ECMA Picks for Mar 04
»» Go to INDIEpIpE's Profile | This item added on Mar 4, 2:00 am
The Keats Twin sisters Jolene and Charlene Keats are a country duo going places. Born in the grand tradition of Maritime kitchen music, The Keats cut their teeth on good ol' Newfoundland foot stompin’, story telling, cry in your beer, sittin’ around the table kind of music. Don't let their relaxed stage presence fool you, though. These are two girls that know their way around fretboards and keyboards and their tight harmonies will start you toe-tapping and leave you humming.
The Membertou Centre @ 8:30, Steel City Sports Bar at midnight.
Tom Fun Orchestra Home town heroes Tom Fun are a nine-piece cluster-rock ensemble that needs to be seen to be savoured. Hidden behind the irresistible party show is a line-up of road tuned musicians that can play. It may look like they're all just cutting loose, but for you to have this much fun means all the elements have to fit in place on the stage. And fit they do, with violin, banjo, accordion, trumpet and double bass, a triple guitar attack and pounding drums backing gruff, compelling lead vocals and sweet harmonies. Add in full gang unison on some of the catchy choruses and you've got a recipe for a great time.
Smooth Herman's @ 12:30
Dave Gunning One of the finest singer songwriters you will ever see. Period. Known on both sides of the Atlantic and universally respected and admired by his peers, Dave plays guitar impeccably, sings with a distinct and highly expressive voice, and writes songs that touch. Honest, moving insights into childhood memories, local legends and the everyday lives of those around him that are also relevant to whatever life it is you are living. He surrounds himself with other great musicians, which means that each of his songs have been vetted by the best. His great ear and innate musical sense lead to arrangements and performance that elevate everything about the solid core of the songs.
The Membertou Centre @ 9:00
Catherine MacLellan One of the jewels of the Island, Catherine MacLellan writes and writes and sings songs that come across sweet and silky, but there is a foundation of solid steel foundation underneath. Her vocal and songwriting talents are no secret to music lovers in the Maritimes. Her potential was first displayed in the group The New Drifts and then on her 2004 solo debut Dark Dream Midnight. Her latest release, Church Bell Blues, ups the ante considerably. Sparse and intimate record, it gently fuses folk and country strains with graceful ease. The disc is clearly focused on Catherine's compelling voice and expressive acoustic guitar, and both are neatly framed by the empathetic production of longtime collaborator James Phillips.
The Capri Club @ 9:30
Meaghan Blanchard When you hear Meaghan Blanchard it is hard to believe she is only 20 years old. When we saw her at the ECMAs in Cornerbrook in 2009 heads turned as soon as she opened her mouth and this amazing voice came out of her slight figure. Not only on the East Coast, but people from across the country are starting to take note, as should you. She won four Music PEI Awards last year– Female Vocalist, Songwriter of the Year, Folk Album of the Year and New Artist and was nominated for two ECMAs (2009). After another year honing her considerable talents, she is a show to catch and a name to remember.
Steel City Sports Bar @ 10:40 pm
After Meaghan, stick around Steel City for Michael Brennan at 11:00.
Michael takes country music seriously and his strong, distinct voice put a sharp edge on the songs he writes, giving them sentiment – but hardly a trace of sentimentality. Originally from Cape Breton, Brennan toils away in Toronto now but often returns home. He should be playing tunes from his second solo album: Anywhere But Here. It's a roots rockin’ country record with heart and soul, set in the middle of a big smoky, busy city — but with a clear memory of where he’s from.
Steel City Sports Bar @ 11:00
Gloryhound
These guys are comers. With two crunchy guitars, powerful vocals and a passel of hard driving songs, Gloryhound is a bare bones rock quartet, molded from years of cranking bands like The Ramones and Iggy Pop. Having toured with Matt Mays and playing with The Trews, Gloryhound has learned from the best how to work a stage and a room. At 1Am after a few wobbly pops of choice, this should be a good way either wrap up the evening for some – or get a head start on the rest of the night for those who know it's still young.
The Capri Club @ 1:00 AM
