The News

James Murdoch’s new CD is more organic

Tuesday, 07 July 2009 20:50 Richard Amery

Lethbridge born and raised folk-pop musician James Murdoch returned to home to debut his hot off the press CD, “Wondering Where the Rush Has Gone,” July 4 to an appreciative crowd at the Slice.

“I own a studio now, so I produced the CD,” Murdoch said between sets, adding he left a record label and decided to go the indie route for the new CD whihc was released just a week ago.

“It has given me the freedom to make the record sound like I wanted it to with no limitations,” he said adding the first track “Building a Bridge,” is getting lots of airplay on CKUA and CBC radio.

Having the freedom of his own studio, the band was allowed to experiment with Murdoch’s music.

“I allowed the band to develop their own sound. We recorded it pretty much live,” he said.

“This CD is a little less poppy and more organic sounding. We allowed the songs to breathe more,” he observed, adding the Lethbridge show was the third of a 23 date cross-Canadian tour in support of the CD.

— Richard Amery, L. A. Beat Editor

July 7 is another week of tough choices

Tuesday, 07 July 2009 20:02 Richard Amery

Another week, another week of tough choices.

Beginning tonight, (July 7) Dave Renter is hosting a jazz jam at the Slice. It is the first of several open mics happening this week. Henotic has an open mic on Wednesday and the Lethbridge Folk Club has their twice monthly open mic on Friday beginning at 8 p.m.

Then, on Wednesday, there are several choice shows starting with Carrie Rodriguez at the Geomatic Attic at 8 p.m.

And for some bagpipe powered punk rock, the Mudmen are also at the Slice July 8. They put on an energetic and ear bleeding show full of fun and alcohol.

Thursday there is something for everyone beginning with my number one choice — Canadian troubadour Fred Eaglesmith and his band play the Slice on July 9. He plays the best train songs like “49 Tones” I Like Trains” and i Wish i was A Freight Train,” plus countless others about the ordinary, working class disenfranchised blue collar worker.

If R and B and pop are more your thing, Karl Wolf, who remade Toto’s ’80s hit “Africa” is at the Blarney Stone with Cash Flow, Kay and Aace.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 July 2009 20:14 ) Read more...

Day of the Wolf dawns in Lethbridge

Monday, 06 July 2009 17:44 Richard Amery

Karl Wolf’s overnight success, thanks to his smash hit reworking of Toto’s ’80s smash “Africa” only took nine years. So life has changed for the Montreal based R and B singer/songwriter and producer who visits the Blarney Stone, July 8 (Wednesday) with rappers Cash Flow, Kay and Aace.

“I guess the biggest change in my life is getting recognized in Canada. I have a career in Japan, Europe, the Czech Republic, but Canada is a little bit slow to jump on the bandwagon. Now people recognize me on the streets,” said Wolf, putting the finishing touches on the video for the new single “Carrera” off his sophomore CD, “ Bite the Bullet.” He has almost completed his third CD which is expected to be released in December.

“It’s difficult to imagine that. When it takes you this long, you appreciate it more,” he continued adding nobody sets out on a career path planning to fail, so the success does not come entirely unexpected.

Last Updated ( Monday, 06 July 2009 17:53 ) Read more...

Rock solid entertainment at Geomatic Attic

Monday, 06 July 2009 17:31 Richard Amery

You don’t need to know a secret handshake to attend some of the fantabulous gigs going on at a novel new venue — the Geomatic Attic, located above Mike Spencer Geometrics (#70-491 W.T Blvd. South)— all you need to do

is e-mail in advance.

“We welcome anybody, it’s just they have to e-mail because we have to limit the the number of people who can come,” said proprietor Mike Spencer adding

the Geomatic Attic has been a popular underground sensation since March 2008 when he, with the help of photographer Dave Jacobson decided it would be fun to start bringing in live music at their own house concerts. A house concert is an event where touring musicians are invited to perform at a private residences, the host’s friends all come and pay a nominal cover charge for the musician. Because the people come to specifically listen to the musician, the room becomes a “listening room” and the musician usually sells CDs to almost everyone there. The Geomatic Attic operates under the same general principle.

This week they have two big shows, New York born, Austin based folk/country/pop style fiddle virtuoso and mandolinist Carrie Rodriguez is playing Wednesday July 8, followed by the Olympic Athletes Musicfest, July 11 featuring Washboard Hank and numerous local artists including Shaela Miller, Karen Romanchuk, Dave McCann and the 10 Toed Frogs plus Steve Keenan and Fat Baby Jake, who are raising money to help send Olympic hammer-thrower Jim Steacy and world ranked skeleton athlete Carla Pavan to the Olympics.

“I”m also involved in the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame. So this is a nice little crossover for me. I get to help Jim Steacy and Carla Pavan go to the Olympics and have a fundraiser everybody will enjoy,” Spencer enthused, adding the Olympicfest will be set up in Mike Spencer Geomatics’ parking lot including bleachers, a stage and artisans booths for CD sales and Josee’s Handmade Imports.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 July 2009 20:34 ) Read more...

Big events in Lethbridge

Tuesday, 30 June 2009 19:47 Richard Amery

Once again, Lethbridge is celebrating Canada Day with Canadian music.

The fun starts at 11 a.m. in Galt Gardens with local outlaw country boys The Smokin’ Pistols. A lot of different acts are playing throughout the day including the Ben Brown Band, Stan Ashbee and Double Jack. And Alyssa McQuaid is doing souble duty, playing Galt, then the Mocha Cabana beginning at 2 p.m.

There is more live music at Henderson Lake beginning at noon with the Lethbridge Community Silver Band. Trevor Panczak and Rough Stock are playing at 5 p.m. followed by the Chinook Community Orchestra. Glen Coulee play folk and blues in the evening as well as Hippodrome bring out the funk. Fast Times will rock you into the fireworks.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 30 June 2009 19:59 ) Read more...

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