Mostly-music Journalist

Soulshine Review

2011-11-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

"you ARE fancy. loved the review!" - Lindsay, editor of the on-line music mag

*
when she asked me to interview Rober Cray, we had no way to synch up his availability with my home-time hours nor to record the impending workday time, office style phone conversation.

"well, are you a fast writer?"
"as a matter of fact, i am."

i smiled and she set up the interview and informed me of the details.
*
thank God my boss wasn't on the phone when i went into his office at 10:28 that morning and said "by the way, i am on coffee break, even though i have to take it sitting at my desk. in two minutes a five time grammy winner is going to call me for a 15 minute chat so i can ask him questions for a music magazine." the boss shrugged and scoweled and then kept an ear open to my call i think. for sure he read the published piece.

Inspiring Gillian Welch

2011-03-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

"There's a roughness, when a thing is on the cusp of its own invention. When people don't quite know what they are doing, there's an appealing, unselfconscious edge to the music."

-- excerpt from Sept 2001 "Pulse" article by J. Poet

A Harmony to Keep an Eye On

2011-03-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

We thought it would be fun to have staff write columns about their dream instruments, real or imaginary… the first submission is Kim’s wishlist (singer/songwriter, percussionist, rookie musician, and Folkway’s Lesson Program Coordinator and Office Manager)

The As-Is Room is full of treasures...

Is it true that I’m a garbage picker? I DO like to recycle things… And I would like to keep the lonely, old archtop I found abandoned on Folkway’s front door one morning. It resonated with me right away. Collectively, I think we assume/appreciate that someone just left it for us as store decor, but secretly I instantly thought of it as prize to me for being first at work that day (instead of a gigging musician, ha).

It’s actually quite a playable instrument, as-is, even before guys I trust get their hands on it, ha.

Although, as is it stays remarkably in tune. I like the tone and volume of this run-of-the-mill acoustic archtop. Its acoustic, yes, but not as loud as modern dreadnought flat tops. Its not a jangly bright guitar and some could find it dull, as it rules a middle ground of tone, best only for heavy rhythm style. I kind of like how its fatter than average neck feels in my hand. Its wide but still light in hand like my nylon string.

This is a guitar stuck in the midrange rather than providing a resonant bottom end through bright top end tones as modern guitars are designed to deliver. But, some people like that! I am not a finger picking type and I don’t care if I ever play a lead as long as I live…

I like the weight and the auditorium size, and its shape and body dimensions. I like that you can see the natural colour of wood, including the contrasting wood strip. I also like the metal tailpiece and the “f-holes.” Relatively inexpensive in the mass production days means it could have a life and I wouldn’t have to be all precious about my guitar. I like that its had a life before meeting me, ha. I know its a late model Patrician because of the fancier “vine” engraved headstock.

Its said the Patrician model was in its own class of Harmony guitars because it was fancy, better designed and well built, the finest and best of the line.

H1414 – Patrician, by Harmony
(model years 1940-54) – Mahogany and Spruce top, Mahogany body (all solid woods); Scale: 25″1/4 642 mm

I want something like this as my electric guitar. Free acoustic archtop, but electric, with wonderful matching case and a capo that fits right. Its my dream right? So, I will add that I love the sound through the pick-up in my band-mate’s Taylor 114ce. but I don’t like not knowing what of the knobs does what, and I prefer big vintage LABELLED knobs like the Vega had, ha.

Also, my dream guitar has a tuner in it, so I’m not always looking for one. And, it has to be a tuner that I can understand, SEE, and like the sound of, ha. I want to plug this found thing in and let it ring!

Tune again in future to read about a co-worker's fur-covered instrument imaginings!

Other Interesting Things Read While Researching This Guitar:

The archtop guitar is often credited to Gibson, whose innovative designs led to the formation of the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co, Ltd in 1902. Among the features of this instrument were a violin-style arched top and back, each carved from a single piece of wood, and thicker in the middle than at the sides; sides carved to shape from a single block of wood; and a lack of internal “braces, splices, blocks or bridges … which, if employed, would rob the instrument of much of its volume of tone.”

Harmony was founded in 1892 by Wilhelm Schultz and bought by Sears, Roebuck and Co., 24 years later, which wanted to corner the ukulele market. In 1928 Harmony introduced the first of many Roy Smeck models, and went on to become the largest producer in the U.S. They sold 250,000 pieces in 1923 and 500,000 in 1930, but low-end foreign competition led to the company’s demise as the company reduced their output over the years, later focusing on student models sold through JCPenney. The Harmony Guitar Company ceased in 1975, and the Harmony name was sold.

Method Acting - Tune of the Day

2011-02-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

10:21, Track 4 on a friend of a friend Dave Rawlings Machine 2010 release; recorded and mastered in LA, with a thanks to Ryan Adams in the credit notes.

In need of a higher a message? Take a listen. You will have to love the beautiful guitar. Come on. Agree that the precise yet rambling instrumental sections are fantastic. No surprise perhaps, given the artist’s fame as Gillian Welch’s musical and romantic partner.

Remember in the article in Fretboard journal where she was one the one who spit on her finger to wipe the grime off the headstock enough to see the brand name of the little guitar he’d start using?

On this album and particular song Ralwings may surprise you with the way he sings a winding, engaging story, in his clear, honest voice, while Gill’s lower down in the mix voice augments the second part of each “chorus.” It sounds so powerful! What amazing musicianship in such subtle music.

The ten minute journey travels the time when hate was just a legend and war was never known and when people worked together lifting many stones. Logue’s favourite lyric is “I don’t know what tomorrow brings. But I know I feel better when I sing. Burdens are lifted from me. That’s my voice ri-sing.”

Of course there is also that part where he says “so T-bone please keep the tape rolling, Gill keep strumming that guitar we need a record of our failures we must document our love.” Rawlings sings the point of living is to love and be loved, while proving the hard G sound like Guitar used to pronounce his partner’s name, ha.

You know how extreme happiness is so beautiful its actually sad? that’s what this song sounds like – go ahead, taste it! Logue listened to it a bunch of times for free at Groove Shark and says “if you don’t already own it, I don’t where else to suggest you find it. I’ve long found it interesting that its not up for free listening on Myspace.”

-- originally published on Folkway Music's Musings, Tune of the Day

Kid Koala + celebrity coworkers...

2011-02-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

Here's the first entry from the Folkway Music blog that got rave reviews. Co-workers said they "love" that picture!!!

jottings from CMW

2010-03-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

after 3 days of intense learning, amazing networking and valuable seminar attendance i still think the same things as i did going in
1) that you should use a song to sell something ELSE.
2) and, always have a new song and a new something to sell to the fans you have already...
[ ] pick a platform

[ ] engage fans

[ ] measure

its all about finished masters walking in the door
*

ASCAP

1) intrinsic value of music

2) varying values

3) above the mean per transaction

25 albums sold 100,000 copies recent sound scan stats

THEY ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR HOLIDAY MUSIC
*
no one likes the gratis liscence but...

What Would I Ask Serena ?

2010-03-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

If I'm not mistaken, the "sing sing sing" piece that became a Music Monday's song was recorded at my friend James' studio. My 21 year old roommate/mentor used to love her music too, in our Harbourfront era. I think the first time I saw her live it was opening for a Diggers/Cash Bro at their annual Christmas Concert thing. I love how the Flo likes to talk behind her back.

Maybe I should be asking to interview her for some media outlet somewhere instead of pushing so hard for a merch girl gig, ha. But, what would we talk about?

I am jonesing to get writing reviews and features and such again. Surely that doesn't mean I will simply activate a music journalism blog!?

Gurf Morlix

2009-08-25T14:51:00.001-07:00

Friday August 21, 2009
first ever solo performance at Folkway Music

Americana music multi-force has performed with Eliza Gilkyson, Guy Clark, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Mary Gautier, Emmy Lou Harris and Robert Plant. i also just saw his name in a Slaid Cleaves album

As a producer, he helps bringout the best in musicians. As a singer songwriter, he belts out dark humour and an bright honesty that made for a mesmerizing show.

Some kind of bass pedal thing for the right foot, and amped board for the left.
Really awesome songs. Have you been listening on his MYspace? That is Patty G (on tracks from his last album) and his songs are great. Cool instrumentation too.

His stories and live personae were awesome. Will go see him again EVERY chance I get.
Would be nice to go fishing together too, ha.

Or maybe I should just go fishin' with the nice date that took me out to take in such a GREAT show. It was great when we could sing along to the last few numbers... its been so long since he 'n me made music together! I kept thinking all night how his music is the spittin' image of Gurf's ha.

