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moondance - the van morrison songbookOctober 25, 2019
★ DOORS 6:00 PM • SHOW 7:00 PM - (SOLD OUT) ★ DOORS 8:45 PM • SHOW 9:15 PM - (SOLD OUT) October 26, 2019 ★ DOORS 6:00 PM • SHOW 7:00 PM - (SOLD OUT) ★ DOORS 8:45 PM • SHOW 9:15 PM - (SOLD OUT) October 27, 2019 ★ DOORS 6:00 PM • SHOW 7:00 PM - (SOLD OUT) |
Prepare to be totally entertained as Bruce Coughlan & Company pay tribute to the genius of Van Morrison, the Mystic Celtic Soul singer and songwriter who has placed his indelible stamp on Western Music culture for over half a century! Join Moondance at the Blue Frog for an energetic and joyous celebration of Van Morrison, his life & music.
“Gloria” | “Brown Eyed Girl” | “Moondance” | “Domino” | “Into the Mystic” | “Wild Night” | “Have I told You Lately” & many more favorites
Van Morrison emerged in the early 1960’s as vocalist for Irish Blues group Them. Even in the early days, he had a distinctive sound, and he laid down his uniquely expressive vocal lines with confidence and soulful conviction. So convincingly that songs like Gloria, Here Comes the Night and Baby, Please Don’t Go are still staples of Classic Rock & Blues radio stations world-wide!
In 1967 came Brown Eyed Girl, one of, if not the most iconic sing-along songs of the last century! Although wildly popular and widely considered his signature song, Brown Eyed Girl hardly begins to define Morrison as an artist.
Over the next five years, Van “the Man” would release some of his most ground-breaking and influential work, combining Celtic inspired imagery with an original blend of Blues, Jazz, Folk and Soul Music styles.
In 1970, Van Morrison recorded two albums: Moondance & Van Morrison, His Band and the Street Choir. From these two albums alone flowed a stream of enduring classics: And It Stoned Me, Moondance, Crazy Love, Caravan, Into the Mystic, Blue Money, Domino & I've Been Working.
In the half-century to pass since, Van Morrison has continued to write, perform and produce his distinct brand of Rhythm & Blues.
The Performers: An Overview
Bruce Coughlan: lead vocals, guitar
Bruce is an award-winning singer/songwriter with a history of his own. A musical chameleon and interpreter, Bruce slips easily from one style to another, a talent he’s shared with audiences for over four decades through groups Bare Facts, The Hightops and Tiller’s Folly. Bruce’s fans will attest to his keen ability to vocally interpret dozens of iconic vocalists.
As both Celtic and Soul Music performer himself, Bruce won’t deny the inspiration Van Morrison has been in his own musical journey.
Laurence Knight: bass & vocals
Laurence toured and recorded with the Foreman Young Band, Shari Ulrich, Roy Forbes & Long John Baldry before he began working with Bruce back in the 1990’s and started Tiller’s Folly.
These two band mates have shared thirty years of musical adventures throughout North America and the United Kingdom. Beyond Tiller’s Folly and Moondance, Laurence and Bruce tour with The Great Canadian Songbook & Voices for the Salish Sea.
Adam Rohrlick: guitar & keyboards
Adam is a familiar face throughout the Vancouver music scene. He’s played with Michael Bublé & Colin James and performed on stage at the Orpheum theatre with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Adam also leads the group, Hip Pocket, which regularly performs in Vancouver and has appeared on CBC Radio’s jazz show, Hot Air, and has performed five times in the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
Karen Graves: sax, flute & vocals
Karen worked with Bruce since back in the 1990’s when she was an auxiliary member of The Hightops. This vibrant force of nature has toured with Diana Krall, Temptations, & Long John Baldry.
Kyle Axeford: trumpet, guitar & vocals
Kyle is a core member of Gypsy Celtic band The Whiskeydicks and also performs with Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra.
Greg Stuart: drums & vocals
Another long-time bandmate, Greg Stuart has joined Bruce and Laurence onstage and in the studio on a number of projects. Greg has toured with Frank Mills & Bo Diddley.
Prepare to be totally entertained as Bruce Coughlan & Company pay tribute to the genius of Van Morrison, the Mystic Celtic Soul singer and songwriter who has placed his indelible stamp on Western Music culture for over half a century! Join Moondance at the Blue Frog for an energetic and joyous celebration of Van Morrison, his life & music.
