Before I start in to this blog piece tonight, I promise to all of you who read regularly that my next piece will not be about the recently departed and/or deceased. I say this because my last piece was about the passing of Mindy McCready. This piece is about the passing of two icons, one real and one fictional, but both among the most influential figures at least of my time.
It is virtually impossible to be born and raised in Canada and not be aware of singer-songwriter Stompin' Tom Connors. Born on February 9, 1936 in a hardscrabble section of Saint John, New Brunswick, Thomas Charles Connors would ultimately rise from a uniquely rough childhood (as a child, the man lived briefly with his mom ... in prison) to a national icon. Stompin' Tom wrote and performed about all things Canadian, he had no interest in striking it rich in international markets. In the 1970's, Stompin' Tom returned six Juno Awards that he won to the Recording Academy because he felt that the Awards organization, which is the equivalent to the US Grammy Awards, was becoming too Americanized. He recorded and performed almost exclusively in Canada for Canadians with no interest in success in the United States.
The bulk of his writing was about the hard working nature that is the fabric of rural Canada, with such songs that have become a staple of the Canadian musical landscape as "Bud the Spud", "Sudbury Saturday Night" and "Tilsonburg." But perhaps Stompin' Tom will best be remembered for his ode to the sport that Canada is most known for (even though it is not our national sport) with "The Hockey Song." "The Hockey Song" has been played on every sound system in every major and minor hockey arena in Canada, and I'm sure a large number in the United States where hockey matters. It is the one song that all Canadians can agree on that must be played at our many rinks during the hockey season, especially in those tight rivalry games when Toronto plays Montreal. But I digress ...
Stompin' Tom Connors had the unique ability to do what very few have accomplished in my home country. He brought us together. He encouraged us to feel unabashedly proud that we're from Canada and we're Canadian. He made us feel that no matter how big or how small or how dirty and menial a job may seem, that job matters and contributes to what makes our nation the greatest nation in the world (said with much love and respect to whomever is reading this, regardless of where you're from or where you live -- we all love our home country, no matter which country that may be, you know what I mean?). Fans from across the country will descend on Peterborough, Ontario tomorrow (March 13, 2013) at, where else, but Peterborough's hockey shrine, the Memorial Centre, to honour the life, work and memory of this great Canadian. There will never be another like Stompin' Tom Connors.
Another "person" we will never see the likes of again was and is from the fictional world. Growing up in the late 1970's and early 1980's, Friday night was about two television shows: "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "Dallas." I will readily admit that I am hooked on the re-tooled version of Dallas, which airs on Monday nights at 9pm on the TNT network in the US and on Bravo in Canada. Last night's show honoured the passing of one of televisions biggest and most important icons, Larry Hagman a.k.a "J.R. Ewing." Mr. Hagman, as I'm sure most know, passed away in November 2012, so it was inevitable that J. R was going to be written out of the show. Still, I watched the show with a certain sadness, which may sound strange because we are, after all, talking about a character on a TV show.
But this felt different. Whether or not you were growing up at the time when Dallas was on the air in its first incarnation, or if you were a regular follower of the show, you would understand what I mean when I say that J. R. Ewing was no ordinary character. As I've said to my stepdaughters when they have watched the show, the only way I could really describe what it was like when Dallas (and other shows like it, such as Dynasty) was on, is that you had to be there. People would decorate their homes to look like Southfork Ranch. People would have their hair styled like the ladies on Dallas. In almost every sense of the word, the characters on Dallas would be referred to in conversation as if they were in your own family. That's the kind of attachment people would have with this show. And who could forget the iconic moment when hundreds of millions of people tuned in to watch a network TV show on a Friday night to find the answer to the almighty burning question, "Who Shot J.R.?" Name a show on TV that can command that kind of viewership. I submit there is none out there, because (a) it's cheaper to put out reality shows, and (b) television networks won't invest in the time that it sometimes takes to develop shows and characters to the point where people care about them.
In addition to making me feel a little older, the funeral for J.R. Ewing represents another turning of the page as far as television entertainment goes. Larry Hagman/J.R. Ewing are legends and icons of recorded television and performing arts. His passing represents the turning of a page where arguably the best generation (or arguably the most important) of television is now fading in the past. Watching Dallas last night was, in some ways, like watching the funeral for an old friend. Indeed, there will never be another character like J.R. Ewing.
