Really nice show from Yes Nice but Left Behinds won't be left behind
Wednesday, 29 August 2012 14:37
Richard Amery
I always enjoy hearing new bands. So I made a point of checking out the Left Behinds— a folk/ rock trio featuring guitarist/ vocalists Greg Wilson, Kathryn Smith and drummer Ryan Reese. They have played the Slice open mics before, but their opening slot for Jesse and the Dandelions and Vancouver’s Yes Nice and Jesse and the Dandelions, Aug. 22 at the Slice was their first official gig. The group who are usually on stage acting, proved to be adept musicians. Wilson played some nice guitar on a hot set of upbeat Shins style indie rock influenced originals as well as a few covers from bands like the Decemberists.
They had a lot of fans in the packed house, who hung onto every word they sang as Wilson and Smith harmonized beautifully. Smith also played lead guitar on a couple numbers.
Vancouver area band Yes Nice was another band I wanted to see. I was pleased to catch most of their energetic set. They are aptly named. Yes, they had nice violin playing from Erin James who stayed in the background, nice vocal harmonies, some really nice song arrangements and played a nice, tight set of heavily 80s influenced original music . A lot of their catchy pop music sounded like it would make a nice soundtrack to a Japanese Anime movie. Lead singer and multi-instrumentalist Nathanial Wong owned the stage, alternately crooning, joking with the crowd, and switching between guitar, keyboard and even drums for one song. Jillian McKellar sang behind the keyboards. and guitarist Darren Frank officially ended the band’s show by singing lead on their big song “Horses,” which beautifully showed off their vocal harmonies. They were called back for an encore.
— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 August 2012 14:52 )
Murder Mouse Blues band kill a sweet set of mandolin powered blues and roots music
Wednesday, 29 August 2012 14:30
Richard Amery
Murder Mouse Blues Band aren’t technically a blues band, a folk band, aren’t mice and, as far as I know, they haven’t murdered anybody, though they killed a couple high octane sets at the Slice for about eight people, all of whom were really caught up in the music. The Western Australian duo included author Adam Morris on vocals and guitar, multi-instrumentalist Jon Edwards and Sandesh, a fantastic drummer from Winnipeg.
I arrived in the middle of one of Jon Edwards’ many blazing mandolin solos, which sounded a lot like fiddle music, but was more influenced by rock music than traditional fiddle music like country or bluegrass.
Morris sounded a little like Billy Joel, but their music was far from it, sounding like a mix of blues and folk with healthy infusions of pop music. The last three songs of second set were highlights including “Nothing Left to Do, ” the slide powered “Bird with a Broken Leg ” and “Bumblebee’s wedding” one of many songs featuring jaw dropping mandolin solos.
They also played an intense celtic version of the traditional Merry Mac which was reminiscent of Great Big Sea's version as it sped up every verse, as well as a sweet version of Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne.” Their exceptional show featured lots of mandolin plus sweet, tasteful Stratocaster solos. And did I mention the fantastic mandolin playing?
— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 August 2012 14:35 )
CKXU to show their love for records at a bigger and better Love and Records
Wednesday, 29 August 2012 14:14
Richard Amery
Lethbridge community radio station CKXU turns 40 this year, so they are celebrating the big 4-0 by sharing their first love — records and music, Sept. 15 in Galt Gardens. “Love and Records” is a day long celebration of music, art and of course records in Galt Gardens, Sept. 15.
“We’re celebrating our fortieth anniversary of community radio in Lethbridge,” said CKXU board president Curtis Goodman. The second annual event, put on by Lethbridge community radio station CKXU (88.3 FM) will be even bigger and better than last year.
“ There will be art, music , live music and records,” enthused Goodman.
There will also be the Taiko Drummers, raffles, lots of prizes and a 50-50 raffle. “This event is specifically designed for music lovers,” he continued.
This year there will be 20 vendors selling records, CDs, cassettes, 8-Tracks — anything related to music. There will also be a beer gardens and live music to be announced including bands from Lethbridge, Edmonton and Calgary, though word has spread across the country.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 September 2012 13:05 )
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Lethbridge music marks mellower week
Tuesday, 28 August 2012 11:34
Richard Amery
It is somewhat of a slower week in Lethbridge. Call it a post Whoop-Up Days hangover if you’d like, however, as always, there are several shows from Lethbridge musisicians worth checking out to wind down a busy August. Lethbridge based singer-songwriter and a protége of Leeroy Stagger, Indio Saravanja will be playing the Slice, Aug. 30. Another Leeroy Stagger protége , Matt Robinson plays a solo show at the Owl Acoustic Lounge, Aug. 31.
One of my favourite Manitoba songwriters, Kayla Luky plays western swing, folk and country music at the Owl Acoustic Lounge, Aug. 29. And in a similar vein, though much more pop influenced, One of my favourite Lethbridge singer/ songwriters, Alyssa McQuaid plays the Mocha Cabana, Aug. 31. Riviera Paradise brings in September by playing the blues at the Mocha Cabana, Sept. 1. Also at the Slice, there will be a big rock show, Aug. 29 featuring Durban Poison, Stressed Out and the Yeah Dads. There will be a five dollar cover for it.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 28 August 2012 11:46 )
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