Title: Caridad Cruz
Location: Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield (Ottawa)
Link out: Click here
Date: 2008-11-30

Caridad Cruz Vilain was born in Havana, Cuba, into a musical family deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban culture. Her family was always musically inclined and her father was an accomplished professional violinist. Caridad’s career began in 1993 as she played venues across Trinidad, Cuba, Costa Sur and Ancón. In 2007, her career took off on the Ottawa scene with appearances in the National Arts Centre’s Quebec Scene festival, the Ottawa Jazz Festival and the Ottawa Bluesfest. Check out her blend of Cuban and French music on Sunday, November 30th at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield.

The Black Sheep Inn
Tickets $10.00
Available for pickup in Ottawa
Available Online
or phone TicketWeb: 1-888-222-6608
Students and teens (with ID) 1/2 price … at the door only..

Title: Leif Vollebekk
Location: Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield (Ottawa)
Link out: Click here
Date: 2008-11-27

Leif Vollebekk is from Montreal and his music is an acoustic guitar country meets Arcade Fire that reminds me of a never-ending road trip through rural Quebec. That doesn’t mean anything does it? In any case, his CD release party is going down at the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield, just outside of Ottawa, on Thursday November 27. The Blacksheep is an awesome venue and he’ll be playing with OK Giraffe and Charlotte Cornfield.

Gypsophilia was initially inspired by the music of French jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, but soon found its own distinctive sound through unique original compositions and the melding of the band members’ varied backgrounds and influences, including tango, klezmer, funk, classical music, hard bop and post bop.

In the past year Gypsophilia has focused on promoting its debut album Minor Hope, which was released in June 2007, and was nominated for both a Nova Scotia Music Award and an ECMA for Jazz Recording of the Year (see the music page for more details). The band has played extensively throughout the Maritimes and recently completed a tour of Ontario and Quebec. Gypsophilia is currently engaged in planning a music/video collaboration with filmmaker Jasmine Oore, and an animation project with a Halifax-based animator. We also plan to tour throughout Canada in 2009 in support of both Minor Hope and an EP due for release in January. Plans are also in the works for a full length follow-up album, to be released later in 2009.

5 Oct 2008 20:00 Private Function Halifax, Nova Scotia
11 Oct 2008 20:00 Lane’s Liverpool, Nova Scotia
24 Oct 2008 15:00 Richmond Hill Centre Richmond Hill, Ontario
24 Oct 2008 22:00 Rancho Relaxo Toronto, Ontario
25 Oct 2008 19:30 OCFF Ottawa, Ontario
26 Oct 2008 17:00 The Black Sheep Inn Wakefield, Quebec
9 Nov 2008 20:00 Music Nova Scotia Gala Award Show Pictou, Nova Scotia
28 Nov 2008 21:00 Hell’s Kitchen w/ I See Rowboats Halifax, Nova Scotia

Taking inspiration from the music of the legendary French jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, Halifax’s Gypsophilia combines hot jazz and European gypsy music, adding their own modern edge and fusing elements of tango, klezmer, funk, and classical in their original music. Admired by listening and dancing audiences young and old, the group’s passionate, exciting and sophisticated sound has quickly catapulted them to unprecedented jazz popularity in Nova Scotia. Not simply a Gypsy-jazz cover band, Gypsophilia’s unique voice comes from the fusion of the members’ diverse musical and artistic backgrounds, as well as from their innovative and eclectic original repertoire. Initially formed for an appearance at the 2004 TD Canada Trust Atlantic Jazz Festival, the band was impressed with the immediate and passionate audience response.

Since then, Gypsophilia has played numerous club shows, private functions, fundraisers and more formal concerts, regularly attracting sold-out crowds. Performance highlights include a series of wildly successful swing dance costume parties (co-produced by JazzEast), and performances at festivals, including the TD Canada Trust Atlantic Jazz Festival (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007), the Rimouski FestiJazz International (2006), Fredericton’s Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival (2006) and the Deep Roots Festival in Wolfville (2006). In all of these contexts, Gypsophilia’s efforts to explore new musical ground have been met with great enthusiasm and support from listeners. The band’s most recent project is a debut album of original music, entitled Minor Hope, which was released in May 2007.