To Stompin Tom Connors, Larry Hagman and his alter-ego J.R. Ewing, thank you for all the years of sharing your incredible gifts and for being a part of some truly wonderful memories for a guy who was lucky enough to witness your incredible talents for many, many years. It was indeed, my honour.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Album Review: Jeanne Jolly, Angels
In an age where stardom can be instantaneous, it's always nice when you are made aware of an artist that has been quietly developing their craft in to something really special. North Carolina native Jeanne Jolly has taken a long and varied road prior to the release of her debut full-length album, "Angels", having resided in Boston, Los Angeles and of course, North Carolina. The result is a solid, warm and varied album that will satisfy virtually all who are fortunate enough to listen.
There is a little bit of jazz, a little bit of roots rock, and a whole lot of straight ahead country music. The opening track, "Angels of Hayward Street", seemingly sets an early, dark tone for the album, but Jolly then takes us over to a beautiful love song with the second track "Sweet Love." A class of lost souls has their story told on "Happy Days Cafe." One of the best aspects of this album is that it's tough to categorize, which makes it a perfect Americana record.
Trained in opera, Jolly really demonstrates her incredible diversity on several of the tracks on this album, but none more so than on "Tear Soup", a story song about trying to get past total and complete heartbreak ... to varying degrees of non-success. It takes a special talent to be able to weave in a classic country sound with opera, and Jolly pulls it off in spades. In fact, I would suspect this task has never been attempted before now.
Another strong track (among the many), is "Long Way Home." Pedal steel aficionados will love the intro, and fans of story songs will love the lyrics of what I suspect is an autobiographical song. This is a great story song about coming home to, in this case, a life North Carolina after an extended period of time away.
One of the final tracks on the album, "The Kiss", takes on an almost ethereal sound with a soft and subtle drum beat in the background and backing vocals that invoke images of a church choir. It's a beautiful performance that once again shows the versatility of this very talented young lady.
Jeanne Jolly is currently on tour supporting "Angel", an album that was released back in October 2012. Fresh off a successful show last night at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania (read the review here), Jolly will be performing tonight at Perks and Corks Wine and Song, in Westerly, Rhode Island; at the Abilene Bar and Lounge in Rochester, New York on Tuesday February 26, and at Library III in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Jolly will play at the Rockwood Music Hall in New York City on Saturday March 1. If you're in those areas, do go and check out this gifted singer-songwriter and performer. And while you're there, purchase this record, it's one worthy of your time and money.
Click here for more on Jeanne Jolly and to purchase the album
There is a little bit of jazz, a little bit of roots rock, and a whole lot of straight ahead country music. The opening track, "Angels of Hayward Street", seemingly sets an early, dark tone for the album, but Jolly then takes us over to a beautiful love song with the second track "Sweet Love." A class of lost souls has their story told on "Happy Days Cafe." One of the best aspects of this album is that it's tough to categorize, which makes it a perfect Americana record.
Trained in opera, Jolly really demonstrates her incredible diversity on several of the tracks on this album, but none more so than on "Tear Soup", a story song about trying to get past total and complete heartbreak ... to varying degrees of non-success. It takes a special talent to be able to weave in a classic country sound with opera, and Jolly pulls it off in spades. In fact, I would suspect this task has never been attempted before now.
Another strong track (among the many), is "Long Way Home." Pedal steel aficionados will love the intro, and fans of story songs will love the lyrics of what I suspect is an autobiographical song. This is a great story song about coming home to, in this case, a life North Carolina after an extended period of time away.
One of the final tracks on the album, "The Kiss", takes on an almost ethereal sound with a soft and subtle drum beat in the background and backing vocals that invoke images of a church choir. It's a beautiful performance that once again shows the versatility of this very talented young lady.
Jeanne Jolly is currently on tour supporting "Angel", an album that was released back in October 2012. Fresh off a successful show last night at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania (read the review here), Jolly will be performing tonight at Perks and Corks Wine and Song, in Westerly, Rhode Island; at the Abilene Bar and Lounge in Rochester, New York on Tuesday February 26, and at Library III in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Jolly will play at the Rockwood Music Hall in New York City on Saturday March 1. If you're in those areas, do go and check out this gifted singer-songwriter and performer. And while you're there, purchase this record, it's one worthy of your time and money.
