Canada, the land of ice hockey, Celine Dion, poutine and maple syrup. Certainly, Rhythm and Blues is not the first thing to come to mind. Yet, Ontario born musician André Bisson brought sounds from Wilson Pickett, The Blues Brothers, Sam Cooke, Joe Cocker, and Stevie Wonder, and so much more to the Jerchico Tavern on 10 August 2015. Hips swayed and feet tapped to the irresistible sounds, until the music forced surrender and demanded dance.

Punchy horns played a prominent role in each of the songs. Loretta Hale, on trumpet, was joined by tenor and alto saxophonists. Homage to the Memphis Horns, Otis Redding’s influence was apparent throughout. Having opened beautifully with a cover of Marvin Gaye’s 'How sweet it is to be loved by you', the first set ended with a up-tempo song 'Bad scene', from Bisson’s latest album by the same name. Obviously inspired by James Brown, Bisson’s guitar riffs channeled the founding father of funk.

Bisson explained that it was important for him to play covers as well as tracks from his own albums. “The covers explain where the sounds in my own music come from, and the covers are timeless”, he said. “Besides, they’re our favourite songs to play and fantastic to dance to”, added Hale.

André Bisson became enamoured by the genre after being given a CD of The Commitments years ago. He began playing in bars and restaurants at the age of 15. Today, he regularly plays in Hamilton, Ontario. He speaks fervently, and positively, about the growing music scene there.

At the Jericho Tavern in Oxford, Bisson was joined on stage by two Brits, on tenor saxophone and the drums. Although they had only been playing together for less than a week, it sounded like they had always played together.

Bisson spoke passionately with me about the way in which Rhythm and Blues, Soul and Funk continue to resonate with people across continents. His humility, graciousness and feeling of indebtedness to the musical greats of the 60s and 70s was apparent throughout our short conversation. It also translated into two entrancing sets – tying together old and new.

Every song was captivating, and also either moving or energising. In their rendition of 'Stand by me' the room became eerily quiet as Bisson’s voice glided through the lyrics. Quiet, until the horns joined in a welcome rupture – taking us from romantic love to ecstasy.

Bisson’s voice captures the power of Wilson Pickett and the soulfulness of Sam Cooke. Together with the bassist, drummer, and horns, they are faultless. If you would like to be transported to the 60s, and brought back to the future with modern takes on old sounds, go and see André Bisson and his fantastic band. They will be on tour in the UK until 3 September, catch them if you can.