Industry Thoughts

2009-08-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

interesting notes on cd sales volumes

Aimee Mann

2009-08-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

Discovering a beautiful booklet by noted Guelph indie comic book artist, SETH, inside Aimee Mann’s Lost In Space CD made her my new personal hero. Let’s hear it for the surprising coolness factor of a strong female role model in the male dominated, non traditional art practices of song writing and comics. Especially since Mann does it independently. Her label SuperEgo Records is an archetype for success outside the traditional record biz model. Lost in Space is a sad collection of 11 songs linked by the recurring topics of drugs and superheroes. With quirky, girlie vocals, Mann speaks, as always, for the terminally fucked up, and renders complicated melodies with complex lyrics, in unique and challenging song structures. Lost in Space is a universal, unisex masterpiece well worth exploring. Okay, so I’m peddling addiction. I’m also pushing a sweet success story. And I do hope this proves to be your gateway record, a gateway to the harder stuff of our new hero and guys like Mann.
*
this was the first music review i ever wrote or had published. Lola named it shotgun of the year, and they were an award winning magazine so I was very p r o u d.

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings

2008-11-24T07:09:00.000-08:00

Let’s Frolic
True North Records

This is a release that is a sheer pleasure to listen to, and you can hear the pleasure these three lengendary musicians find in playing with one another. There is a sense of mutual appreciation, encouragement and camaraderie, that lends well, audibly, to the musical chemistry In trademark BARK style this is a freewheeling collection of roots-groovy, bluesy, alt-country surf-jazz songs that defy pigeonholing. Great playing and appealing vocals make repeated listening a delight to the syngergistic third such album collaboration between the legendary award winning Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson.

*
written for the echo (who provided the cd for the assignment) but never published

Meeting Flo

2008-09-29T17:19:00.001-07:00

How To Make And Sell Your Independent Record

I was beyond disappointed when the woman, my friend, who wrote the guidebook to thinking music SALES (a book that helped Loreena McKennit sell 100,000 records for independent control), said she had no interest in promoting anything about music or the biz of it anymore. Diane gave up on music, even as she told me not to.

She was the one who sold me(us) the idea that you could either go get a job driving a cab, or you could promote yourself AS your day job.

But that was a long time ago.
Technology has changed so much.

I love it when I see her esteemed fellow promoter type friend out at shows I go to. He's another expert I'd like to talk to, someone I've long looked forward to getting to know.

Blue News

2008-06-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Alas, it seems I no longer enjoy being a music news editor for BlueRodeo.com

I checked back, and my first post was May 30, so I've given it a year. That's something...

Is it the day of the week? There really is no news over the weekend, so the Monday morning posts are DULL. And, a chore

Perhaps I will request a change of day instead of resigning...

note: 4107 agg views on so-called anniversary post

2008-04-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Someone please remind me again about the Nick Lowe story?

He like stopped opening his Socan cheques because they were always for $.44 or $.77 a nickle or a dime or whatever. And then one day, he's going thru all this mail and finds a cheque big enough to go out and buy a house that afternoon. Isn't that how it went?

Unkn own E-bar band

2008-03-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

what i liked about thursday nite's second act was the song where the cute-truly-valued-add chick and the even more fully multi-instrumentalist main perhaps songwriter guy, was their number where they banged, jumping also, on that black shiny drum. the song was about not having time to argue i think.

nate's set was of course also great. and, his parents were there!

Lucky Blue

2008-01-27T16:37:00.000-08:00

My favourite parts of the Tannis Slimmon cd release parties may have been the Bird Sister story about how Tannis asked Jude to leave the room so she could play her very first (new) song for her... Or maybe it was when Davey C said we should buy the cd before they breed the ears off us.

Horsey Books & Movies

2007-12-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

Sun Dancer and
Dancer, the porcupine's quill 1996

with references to the coffee bean on hwy 10

p164
"it had four white socks, the left hind reaching past his knee, and a white blaze on his face."
a horse does not have a knee on its hind leg, so what kind of stocking is she actually describing?

"cleaning the muck out of the stall"

there are lots of mistakes like that but the horse is rearing and bowing to the queen of his own free will, like a magic tv horse or something. in sundancer, the main character bird TALKS to the animals with a special ESP and they talk back.
*
Heartland "healing horses, healing hearts"
by Lauren Brooke
sanctuary nestled in the hills of virginia
frightened and abused horses learn to trust again
CBC series on a ranch?
natural remedies like T-touch and bergamot/lavendar oil etc.

*
Sea Biscuit
Tobey Maguire and Jeff Bridges, 2003
runs over 2h
based on the true story of a tiny surprise of a racehorse and 3 men: a trainer, a jockey and a businessman. the depression. "you have talent"
*
National Velvet
Mickey Rooney and Elizabeth Taylor, (and also a young Angela Lansbury) 1944
Pie an unruly neighbours horse that she wins in a raffle, and rides disguised as a boy in the Grand National Steeplechase (the studio gave Pie to Taylor after filming wrapped)
*
Dreamer
Kris Kirstofferson, Freddy Rodrigues (6 ft under), Dakota Fanning and Kurt Russel
1hr and 46 min, 2005
bonus features
the only horse farm in Kentucky without a single horse, Sonyador (spanish for dreamer) fractured leg
unwavering faith
Mariah's Storm, Taking Care of Horses, On-set working with Horses
Kurt Russell gave Fanning a real Palimino Quarter Horse named Goldie
don't give up. everyone has a dream and can stick to it til it comes true

2007-11-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

ya, ya, ya, i know it had already shown up in the bluenews TWICE before my post, but i just had to put my own title on it.
*
i was also interested to note the
Zunior Guest Column: Paul Watson's Top Unsung Canadian Albums of 2007.
*
sunday morning record is the houseplants next anticipated release, and for the coffee song we have to wait for #3 ? ? ?

on New Seasons

2007-11-17T06:37:00.000-08:00

the Sadies fourth studio album, released in Canada by Outside Music:

"Produced in Spain and Blue Rodeo's Danforth Ave. studio by Gary Louris of the Jayhawks, the album provides evidence of substantial growth in songwriting, confidence, singing and production techniques."

On-Air Training

2007-10-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

bloopers and blunder day

i blurted some un(or inaccurate)truths in a shakey voice when was put on the spot a bit this morning (BEFORE COFFEE) to chat on air, during Chelsea Morning. but at least i didn't babble on trying to correct myself. and then later, i typed "They" as in THEY weren't clear about where listeners can PURCHASE the music however... where there is no edit feature.

furthermore, when i said NO i wasn't blogging at work what i meant was NO that's not what concerned them. etc etc etc

ACK. whatev. good day everybody!

if you put on a puppet show

2007-10-27T08:57:00.001-07:00

for five and six year olds -- you've got to hold their attention. And, if not, they're going to be sticking their fingers into each other's ears and falling out of their seats.

Adults have a venner of politeness which means they will stay to the end even though they're bored out of their trees. But kids, they're something else.

-- Margaret Atwood, on performing for kids

Dr. Vassanji

2007-10-25T18:46:00.000-07:00

Dr. Vassanji, Thanks so much for agreeing to speak with us on CFRU 93.3 in Guelph. I know, as well, that the community appreciates and anticipates your participation as Literary guest at the Guelph Lecture – On Being Canadian!. On Friday November 9 at the River Run Centre, I understand that you will read from the Assassin’s Song.

Have you selected/how hard has it been choosing what you will read?

The Assasin’s song is largely set in India, but I read on the internet that you have never been. Is that so?

You have a fascinating background of Indianness, transformed by Africanness, and have lived in the US and since 1978 in Canada.. Much of your work involves characters in an in-between societies predicament, and the Canadian immigrant experience -- characters who are trying to reconcile different worlds within themselves. .So I wonder, what do you value about Canadian Society?

What sacrifices have you made in live in Canada?

Much of your work shows immigrant families undergoing a consumer-centered re-birth, and sometimes how pressures to blend into the mainstream results in a loss of tradition and culture. What can you tell me about concerns you have about what you see in our society?

It is often said that Canada is a country without a unified or common national identity, but clearly we are a country with complex cross-cultural strands of competing identities and cultural experiences. So, I want to ask, what does it mean to you, to be Canadian?

In 2005 you were made a member of the Order of Canada. What has that meant to you?

Many believe we are at an important juncture in human history, a cusp of critical change, given global politics, developments in technology, and the state of the environment. Are there any steps that you as an individual take to ensure that we emerge from this time of change in better shape?

The Assasin’s Song examines and exposes conflicts between the spiritual and the intellectual and also conflicts between different generations. So, thinking of the future, what role do you think Canada or Canadians could/should play in the changing world?

What can you tell us about your process as a writer?
What can you tell us about your experiences as an editor?What do you miss about working in the world of nuclear physics?
What work are you the most proud of and why?

As I understand it, you made literary history as the first-ever author to win two Giller prizes for excellence in English-language Canadian fiction. Since The Assasin’s Song is up for the prize this year, I wish you luck in becoming the first-ever author to win the prize three times.

bluenews postdated post highlight:

2007-10-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

New Teresa Ennis
Interview details and new release on-line listening available!

2007-10-18T14:35:00.001-07:00

Zunior.com - the little digital music store------------------------------------------------------Usage Rules
1. Your use of the Music is conditioned upon your prior acceptance of the terms of this Agreement.
2. You shall be authorized to use the Music only for personal, noncommercial use.
3. You shall be entitled to export, burn or copy Music solely for personal, noncommercial use.
4. The delivery of Music does not transfer to you any commercial or promotional use rights in the Products.