Click here for more on Jeanne Jolly and to purchase the album
Monday, February 18, 2013
Remembering Mindy McCready; Thinking of the Bigger Picture
I would guess by now the world has learned of the sudden, but perhaps sadly unsurprising passing of country music singer Mindy McCready. McCready came to sudden prominence in the mid-1990's with a wonderful album called Ten Thousand Angels, which spawned two of her biggest hits in the title track and her only #1 song, "Guys Do It All The Time." At that time, it appeared that country music had a new, very talented and beautiful young lady who had the potential to become it's next female superstar. After all, she was opening up shows for the likes of Tim McGraw and Alan Jackson, two of the biggest country music superstars of the day. It seemed McCready was a can't-miss prospect. The fame, spotlight and fortune for Mindy McCready however, was fleeting. I write about this today because back in the 1990's I was, and still am, a fan of Mindy McCready.
In recent years, McCready became arguably more famous for her demons in life. And I feel a certain sadness as I write those words. It's not specifically about Mindy McCready, but it is about the millions and millions of people around the world that suffer from mental illness that contributes to their addictions that take over and, in some cases, destroys their lives. As evidenced yesterday, that illness and addiction can ultimately end ones' life.
CNN's Dr. Drew Pinsky had an interesting take on McCready's passing, which I believe can apply in the non-celebrity world. McCready appeared on one of the season's of "Celebrity Rehab, with Dr. Drew", and seemed to have turned a corner in her life upon leaving Drew's program. However, the sudden passing of her boyfriend less than a month ago had been a horrible setback for the young lady. McCready had spent a week in a psychiatric hospital to assist with her healing. Last week, McCready checked herself out of the hospital, a move that can now only be questioned with her suicide. Dr. Drew, visibly upset and angered at this turn of events, had reached out to Mindy McCready, offering to help her through this difficult life moment. Dr. Drew had mentioned that a main concern of McCready's, was that she did not want to have the stigma of mental illness attached to her, ostensibly because it would have a terrible impact on an already damaged career. Dr. Drew, in my view rightly, pointed out that the media and social media had played a part in attaching that stigma to McCready. Can anyone recall a time when a headline about Mindy McCready didn't start with "Troubled Country Star ... "? I'm sure we can all guess what "trouble" is being referred too. In the case of Mindy McCready, it seems the albums and radio hits came to a screeching halt when her personal problems started taking over. If one thinks back over the years with other troubled celebrities, it seems apparent that their career ended when mental illness and addictions won the day. Reality also tells us, that it's not just celebrities that suffer that fate.
I've been pleasantly surprised with the comments that have been posted in online stories regarding McCready's passing. They have been quite respectful, for the most part. Comments on the internet are seldom completely clean. I have been impressed at the many thoughts, prayers and condolences that have been offered to McCready's two young children who have lost their father/step-father and mother in the span of a month to incredibly terrible circumstances. A situation like this that these two children find themselves in is unimaginable. I too, lend my thoughts, prayers and condolences to the McCready family, and especially her children.
My great hope is that Mindy McCready's passing will help others who are suffering from the same afflictions to find and accept the help they are looking for. We can all play a part in changing the way mental illness is portrayed. If the stigma can be dropped, that is one less thing for an afflicted person to worry about. It may seem small and simple, but it can make a world of difference, not to mention save a life.
In recent years, McCready became arguably more famous for her demons in life. And I feel a certain sadness as I write those words. It's not specifically about Mindy McCready, but it is about the millions and millions of people around the world that suffer from mental illness that contributes to their addictions that take over and, in some cases, destroys their lives. As evidenced yesterday, that illness and addiction can ultimately end ones' life.
CNN's Dr. Drew Pinsky had an interesting take on McCready's passing, which I believe can apply in the non-celebrity world. McCready appeared on one of the season's of "Celebrity Rehab, with Dr. Drew", and seemed to have turned a corner in her life upon leaving Drew's program. However, the sudden passing of her boyfriend less than a month ago had been a horrible setback for the young lady. McCready had spent a week in a psychiatric hospital to assist with her healing. Last week, McCready checked herself out of the hospital, a move that can now only be questioned with her suicide. Dr. Drew, visibly upset and angered at this turn of events, had reached out to Mindy McCready, offering to help her through this difficult life moment. Dr. Drew had mentioned that a main concern of McCready's, was that she did not want to have the stigma of mental illness attached to her, ostensibly because it would have a terrible impact on an already damaged career. Dr. Drew, in my view rightly, pointed out that the media and social media had played a part in attaching that stigma to McCready. Can anyone recall a time when a headline about Mindy McCready didn't start with "Troubled Country Star ... "? I'm sure we can all guess what "trouble" is being referred too. In the case of Mindy McCready, it seems the albums and radio hits came to a screeching halt when her personal problems started taking over. If one thinks back over the years with other troubled celebrities, it seems apparent that their career ended when mental illness and addictions won the day. Reality also tells us, that it's not just celebrities that suffer that fate.