“Gloria” | “Brown Eyed Girl” | “Moondance” | “Domino” | “Into the Mystic” | “Wild Night” | “Have I told You Lately” & many more favorites
Van Morrison emerged in the early 1960’s as vocalist for Irish Blues group Them. Even in the early days, he had a distinctive sound, and he laid down his uniquely expressive vocal lines with confidence and soulful conviction. So convincingly that songs like Gloria, Here Comes the Night and Baby, Please Don’t Go are still staples of Classic Rock & Blues radio stations world-wide!
In 1967 came Brown Eyed Girl, one of, if not the most iconic sing-along songs of the last century! Although wildly popular and widely considered his signature song, Brown Eyed Girl hardly begins to define Morrison as an artist.
Over the next five years, Van “the Man” would release some of his most ground-breaking and influential work, combining Celtic inspired imagery with an original blend of Blues, Jazz, Folk and Soul Music styles.
In 1970, Van Morrison recorded two albums: Moondance & Van Morrison, His Band and the Street Choir. From these two albums alone flowed a stream of enduring classics: And It Stoned Me, Moondance, Crazy Love, Caravan, Into the Mystic, Blue Money, Domino & I've Been Working.
In the half-century to pass since, Van Morrison has continued to write, perform and produce his distinct brand of Rhythm & Blues.
The Performers: An Overview
Bruce Coughlan: lead vocals, guitar
Bruce is an award-winning singer/songwriter with a history of his own. A musical chameleon and interpreter, Bruce slips easily from one style to another, a talent he’s shared with audiences for over four decades through groups Bare Facts, The Hightops and Tiller’s Folly. Bruce’s fans will attest to his keen ability to vocally interpret dozens of iconic vocalists.
As both Celtic and Soul Music performer himself, Bruce won’t deny the inspiration Van Morrison has been in his own musical journey.
Laurence Knight: bass & vocals
Laurence toured and recorded with the Foreman Young Band, Shari Ulrich, Roy Forbes & Long John Baldry before he began working with Bruce back in the 1990’s and started Tiller’s Folly.
These two band mates have shared thirty years of musical adventures throughout North America and the United Kingdom. Beyond Tiller’s Folly and Moondance, Laurence and Bruce tour with The Great Canadian Songbook & Voices for the Salish Sea.
Adam Rohrlick: guitar & keyboards
Adam is a familiar face throughout the Vancouver music scene. He’s played with Michael Bublé & Colin James and performed on stage at the Orpheum theatre with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Adam also leads the group, Hip Pocket, which regularly performs in Vancouver and has appeared on CBC Radio’s jazz show, Hot Air, and has performed five times in the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
Karen Graves: sax, flute & vocals
Karen worked with Bruce since back in the 1990’s when she was an auxiliary member of The Hightops. This vibrant force of nature has toured with Diana Krall, Temptations, & Long John Baldry.
Kyle Axeford: trumpet, guitar & vocals
Kyle is a core member of Gypsy Celtic band The Whiskeydicks and also performs with Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra.
Greg Stuart: drums & vocals
Another long-time bandmate, Greg Stuart has joined Bruce and Laurence onstage and in the studio on a number of projects. Greg has toured with Frank Mills & Bo Diddley.
Steely Dan is an American jazz-rock band founded by core members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. The band's blended elements of jazz, rock, funk, R&B, and pop, and their 10 albums has resulted in multiple Grammy Awards and their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
STEELIN IN THE YEARS features some of Vancouver’s finest studio musicians paying tribute to the music of STEELY DAN with their hits like “Reelin in The Years”, “Josie”, “My Old School”, “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”, and cult classics like the Aja and Gaucho albums.
Steelin in The Years perfectly recreates the Steely Dan sound with a who’s who of the Vancouver recording studio scene:
Billy Mendoza – Vocals
Debby Low – Vocals
Talia Butler Gray – Vocals
Tim Porter – Guitar
Jason Decouto – Keyboards
David Say – Saxophone
Bill Runge – Saxophone
Geeta Das – Trumpet
Kerry Galloway – Bass
Phil Robertson – Drums
Get ready for a night of Steely Dan classics and some great musicianship!
STEELIN IN THE YEARS features some of Vancouver’s finest studio musicians paying tribute to the music of STEELY DAN with their hits like “Reelin in The Years”, “Josie”, “My Old School”, “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”, and cult classics like the Aja and Gaucho albums.