Reminder: the download links available in your 'My Account' area will expirein 14 days, and you can download the music a total of 1000 times.

CD Rls Concert in Kitchener

2007-10-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

Andrew Cash was very appreciative of the fact that Shannon Lyon arranged the show, and was honoured to play with him "on his home turf." SL made me wish for an electric guitar afterall, and I liked how I could hear his in-breaths in the new mic. It was an intimate, comfortable-enough-for-alcohol-free venue and I forget how AC phrased the fiscal impracticality of such theatres, but it was funny. Both performers were comfortable, conversational and humoursly personable between songs... But, my favourite moment/number of the whole nite however, was the undaunting two chord song.

I wished to be the helpful page turner, or lyrics reciter... but did at least offer two cents. "Take $10" I bossed, about the latecomers, "and suggest the DVD," and I think they took my advice.

You can hear and/or download samples from the show at http://www.soundmann.com/

p.s.
wouldn't it be great if AC's old material was available somewhere for purchase by download?

Busking Blue Rodeo

2007-09-30T19:12:00.001-07:00

almost makes me wish i still worked in the area(s) shown in these lovely pics

2007-09-28T09:04:00.001-07:00

I am still hoping to borrow copies of Eliza's recordings.
prayer 200? that was such a beautiful song about thanks for the sorrow that made me.

not that i'm a bit down today...

2007-08-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

Award-winning author Emily Pohl-Weary has been called “an unconventional and modern day hero to many young females.” After reading Strange Times at Western High, it is easy to see why.

It is her fifth book and her first for young adults. The novel is 218 pages, and was published by Annick Press in 2006. A pleasure from cover to cover, this book is a modern Nancy Drew mystery, featuring a smart, spunky and savvy sleuth you want to follow from adventure to adventure, so it is pleasing to note this appears to be the first book of a series.

The daughter of journalist parents, the main character Natalie has learned to take care of herself in war zones all over the world. After her parents’ separation she moves from Manhattan to Toronto with her father, and is the new kid at Western High. She is also, unfortunately, witness to a brutal attack on school grounds. And, she is determined to get to the root of it. The book is fast paced and full of unexpected turns, and the saucy star of the dramas still manages trips to the mall (referred to as the mecca of greed) and to put out issues of her self-published zine. Which reminds me, I especially enjoyed the illustrations and photographs in the bottom corner of almost every page, and the other design features that add to the cool factor of the novel. The character also has her own website, nataliefuentes.com, where you can learn more about her and her interests.

Emily Pohl-Weary is one of the confirmed readers for this year’s Eden Mills Writers Festival, which takes place Sunday September 9th from noon til six, rain or shine.

CFRU 93.3fm

2007-08-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

listen live, or after the fact on the website!

3. Eden Mills Writers Festival- Tuesday mornings from 8-9

The second hour of Royal City Rag is exploring the slate of authors who'll be reading this year at the Eden Mills Writers Festival. You'll want to hear the exciting interviews and reviews happening over the next few weeks. Thanks to Jan, Sheryl, Allison, Kim, and others who are working on this coverage.

2007-08-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

two cd's for $20 is a good deal. and, shot glasses aren't a bad idea either.

too bad it wasn't clear where they were for sale, or they would have had at least one extra $20 for their effort

2007-08-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Good for Shannon Lyon for showing the dates clearly on his website, and his myspace (do we actually say that?):

Oct. o4 - Kitchener, Ontario @ The Registry Theatre w/ Andrew Cash 122 Frederick St. Kitchener. 519.745.6565 doors 7pm. concert starts at 8pm $13 advance $15 at the door

Notes:

2007-08-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

On-air Author Introduction
Trevor Cole is the author of The Fearsome Particles, and is appearing at The Eden Mills Writers’ Festival -- which takes place Sunday, September 9th, noon til six, rain or shine.

Multi-award winning journalist, editor, staff writer and columnist for respected Canadian Publications, he has more recently written two novels -- both of which were short-listed for the Governor-General's Award for Literature.

Do I describe or review the book or ask him to tell us about the book?

Also, find out can we import the reading and intro from the website? or can i ask him to read something.

Remember: Telelphone Greeting of thanks for making this time to chat with us on the air at cfru 93.3.

1) What I really enjoyed about reading this book was the wit, and how compelling the observations were. It really is a great read. I think the parts of the novel I enjoyed the most were from the viewpoint of Kyle, who quits school and chooses to escape his controlling parents by going to Afganistan, as a civil support worker. I think it is how the novel really puts you in the war-torn desert, in a way that the news reporting often doesn’t. I know that you are also a journalist, so I thought I’d ask what you prefer about writing fiction?

2) Do you have any advice for young journalists?

3) When you put down this book, you think what happens NEXT to this family? Which is, incidentally a wonderful response to a novel. You also want to know when you can read this author’s NEXT work, and I understand you at work on a third novel. What can you tell us about that? Can you speak about your process a little?

4) Both of your novels have been optioned for film. What has that been like?
CBC Serial/Adaptations?

5) Website, when it started and why and expected future development, i.e. authors that have NOT had books published by recognized Canadian publishing houses.

6) What can we look forward to at Eden Mills?

Jan Thorhill

1) Can you tell us about the naturalist collection you had when you were 10?

2) I admire your books as a guide through difficult terrain, especially your intention to be life-affirming. What philosophical and spiritual scope are you trying to provide readers, and how?
3) What needs to be done to address the Environmental Change crises – what actions do you hope readers take in their own lives as a result of the understandings you provide in your latest book, The Kids’ Guide to Global Warming.

4) Let’s talk about the lively design, with catchy headers and a multitude of photos. How involved in the design were you, an award winning illustrator?

5) What can we look forward to at Eden Mills?

2007-08-20T13:34:00.001-07:00

“And with books: How many books are in Chapters? Millions. How many get thrown out in the distribution process? Is creating a book simply adding to landfill, or is there greater meaning to it in this age of fast food?”

http://howtofurnisharoom.vox.com/library/post/strange-times-at-western-high.html

What a gr8 site!

2007-08-20T11:32:00.001-07:00

"it aims to give this country's many acclaimed authors of fiction and poetry a way to meet you that doesn't involve being retailer- or media-approved."

(a rich and eclectic literary community ?)

If that's an important mandate, then I don't get why the authors you find on the site have all had books published by recognized Canadian publishing houses.

Trevor Cole notes

2007-08-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

With his trademark wit and strong emotional insight, Trevor Cole has created a compelling, tender story that captures a family at a crucial turning point.

Both books have been adapted for CBC radio and optioned for film.

He has written two novels - Norman Bray in the Performance of His Life (2004), and The Fearsome Particles (2006) - and, in a rare achievement, both were short-listed for the Governor-General's Award for Literature.

He is also a multiple-award-winning journalist and magazine editor who spent 15 years in the magazine division of The Globe and Mail, culminating in a successful three-year stint as a senior writer with Report on Business Magazine. Upon leaving the Globe, he wrote an acclaimed satirical column for Canadian Business, which for two years existed as a notorious irritant to many of Canada's most prominent business leaders.

At various times in his career he has spoken to students and to aspiring writers about the writing process, and today he is making an ongoing contribution to Canada's literary community through his website, AuthorsAloud.com, which provides both newly published and established authors with a forum for recorded readings of their work.

Currently he lives with his wife and daughter in Hamilton, Ontario, and is at work on his third novel.

Ryerson Review of Journalism

2007-08-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

"They work at the same place, which would normally rule it out because it would mean you had a conflict of interest. I try not to even write about people I know, never mind people I had a crush on. I would say that broke quite a few rules of journalism."
-- Even Wong, Canada's queen of the razor-sharp profile

Dylan said

2007-08-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

that they were putting themselves in the lion's mouth every night and he thought the band were like "gallant knights to stand behind me like that"

Emily Pohl-Weary's work

2007-08-03T05:04:00.001-07:00

"Confident sure. Trusting, not so much. I guess I even make my zine because I'm some bizarre mixture of outgoing and shy."

"I like that about you."

www.nataliefuentes.com

2007-07-11T05:02:00.000-07:00

once i really admired
keepmusiccoming.com

2007-07-08T09:12:00.001-07:00

I can take her sorrowfulness Even More, because of the sweetness in her voice. She sings some real saddies!
*
I want to check out Sam Phillips
*
The Houseplants are defying everything except quality and pragmatism (in a supportive community)

i almost wrote

2007-06-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

good thing we're not paid by the story or i'd be asking you for money! go ahead, duplicate my effort, i'll consider it flattery ha ha etc etc.

won't it be marvy when the chick focus is contagious?

2007-06-17T07:08:00.001-07:00

yes its true after the shingding at the tranzac i decided i must learn how to play my favourite anti-war song, billy don't be a hero. but i tole you, i lost my cheat sheet!!! transcribed for me by a celebrity even, the other celebrity reminded me... ACK.

i bought the cd set today, and, even without any sort of discount, it was well worth it.

the edmonton song is on volume two. i listened to THAT all day today! and then i took it home...