23 Aug 2008 21:00 Blacksheep Inn Wakefield
24 Aug 2008 20:00 The Mercury Lounge Ottawa
26 Aug 2008 21:00 The Pepperjack Cafe Hamilton
28 Aug 2008 22:00 The E Bar Guelph
31 Aug 2008 17:30 The Ashkenaz Festival Toronto
31 Aug 2008 22:00 The Boat Toronto
3 Sep 2008 22:00 Rancho Relaxo Toronto
5 Sep 2008 22:00 L’escalier Montreal
12 Sep 2008 21:30 Ginger’s Tavern Halifax
11 Oct 2008 20:00 Lane’s Liverpool

The Souljazz Orchestra describes themselves as a combination of “…blaring majestic horns, dusty vintage keyboards, and fierce earthquaking rhythms to create a potent new afrofunk sound.” Even with such a wild description, I’m inclined to agree. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself asking “What exactly is ‘afrofunk’?” And since I’ve heard it and seem to think I have all the answers, I’ll say “Good question!” Afrofunk is a synthesis of Afrobeat (jazz and funk fused with African vocals and percussion) and electronica, dub, R&B, and rap. So what it sounds like, basically, is orchestral funk… and it’s awesome! I mean, what’s better that orchestral funk?

Since the release of Freedom No Go Die in September of 2006, the album has created quite a commotion with DJs worldwide: “firing horns, funky keyboards and polyrhythmic beats to rock dance floors” enthused jazz bloggers Straight No Chaser, “a sound as tight as the power fists that adorn the cover” raved Exclaim. IDJ, UK based dance music magazine, also praises the band: “A marching groove and firing horns evoke not only the spirit of a certain Mr. Anikulapo-Kuti, but also a packed shrine going nuts. Amazing stuff.”

While it’s all very punctilious to read about this awesome band with their blaring horns, retro keyboards and polyrhythmic beats… why don’t you check it out for yourself?

Upcoming Shows:
1 Aug 2008 21:00 The Tyne Newcastle, Northeast
2 Aug 2008 16:00 Big Chill Festival Hereford, Midlands
31 Aug 2008 20:00 Rimouski Festi Jazz International Rimouski, Quebec

Taking its name from a religious tract, The Burning Hell has been slithering around in the muck in one form or another since the dawn of the millennium. Fronted by the moderately agoraphobic songwriter and occasional history teacher Mathias Kom on electric ukulele, The Burning Hell currently features between one and twelve people, depending on the night.

The variable lineup promises a very different show every time: sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, sometimes rock, sometimes roll. Always folk, never anti. Quirky? Maybe. Cute? Never.

The latest Burning Hell album, ‘Happy Birthday’, celebrates the beauty of age, the joys of decay, the possibility of dating after death, and the inevitable repetition of mistakes. Combining happy little melodies and depressing Old World fatalism, the music of The Burning Hell is sure to make you smile and want to give up.

(and if you want a good laugh, check out these boys doing an impromptu cover of Outkast’s ‘Hey Ya’)

Upcoming shows:
31 Jul 2008 21:00 Ampersand Charlottetown, Prince Edward
2 Aug 2008 20:00 Sappyfest Sackville, New Brunswick
15 Aug 2008 21:00 Rancho Relaxo Toronto, Ontario
21 Aug 2008 20:00 The Montreal House Peterborough, Ontario
25 Aug 2008 21:00 Solo at Bread & Circus Toronto, Ontario
27 Aug 2008 21:00 The Apollo Thunder Bay, Ontario
28 Aug 2008 21:00 Times Change(d) Winnipeg, Manitoba
1 Sep 2008 21:00 The Club (at The Exchange) Regina, Saskatchewan
2 Sep 2008 21:00 Ottoman Lounge Medicine Hat, Alberta
3 Sep 2008 21:00 The Slice Lethbridge, Alberta
4 Sep 2008 20:00 Tubby Dog Calgary, Alberta
5 Sep 2008 21:00 Little Mountain Studio Vancouver, British Columbia
6 Sep 2008 21:00 Hermann’s Victoria, British Columbia
9 Sep 2008 21:00 Deux Soleils Vancouver, British Columbia
10 Sep 2008 19:00 Meow Records Prince George, British Columbia
11 Sep 2008 21:00 Likwid Lounge Edmonton, Alberta
12 Sep 2008 21:00 Amigos Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
14 Sep 2008 21:00 The Apollo Thunder Bay, Ontario
16 Sep 2008 21:00 Solo at The Spill with Al Tuck and Black Molly Peterborough, Ontario
18 Sep 2008 20:00 The Montreal House Peterborough, Ontario
10 Oct 2008 20:00 Aufsturz Berlin
13 Oct 2008 20:00 Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival Nancy
14 Oct 2008 21:00 Le Sirius Lyon
16 Oct 2008 20:00 Mistral Palace Valence
17 Oct 2008 20:00 De Nieuwe Anita Amsterdam
19 Oct 2008 15:00 DB’s Utrecht
28 Oct 2008 20:00 West Germany Berlin
31 Oct 2008 20:00 The Montreal House Halloween Party Peterborough, Ontario
1 Nov 2008 21:00 The Black Sheep Inn Wakefield, Quebec
11 Nov 2008 20:00 Gus’ Pub Halifax, Nova Scotia
12 Nov 2008 20:00 Struts Sackville, New Brunswick
13 Nov 2008 21:00 Baba’s Charlottetown, Prince Edward
15 Nov 2008 21:00 Grumpy’s Montreal, Quebec