Steelin in The Years perfectly recreates the Steely Dan sound with a who’s who of the Vancouver recording studio scene:
Billy Mendoza – Vocals
Debby Low – Vocals
Talia Butler Gray – Vocals
Tim Porter – Guitar
Jason Decouto – Keyboards
David Say – Saxophone
Bill Runge – Saxophone
Geeta Das – Trumpet
Kerry Galloway – Bass
Phil Robertson – Drums
Get ready for a night of Steely Dan classics and some great musicianship!
Colin Linden is a genuine renaissance man of roots music. He's a singer and songwriter of great skill, an in-demand and prolific record producer (Bruce Cockburn, Tom Wilson, Colin James), a sideman to the stars as guitarist for the likes of Bruce Cockburn, Emmylou Harris, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, and, for the past decade, a member of the highly successful trio, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.
At last count, the total of recordings on which he has played approaches 400, while over 100 albums bear the “Produced by Colin Linden” credit.
Colin's songs have been covered by The Band, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Keb' Mo', and Colin James, and his well-stocked trophy case includes seven Juno, multiple Maple Blues Awards, and a Toronto Arts Award. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for the star-studded A Tribute To Howlin' Wolf CD, and was involved in the ground-breaking O Brother Where Art Thou phenomenon. Linden has a well-deserved reputation as a slide guitar virtuoso of real originality, and his riveting slide work can be heard on albums from such artists as Cassandra Wilson, The Rankin Family and Whitey Johnson, the hit ABC TV series “NASHVILLE”, and on his own sizeable solo catalogue.
One of the favourite concerts. Don't miss this icon.
At last count, the total of recordings on which he has played approaches 400, while over 100 albums bear the “Produced by Colin Linden” credit.
Colin's songs have been covered by The Band, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Keb' Mo', and Colin James, and his well-stocked trophy case includes seven Juno, multiple Maple Blues Awards, and a Toronto Arts Award. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for the star-studded A Tribute To Howlin' Wolf CD, and was involved in the ground-breaking O Brother Where Art Thou phenomenon. Linden has a well-deserved reputation as a slide guitar virtuoso of real originality, and his riveting slide work can be heard on albums from such artists as Cassandra Wilson, The Rankin Family and Whitey Johnson, the hit ABC TV series “NASHVILLE”, and on his own sizeable solo catalogue.
One of the favourite concerts. Don't miss this icon.
They’re back and ready to get Blue Frog hoppin’ again after last year’s four SOLDOUT shows.
The Rhythm & Blues Allstars are a dynamic, aggressive 10-piece band from Vancouver, B.C. The band was formed in 1979 and gained popularity at venues like The Town Pump, The Commodore, Richards on Richards, Buffalo Bills and 86th Street till the late 90’s. Since their first show opening for Long John Baldry, the group has shared the stage with James Brown, War, Chuck Berry, Paul Butterfield, and the Allman Brothers.Over the years, the band has been a home for many of Vancouver’s premiere musicians and still continues to bring audiences to their feet. RBA has recorded a number of singles and live albums, and their most recent DVD, Live At The Hard Rock, has brought many positive reviews.
For 2019, the powerful vocals of Nathen Aswell have been added to those of Joani Bye, Tim Porter, Peter Juric and Billy Mendoza. Tim Porter has not brought not only his great voice to the band, but his amazing guitar skills. A funky powerhouse rhythm section features Billy Mendoza (bass), Rick Hill (drums) and the iconic Hammond skills of Robbie Buchanan. The brass still kicks ass with the awesome Steve Hilliam (tenor sax), Peter Juric (trumpet), Colin Weinmaster (trombone) and Bill “Maseo” Abbott (alto sax). This year we celebrate our 40th year on the Vancouver scene. We look forward to reconnecting with friends from our past and finding new fans along the way.
Tom Harrison, Vancouver Province: “R&B is alive and well and living in Vancouver!”
"One of Vancouver's Finest and Funkiest…Classic R&B at it’s best!"
The Rhythm & Blues Allstars are a dynamic, aggressive 10-piece band from Vancouver, B.C. The band was formed in 1979 and gained popularity at venues like The Town Pump, The Commodore, Richards on Richards, Buffalo Bills and 86th Street till the late 90’s. Since their first show opening for Long John Baldry, the group has shared the stage with James Brown, War, Chuck Berry, Paul Butterfield, and the Allman Brothers.Over the years, the band has been a home for many of Vancouver’s premiere musicians and still continues to bring audiences to their feet. RBA has recorded a number of singles and live albums, and their most recent DVD, Live At The Hard Rock, has brought many positive reviews.