2007-06-16T17:55:00.001-07:00

in another blogmash bulletin, i would like to mention that you can listen to Ken Whiteley's Peace Peace Peace song on the Lewis Melville production i will rave to you more about later! today i listened to volume 1 almost all day... it is very yummy (AND nutritious!).

Example Music News Post (bluerodeo.com)

2007-06-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

Music News
Our team of editors scours the Internet on a daily basis to find the news and events that are of interest to people that love the music we love! Make this your one-stop news page.

Monday, June 4, 2007

New Releases from Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris fans anxiously await two new releases, including an 80 song box set.

The New Face of Sam the Record Man
The well known store, Sam the Record Man is not extinct in the digital age, just evolving, even appearing in Facebook.

Redemption Song, Ballad of Joe Strummer
A biography of the late punk icon was recently released.

On-line Wilco Listening
Wilco's performance of World Café will air on WXPN on Friday June 8. Fans can listen on-line.

Sheryl Crowe's New Focus
Sheryl Crowe has adopted a child, Wyatt, and allows a rare peek into her family life.

Last Updated: June 3, 2007 6:10 PM By: leftbrain

5th Annual Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival

2007-06-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

june 1-3, 2007

its true Mo Kauffey played at Taco Time on Saturday evening.

and, Jack de Keyzer put on a great show at the main stage that afternoon. i remembered the days when i would walk around the corner from my apartment every tuesday to catch his free show at the hotel isabella.

justin armstrong, the houseplants and grand fir were a delight in the parking lot at acoustic traditions. ALOT of great songs, with great sounds, with a pretty twinkle light backdrop and a nice white tent, and a friendly fun-loving crowd. all for charity even.

my favourite moments were the houseplant verses you don't hear on the album version of the song trying to piece it together. that song is too freakin' sad to listen to, i've thought for years. but, the version on saturday had a new intro routine about it getting a little bit better all the time, and it made a work of audio art quite a bit more listenable to my ear. i also liked the two little kids sitting on the cement parking thing right in front. in between dance numbers, they were picturesque indeed, but my snapshot in the dark didn't work. alas.

2007-06-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

blog news:
Dar Williams goes clothes shopping with Shawn Colvin.

A Music News Editor

2007-05-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

sounds like a fun job don't it? Even if its a volunteer position... for BlueRodeo.com

"We now have a new Music News editor. I'd like to welcome leftbrain to the Music News team. She's helped us out with updating the One Degree pages & I think she'll do a great job at helping keep the Music News page up-to-date."
*
In a private message, my imaginary boss said
"So it looks like you figured out how to put together your first post. Everything's aligned properly and the headlines link just like they should. Great job!
... All and all, you made a great first post."

Blue Rodeo.com

2007-05-25T10:48:00.001-07:00

I'm looking for someone who can help out with the Music News page. This person would be responsible for doing news twice a week (Tuesday & Thursday). This person would need to sum up 5-6 news items and then post them using our blogging software before noon on his/her assigned days. Once you get the hang of it, our blogging software is pretty easy to use and we already have two experienced news editors who will be on hand to help you out.
If anyone is interested in the position, please send me a PM.
Lindsay

CFRU

2007-05-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

already thinks i'm good company.

i was just on the website to see if they need me (like as a volunteer to train or whatev), and they already have me (pictured, anyway).

http://www.cfru.ca/photo.php?action=view&gallery=16

Girls Do Girls

2007-05-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

would make a nice cover night too, don't you think? does it exist already??

on fri jan 18 of i dunno what year, it wasn't called boys DO girls it was boys PLAY girls, and i didn't make it out to see
michael johnston
bob wiseman
reid jamieson
greg keelor
don ross
andy maize
josh finlayson
moe berg
john mallard.

was it any good?

Lollipop People

2007-05-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

play on the cd for sale at Community Roots. You know, that Lewis Melville show/compilation I raved about not that long ago?

I am also thinking of going to see them this weekend at a house concert.

More soon...

Q.

2007-05-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

i am wondering if/how iPod listening is changing YOUR tastes...
for myself, the first change was converting to love of the shuffle setting and leaving behind my albums in entirety listening style.

now, i find i SKIP tracks more and more, sometimes even mid song, which is a convenience factor of the new technology that makes the music more disposable eh?

i wonder what else gets left behind...

echo note

2007-04-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

dear mr. editor,

i am just following up with you to see if the echo has any needs for writers. i am especially keen to hear the new great lake swimmers recording - did the echo receive a copy of that?

how can i convince you to let me cover hillside for the paper?

thoughts and advice (AND ASSIGNMENTS) welcome!

dumb technical question:

2007-04-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

i tried downloading last weeks show to my laptop while at the library so i could listen at home later, but it doesn't seem to work that way.
suggestions?
good luck with the money draw. i am sending generous vibes at least!

*
Subject: CFRU Raise Your Voice - Sugar In The Gourd.
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2007

Hello Everybody,
Tonight is our last night at it.

I just wanted to say thank you to the kind people who have donated to the CFRU 93.3 FM "Raise Your Voice" funding drive, and to encourage others to contribute. Tonight between 7 PM and 8 PM we'll be accepting on air pledges on SUGAR IN THE GOURD, the eclectic old-time, country, and roots music program that Geordie Gordon & I have been hosting for the last 2+ years.

Just call 519-837-2378 and we'll be happy to accept whatever you are willing to donate.

We have a number of Compact Disc rewards to give you for your generous call in donation:
>Ruthie Foster - The Phenomenal
>Bluegrass legends The Lilly Brothers & Don Stover - Bluegrass at the >Roots, 1961
>The Be Good Tanyas - Hello Love
>Kelly Joe Phelps - Tunesmith Retrofit
>Aengus Finnan - Northwind
>Bob Snider - Caterwaul & Doggerel
>Kate Schutt - No Love Lost>>

Too shy to call in? You can also donate online. Just go to www.donate.cfru.ca and you can direct your donation toward whichever program you wish and select a gift of your choice from the broad range of available gifts there. Online you can either pay right away (visa, mastercard, paypal), or you can pledge and pay later.

Last week we played all songs about MONEY, and tonight we're playing more songs about MONEY. Geordie Gordon is busy initiating his acting career at the River Run Centre with Tryst & Snout - a hillbilly take on Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. Tonight I'll have RICHARD LAVIOLETTE and BILL WHITEHEAD as guests. Even if you're not donating tonight, we'd be happy to have you listening.

Thank you to Claire Morris, Scott McGovern, Charlie Cares, Shawna Cooper, and Tannis Slimmon for donating last week. You're all awesome!

Hope to hear the phone ringing tonight too

Thanks,

another note from denton:

2007-04-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

An invitation and a reminder that this Sunday, April 15, 9 PM to 11:30ish, is the next Campfire Session at the Cornerstone Cafe.

Hosted by Mark Rodford and myself, we set out a big round tray of tea candles (our "campfire") and then sit around the fire and swap songs. Each session this winter has been a little different, a few new faces each time, a few regulars, all have been warm, hardy, and fun-filled affairs. This will be our final campfire for the season, likely to resume in the Autumn.

Campfire alumni have included: Ken Morris, Cam Werner, Matt Reeves, Ken Brown, Mike Ostler, Kim Logue, Jonas Gregorio, Don Campbell, Kyle Fitzsimmons, Art MacInnis, Mike Kosir, Tannis Slimmon, Lewis Melville, Vicki Fraser, Tristan Raganan, Mike Driscoll, Geordie Gordon, among others.

We'd love to have you join us this Sunday night!
Bring along some friends.

Thanks, Greg Denton.
Campfire Session #4
CORNERSTONE CAFE, 1 Wyndham Street N, Guelph ON (519) 827-0145
Sunday, April 10, 2007 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Free to all.

2007-04-13T15:24:00.001-07:00

Hey folks

This Monday, April 16th, we're proud to be launching a new series called Outlawed Mondays at The Bovine (542 Queen St W). Also on the bill are the great Kensington Hillbillys.

It's gonna be a great night of foot-stomping.

We'll be playing first from 10:30 to 11:10 sharp, so you can come and enjoy the show, then be home in time for Letterman. But if you're smart, you'll stick around to watch the Hillbillys.

Admission is free.

See you there,
Amer

The Ontarion, Oct/2006

2007-04-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Editor,

Thank you for the recent article in the Ontarion that made the University Library sound like a wonderful resource. Although it didn't clarify who qualifies for access -- I have since learned that if I take an Open Learning On-Line course from Equine Guelph, I can get a card, and check out items and log in to the wireless internet.

I am also delighted to share the news that even non-students can VISIT the library and enjoy the resources, in the building, which is of great importance to me! One of the faculty members at U of GUELPH has won the Governor General's award TWICE, and been made an Officer of the Order of Canada, among other prestigious awards. Yet, would you believe that the entire Guelph Public Library system has not one single copy of any of her works????

