaacs influences are BB, Albert, Freddy King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie, Jimmie Vaughan and Colin James. Isaac moved to Waterloo/Kitchener ON in 1997 and put together his first band called Shades of Blooze; they played in local bars in Waterloo/Kitchener and went on road trips to Brandford, Oakville, Toronto, (Silver Dollar, Black Swan, Chick N Deli).
Isaac started a new band called South Thunderbird, which is also Isaacs spiritual name (Aboriginal name) and moved to Toronto ON to get more experience in playing the blues.
Isaac moved back to Winnipeg Manitoba to be close to his family and to have a new start with his music. South Thunderbird had critical acclaim with their debut album Tough Go which was released January 2005.
South Thunderbird had received 2 nominations at the 2005 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards for Best Blues Recording & Best Group or duo and also got nominated at the 2005 Western Canadian Music Awards for Best Blues Recording. Chase was ..1 song for the month of August 2005 on NCI (Manitoba Aboriginal radio station) top 30 count down and Goin in Blind was ..2 in CBC National internet radio count down for September 2005.
South Thunderbird was also called to perform on a National TV show called REZ BLUES aired on APTN/BRAVO channel in winter of 2006 and performed regularly on BIG BREAKFAST TELEVISION in City TV Manitoba.
For a heapin' helpin' of the blues look no further than South Thunderbird's debut album titled Tough Go which was released October 3, 2006. This Winnipeg-based quartet has all the right hooks poured deeply into this rockin' blues-funk cd. It's frontloaded with clever guitar riffs in the essence of BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Buddy Guy. Outstanding vocal performances, rich bass and beautiful percussion. Where have these guys been hiding is the real question.
South Thunderbird is Isaac Mandamin (vocals, guitar), Luc Venderdonckt (drums), Kris Soderman (guitar), Steve Klotz (bass). South Thunderbird is actually Isaac's Ojibway spirtual name being born and raised on the Whitedog Ojibway Reserve, Wabseemoong First Nation 100km north of Kenora, Ontario.
Ten memorable tracks all written or arranged by South Thunderbird with the exception of the title track which was written by Dave Mowat, Joe Cocker's "Shuffle It" and "If You Wanna Be My Woman" from Tom Verna.
"Tough Go" kicks off the album and right away you're indulged by catchy guitar riffs accompanied by Isaac Mandamin's stimulating vocals. Contemporary blues veteran Robert Cray comes to mind when listening to Isaac's voice.
The pace of the cd could be easily used as a live set list.
"Good To Me" has an extended guitar solo which can be delightfully summed up to having a good time. It's drinking music and all about the blues. And if you prefer not to indulge, just get up and dance to feel it's love.
The darker side of the blues are explored on Tough Go and it's called "Chase". Another stellar guitar solo and enchanting lyrics It's what you're looking for.
South Thunderbird incorporates sophisticated pedals into their guitar playing. This isn't your grandfather's blues. It's uptempo all the way with Mandamin and Soderman hitting all the right chords with the striking resemblance to a rock concert.
"Cryin' With The Blues" is my favourite song on the album. Simple lyrics, tight guitars. This has 80's Eric Clapton written all over it; very soulful as Isaac punches the lyrics as if he's playing hopscotch on a cloud of blues.
The band's funk side really shines in "Spider Blues" with it's rhythmic drum show from Luc Venderdonckt.
