It had to happen. The huge crowds that showed up for the Ex's free concert series the past few nights -- 3,500 for Violent Femmes and 5,500 for Big Sugar -- failed to materialize last night.

It's a shame because the 2,000 or so that did make an appearance were treated to a stellar set by Canada's premier jam collective, Philosopher Kings.

Performing something more akin to jazz improv than a traditional rock concert, the six piece band grooved the night away.

Although they occasionally dipped into self-indulgent jamming, it nevertheless added a spark of spontaneity lacking in many rock shows.

Lead vocalist Gerald was the centre which held the scattered music together.

While the rest of the band went off in various musical directions, he went about exhorting the crowd to dance and singing with a powerful soulful voice uncommon on the Canadian music scene.

Touring with crooners like Kool and the Gang, Terence Trent D'Arby and Ben Harper must have rubbed off because his voice sounded stronger than during their Canada Day performances.

Playing mostly from their latest release Famous, Rich and Beautiful, the crowd got down to I Am The Man, their classic Hurts to Love You and their newest single You Don't Love Me.

In the current alternative wasteland that is today's music scene, it is refreshing to hear a tight, solid band which is content to simply see where their musical talents will take them.

For a Caucasian to make it in the world of hip-hop, they have got to have the goods.

But last night's opening act, Toronto's B.T.K, committed the grievous sin of being average.

In fact, the only real standout was DJ Spinz, whose scratching made the whole thing bearable.

These boys have got to learn that it takes more than slang to keep on keepin' on.

JAM! Rating: 3.5 out of 5