They have acted on my "purchase suggestion" and will soon stock a collection of Monologues she has edited, but in the meantime, I want to do my homework! You will find me at the University Library, reading of works like: The Crackwalker 1980, White Biting Dog 1984, I Am Yours 1987, Lion in the Streets 1990, Sled 1997, Perfect Pie 2000, Habitat 2001, Lost and Delirious 2001, Capture Me 2004, Enoch Arden, by Alfred Lord Jabber and his catatonic songstress 2005...

Thanks again for the article. I'm learning before I've even enrolled!

Thursday April 12

2007-04-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is the ol' quick driveby reminder about the groove summit with the G-town's very own eccodek and the not to be missed groove powerhouse that is Chris Bottomley's Brainfudge.

Chris is bringing with him a who's who of the Toronto scene, including multiple Juno-nominee sax man, Richard Underhill (Shuffle Demons), drumming wunderkind Great Bob Scott (Look People, Whipoorwill, endless collab's) among others. I'd pay $10 just to watch Bob.

It all happens at the E-bar

$10/$8 students. Doors at 9.

(i'll be in smelly barn clothes at that hour, but in the right neighbourhood at least!)

a note from greg denton

2007-04-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody,

Listener supported radio means we need your support! It's time again for the CFRU 93.3 FM Campus & Community Radio funding drive - "Raise Your Voice".

As you know, Geordie Gordon and I have been hosting an old time, country and roots music broadcast, SUGAR IN THE GOURD, for more than two years now. We'll be taking donations tonight (April 11) and next Wednesday while we broadcast from 7 PM to 8 PM. We'd sure appreciate if you called in and pledged. The number to call is 519-837-CFRU, that is 519-837-2378.

We have a number of Compact Disc rewards to give you for your generous donation: The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster, Woody Guthrie & Leadbelly, Bluegrass legends The Lilly Brothers & Don Stover, The Be Good Tanyas, Kelly Joe Phelps latest, Aengus Finnan, and Bob Snider. We also have a beautiful American Roots Music book (retail value at $90), to reward and thank you with.

Too shy to call in? You can also donate online. Just go to www.donate.cfru.ca and you can direct your donation toward whichever program you wish and select a gift of your choice from the broad range of available gifts there. Online you can either pay right away (visa, mastercard, paypal), or you can pledge and pay later.

Tonight we're playing all songs about MONEY. Even if you're not donating tonight, we'd be happy to have you listening.

Thanks,
SUGAR IN THE GOURD An Eclectic Old-Timey and Roots Music Radio Broadcast Hosted by Geordie Gordon & Greg Denton CFRU 93.3 FM Guelph, Ontario Wednesday Nights 7pm to 8pm (listen on air or listen online) www.sugarinthegourd.cfru.ca

Letter to the Echo Editor

2007-04-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Neil,

Lately I have been surviving with just zunior.com providing me new music, but, my car plays actual CDs, and so I would gladly write some reviews for the Echo, in order to earn discs to drive by. Do you happen to have a copy of Joel Plaskett’s new release lying around anywhere?

Also, I thought we should share the news, with my fellow Echo readers, that thanks to zunior.com, we can own a free Jim Bryson mp3, even if they (like Lil and me) forgot to buy a copy of his newest cd when he played at Club Vinyl in Guelph on Easter Sunday. Anyone can download a free compilation album, and subscribe to the zunior newsletter for a new collections of free songs every month... Isn’t that cool?

Bryson appeared, by the way, as part of Carolyn Mark’s Hootenanny, with a Luther Wright and Hank and Lily ensemble. And, what a great show it was! I even got to meet Mrs Polka Dot Dress in the smoking area out back at Jimmy Jazz during Nate’s open stage. I am soooooo glad to be moving back to the close knit Echo community!

Signed,
New Music Lover

REviews ARE just as important

2007-04-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

as Previews, I am certain. With pictures of people having a great time especially.

I think I might shalt try to prove my own point. sooooooon....

A Music Event You Don't Want to Miss

2007-03-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

Friday April 20 at 8pm,
Blyth Memorial Hall
Blyth, Ontario

Juno award-winning artists, the Skydiggers will take
us on a musical journey through the best in
Canadian Rock, Folk and Country music.

Tickets $20 each
Call the Blyth Festival Box Office to Reserve Your Seats Today!
1-877-862-5984 •

(The Blyth Festival is located a short 45 minutes west of Stratford,
1 hour north of London and 1 1/2 hours south of Owen Sound.)

For those of you traveling from out of town, the Benmiller Inn
is offering a wonderful package discount to those coming to the show.

was i glad to be there!

2007-03-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

"Dave Clark is doing a great job of mc-ing this thing. And did a great job of rallying the troops..."

(as posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 Blog Guelph:
Lewis Melville and "Afganistan....On Guard For Thee?"
Today's three post series is dedicated to Lewis Melville and the project "Afganistan....On Guard For Thee?"Lewis has contributed a kings ransom to the cultural capital of Guelph over the 20 plus year's I've known him. Quite simply, he is a creative genius.Lewis runs a very busy recording studio in Guelph, performs with countless musicians - including his life partner Tannis Slimmon and thinks up inspired projects like "Afganistan....On Guard For Thee?" - a creative, interactive, multi-disciplinary exploration of Canada's involvement in the Afghanistan War. Keep reading today's series for more details.This painting of Lew was done on June 26, 2000 by Guelph artist Greg Denton as part of his Anyone Lived project.

"Afghanistan....On Guard For Thee?"
Did I mention that Lewis is also a gifted visual artist - as you can tell by this poster.It really will be worth the drive to the Big Smoke to attend this Guelph studded event.To find out more.....

Contact: Lewis Melville
Voice: 519-824-8848Email: lmelvill@uoguelph.ca

OR
Dave Clark
Voice: 416-531-4646Email: woodchoppers@sympatico.ca

what is

2007-03-13T18:28:00.000-07:00

the most efficient way to play all mp3s in a folder, in order?

i mean the zunior compilations of course. they pop up in windows media player i think, after (if) i have successfully saved and unzipped them. when i click on the first song, it plays in my i-tunes and then proceeds to play the next alphabetical song in my i-tunes library instead of the next song on the compilation.

p.s.
does my QUESTION even make sense?

reading a rumour

2007-03-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

on the blue rodeo forum, about the cash brothers having purchased the elmo, makes me wish i had a list of shows i have seen there. too bad i file my ticket stubs by year for tax purposes eh?

isn't this beautiful?

2007-02-28T18:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4Q8Bntjt6w

(does it work to post a thing like this? it's Guelph's own Tannis Slimmon and Lewis Melville perform 'Underground Railroad' at the Fifth Lah Lah Lounge - Manhatten's Pizza, posted on blog guelph by Sue Richards)
and, here's a real saddie too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_oHEtPvL8o&mode=related&search=

i just heard

2007-02-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Melissa McLelland singing with Jessie Cook. "It Ain't Me Babe" on the CBC

Maple Marketing

2007-02-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

that tempts me:
Unexpected influences, from the lyrical rhythm of Lyle Lovett, to the mysterious blues of Tom Waits, combine in Crush Luther. This wide array of inspiration culminates in a perfect pop package: energy, cleverness and a willingness to change what's expected of their generation's voice. Curious? Order the CD and you'll receive an autographed copy and be entered into a contest to win an autographed Epiphone guitar displaying album artwork!
*
A songwriter with incisive personal and political insights, Joel displays a strong sense of confidence in his new record. Pre-order the record today and enjoy music brimming with honesty and a whole lot of heart.
*
also well written:
The Junction is known as a “jam band” without the jam, an intuitive unit where anything goes. This is evident on the band's new self-titled album. The band draws in all sorts of sounds and influences on the new record such as atmospheric instrumentals, falsetto pop, playful pop, buoyant damn-happy pop and lighter jazzy funky fare. Sounds like a positively charged dance party that you won't want to miss. Pre-order the record and you'll receive an autographed copy!

joni baby

2007-01-28T17:49:00.000-08:00

1) "he will never write anything better than that, but you will"
2) i communicate in metaphor with the other musicians - okay you play the bird, or you play the high heels...

oh to be in jerome

2007-01-20T19:34:00.001-08:00

laurie's band AND tim's band the SAME day at the spirit room?
get me ^%$# ticket!

i dunno if i've ever seen broken poets, but the album i own is great (if dark).
http://www.spiritroom.com/calendar.asp
llory on the other hand, is KNOWN to rock. i've tole yous already, many times...

feb.

what i was actually looking for was news of dot art dave. do you think he's a part of major lingo these days?

copyright notes:

2007-01-20T07:59:00.000-08:00

Dear All Good Tabs vistors,
All Good Tabs has been threatened with legal action by the National Music Publishers Association and the Music Publishers Association of America.
The basis of their position is that by publishing the tabs transcribed by you hard working musicians, we are constituting copyright infringement.
We completely disagree with this and are currently investigating our legal options.
Click here for an explanation of the publishing company's position, and contact details for you to express your opinions on this matter to them

a book i NEED to read

2007-01-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.runawaysummer.com/

Posted 2007-01-15 @ 17:43:05 by kimloguester
WHERE IS THE LIST OF UPCOMING EVENTS??? i don't want to miss any readings in my area.
Posted 2007-01-15 @ 21:00:37 by Slim Shady
Kimmie, Kim, Kim, listing of events is upcoming as soon as I can get my IT guy on his game. However, next reading is Sat. Jan 20th, 2:00pm at Chapters, Brampton, 52 Quarry Edge Drive. Be there or be doing something else. PS Where are you? And what are you doing?