For 2019, the powerful vocals of Nathen Aswell have been added to those of Joani Bye, Tim Porter, Peter Juric and Billy Mendoza. Tim Porter has not brought not only his great voice to the band, but his amazing guitar skills. A funky powerhouse rhythm section features Billy Mendoza (bass), Rick Hill (drums) and the iconic Hammond skills of Robbie Buchanan. The brass still kicks ass with the awesome Steve Hilliam (tenor sax), Peter Juric (trumpet), Colin Weinmaster (trombone) and Bill “Maseo” Abbott (alto sax). This year we celebrate our 40th year on the Vancouver scene. We look forward to reconnecting with friends from our past and finding new fans along the way.
Tom Harrison, Vancouver Province: “R&B is alive and well and living in Vancouver!”
"One of Vancouver's Finest and Funkiest…Classic R&B at it’s best!"
Powerhouse singer/percussionist Shannon Gaye joins forces with Britt & Carly McKillip, uber-talented siblings with an undeniable vocal blend & style. Together, they present R.E.S.P.E.C.T. - a concert celebrating women of Soul, Rhythm & Blues.
Paying homage to trailblazing female artists, the show features tunes by classic icons like Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Dusty Springfield and Etta James as well as contemporary artists such as Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, and Adele.
The stellar six-piece band is comprised of some of Vancouver’s finest musicians, led by gifted pianist/producer Kristian Alexandrov. Kristian is the longstanding music director for trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann’s “Brassfire” show, which was featured at Blue Frog in February 2017. On the studio front, Kristian has been a part of two juno-nominated CD's: Sweet Canadiana recorded by the Order of Canada Soloists (2017) and Legacy Live (2016) recorded by Jens Lindemann and Tommy Banks.
Kristian has co-written and produced four albums with Soul/R&B recording artist Shannon Gaye, described as “the slender singer with the big soulful voice”. Their most recent collaborations include: Shannon’s original CD Little Wonder - an acoustic gem with a modern spin, and Songs of Joy & Peace, Shannon’s new Christmas CD.
Britt and Carly McKillip were born and raised on the West coast - you may know them as the award-winning recording duo, One More Girl. Growing up in a musical family, Britt and Carly cut their teeth on all things entertainment: they’ve worked as actors since they were little, appearing in many prestigious film and television projects, and have shared the stage with artists such as Toby Keith, Darius Rucker and Keith Urban.
THE BAND:
Shannon Gaye - Lead Vocals / Percussion
Britt McKillip - Lead Vocals
Carly McKillip - Lead Vocals
Kristian Alexandrov - Piano
Darren Savard - Guitar
Ben Harries - Bass
Adam Cormier - Drums
Bill Runge - Tenor Sax
Tom McKillip - Alto Sax
Paying homage to trailblazing female artists, the show features tunes by classic icons like Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Dusty Springfield and Etta James as well as contemporary artists such as Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, and Adele.
The stellar six-piece band is comprised of some of Vancouver’s finest musicians, led by gifted pianist/producer Kristian Alexandrov. Kristian is the longstanding music director for trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann’s “Brassfire” show, which was featured at Blue Frog in February 2017. On the studio front, Kristian has been a part of two juno-nominated CD's: Sweet Canadiana recorded by the Order of Canada Soloists (2017) and Legacy Live (2016) recorded by Jens Lindemann and Tommy Banks.
Kristian has co-written and produced four albums with Soul/R&B recording artist Shannon Gaye, described as “the slender singer with the big soulful voice”. Their most recent collaborations include: Shannon’s original CD Little Wonder - an acoustic gem with a modern spin, and Songs of Joy & Peace, Shannon’s new Christmas CD.
Britt and Carly McKillip were born and raised on the West coast - you may know them as the award-winning recording duo, One More Girl. Growing up in a musical family, Britt and Carly cut their teeth on all things entertainment: they’ve worked as actors since they were little, appearing in many prestigious film and television projects, and have shared the stage with artists such as Toby Keith, Darius Rucker and Keith Urban.
