Jacques Brousseau
lead singer, guitar
Jacques is the creator, front man, lead singer, guitar player for the Blackwell Bluegrass Band. Originally performing at a young age in rock bands, Jacques family background in French Canadian music filled with fiddles and mandolins led him into the bluegrass music scene. He formed Blackwell Sideroad over 34 years ago, and it wasn’t long before the band was performing in Canada and the USA. Jacques continues with today’s version of The Blackwell Bluegrass Band, with a fresh approach to the music they are known for.
Robin “Rob” Thompson
mandolin, lead and tenor vocals
Rob is an original member of the Blackwell Bluegrass Band. Originally singing in choirs in his early years, his hallmark tenor voice quickly led him into the bluegrass scene. Today, Rob continues to sing harmony, lead, and play mandolin with The Blackwell Bluegrass Band, showcasing one of the best tenor voices in the industry.
Brian Abbey
bass
Brian is another very early member of The Blackwell Bluegrass Band. He has been a long-standing musician in the Canadian music scene. Brians’ hallmark stage presence and solid bass line led him to be an in-demand performer, playing with bluegrass acts including Rural Retreat, the Good Brothers, and an extended stint with the Dixie Flyers. Brian continues today laying down The Blackwell Bluegrass Band’s bass and rhythm.
Dave
Jack
banjo, baritone vocals
A new member of the Blackwell Bluegrass Band, Dave brings his signature styling to the group. Playing banjo and guitar since high school, Dave became a regular in London’s folk scene and discovered bluegrass. Dave has performed in Canada and the USA with bands including Rural Retreat, Station Road, the Dixie Flyers, Bruce County Grass, Hard Ryde, Grassland, Traditionally Wound, and now with The Blackwell Bluegrass Band. Along with playing banjo and occasionally guitar, Dave sings baritone in the group trio.
Will Meadows
mandolin, vocals
Will is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist known for his musical integrity and dedication to providing tone, taste, and timing to a variety of musical genres. His performances in the Toronto based music scene, along with his tenure with Ontario’s band Hard Ryde earned him numerous awards and a stellar reputation within the bluegrass scene as one of Canada’s top mandolin players. Will is just as comfortable with a guitar in his hands playing within the alt-country, honky-tonk, and old-time music scene. Will joins The Blackwell Bluegrass Band providing mandolin and vocals.