Who We Are?
Beyond Blues . . .
“12 Bar Blues”, the band, was founded in the early 2000s by guitarist Erik Goulet, from Montreal. His goal is to form a musical trio inspired by his 60′s and 70′s classic rock and “Power Trio” influences. To achieve this, Erik teams up with drummer Pete Lareau, from Sherbrooke, who has many years of experience in various Canadian and American bands, and is known for his jazz and fusion roots. The group is completed by Montreal born bassist Jacques Ethier, who brings just the right pulse to the trio’s musical energy. Jacques has toured extensively with numerous bands all over the province of Québec. Following the release of the debut album, “G-STRING”, composed of original songs, “12 BAR BLUES” played numerous gigs and was the opening act for artists such as Jim Zeller, Duke Robillard, The Cowboys Fringant and Bobby Bazini. The trio also made his mark at numerous festivals: Maximum Blues in Carleton QC, Festiblues of Montreal, Festival du Cochon de St. Perpetue, Festival International du Blues Tremblant and The
Drag-Show of St-Perpetue.
With a Lys Blues 2012 nomination for their second album TIME as Blues Album of the Year, “12 BAR BLUES” reputation has also extended to the corporate level. They are often part of showcase events for companies such as the Electric League of Quebec, Nedco, Lumen, the Club Richelieu and NAPA Canada. 12 Bar Blues performed before a crowd of 1000 people at the 2010 NASCAR NAPA 200 held in Montreal. 2011 marks the release of the band’ second album, “TIME”. The album definitely demonstrates a new direction towards a more rock, progressive and fusion sound. Composed entirely of original material, the 12 Bar Blues new album will surprise the fans with it’s inspirational texts and intense drive. The culmination of all the years of experience, shows the trio’s intention to display their influences into a more “PROGRESSIVE BLUES STYLE.”
Erik, Pete and Jacques, are shaping the blues with their musical originality and intense shows. 12 Bar Blues is ready to take the fans to a new level.
Beyond Blues . . .
Erik Goulet Guitar and Vocals
From a young age, Erik studied music at Vincent d’Indy in Montreal. Having learned to play several instruments, the electric guitar became his passion.
Erik went through the ’90s in several bands as rhythm guitarist. In 2000, Erik settled in the Eastern Townships and formed the trio « 12 BAR BLUES ». In addition to being the guitarist vocalist of the group, he stands out as a songwriter with the release of two albums, G-STRING (2001) and TIME (2011). Since, Erik is is involved with the band in several major events.
Pete Lareau Drums
With over 40 years experience as a drummer, Pete Lareau has experienced all musical situations imaginable. Whether Rock, Pop, through Jazz, Blues or Latin in a trio, quartet and bands of 7 or more musicians.
A native of Sherbrooke Quebec, Pete played drums for Exit, Ad Lib and several other groups in Quebec. He then spent 5 years in Los Angeles where he was part of group that accompanied the Coasters and the Shirelles. Two groups that are members of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. With these two formations, he has traveled the West Coast of the United States, from California to Washington State. Pete was also part of a band called Norman Iceberg, a Quebec singer in California, with whom he performed at the Whiskey and the Roxy, two of the most famous clubs in Los Angeles.
Returning to Quebec, Pete worked with the Opto Band making an album for the benefit of the Fondation des maladies de l’oeil before joining the « 12 BAR BLUES » with whom he recorded two albums.
Pete has also studied drums at the College of Sherbrooke and St.Laurent and privately with Gene Thaler in Florida and Peter Magadini, internationally renowned drummer.
Jacques Ethier Bass
Bassist Jacques Ethier is from Montreal. Rockmusic fan since his teens, it was not until 1975 that he began playing bass as a hobby.
Jacques has been involved in several projects, including the creation of original demos for various groups and the production of soundtracks for plays, etc.. His experiences on stage are very broad and diversified from Latin, Jazz, Rock and Blues and this in several bands such as: The Steph Gagnon Blues Gang, Quest, Head, None Of The Above, Goliath, Sudartik, Virtual Lies and X –Tasy.
He now shares the stage and creation of original compositions with « 12 BAR BLUES » since 2002
Message pour Jacques Éthier:
Salut Jacques,
Je ne sais pas si tu te souviens de moi – on a joué ensemble avec Jacques Vecerina avec Head dans les années 80. J’étais le chanteur-guitariste avec le fil orange ‘graisseux’. On rigolait beaucoup avec ‘fine taille, gros bat’. Remember? Et puis, une fois quand je t’ai fait écouter ‘Santa Rosa’ de Gino Vannelli, tu as ‘capoté’ sur la chanson. J’espère que ça va bien pour toi. Je vois que tu fais toujours de la musique. Bref, après un long détour dans le monde du journalisme, je suis de nouveau actif en musique. Depuis l’an dernier, je compose musique et textes, toujours en anglais, mouvance pop-rock, en vue de sortir un album l’an prochain. J’en suis à la 9e chanson sur 10 de prévu. Je travaille à la maison avec le logiciel Studio One 3 Pro. J’aimerais bien entrer en contact avec toi, si tu veux. Rien de pressé pour le moment, je suis en mode composition. Le but est de mettre un band sur pied, trouver un ‘producer’ intéressé et, bien sûr, tourner. Au plaisir d’avoir de tes nouvelles! Martin