Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears Bring the Blues to Montreal Jazz Fest

Forget back-up dancers -- tonight on the Scène Loto Québec stage at the Montreal Jazz Festival, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears proved that a line of bobbing brass musicians is the ultimate in stage décor.

Lewis and the Honeybears weren't the only ones dancing -- the entire crowd was equally enthusiastic with swaying hips and flailing arms. Even the shyest of jazz fest patrons couldn't help but bop their heads, and when music elicits that kind of physical reaction, it's a good sign.

The show was a celebration of the Texas musicians' many talents and sheer intensity. They hit electric guitars with rock 'n' roll force and wailed on brass instruments and drums alike. At times, Lewis even teeters on the edge of rap, spitting into the mic with effortless precision and heavy heart, while his fingers tickle the neck of his guitar at a mind-numbing speed.

Perhaps the true star of the show, however, was Lewis' harmonica. A constant and faithful companion, the harmonica helped anchor all eight of the band members and their various instrumental inclinations back down to the blues.

It's hard to believe that this band is only three years and two albums deep. Lewis has the vocal range of a seasoned performer and each Honeybear is masterful on his instrument. There's enough heart and soul in this crew to bring them back to Montreal's elite lineup for many, many years to come.