It all came about as a result of playing some solo shows recently and realizing how much I missed playing my own MW material. So, amidst a year of deliberating (procrastinating) I decided to put together a series where I could play my music as well as showcase other songwriters I liked in the city, and the result has morphed into something I think is both unique and totally cool. Each show will feature myself and another artist playing a few of our own originals and a few of our favourite covers, but you’ll also hear us perform covers of each others songs…… now, the potential for musical-hazard would be huge if they just weren’t so damn talented. Like our first featured artist, Bernice, for example:
“Pay no mind to the jaded, for there are things new under the sun. Bernice, who is the quicksilver singer-songwriter Robin Dann and her interesting musical company, is novel and reaffirming. Bernice makes fluid, full, ambient and precise sounds, with percussion that is sometimes clanky. No grudges are shown toward harps, synthesizers, violas or even flugelhorns. Her voice is something like a bath – a lighter Meshell Ndegeocello. I haven’t a clue what universe Dann came from (Toronto?), but she’s welcome from wherever.” Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
She’s awesome. I can’t wait for the rehearsal, let alone the show. The first instalment of this series happens:
Wed May 22 at the Tranzac Club, 10PM
It will feature Bernice as well as musical guests Thom Gill (Owen Pallet) and Mackenzie Longpre (Chloe Charles).
Three Metre Day
Big week for 3MD. Ever listen to Iggy (Pop) and the Stooges? Well, they just released a new album this week called Ready To Die. And…… we’re on it. No I’m not kidding. Thanks to a Mr. James Williamson all three members of our band can be heard on the final track, The Departed.
The film we scored, Still Mine, will be released in select theatres TODAY. May only be out for a limited time, so this is the week to see it if you’re interested. Theatre listings here, plus reviews by the Globe&Mail, Toronto Star, and Toronto Sun.
We’ve got three shows coming up in some of my favourite venues. All great spots to hear and feel good about music. Joining us on bass is Maury LaFoy (Bruce Cockburn, Jann Arden) and on drums Mark Mariash (Lori Cullen). Full 5-some band. Pretty sweet. Here are the details:
MAY 12 // 7:30PM @ The TRANZAC CLUB
JUNE 16 // 8PM @ 80 GLADSTONE
JUNE 24 // 9:30PM @ MUSIDEUM (Toronto Jazz Festival)
Have you been to 80 Gladstone yet? No, not the Gladstone – this is one new beautiful yoga studio / event space. Check it out.
Some Side(wo)man stuff
- I have a few gigs this month playing keyboard and singing back-up for a singer-songwriter named Bryce Jardine. May 9 + May 23rd @ The Sister
- Jazz Vespers service with John Sheard and fellow gospel gals Marla Walters and Joanna Mohammed May 26 @ St James Westminster (London, ON). See poster to the right.
- I’ll be opening solo for Alberta native Erica Viegas May 27 @ The Central