On subjects from deer heads to granite quarries, Meredith produces finely-crafted folk-rock that will draw you in and keep you listening. Her tunes range from traditional folk to rock to alt country to pop. Her rollicking anthems and soulful ballads are infused with funky rhythms and infectious guitar riffs. This is one performer you don’t want to miss!

Buy October from CDBaby now:

14 July 2008 19:30 Old Forge Library Old Forge, NY
14 Aug 2008 20:30 The Blacksheep Inn Wakefield, Quebec
13 Sep 2008 20:00 The Blackbird Cafe Canton, New York

When attached to the animals that bother to grow them, the tusk is sharp and stabby in their constitution. When dislodged by humans, a tusk is often carved into jewelry for the use of debutantes, or, alternatively, molded into the piano keys that a similarly narcissistic beast (commonly known as “the musician”) will play. “TUSKS” (in the singular) is the name of a rock and roll band from Toronto. Electricity enables these men to give melody to their strange thoughts, where mother fear their sons and courtrooms love their convicts. And what varieties of melodies can they conjure? Many! From “razzle-dazzle” to “pitter-patter”, TUSKS are highly musical practitioners of emotional ambidexterity, rhetorical whimsy, and sonic reciprocity. Among the men in TUSKS, there are no childhood friendships to speak of. All relationships were formed well after puberty, and are thus mature and collegial. Over years, members of the band have chugged and continue to chug under many musical outfits, including Kepler, Wooden Stars, I am Robot and Proud, Sea Snakes, Snailhouse, Clark/ Metal Kites, Hilotrons, and the Ben Gunning Band. Between them, they have opened for Madlib in Japan, sired a male baby, attended the 1993 World Public Speaking Championship (as an alternate), and obtained a Ph.D. in Philosophy.

04 Jul 2008 20:00 Irene’s Pub Ottawa, Ontario
05 Jul 2008 20:00 Kaffee 1870 Wakefield, Quebec
06 Jul 2008 20:00 Le Divan Orange Montreal, Quebec
19 Jul 2008 19:00 The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) Toronto, Ontario

A writer and label owner, versatile musician and producer, Emm Gryner has captured the hearts of wayward souls with songs that are filled with dark and haunting hues behind their subtle shine.

This is true of Emm’s newest release, “The Summer of High Hopes”. Released earlier in the year in Ireland, where Emm broke through in 2005 with an unlikely collection of critically-acclaimed Irish covers (”Songs of Love and Death”), the new album of originals has already garnered wide praise.

27 Jun 2008 20:00 The Black Sheep Inn Wakefield, Quebec
18 Jul 2008 23:00 Aeolian Hall London, Ontario
19 Jul 2008 12:00 Humber College Etobicoke, Ontario
20 Jul 2008 12:00 Humber College Etobicoke, Ontario
21 Jul 2008 12:00 Humber College Etobicoke, Ontario
22 Jul 2008 12:00 Humber College Etobicoke, Ontario
23 Jul 2008 12:00 Humber College Etobicoke, Ontario
24 Jul 2008 12:00 Humber College Etobicoke, Ontario
25 Jul 2008 12:00 Humber College Etobicoke, Ontario
9 Aug 2008 19:00 Festival of Friends Hamilton, Ontario
9 Sep 2008 20:00 Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre Sarnia, Ontario
30 Sep 2008 21:00 Doyle’s Pub Dublin, Dublin

Serena Ryder is just 24. But her voice, a deep, bluesy, soulful instrument that has drawn comparisons to Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin, makes her sound much older. She also appears wise beyond her years, blessed with an intelligence and confidence that came across in her songs on Unlikely Emergency, her critically acclaimed independent album. She’s definitely an old soul. Ryder’s extraordinary major-label debut, If Your Memory Serves You Well, involves no time-traveling or reincarnation. But it does feature the native of Millbrook, Ontario covering vintage Canadian songs-some of them written more than 70 years before she was born-with remarkable authority. From Shelton Brooks’ “Some of These Days,” recorded by the likes of Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday,” to Percy Faiths’ “My Heart Cries for You,” previously recorded by Ray Charles and Ben E. King, Ryder sings with enough passion and conviction to make them her own. She delivers a stunning rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Sisters of Mercy” and a scorching version of “This Wheel’s on Fire,” which Bob Dylan co-wrote with The Band’s Rick Danko.