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame (and Museum)

2006-11-16T18:39:00.000-08:00

points of interest, a self guided tour.

just past the big old barn dance venue.
front porch vignette

music room interactive exhibits

another voice memo...

PO Box 85, Renfro Valley, KY 40473
www.kentuckymusicmueseum.com

Bob Wiseman

2006-11-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

i stand corrected: bob wiseman wears non-leather slip on boots, called vegetarian shoes available at "left feet" in the market.

they look like blundstones. isn't that cool?

he has an interesting blog too. not that we're surprised by THAT
http://godfindscats.blogspot.com/

Jimmy Lafave

2006-11-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

that's blaring in my car today is reminding me a lot of the house concert clipping i clipped, quoting the then unknown musical entity. and, i coulda sworn the photo shows a blue-sy guy not a cowboy!

but the songs are good, its nice to finally know...
"i've been running late for so long" etc. etc. etc.

Jimmy Rankin

2006-11-02T11:12:00.000-08:00

(Bio)http://www.jimmyrankin.com/jimmy.htm (New album news)http://www.jimmyrankin.com/ Rankin Family reunion:http://www.jimmyrankin.com/press.htm#October_13,_2006

Sarah Harmer

2006-11-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

is on the cover of now for the New Year, resolving to Change the World and inspiring the masses...
perhaps the DVD would offsetnot having been able to make it here:
Thursday, November 2 Toronto, ON@Royal Ontario Museum
Planet in Focus: International Environmental Film & Video Festival 7:00 to 9:00 pm
"Escarpment Blues" screening to be followed by 'Preserving Our Greenbelt' Panelwith Sarah Harmer & filmmaker Andy Keen.Co-presented by Greenbelt: Our Living Countryside Sarah Harmer's diary of tour to end quarry mining in the Niagara Escarpment.

*
Escarpment Blues finds Sarah Harmer and her band on their I Love The Escarpment tour along the beautiful Niagara Escarpment. Featuring intimate performances with special guests, candid backstage footage, and interviews that address key issues surrounding Harmer's quest to protect a World Biosphere Reserve. Here is one of Canada's most important singer/songwriters captured in a documentary for the first time!
$20.00 CDN from Maple Music

Laurie Anderson

2006-10-29T12:27:00.000-08:00

born, never asked might be my favourite laurie a track. of course i dooooo also love the one about the Hat Check Girl.

where did i build the link to the review of her harbourfrontness???

Patti Smith

2006-10-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

i was delighted once to find an exhibit upstairs at a bookstore in manhattan - it made me a fan of hers, even though i don't know her music...

Patti Smith Helps CBGB Say Goodbye
The legendary stage of New York rock club CBGB got its final workout last night (Oct. 15), courtesy of another legend, Patti Smith. Smith -- who played her first show at CBGB in February 1975 and early on became synonymous with the East Village venue and the American punk movement that was birthed in and around it -- gave a rousing performance to a packed-like-sardines crowd

Shawn Colvin

2006-10-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

is fifty! and, i read she is terrified of SONGWRITING, while singing and performing on the other hand, are no problem for her...

"sure is a lot of talking for 5 minutes"

Group of Seven

2006-10-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

last year marked the 40th anniversary of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and the mandate to showcase the Group of Seven and their contemporaries.

On November 18, 1965, the Province of Ontario and the couple signed a formal agreement enabling the founding of a public art gallery. At that time, the McMichaels also gave 194 works of art along with their home and ten acres of parkland to the people of Ontario. Since the gallery first opened in 1966, its permanent collection of Canadian art has grown from the original gift of 194 works to 5,500, many of which have been donated to the gallery by private collectors. The original log and fieldstone home has been expanded into an 85,000 square-foot facility and receives more than 120,000 visitors a year.

*
what i remember about the thom thomson exhibit at the AGO was how his name was signed differently on almost every piece. different place too.
*
the rheo's spelled his name wrong on the tribute album? ACK.

Jennifer LoveGrove

2006-10-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

I Should Never Have Fired the Sentinel and The Dagger Between Her Teeth.

also published in NOW, Queen St Quarterly, Taddle Creek and Matrix and has been broadcast on CBC radio. Since 1997, she has edited and published the handmade literary zine dig, while her wayward armadillo press publishes and produces chapbooks and events. she is currently working on fiction
*
ECW Press, reviewed by Rob Thomas
collection divided into 4 discrete sections
goes to dark and terrible places of much violence and many fists
LoveGrove goes for the jugular. There is no question.

Kris K

2006-10-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

the tribute manages to pull off what most don't, it makes you rethink and reevaluate the material at hand, and includes tracks from the handsome family and calexico. i read about a mellow mood, suffused with feeling...
*
i heard his newest album is friggin' gr8 also.

Exclaim! FAQ

2006-10-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

re: exclaim music school

"should i buy an ad?
if your sole motivation in buying the ad is that you think its a necessary component to get editorial coverage: don't.

At Exclaim! sales and editorial are church and state -- as Editor in Chief i don't even see what ads are in the magazine until i do a final page check the day before the magazine hits the streets. besides, press earned is so much sweeter than press purchased.
*
if you build an audience, press will come
*
return phone calls from a magazine editor are a miracle that ranks just below the second coming."

Director Media Relations & Video Promotion

2006-10-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

TRUE NORTH RECORDS
416-596-8696 X225
fax 416-596-6861
sue.mccallum(at)truenorthrecords.com

Dar Williams

2006-10-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

was singing to me this morning about the beauty of the rain is in that it falls.
*
"and the world is not falling apart the world is not falling apart because of me"

"Williams is an earnest and unadorned vocalist. She knows how to rise to the occassion: her alto shines in the presence of Alison Krauss. It does the same alongside John Popper."

2006-10-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

MuchMusic Launches Digital Download Store Toronto-based MuchMusic has partnered with download service provider Puretracks, to launch a digital download store. The online service, which is a first for a Canadian broadcaster, went live today (Oct. 4).Read the full story here.

Jill Barber

2006-10-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

Jill Barber’s first-full length album, For All Time, was released through Dependent Music/Baudelaire in October 2006. Dreamy imagery and happy endings are illuminated with appearances by Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy and Bazil Donovan, as well as Luke Doucet, and her brother, Matthew Barber.

Barber’s discography includes two previous EPs -- A Note to Follow So was released in Kingston, Ontario before she departed for Halifax and then the CBC released Oh Heart in 2004. She has also appeared on recordings by David Myles, Winter Sleep, Museum Pieces, Jory Nash, Heavy Blinkers and Matthew Barber. In 2006 she also acted in a short film with Brian Borcherdt.

Barber feels that what really makes a good song is its life span, as in 'Will it stand the test of time?' and she pens antique themes like love lost, and found, and other things that endure - family and goodwill. Rich images with emotional power grace original lyrics that she sings as elegant melodies with a dynamic, sweetly assured purr.

Critically acclaimed by The National Post, Eye, Now, and on chatattack.com. she has also been named Best Local Female Artist for three consecutive years by Halifax’s weekly The Coast. In 2005 she was awarded Female Artist-Recording of the Year at the Nova Scotia Music Awards, and was nominated for two East Coast Music Awards, and garnered a nomination at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Jill has been invited to tour with and share stages with Ron Sexsmith Kathleen Edwards, Josh Ritter, Joel Plaskett, and Nellie MacKay. She has performed across Canada and the US (including South By Southwest in Austin, TX, and the NEMO Festival in Boston), and will appear at the Hard Working Class Heroes Festival in Dublin, and tour the UK with British band Tunng.

Sources:
Maple Music, jillbarber.com, zunior.com, http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2006/09/2710.cfm

QUOTES
"When Jim walked into the studio, it was the first time I had ever met him. He's an extremely charming and handsome man. And to have the voice that is so familiar sing my song 'Don't Go Easy' was really cool." – Jill Barber, 2006

Judith Thompson

2006-10-03T16:41:00.000-07:00

as published in the Ontarion

Dear Editor,
Thank you for the recent article in the Ontarion that made the University Library sound like a wonderful resource. Although it didn't clarify who qualifies for access -- I have since learned that if I take an Open Learning On-Line course from Equine Guelph, I can get a card, and check out items and log in to the wireless internet. I am also delighted to share the news that even non-students can VISIT the library and enjoy the resources, in the building, which is of great importance to me!