I've been pleasantly surprised with the comments that have been posted in online stories regarding McCready's passing. They have been quite respectful, for the most part. Comments on the internet are seldom completely clean. I have been impressed at the many thoughts, prayers and condolences that have been offered to McCready's two young children who have lost their father/step-father and mother in the span of a month to incredibly terrible circumstances. A situation like this that these two children find themselves in is unimaginable. I too, lend my thoughts, prayers and condolences to the McCready family, and especially her children.
My great hope is that Mindy McCready's passing will help others who are suffering from the same afflictions to find and accept the help they are looking for. We can all play a part in changing the way mental illness is portrayed. If the stigma can be dropped, that is one less thing for an afflicted person to worry about. It may seem small and simple, but it can make a world of difference, not to mention save a life.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Concert Review: Blackberry Smoke, Virgin Mobile Mod Club, Toronto, Ontario -- February 5, 2013
A little piece of Dixie came to the Great White North this past Tuesday, as southern rockers Blackberry Smoke made a rare Canadian appearance at the Virgin Mobile Mod Club in downtown Toronto, Ontario.
Currently on a tour that is part of the Live Nation: One to Watch series, 2013 is poised to be a breakout year for this veteran road band. Having opened select shows over the past year for superstars The Zac Brown Band (including a recent sold out show at the "Big Room", Madison Square Garden) and legendary southern rock pioneers Lynyrd Skynyrd, the exposure is starting to pay dividends. Evidence of this fact is the large turnout on a cold Tuesday night, at a club that is beautiful but can be tough to get to in Toronto, and the fact that virtually all ages were represented. The night was indeed a great Canadian love-in for the hardest working band the state of Georgia has to offer.
Performing a generous 2-plus hour set, the band opened up with "Leave a Scar", a track from the recently released and wonderful The Whippoorwill, and rolled seamlessly in to "Six Ways to Sunday." Lead vocalist/guitarist introduced the bands first single from The Whippoorwhill by correctly stating "country radio in the US is a little f'd up right now" before the band tore in to "Pretty Little Lie", a tune that should be a big hit for the guys as long as there are enough radio stations with programmers who have the guts to play it. The video has already garnered widespread play through fan voting at CMT in the USA.
A quick guitar change with a showing of the words "Smoke One" on the underside of the said guitar signalled to the crowd that we were about to go "Up In Smoke", a performance from their 2009 release, the equally as good "Little Piece of Dixie." One of the biggest reponses of the night came with the next tune and captured the entire mood of the evening with the raucous "Good One Coming On." "Good One" is a tune that ought to be on every DJ's playlist at 5:00 Friday afternoon. It's the perfect intro to the weekend and the perfect singalong, as evidenced by the crowd belting out every note.
Blackberry Smoke clearly is the modern day southern rock band, but do not attend one of their shows expecting to hear a southern rock tribute band. The only moment where the cover of any southern rock songs occurred was during "Sleeping Dogs", as the Starr and guitartist Paul Jackson took a moment to work in a short instrumental of "Blue Sky", followed up by a snippet of "Midnight Rider", two cuts from The Allman Brothers Band. This band is proud of their originality and proud to have a distinct sound that is different from their forefathers. And this band can more than back it up with their level of talent.
Other highlights of the evening was a performance of "Left of Me", a tune that was recently featured in an episode of the FX program Sons of Anarchy, and one of the closing numbers "Shake Your Magnolia", which featured that good old fashioned rock n' roll staple, two ladies dancing on the side of the stage.
Opening the show for Blackberry Smoke was a young man from Alabama, Drake White. Drake performed his opening set with just himself and an acoustic guitar, and performed admirably. This young man is set to carry on the great southern rock and country tradition and is an excellent choice to be the opening act on this tour. A song inspired by his grandfather, "Fifty Years to Late", shows that Drake is a deep and thoughtful singer songwriter who is ready to take his artistic career to the next level.
The tour continues this weekend, beginning tonight (Feb. 8) in Silver Spring, Maryland at the Filmore Silver Spring, tomorrow (Feb. 9) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Theatre of the Living Arts, and Monday (Feb. 11) at Headliner's Music Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. Blackberry Smoke will also open up for the Zac Brown Band for a few dates in February. Drake White opens for all dates on the Live Nation Ones to Watch Tour.