If Your Memory Serves You Well is as much a testament to Ryder’s talent as it is a tribute to the enduring strength of these songs. She takes “Boo Hoo,” a playful 1937 number co-written by Guy Lombardo’s brother Carmen, and turns it into a funky romp that is both campy and highly contemporary. And she makes “Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream,” Ed McCurdy’s 1949 anti-war anthem sound as relevant and emotionally vital as the day it was written. One of the album’s most buoyant numbers is “Good Morning Starshine,” Galt MacDermott’s joyous anthem from the 1967 hippie musical Hair, co-written with the show’s creators, which Ryder captures in all its feel-good glory. “It’s amazing how much this material makes more sense the older it gets,” says Ryder. “A lot of the songs speak to the political time in which they were written, but they also resonate with what’s going on today. That’s the mark of a great song.” Ryder had no reservations about tackling material by other artists, even though she’s a songwriter herself. For her, it’s “all about beginnings.” She points out that “Morning Dew,” the apocalyptic vision made famous by Rod Stewart and The Grateful Dead, was the first song ever written by a young Toronto folksinger named Bonnie Dobson. Similarly, “You Were On My Mind” marked Sylvia Tyson’s debut as a songwriter. “A lot of performers wait until later in their careers to pay homage to other composers,” says Ryder. “Why should you have to wait? Why not start with songs that have stood the test of time and are so awe-inspiring? I’m at the beginning of my career and I want to learn from the best of them.”

The genesis of If Your Memory Serves You Well can be traced to legendary Canadian music publisher Frank Davies, who founded the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Ryder was one of the artists that was asked to perform at the CSHF 2005 press conference to announce the following year’s inductees. Davies was so impressed by Ryder’s musical gifts that he suggested she record a collection of Canadian gems-some inducted, others Hall of Fame-worthy. Working with producer Steve Mackinnon, they considered about 500 songs before narrowing the list down to 45 and settling on 12 for the album. Ultimately, there was little disagreement. “With only a couple of exceptions, Frank, Steve and I all chose the same dozen songs,” says Ryder, adding “some things really are just meant to happen.” Since the album is all about beginnings, If Your Memory Serves You Well also features three of Ryder’s earliest and most important songs, all produced by Rhys Fulber. “Just Another Day,” a powerful declaration of self-determination, was first recorded on Unlikely Emergency, while “Weak at the Knees” is a more recent heart-wrenching confessional number. As for “Out of the Blue,” it’s an infectious love song that Ryder co-wrote with Canadian iconic rocker Randy Bachman. Taking Ryder’s musical story right back to its start, the album also includes a recording she made of Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day” when she was seven. Even at that early age, the power of her voice is readily apparent.

Ryder comes from strong musical roots. Her Canadian mother was a touring backup singer and go-go dancer, while her Trinidadian father was a percussionist and guitarist with the Caribbean folk outfit The Tradewinds. After recording a live EP in 2002 at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Quebec, Ryder was discovered when Canadian pop iconoclast Hawksley Workman heard her on CBC Radio and immediately contacted her. Workman signed her to his Isadora Records label and issued 2004’s Unlikely Emergency, which quickly garnered rave reviews as Ryder toured music festivals across North America and as far away as Down Under. The Boston Globe was impressed by her “outstanding” vocal range and predicted she’d become a “major force,” while Australia’s Brisbane Mail Courier credited her “maturity” and her three-octave voice that “sometimes soars, growls and then curls up around the notes like a lazy cat.” If Your Memory Serves You Well will expose Ryder’s talent to an even wider audience. “Doing this record is a really important step for me in my career because I’m learning so much from performing this material,” says Ryder, who adds that covering songs like Zal Yanovsky’s Lovin’ Spoonful nugget “Coconut Grove” and Paul Anka’s “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” struck strong personal chords. “This music feels very natural to me,” she says. “When I sing these songs, I’m really singing what I need to be singing right now.” Clearly, the songs have inspired Ryder, but she, in turn, has breathed new life into these timeless Canadian classics.

“Weak In The Knees”

If you’re in the neighbourhood, she’s definitely worth checking out!
June 12 – 15 Bonaroo Manchester, TN
July 19 & 20 MHM Fest Denver, CO
July 26 Winspear – Leonard Cohen Tribute Edmonton, AB
August 8 - 10 Edmonton Folk Festival Edmonton, AB