One of the faculty members at U of GUELPH has won the Governor General's award TWICE, and been made an Officer of the Order of Canada, among other prestigious awards. Yet, would you believe that the entire Guelph Public Library system has not one single copy of any of her works???? They have acted on my "purchase suggestion" and will soon stock a collection of Monologues she has edited, but in the meantime, I want to do my homework! You will find me at the University Library, reading of works like: The Crackwalker 1980, White Biting Dog 1984, I Am Yours 1987, Lion in the Streets 1990, Sled 1997, Perfect Pie 2000, Habitat 2001, Lost and Delirious 2001, Capture Me 2004, Enoch Arden, by Alfred Lord Jabber and his catatonic songstress 2005...

Thanks again for the article. I'm learning before I've even enrolled!

* * *
The Child's Play Collection
(sound recording) features stories by authors from Jack Hodgins to Sandra Birdsell. The stand-out selection is the Yellow Canaries by Judith Thomspon. An impending twin birth announcement, as part of a bedtime story as told to two existing children that is so wonderful it makes me wonder if she has really had twins. In the mother's tale the human race is living underground, inside the earth having destroyed it all above with war and pollution, which is optimistically inspirational even in its depressive fictional realism. And then there is the uplifting nature of PLOT of the work itself, which ends happily. Her creativity heals other people.
*
as i recall judith directed the play that sarah did sets for and that ellie acted in.what a great idea to have the kids SHARE the roles eh? brilliant. and well executed!
Wed Jun 22, 2005
Toronto Star
front page A&E
Shakespeare is Elementary

A Musical Meeting

2006-10-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

“I have always found first meetings between players to be a very exciting thing to behold.” Says Guelph's own Jeff Bird, who is best known for his association with Cowboy Junkies. This week he will play bass, and bring together three of his favourite world-class musician friends for a first meeting! Folkway Music is tremendously excited to present four improvisational giants colliding in an historical moment, Friday October 6th, 2006, 8:00pm

Kevin Breit and Tony Quarrington are two of Canada's finest guitar players. Both are true virtuosos of their instruments each with their own unique voice and both are excellent improvisers to boot.

Kevin records and performs with varied talents from Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, and Bill Frisell to k.d. lang and Holly Cole. He is sought out for his innovative guitar style, and tremendous prowess on all things stringed, as well as his unique harmonies and compositional voice. Named ‘Musician of the Year' Award by the Toronto Musician's Union, he maintains a residency at the Orbit Room, one of Toronto's most prestigious jazz clubs.

Tony Quarrington is a very gifted jazz guitarist and composer, who earned a Juno for the Roots Album 'Heartstrings' by Willie P. Bennett. He is also known for the tunes which are musical analogues to canvases by the famous Group of Seven, through a wide variety of jazz, rock, and roots grooves, and dazzling, free-wheeling improvisations.

But the two have never met, let alone played together. Bird has also invited the fearless and fiery drummer Randall Coryell into the mix, advises audience members to stand back! Expect “every player up on their tippy toes feeling each other out, ducking and diving and generally having a good time."

Folkway Music is located at 163 Suffolk Street West, Guelph, and doors open at 8:00 pm for an 8:30 sharp show-time. Call (519) 763-5524 to book $20 tickets, since seating is limited to 75, in the smoke-free, non-licensed, acoustic venue, where coffee and tea are served with the music. Don't miss this delicious musical treat meeting, and watch for more shows planned at the same venue in upcoming months!

Bob Snider

2006-09-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Caterwaul & Doggerel
Borealis Records

An exceptional songwriter and performer, Bob Snider has released several albums. This 1995 recording produced by Don Kerr was originally released by EMI and reveals Snider's warmth, cleverly stated politics and observant wit with just the right dash of off-beat humour. What a master! Parkette is a list of beautiful images that by the end of the song are paved over, while others, even after repeated listens, still make you laugh. From heartbreaking to hilarious, from the streets of Kensington, to the concert hall, Snider sings ideas that should be sung. New National Anthem anyone? Snider is just the man to pen a song to define our identity, and this is an album to listen to in the meantime.

Justin Rutledge

2006-09-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

The Devil On A Bench in Stanley Park
Six Shooter Records

This is a collection of songs that lyrically address life’s dark corners, while the musicality provides a subtle-but-catchy ray of cheer. Rutledge’s voice shines, as evocative and captivating as the content of the songs themselves, while he plays guitars, banjo and harmonica. Also featured are pedal steel & dobro from Burke Carroll and support from Blue Rodeo, including some cutting Keelor electric guitar. Ten strong Canadian Americana songs recorded in ten winter days at Woodshed studios in Toronto, invite listeners to embrace a journey where quiet men make their stands and highways speak their minds.

2006-09-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

A Home At The End Of The World is soooooooooo gooooooooooooood i say you should watch it.

have you seen Off The Map? i have many friends that live like that. but Arizona is even more beautiful than New Mexico. want to go?

Blackie and The Rodeo Kings

2006-09-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Let’s Frolic
True North Records

This is a release that is a sheer pleasure to listen to, and you can actually hear the pleasure these musicians find in playing with one another. There is a sense of mutual appreciation, encouragement and camaraderie, which lends well to the musical chemistry surrounding their technical proficiency. In trademark BARK style, this is a freewheeling collection of roots-groovy, bluesy, alt-country surf-jazz songs that defy categorization. Great playing and appealing vocals make repeated listening a delight to the synergistic fourth album from the legendary award winning Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson, as BARK.

name dropping

2006-09-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

so, its always bothered me that there are so many wrecking ball songs. neil young has one and emmy had one and bob egan said last night that he wrote his after a conversation with emmy. so, now it doesn't bother me so much.

and duncan just read at the eden mills writers festival

and i met a guy who learned to like tom petty at the same replacements concert i went to (in the OLDEN OLDEN days). now then, when do i get to go to the starlight?

Doyle Dykes

2006-09-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

(as sent to Guelph Tribune)

Doyle Dykes Awes at Folkway Music
Thursday, September 14

Like a number of great guitarists, Doyle Dykes, seems blessed with a natural affinity for playing, which he has developed into virtuosic technique through years of hard work and dedication. He recently demonstrated his skills at Folkway Music, and also told some interesting stories to about 70 people seated inside the guitar covered walls of Guelph's revered music shop.
He mentioned appearances he'd enjoyed making on the Opry, and while demonstrating an ability to emulate the double melody playing style of Chet Atkins, he explained that when Atkins passed, the Opry asked him to close a special tribute show in honor of the late guitar legend. Doyle treated listeners at Folkway to banjo runs, Beatles medlies and other unique and varied arrangements. His talent goes well beyond the kind of technical prowess that comes with practice and repetition, because his breathtaking speed and dazzling dynamics transformed the guitars he was demonstrating into emotionally powerful tools for communication.

Eventually he invited his beautiful mandolin playing, sweet voiced daughter on stage to sing for a couple numbers, and together they created even more magic. There were prizes for trivia questions to close out the night, and it was easy to see why Doyle is a guitar hero to thousands of players -- he communicates so much personal sheer guitar enthusiasm! He quoted Doc Watson saying he probably would have been an Engineer, but for his blindness - making the point that it was such hardship that shaped such awesome ability. Doyle relished the example that sometimes life has plans for you that you may not understand, suggesting you must trust you will come to see the blessing. Talk about inspiration! Folkway Music delighted the community by hosting yet another wonderful workshop.

Great Big Sea - Edited/Published Version

2006-09-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

Great Big Sea is a modern traditional band, a Newfoundland folk-rock band that performs original material and is appreciated for their mixture of traditional and popular music. Performing ballads, jigs and reels, they create a spirited sound -- whether classical standards or local songs they are transformed, but with the original appeal kept intact. Based in St. John's, this Juno nominated band possesses a crowd pleasing formula that is both heartfelt and vital.

Originally, Sean McCann and Bob Hallett played with the successful group, Rankin Street. In 1991, they met Alan Doyle and Darrell Power and formed GBS. The band played its first official gig on March 11, 1993, opening for the Irish Descendants. That year they recorded their first ever album, an independent self-titled release that included classics like "I’se the B’y" and "Drunken Sailor." This record has since been re-released by Warner Music Canada.
GBS's follow-up album, Up, went platinum in Canada, selling more than 100,000 copies and introducing their kitchen party style to a wider audience with lyrics like “So, pile your boots up in the corner/Hang your jacket from the door/There’s thirty people in the kitchen/And there’s always room for more.”

After the band won at the East Coast Music Awards in the “Entertainer of the Year” category, their third release Play, went platinum in just three months. Released in 1997, this album features new material such as "Ordinary Day," "End of The World," "My Apology" and more.
In 1998, Great Big Sea released Rant & Roar, a collection of their biggest hits. Within the first week of its release, it hit #3 on the Soundscan album charts, making it the fastest debut album rising of the week. This was also the year the band was nominated for several Juno Awards, including Group of the Year.

1999's Turn featured the hit single, "Consequence Free," traditional French songs and seven originals. A video was also released where Sean was bullied by a female wrestler!
Road Rage, released in 2000, cemented GBS's stature as one of Canada's most exciting live acts. Road Rage was recorded totally live on their Turn tour between October 14 and December 31, 1999. .Two new songs, "Everything Shines" and "Hangin Johnny," are added to this compilation of GBS favourites

Having won the "Entertainer of the Year" award at the East Coast Music Awards for four years in a row, in 2001, they decided not to submit their name for nomination in order to allow other bands to compete. In 2002, Power retired from Great Big Sea to spend more time with his family.

