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    NNSL Photo/Graphic

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    The Jerry Cans go live in Iqaluit

    Herb Mathisen
    Northern News Services
    Published Monday, August 18, 2008

    IQALUIT - They had been around the city promoting the show all week and the work seemed to have paid off, as fans of the Cans flowed down to the Legion to support the local band's live CD recording Wednesday night.

    NNSL Photo/Graphic

    The Jerry Cans are, from left, Donovan Fox, Brendan Doherty, Steve Rigby and Andrew Morrison. - Herb Mathisen/NNSL photo

    And the Jerry Cans did not disappoint, displaying their range as they easily switched between dirty ska, bluesy tunes and then later jazz-infused rock songs.

    Drummer Steve Rigby said the band had played earlier this year at the Alianait! Arts Festival, but had not been able to get together too often this year as a full band for a full electric set.

    Before the show, as music lovers made their way through the doors, Rigby was excited to get on with the gig at one of his favourite places to play - the Legion.

    "I just love playing here," he said, of the reputably raucous establishment. "It's so much fun."

    The band started in Peterborough, when members Rigby, Andrew Morrison and Brendan Doherty were all living in the Ontario town.

    Rigby said the band began by need, saying he was in another band at the time.

    "We were short of bands to play with," he said, explaining the Jerry Cans would open up for the band he was playing in.

    The CD recording Wednesday was the band's first live record.

    "We figured we were kind of cramped on time," said Rigby, explaining Morrison would be heading off to Trent University in the fall.

    He said the band would play about a dozen of their own songs.

    Rigby said the recording was not going to be intimidating.

    "The live feel is what we usually go for," he said.

    The show began with a few covers to get the gathered Can fans loosened up.

    Morrison showed his appreciation for the growing crowd.

    "Happy Wednesday night," he said, toasting the night with a sociable.

    Keyboardist, Donovan Fox then yelled "psychological!"

    For the first two sets, the rhythm section laid the foundation for Morrison's gravelly voice and guitar dexterity. Legs were tapping and heads nodding to the bluesy grooves that built up longer than the line-up for drinks.

    The third set had Fox - a relative newcomer to the group - show off his impressive (and immense) pipes, with keyboard dominated songs.

    The dance floor community got larger and less inhibited as the night wore on, culminating in an Elvis sighting.

    Showing his appreciation for the moment, Morrison commemorated the visit by throwing the Cans into a solid rendition of "Blue Suede Shoes."

    Elvis left the building, but it didn't matter - the night belonged to the Jerry Cans.