I heard on the radio today that the Brunswick House, a landmark in the Bloor and Brunswick neighbourhood here in Toronto for many years, will be closing – possibly to be replaced by a chain pizza joint.

It has been many many years since I’ve been at the Brunswick, but I do have some great memories of the place. Back in the 80s they had an upstairs room called Albert’s Hall, and they used to bring in the best blues players on a regular basis.

I attended performances by The Sun Seals Band, Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells together (twice), Hubert Sumlin, Mighty Joe Young, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Koko Taylor, Sunnyland Slim, and many more.

When they closed Albert’s Hall I never went back. I won’t miss the place. The memories of those great days are in a safe place.

Here’s a performance I wish I had seen at Albert’s Hall, vintage Canadian blues featuring two of the best, both gone now – Peter Appleyard and the breathtaking piano boogie of  Jane Vasey.