Currently on a tour that is part of the Live Nation: One to Watch series, 2013 is poised to be a breakout year for this veteran road band. Having opened select shows over the past year for superstars The Zac Brown Band (including a recent sold out show at the "Big Room", Madison Square Garden) and legendary southern rock pioneers Lynyrd Skynyrd, the exposure is starting to pay dividends. Evidence of this fact is the large turnout on a cold Tuesday night, at a club that is beautiful but can be tough to get to in Toronto, and the fact that virtually all ages were represented. The night was indeed a great Canadian love-in for the hardest working band the state of Georgia has to offer.
Performing a generous 2-plus hour set, the band opened up with "Leave a Scar", a track from the recently released and wonderful The Whippoorwill, and rolled seamlessly in to "Six Ways to Sunday." Lead vocalist/guitarist introduced the bands first single from The Whippoorwhill by correctly stating "country radio in the US is a little f'd up right now" before the band tore in to "Pretty Little Lie", a tune that should be a big hit for the guys as long as there are enough radio stations with programmers who have the guts to play it. The video has already garnered widespread play through fan voting at CMT in the USA.
A quick guitar change with a showing of the words "Smoke One" on the underside of the said guitar signalled to the crowd that we were about to go "Up In Smoke", a performance from their 2009 release, the equally as good "Little Piece of Dixie." One of the biggest reponses of the night came with the next tune and captured the entire mood of the evening with the raucous "Good One Coming On." "Good One" is a tune that ought to be on every DJ's playlist at 5:00 Friday afternoon. It's the perfect intro to the weekend and the perfect singalong, as evidenced by the crowd belting out every note.
Blackberry Smoke clearly is the modern day southern rock band, but do not attend one of their shows expecting to hear a southern rock tribute band. The only moment where the cover of any southern rock songs occurred was during "Sleeping Dogs", as the Starr and guitartist Paul Jackson took a moment to work in a short instrumental of "Blue Sky", followed up by a snippet of "Midnight Rider", two cuts from The Allman Brothers Band. This band is proud of their originality and proud to have a distinct sound that is different from their forefathers. And this band can more than back it up with their level of talent.
Other highlights of the evening was a performance of "Left of Me", a tune that was recently featured in an episode of the FX program Sons of Anarchy, and one of the closing numbers "Shake Your Magnolia", which featured that good old fashioned rock n' roll staple, two ladies dancing on the side of the stage.
Opening the show for Blackberry Smoke was a young man from Alabama, Drake White. Drake performed his opening set with just himself and an acoustic guitar, and performed admirably. This young man is set to carry on the great southern rock and country tradition and is an excellent choice to be the opening act on this tour. A song inspired by his grandfather, "Fifty Years to Late", shows that Drake is a deep and thoughtful singer songwriter who is ready to take his artistic career to the next level.
The tour continues this weekend, beginning tonight (Feb. 8) in Silver Spring, Maryland at the Filmore Silver Spring, tomorrow (Feb. 9) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Theatre of the Living Arts, and Monday (Feb. 11) at Headliner's Music Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. Blackberry Smoke will also open up for the Zac Brown Band for a few dates in February. Drake White opens for all dates on the Live Nation Ones to Watch Tour.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Showcasing Durham Region, Ontario's Finest
Some of the finest local music in Durham Region was on full display at the recent Inn From the Cold benefit concert held at the Garnet B. Rickard arena in Bowmanville, Ontario. Organized in part by The Stone Sparrows' bass player James Gorry, and wonderfully promoted by Bowmanville record store Vinyl Alibi, this was a tremendous opportunity to see first hand the dearth of talent that exists in this region. And the best part, the gathering was all to benefit Inn From the Cold, a charity designed to provide shelter and other resources to those in need.
Kicking off the evening was a talented group of teenagers, whom I understand just completed their first foray to perform in Nashville, Tennessee. Jake Henley and Jacob Lauzon are two sixteen year old singer-instrumentalists that capably set the table for a great night of music and celebration, as the evening took on an atmosphere of a family reunion. These two young men, backed with two additional outstanding young musicians on fiddle and upright bass, showed that the future of bluegrass and roots music is in great hands. There are big things in store for this developing group of teenagers as they embark on what can be expected to be a long and fruitful music career.
Following the next act, rockin' bluegrass group Amorak, Bootleg Glory took the stage to deliver a standout set of pure rock. While I have not attended a Bootleg Glory show in the past, it is clear these gentlemen are building a name for themselves as an engaging and talented group of musicians and songwriters, judging by the number of people in attendance stagefront during their set. While the night clearly had a more roots based music bent to it, Bootleg Glory were by no means out of place on the bill. Their set provided a nice switch from the earlier, more bluegrass sounding groups to the main acts of the night.
