Time: 9:30 p.m.

Cover: $5

 Kayla Howran http://www.kaylahowran.com/

Here's an album that, in a good way, sounds like it was recorded in
Nashville in the early '70s. Whereas most current roots songstresses mix
folk and rock into their country-inflected sound, Howran's style is
hardcore honkytonk. The debut release from the Peterborough, ON-raised,
Toronto-based Howran is also the first offering from new label Cameron
House. It's an auspicious beginning for both. Roots music guru David Baxter
produced, engineered and played lead guitar in typically tasteful fashion,
while notable players/singers featured include pedal steel guitarist Burke
Carroll, Devin Cuddy, Jadea Kelly and Arif Mirabdolbaghi (Protest the
Hero). Howran wrote seven of the 12 cuts, ranging from the frivolous ("Rock
Bass") to the intense ("The Al-Anon Prayer"). Jack Marks channels Steve
Earle on his "I Need Ya Blues" and the spirited duet with Howran is a
highlight, as is a sizzling cover of "These Memories Of You." A haunting
take on Kasey Chambers' "Pony" does that gem justice. Howran's strong,
confident voice evokes Loretta and Tammy, and she sure hits the target
with Pistol." - Exclaim! magazine
click on cover to purchase "PISTOL"


Kayla Howran is a one woman opry" - Corin Raymond

"As Cameron House regulars might expect, Pistol is a twangy back-to-basics alt-country album, with contributions by many musicians who play at the venue. There are plenty of songs about whiskey, beer and heartbreak, recorded and arranged as if new country had never invaded the airwaves." - NOW magazine



Kayla Howran sings country music, not by virtue of a Wrangler shirt, but a childhood in Peterborough spent fishing and wrestling dogs. Her song writing is equal parts original and idiomatic, a fresh but faithful interpretation of the genre and proof that classic country doesn’t have to be old, but it does have to be timeless.


Firing a pistol is one of those things that might seem simple, but comes with a host of complex emotions. Its equal parts energy, skill, and responsibility, all culminating in a whirlwind of catharsis. All of these important elements come together like whiskey and water in a perfect union to comprise Kayla Howran’s debut album “PISTOL” released in early February. This was not only her debut release but also the debut release of Cameron House Records’ first full length album. Kayla will be playing shows in and around Toronto and Southern Ontario before she hits the road and heads West on tour in late March.    

The rock solid sound of Kayla’s Fellas is forged not only out of whiskey and heartache, but a strong musical pedigree that includes the guidance of Toronto music staple David Baxter, who produced, engineered, and played lead guitar on “PISTOL.” Baxter has shared the stage with a number of artists including David Wilcox, Justin Rutledge, and Lori Yates. He has produced the likes of Justin Rutledge, Treasa Levasseur, Catherine MacLellan, Jadea Kelly, Jack Marks, Lynne Hanson, Lori Yates, Corin Raymond, Daniel Sky, and Bob Snider. Other notables featured on the album include: Burke Carroll: pedal steel (The Brothers Cosmoline, Justin Rutledge), Devin Cuddy: piano, Arif Mirabdolbaghi: bass (Protest the Hero), Pat Phillips: drums (Dustin Bentall, Twilight Hotel, The Swifty's), Sara Fitzpatrick: fiddle (Delhi to Dublin), Jamie Oliver: vocals (Big Tobacco and the Pickers), and Jadea Kelly: vocals.

With a country sensibility that harkens back to the wonderfully idealized days of outlaw country sweethearts such as Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker, and Tammy Wynette, Kayla’s Honky Tonk country sound can sonically transport even the most discerning listener to a seedy Texan Honky Tonk.

After moving to Toronto, Kayla found a foothold in the country and rockabilly roots of the Queen Street music scene.  She and her band, The Fellas, began playing at The Cameron House in September 2010, and quickly established one of the hottest weekly residences on Queen Street.  Every Friday night Kayla’s powerful vocals fill the bar as she and The Fellas spur on a dance floor full of patrons with bourbon-soaked two-steps, meandering tales of love lost, and everything in between.

 Shaela Miller http://www.myspace.com/shaelamiller