Steve Grant, better known as Cabbagetown Steve, is a Toronto-based blues harmonica player whose sound is steeped in the raw energy of the city’s backstreets and the timeless soul of Chicago blues. With a tone that is unmistakably his own, shaped by decades of hard-earned experience, Grant has become a revered figure in the Canadian blues scene as a musical storyteller, seasoned accompanist, and soul-stirring soloist.
In 2024, Grant’s decades of dedication were recognized when he and the Little Magic Sam Band took home the Maple Blues Award for Best New Artist/Group of the Year. Known as the group’s "secret weapon," Grant’s harp work drives the band’s dynamic fusion of classic Chicago blues and modern soul. Their high-voltage performances have become festival staples, lighting up stages at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Beaches Jazz Festival, and legendary Toronto venues like The Rivoli and The Cameron House.
His collaboration with Little Magic Sam has been described as a “great balance” of seasoned authenticity and youthful energy. Whether on stage or in the studio, in which they recently released their second album Live at the Rivoli, this duo breathes new life into the genre with an unmistakable chemistry.
Grant’s blues journey began in Cabbagetown, where he was influenced by the sounds of Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Slim Harpo. By 17, he was already cutting his teeth on Parliament Street, sitting in with Toronto icons like Grant Fullerton, John Mays, and Tony Springer. His relentless passion, natural talent and ear for the blues eventually led him to unforgettable encounters such as the night at Albert's Hall when he sat in with none other than blues legends Buddy Guy and Junior Wells.
Grant’s journey has taken him across Canada on tour with Reuben Cherry, and into collaborations with artists like Sandra Bouza, Paul James, and of course, the powerhouse rhythm and soul of Little Magic Sam.
Today, he stands as a torchbearer for traditional blues in Canada, still playing, still evolving, and always representing the spirit of the blues with every note.
Little Magic Sam, Winners of the 2024 Maple Blues Award New Group/ Artist of the year.
Maia Van Raes (Keyboards)
Little Magic Sam (Sam Taylor)Guitar and Vocals
Steve Grant(Cabbagetown Steve)Harmonica
Ben Graffam(Drums)
Drew Danko (Bass)
New Album Out Now
Live At The Rivoli
“Little Magic” Sam Taylor is a party. His enthusiasm is unabashed. If he loves something he is going to share it, and then you’re going to love it too. That’s just how it goes. This record, true to its name, catches Sam and his band playing a gig at the Rivoli in Toronto. From the opening count of the blistering “When I’m Down,” to the soulful set closer “Kiss Me One More Time,” the blues is in the house.
Sam is inspired by the Chicago blues. That’s his territory, but Chicago blues covers a lot of ground both musically and stylistically. That gives an interpreter like Sam a lot of room to be himself, and he never fails. He’s always himself. He leads a hot little band, too. He covers the guitar and vocals in addition to the songwriting. Drew Danko lays down the bass, Ben Graffam is on drums, Maia Van Raes tickles the ivories and Steve Grant blows excellent blues harp throughout.
There are 11 tracks on this record. One track is a 45-second introduction of Steve Grant, the band’s blues harpist. That leaves 10 songs, all of which were written by Sam. To perform a nearly hour-long set of all original blues, to a riotous reception from the crowd, is a pretty outstanding achievement. There’s no filler here.
Influences abound. The danger of writing blues songs is that it’s always possible to fall into the trap of imitating your heroes. The difference here is, Sam has lots to say and is not shy about expressing himself. His songwriting, like his vocals and guitar playing, sounds like it comes to him naturally. He knows what he’s doing.
There are whispers of the greats all over the place, but there is no slavish copying anywhere. Steve Grant, on blues harmonica, avoids the mistake of copying Sonny Boy Williamson or Little Walter. Instead, he plays it straight, letting the harmonica’s own tone emerge. His playing is enjoyable, bluesy, and lively throughout.
The whole band acquits themselves admirably. Sam carries most of the load and he’s completely up to the task. When the songs, or the music, shows signs of their influences it simply comes across as a welcome familiarity. They don’t wander far from the Chicago blues that they all love.
I would be comfortable putting this recording on the system at any party, confident that the party Little Magic Sam is throwing would only enhance the enjoyment of any party you might be having.
– Review by John Mulligan
There are whispers of the greats all over the place, but there is no slavish copying anywhere. Steve Grant, on blues harmonica, avoids the mistake of copying Sonny Boy Williamson or Little Walter. Instead, he plays it straight, letting the harmonica’s own tone emerge. His playing is enjoyable, bluesy, and lively throughout.
The whole band acquits themselves admirably. Sam carries most of the load and he’s completely up to the task. When the songs, or the music, shows signs of their influences it simply comes across as a welcome familiarity. They don’t wander far from the Chicago blues that they all love.
I would be comfortable putting this recording on the system at any party, confident that the party Little Magic Sam is throwing would only enhance the enjoyment of any party you might be having.
– Review by John Mulligan
Disc
Two Albums recorded with Little Magic Sam, EP Step Back and Live At The Rivoli
Step Back
Live At The Rivoli
Little Magic Sam
Steve's the real deal. Steve comes from really humble beginnings. And he's had a very interesting life. He hasn't had an easy life, but it comes through in his playing and the joy that Steve just exudes whenever he plays, it's so infectious. And the second you hear him play; you get it. And you feel like you've known him forever.