I would suspect that if Bowmanville, or Durham Region for that matter, is going to be recognized for any contribution to music on the big stage, that recognition will come from the Stone Sparrows. Evidenced by the loud reception and joyous interaction between the crowd and band, this group is poised for much bigger things in the near future, starting in 2013. The band worked through their set with some great difficulty, as the sound system in the performance hall was not really the best (with lead singer Megan Patrick repeatedly requesting for her vocal to be turned up, and rightly so. It was extremely difficult to hear her sing). The Stone Sparrows will be making an appearance on February 23, 2013, returning to the legendary Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, so look for a more thorough review of their show following that date.
Getting back to the sound issue, this would be my only complaint of the evening, as the sound was an issue that plagued all performers on this evening. It was very tough, at times beyond tough, to hear the lead singer in any of the bands. This was the first time, at least to my recollection, that an endeavour of this type had taken place at the venue, and I truly hope it won't be the last. Overall, the event was really well run and another event of this nature should take place.
Although I did not stay for their set (the paying job does take some precedence every now and again, and the show was running late), I would like to make mention of My Kind of Karma, a group that is based out of Vancouver, British Columbia and its members are comprised of former Bowmanville residents. Those in attendance informed me that the members of the band had never known or met each other when they were kids and students growing in Bowmanville, but they all met each other out in Vancouver for the first time. Not forgetting their roots or where they came from, My Kind of Karma returned to Bowmanville to lend their talents on a cold winter's night in their hometown for a very worthy cause.
Kicking off the evening was a talented group of teenagers, whom I understand just completed their first foray to perform in Nashville, Tennessee. Jake Henley and Jacob Lauzon are two sixteen year old singer-instrumentalists that capably set the table for a great night of music and celebration, as the evening took on an atmosphere of a family reunion. These two young men, backed with two additional outstanding young musicians on fiddle and upright bass, showed that the future of bluegrass and roots music is in great hands. There are big things in store for this developing group of teenagers as they embark on what can be expected to be a long and fruitful music career.
Following the next act, rockin' bluegrass group Amorak, Bootleg Glory took the stage to deliver a standout set of pure rock. While I have not attended a Bootleg Glory show in the past, it is clear these gentlemen are building a name for themselves as an engaging and talented group of musicians and songwriters, judging by the number of people in attendance stagefront during their set. While the night clearly had a more roots based music bent to it, Bootleg Glory were by no means out of place on the bill. Their set provided a nice switch from the earlier, more bluegrass sounding groups to the main acts of the night.
I would suspect that if Bowmanville, or Durham Region for that matter, is going to be recognized for any contribution to music on the big stage, that recognition will come from the Stone Sparrows. Evidenced by the loud reception and joyous interaction between the crowd and band, this group is poised for much bigger things in the near future, starting in 2013. The band worked through their set with some great difficulty, as the sound system in the performance hall was not really the best (with lead singer Megan Patrick repeatedly requesting for her vocal to be turned up, and rightly so. It was extremely difficult to hear her sing). The Stone Sparrows will be making an appearance on February 23, 2013, returning to the legendary Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, so look for a more thorough review of their show following that date.
Getting back to the sound issue, this would be my only complaint of the evening, as the sound was an issue that plagued all performers on this evening. It was very tough, at times beyond tough, to hear the lead singer in any of the bands. This was the first time, at least to my recollection, that an endeavour of this type had taken place at the venue, and I truly hope it won't be the last. Overall, the event was really well run and another event of this nature should take place.
Although I did not stay for their set (the paying job does take some precedence every now and again, and the show was running late), I would like to make mention of My Kind of Karma, a group that is based out of Vancouver, British Columbia and its members are comprised of former Bowmanville residents. Those in attendance informed me that the members of the band had never known or met each other when they were kids and students growing in Bowmanville, but they all met each other out in Vancouver for the first time. Not forgetting their roots or where they came from, My Kind of Karma returned to Bowmanville to lend their talents on a cold winter's night in their hometown for a very worthy cause.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Giving Thanks at New Year's
This is one of my favorite times of the year. New Year's has always represented what I feel is a great opportunity. The opportunity to reflect on the past year, where your life is and where you would like it to go. It's a time to review and sometimes re-calibrate your goals. If nothing else, the New Year holds as much promise and potential than at any other time of the year.
