The Blackflies is a Toronto band that evolved from an earlier band named the Cajun Ramblers. For a short while the band was named Poutine. Noted for their fun-loving approach to the music of Quebec, Louisiana, and northern Ontario, the Blackflies alternate styles from track to track with ease and conviction. Anchored by Peter Jellard's deft, dependable accordion playing, the band plays both dance-oriented music and songs by Blackflies' chief songwriter, vocalist, and noted folk-music historian, Steve Fruitman.

With its zany mixture of styles and its deep-rooted respect for the music of the past, the Blackflies debut album, Poutine, is about as eclectic as anything in the catalogue. There are tribute songs galore: "Calabogie Blackbird" for Tommy Sharbot (an Ottawa valley fiddler and baseball player), "Lino Bozzer" for Lino Bozzer (a Timmins, Ontario, baseball player) and the venerable "Northern Ontario Blues" by Mac Beattie. One of the highlights of the album is Steve Fruitman's "Safety Toe Boots" song about "the shoe selling in the Ontario Northland". You have to take your hat off to a band that can combine that with "Reggae Poutine" and "Carta Blanca Polka". For sheer fun and joie de vivre, Poutine is hard to beat.

Members of The Blackflies include Peter Jellard, fiddle, accordion; Rick Conroy, pianos, piano accordion; Steve Copek, guitars; Tim Hadley, bass and vocals; and Steve Fruitman, vocals, mandola, drums, washboard, spoons.

Poutine
1997 Blackflies (BFCD1)

King Street Car; Calabogie Blackbird; Deer Creek; Reggae Poutine; Yapper's Reel; Northern Ontario Blues; Lullaby for Otis; Cajun Special; Valse de Jessie; Safety Toe Blues; Québécois Swing; Lino Bozzer; Robe de mariée / Pleasant Birthday; Clog à Ti-Jules; Carta Blanca Polka (Cuando!) 49:29