Ross Neilsen is a busy man, having just finished up a cross-country Canadian tour and being nominated for several different awards. But the blues/rock musician isn’t ready to slow down for the winter, and he’s packing up his band the Sufferin’ Bastards once more for another stop in Jasper.

Neilsen is returning to Jasper for what he says is the fourth or fifth time on the first leg of a 10-month long tour across Canada yet again, his second of 2010 and fifth with the Bastards. This is the longest tour he has ever embarked on, and it is in support of the bands’ new album, Redemption, that was recorded in Mississippi in April. For those who are lucky enough to get a spot in what is sure to be a crowded venue it is sure to be a great show. 

Neilsen recently took home the Blues Album Of The Year award at the Music New Brunswick Awards, and was nominated for the best New Artist at the Maple Blues Awards, received two Rising Star nominations from CBC as well as a nomination two years in a row for best blues album at the East Coast Music Association. 

Neilsen promises a lively show despite the band’s hectic touring schedule. 

“When I go to see a band, I want to see them rockin’ out,” he said. 

Joining Neilsen onstage will be Shawn Woren on bass and Karl Gans on the drums. The show will be a mix of blues and other genres. 

“We’ll do a little bit of everything,” Neilsen said. 

The band will be stopped in Jasper after a seven-show run in Edmonton and a quick trip to Stony Plain, Alta. Neilsen said he’s happy to return to the welcoming Jasper audience. 

“It’s a good time,” he said of Jasper. “We’ve actually made a lot of friends there.”

A small venue suits Neilsen just fine, but he feels just as comfortable in front of a huge crowd of 500 people. 

“We like to play everywhere. We just like to play,” he said. “I don’t want to say size doesn’t matter, but size doesn’t matter. We’ll rock it anyways.”

After Jasper the band will head to the interior of B.C. to continue the tour. 

“We’re stoked to get back to Jasper and hang out,” Neilsen said.

Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin’ Bastards will appear at the Downstream Pub on Nov. 4.