I've been working at this blog site for almost three years now. It seems hard to believe that time has flown by so quickly. As I do every year, I like to look back on where I'm at with the blog, and where I want to take things for the upcoming year. Right now, I would admittedly say that I'm a little mixed about where things are at. There have been some positives, many positives to be honest, but some negatives have crept on to the scene.
Overall readership is up for the site, which is something that pleasantly surprises me. I haven't advertised this blog at all, really, with the exception of making many wonderful contacts at the Americana Music Association and meeting with other Americana music fans at various shows. I've said it before in this space and I will say again, it is my honour and pleasure that so many of you take valuable time out of your day to sit and read this blog. I understand how busy life can be, and I'm humbled that you're willing to share your time with me. The big negative that has crept in to the picture (and here is my mea culpa), is my seeming inability to be consistent with my writing here. For example, this is the first piece I have written since November 7. It's frustrating to the max for this guy, as writing this blog is one of my greatest pleasures. My goal for the upcoming year is to be consistent. In reality, I owe it to all of us who gain enjoyment out of this space, and that definitely includes myself.
Other positives that were gained from writing this site from 2012 were meeting all the truly wonderful people that I had the great fortune to meet this past year. At the recent Americana Music Assocation Conference and Festival in Nashville this past year, I was amazed at how welcoming this community is for bloggers like me. For one week out of the year, I get to be involved in the music community in a way that I am not regularly able to be at this point in my life. Perhaps that will change down the road, but for the time being, it's a thrill and I appreciate it so much. In the big picture scheme of things, I have been able to meet people that I would not otherwise have been able to meet, and I can now call them my friends. To quote another famous blog, "That's AWESOME!"
What am I looking forward to this upcoming year? I'm looking forward to changing the site around, and the possibilities that change can bring. I'm looking forward to more shows to write about. I'm looking forward to meeting old friends and making new friends at the Americana Music Conference in Nashville, and the upcoming International Folk Alliance Conference in my hometown of Toronto coming up in February. I'm also looking forward to hearing the next breakthrough artist in Americana ... in 2011 it was Mumford and Sons, 2012 gave us Alabama Shakes. Who will break through in large fashion in 2013? Stay tuned.
I hope you and your families had wonderful Christmas and holiday season, whichever holiday you celebrate. The year 2013 is just beginning, and may it be a beautiful, prosperous and healthy year for all. Take care and God Bless.
I've been working at this blog site for almost three years now. It seems hard to believe that time has flown by so quickly. As I do every year, I like to look back on where I'm at with the blog, and where I want to take things for the upcoming year. Right now, I would admittedly say that I'm a little mixed about where things are at. There have been some positives, many positives to be honest, but some negatives have crept on to the scene.
Overall readership is up for the site, which is something that pleasantly surprises me. I haven't advertised this blog at all, really, with the exception of making many wonderful contacts at the Americana Music Association and meeting with other Americana music fans at various shows. I've said it before in this space and I will say again, it is my honour and pleasure that so many of you take valuable time out of your day to sit and read this blog. I understand how busy life can be, and I'm humbled that you're willing to share your time with me. The big negative that has crept in to the picture (and here is my mea culpa), is my seeming inability to be consistent with my writing here. For example, this is the first piece I have written since November 7. It's frustrating to the max for this guy, as writing this blog is one of my greatest pleasures. My goal for the upcoming year is to be consistent. In reality, I owe it to all of us who gain enjoyment out of this space, and that definitely includes myself.
Other positives that were gained from writing this site from 2012 were meeting all the truly wonderful people that I had the great fortune to meet this past year. At the recent Americana Music Assocation Conference and Festival in Nashville this past year, I was amazed at how welcoming this community is for bloggers like me. For one week out of the year, I get to be involved in the music community in a way that I am not regularly able to be at this point in my life. Perhaps that will change down the road, but for the time being, it's a thrill and I appreciate it so much. In the big picture scheme of things, I have been able to meet people that I would not otherwise have been able to meet, and I can now call them my friends. To quote another famous blog, "That's AWESOME!"
What am I looking forward to this upcoming year? I'm looking forward to changing the site around, and the possibilities that change can bring. I'm looking forward to more shows to write about. I'm looking forward to meeting old friends and making new friends at the Americana Music Conference in Nashville, and the upcoming International Folk Alliance Conference in my hometown of Toronto coming up in February. I'm also looking forward to hearing the next breakthrough artist in Americana ... in 2011 it was Mumford and Sons, 2012 gave us Alabama Shakes. Who will break through in large fashion in 2013? Stay tuned.