In February 2002, their sixth studio album -- Sea of No Cares was released in North America. Alan Doyle felt that it was their best album to date. Then, 2003 saw a Great Big DVD.
In 2004, the band released their seventh full-length album Something Beautiful. It was their fifth consecutive album to debut in the Top 10 on Canadian sales charts. In a podcast it was suggested that the complexity of the material on the album contributed to the fact that "it was not fun to make" to which a bandmade joked “so it's US, you don’t like then?”

The Hard and The Easy, released the following year, spans the spectrum of the Newfoundland songbook. It is a solid and straightforward acoustic album of traditional and local songs, and a first for singers and multi-instrumentalists Sean McCann, Alan Doyle and Bob Hallett. This album showed that tracing the evolution of Newfoundland folk music clearly remains a passion for Great Big Sea. Each of the twelve songs found on the album was selected for what it says, how it speaks of Newfoundland, history, labour and love, and how it fits into the local musical canon.

This eighth release is like a pure force of nature — Great Big Sea's blend of instruments like mandolin, bodhran, fiddle, and concertina, along with their vocal harmonies, revels in the melodies they create, and their sound bellows joy. It reached gold status in its second week. "The hard and the easy, we take as they come — that's it. That encapsulates the Newfoundland spirit," said Alan. It also includes "River Driver", which the band performs acapella; the band members apparently long to make an album someday of just singing!

In late 2005, GBS released their first podcast, containing audio of the band bantering back and forth in the studio mixed with various songs by them and other artists. They have since released several podcasts, which are interesting and informative but casual and full of foolish fun, covering a range of topics from "all beers with animals on it is good beer" to whose turn it is to have long hair and resolutions like “dirt is the new clean.”

Recently, the band drove six hours to Lexington to play "Wood Songs," a wonderful old time radio show that happens in the town's public library. And Bob has been writing for the website about his personal soundtrack as he loads tunes into his iPod. From Bay City Rollers tunes with "Heys" perfect for audience sing-a-longs to "There She Goes," one of his favourite lovesongs - "I don't suppose everyone can identify with the narrator, building a fantasy around a girl who he doesn't even have the courage to talk to, but I certainly can."

GBS makes great music with great heart, and in short, has become one of Canada's most popular bands.

Bob Egan - The Glorious Decline

2006-09-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

When Bob Egan (of Blue Rodeo, fomerly of Wilco) played with Shannon Lyon this summer in Guelph he played less than 10 songs, but what great songs they were! With a surprisingly wide variety of instrumentation -- long, atmospheric musical composites accompany his accomplished and versatile vocals, in unique and intriguing song constructions. From the steel guitar and the drum machine, to experimental pedal weirdness, a slide, an acoustic and a National Steel guitar, Egan held the full audience's rapt attention. What great music.

His latest album, The Glorious Decline, has just been released, and it is well worth buying! You can hear samples at www.bobegan.com, but suffice to say it is a another powerful work from a master musician and songwriter, with a pleasing voice and way with a melody. But it is an album full of sad, sad songs -- both subject matter wise and in the way it sounds, because of the instrumentation. He said "I really don't know how to describe my music......folk pop with country and rock influences?" also mentioning the genre of "Sad" appealled "because I've always written sad songs and been drawn to sad songs. Sadness would allow me a mood to work within and set a theme for the record." Bob Egan has succeeded once again -- the recent sorrowful release certainly makes good listening!

Support Independent Music

2006-09-11T16:40:00.000-07:00

DAYDREAM Nation said "not too many people know about that. and then the rat HAD it so i bought a(nother) record i can NOT afford." The scoundrel that has Fox Confessor out of the library is overdue, but there are clips on zunior. maple music has nothing.
echo needs writers.

marketing happens BEFOREHAND. how can i earn my way in, and then get paid for the review after the fact? the ontarion only wants reviews and they want it coordinated thru cfru.

ricky's shift just switch to the 7-8 and will soon meet the cult member 6-7 i mentioned.

Neko Case

2006-09-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

Starting out in music as drummer and teaching herself to sing after that, to great critical acclaim, she is now being recognized as songwriter.

An honourary musical Canadian, she is Chicago-based. Born September 8, 1970 in Alexandria, Virginia, Case is of Ukranian descent. She grew up around horses, cows, goats, and chickens staying close to grandparents that were farmers - she got out into the world early though, leaving home at 15. While attending school she played in several local bands, including the Del Logs, the Propanes, the Weasles, most cub -- punk groups, but some with a country bent.

In 1994, when she joined the all girl, punk band Maow in Vancouver and taught herself to sing by "paying close attention to what other people do." While there she attended the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, and in 1998, earned a BFA; By the time her student visa ran out, she had received six award nominations, two from the British Columbia Country Music Association and four from the Georgia Straight.

In 1997, Case recorded her solo debut, The Virginian, a traditional country album that revealed a rough, vulnerable voice of strength and range that caused critics and her growing legion of loyal fans to swoon. John Doe of X, decribed her voice as one with a lot of heartache… "like something out of the past.” Multifaceted, Neko also taught herself to play guitar and other instruments, and is an accomplished visual artist as well.

Recalling November 1999, Bob Egan reported “I was in Toronto working on Oh Susanna's record and I heard that Neko was in town recording at the Gas Station. I called Don, co-owner of the studio and offered my services. He invited me by when I got a day off. To Neko I said "Hey, I'm Bob and I want to play steel on your record." She was cool with that. He refers to her second album as a classic. Furnace Room Lullaby, released in 2000 garnered countless accolades in publications like The New York Times, GQ, Esquire, Interview, People, and Time.

Neko continued to tour in the United States and Canada, both on her own and with acts including Blue Rodeo and Great Big Sea. In addition, Neko formed The Corn Sisters, a duo with Carolyn Mark, to sing old-time country music. One of their performances, at Seattle's Hattie's Hat restaurant in 1998 was recorded and released as an album, The Other Women in 2000.

Neko's personality is far from predictable. She's outspoken, independent and indifferent to what others may think of her. Her work has earned her a Canadian Juno music award as a member of The New Pornographers, in 2000 for Best Alternative Album.

Canadian Amp was a home-recorded EP that featured covers of songs by Canadian songwriters Sook Yin Lee, Mike O’Neill and Neil Young. Case made time to go back into the studio at the end of 2001 and recorded and co-produced Blacklisted (2002).For the first time, Case wrote most of the songs and played a wide variety of the instruments including guitar, piano, saw and drums.. She "twangs like Patsy Cline and croons like Loretta Lynn," according to Rolling Stone "so Neko's just as easy on the ears as she is on the eyes."

In April 2004, Neko played two shows in Toronto with The Sadies, an indie rock/alternative country band she had often collaborated with in the past. The live album of the shows, entitled The Tigers Have Spoken, was released in October of that year. Largely recorded at Lee’s Palace in Toronto, it includes an Buffy Ste Marie cover since she’s one of the first recording artist Case remembers “I loved her so much that I named my first dog after her.”

Next, Neko went back into the studio with The New Pornographers to record their third album, Twin Cinema, which was released in August 2005. In February 2006, Neko was named Female Artist of the Year at the Plug Independent Music Awards, right before the release of her fourth solo album, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Mostly recorded in Tucson Arizona, The Sadies again participated as the backing band, and this time co-writing some tracks. She is secretive about the inspiration behind her material, except to explain that most of her songs are not autobiographical. But open enough to offer that “Music might be the one thing that gets you through the really hard times."

sources: http://www.nekocase.com/.http://www.mintrecs.com/. Zunior.com, bobegan.com, http://www.avclub.com/content/node/48266http://www.darrylneudorf.com http://ca.askmen.com/women/singer_200/214_neko_case.html SOCAN magazine http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5325695 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neko_Case

* * *
remember when she appeared at Harbourfront?
$20 TO Twang, Summer 2005
"brings her uninhibited style to Toronto"
*
high mark, NOW
carolyn mark with the prscillas at the horseshoe, 250 in attendance $8

"while Neko Case toodles around with her Boyfriends, Mark is backed by her New Best Friends (formerly known as the Roommates), an apropos name for the wildly talented band of boys with who she has a awesome rapport.
* * *
"Given a choice of options, Neko Case will inevitably take the most difficult path and stubbornly pursue it to the bitter end, whatever the cost.

Even when it appears Case is doing something the easy way, she has a knack for turning a potentially simple task into a five-alarm ordeal. Murphy has nothing on her."

logistical challenge posed by her plan to record the tigers have spoken on stage at three venues in different countries, non-road tested songs

"i enjoy when things sound orchestrated and large, but i'm trying to create a little more space and dynamics this time. i'd like the new ablum to be not quite as thick-sounding as Blacklisted. And maybe a little more upbeat"