McKenna Moonah Blues Duo - Breaking News EP (2025) Hi-Res

Mike McKenna was the leader of the McKenna Mendelson Mainline that gained some popularity back in the late 1960’s to early 1970’s. The Toronto based group broke up and Mike ventured into various other bands over the years including a stint in Downchild. Mike was recognized as one of the leaders of bringing electric blues to Canada with his induction into the Canada South Blues Hall of Fame in 2013 and was nominated for the Maple Blues Award’s Blues with a Feeling Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. He developed his love for the blues after his mom took him to see Muddy Waters in 1960 when he was just a kid. He came out of that concert with the thought that is what I want to do.

Jay Moonah has been another mainstay in the Toronto blues music scene for over 30 years. He has played in numerous bands over the years including a full band with McKenna’s Slidewinders. Now Mike and Jay have joined together for a throwback duo that “harkens to a simpler, even groovier day and age” as noted in their cover notes. Mike handles all guitars used on the album with Jay providing the vocals, bass, rhythm guitar, percussion, and keyboards.

Four originals open with the title song as Jay sings “Breaking news, now you’ve found another girl.” “Breaking news now that all your money is spent” and a long list of other breaking news following one’s life events. “Thursday Night Boogie” urges everyone to come on and “dance for me”. “Who cares what the neighbors might say”. He says “Adria” caused “all the dogs to come out to play. I only wish they could stay at bay”. “Nothing around this town could ever seem the same”. Mike shifts to acoustic slide with Jay’s harmonica sailing along on “Scarborough Blues”. which is all “about the life you choose when you get the Scarborough Blues”.

The album sounds like two men enjoying playing together and having some fun and inviting us to come along with them to enjoy their party. Is it breaking new ground or providing an album that is going to burn up the charts? No, but as cited in their notes, the purpose was just to sit back and enjoy a simpler time – no stress, no political messages, just basic life stories. Mission accomplished.