I hope you and your families had wonderful Christmas and holiday season, whichever holiday you celebrate. The year 2013 is just beginning, and may it be a beautiful, prosperous and healthy year for all. Take care and God Bless.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The Beginning of the End of The Civil Wars? Or the End of the Beginning?
Some sudden and shocking news to come out of the music world today as we kick off the next 100 pieces of Americana Review, with word that The Civil Wars have cancelled their remaining tour appearances due to "internal discord and irreconcilible differences of ambition", as reported on their Facebook page.
This news comes as such a shock for many reasons. First and foremost, the duo have achieved a rare feat in acquiring a gold record certification for their debut album "Barton Hollow. Equally as important, they were recently honored as the Vocal Group or Duo of the Year at the Americana Music Association Awards this past October. In accepting their award, there was no indication of any internal strife. But as we all know, things can change in a hurry.
The one and most obvious change from their auspicious debut is the fact that Joy Williams is new mother. Embarking on a European tour can be a challenge for anyone, never mind a new mom who is leaving her baby for what can be speculated as the first time. Perhaps the dream of a life on the road may have changed a bit for John Paul White. Or, perhaps it was the obvious pressure that was on the band to come up with a record as compelling and original as their debut, which would be a monumental challenge. Not insurmountable mind you, but a great challenge nonetheless. Other reasons I've seen today hinted that the difficulties may not even be between Williams and White, but between The Civil Wars and their record label and/or management. There is no shortage of speculation on the web as to what has happened here, and of course, anything I've written in the above paragraph is just that as well -- speculation.
Whatever the reason, I do hope The Civil Wars can take the time out they clearly need to reflect and recharge, and ultimately decide their future on their own. They are two giftedly talented individuals, of that there is no question. In my mind, they are the most original sounding duo to have arrived on the music scene in a generation. There is no one that sounds like them. In reading a blog post from earlier today, an audience member at what has now turned out to be the duo's last concert performance, in London, England, said that while the group performed, they did not look happy about doing so. If that is the case, then this is a real shame. Watching The Civil Wars perform on stage is what makes them special. The chemistry that exists between the two while performing is one of the most beautiful and special things I have ever witnessed in music. Fans can take some solace in the fact that the Facebook posting also included word that the band may have new music in 2013.
However, if that chemistry is in fact gone, then the best thing they can do is call it quits now and leave us with their wonderful, but brief, period of work. Hard as it may be, it would be the best thing for the group and their fans.
This news comes as such a shock for many reasons. First and foremost, the duo have achieved a rare feat in acquiring a gold record certification for their debut album "Barton Hollow. Equally as important, they were recently honored as the Vocal Group or Duo of the Year at the Americana Music Association Awards this past October. In accepting their award, there was no indication of any internal strife. But as we all know, things can change in a hurry.
The one and most obvious change from their auspicious debut is the fact that Joy Williams is new mother. Embarking on a European tour can be a challenge for anyone, never mind a new mom who is leaving her baby for what can be speculated as the first time. Perhaps the dream of a life on the road may have changed a bit for John Paul White. Or, perhaps it was the obvious pressure that was on the band to come up with a record as compelling and original as their debut, which would be a monumental challenge. Not insurmountable mind you, but a great challenge nonetheless. Other reasons I've seen today hinted that the difficulties may not even be between Williams and White, but between The Civil Wars and their record label and/or management. There is no shortage of speculation on the web as to what has happened here, and of course, anything I've written in the above paragraph is just that as well -- speculation.
Whatever the reason, I do hope The Civil Wars can take the time out they clearly need to reflect and recharge, and ultimately decide their future on their own. They are two giftedly talented individuals, of that there is no question. In my mind, they are the most original sounding duo to have arrived on the music scene in a generation. There is no one that sounds like them. In reading a blog post from earlier today, an audience member at what has now turned out to be the duo's last concert performance, in London, England, said that while the group performed, they did not look happy about doing so. If that is the case, then this is a real shame. Watching The Civil Wars perform on stage is what makes them special. The chemistry that exists between the two while performing is one of the most beautiful and special things I have ever witnessed in music. Fans can take some solace in the fact that the Facebook posting also included word that the band may have new music in 2013.
However, if that chemistry is in fact gone, then the best thing they can do is call it quits now and leave us with their wonderful, but brief, period of work. Hard as it may be, it would be the best thing for the group and their fans.
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