THE BAND:
Shannon Gaye - Lead Vocals / Percussion
Britt McKillip - Lead Vocals
Carly McKillip - Lead Vocals
Kristian Alexandrov - Piano
Darren Savard - Guitar
Ben Harries - Bass
Adam Cormier - Drums
Bill Runge - Tenor Sax
Tom McKillip - Alto Sax
Washington state Entertainer of the Year Randy Oxford rolls back into Blue Frog for his 2nd annual International Blues Show. His all-star band has been honoured with over 25 prestigious music awards in their 15-year history. This year Randy is featuring 9 musicians from 4 different countries including:
Randy Oxford-Trombone (Chicago/Seattle,)
Miranda Kitchpanich-Vocals-Bass (Tacoma, WA.)
Rafael Tranquilino-Guitar-Vocals (Mexico City/Seattle)
Arsen Shomakhov-Guitar-Vocals (Russia/Vancouver)
Jim Widdifield-Keys (Surrey, BC)
Jon Gale-Guitar-Vocals (Surrey, BC)
Chip Hart- Drums (Seattle/Abbotsford,BC)
"Tambelena"- Percussion (Surrey, BC)
Bruce O'Neill- Bass-Vocals (Vancouver, BC)
Oxford is known for his unique approach to the Trombone and his ability to ignite an audience’s enthusiasm wherever he plays. He has also been a regular host and performer on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise for the past 13 years and he plays in the highly acclaimed Bender Brass Band at the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas.He surrounds himself with some of the most talented vocalists and instrumentalists that the pacific NW region has to offer.
This highly entertaining group has toured Canada, the U.S. and central America including appearances at major Blues festivals in Canada such as the Calgary International Blues festival and the Festival International du Blues de Tremblant in Mont-Tremblant.
In the U.S. they have appeared at major festivals including the San Diego Blues festival, the North Atlantic Blues festival, the Mt. Baker blues festival, the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues festival, the Sunbanks music festival, Jazz in the Valley, the Kalamazoo blues festival, the Omaha playing with fire festival and dozens more from Seattle to Memphis to Panama and beyond.
When the Randy Oxford BLUES-All-Star Slam comes to town you can also expect guest appearances from some of the top talent that British Columbia has to offer. Oxford always brings his regular 6-piece ensemble with him and then adds in local special guests from any area he is playing in. You will get a big bang for your buck with this international show that will feature at least 9 stellar musicians coming together for a show like non other.
Randy Oxford-Trombone (Chicago/Seattle,)
Miranda Kitchpanich-Vocals-Bass (Tacoma, WA.)
Rafael Tranquilino-Guitar-Vocals (Mexico City/Seattle)
Arsen Shomakhov-Guitar-Vocals (Russia/Vancouver)
Jim Widdifield-Keys (Surrey, BC)
Jon Gale-Guitar-Vocals (Surrey, BC)
Chip Hart- Drums (Seattle/Abbotsford,BC)
"Tambelena"- Percussion (Surrey, BC)
Bruce O'Neill- Bass-Vocals (Vancouver, BC)
Oxford is known for his unique approach to the Trombone and his ability to ignite an audience’s enthusiasm wherever he plays. He has also been a regular host and performer on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise for the past 13 years and he plays in the highly acclaimed Bender Brass Band at the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas.He surrounds himself with some of the most talented vocalists and instrumentalists that the pacific NW region has to offer.
This highly entertaining group has toured Canada, the U.S. and central America including appearances at major Blues festivals in Canada such as the Calgary International Blues festival and the Festival International du Blues de Tremblant in Mont-Tremblant.
In the U.S. they have appeared at major festivals including the San Diego Blues festival, the North Atlantic Blues festival, the Mt. Baker blues festival, the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues festival, the Sunbanks music festival, Jazz in the Valley, the Kalamazoo blues festival, the Omaha playing with fire festival and dozens more from Seattle to Memphis to Panama and beyond.
When the Randy Oxford BLUES-All-Star Slam comes to town you can also expect guest appearances from some of the top talent that British Columbia has to offer. Oxford always brings his regular 6-piece ensemble with him and then adds in local special guests from any area he is playing in. You will get a big bang for your buck with this international show that will feature at least 9 stellar musicians coming together for a show like non other.
"Acid folk" was born in an old garage off Clinton Avenue in Toronto, concocted by Tom Wilson from Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, a few Cowboy Junkies, and some Skydiggers. Allowing bass, hypnotic rhythms and a lot of groove into their songwriting circle, the artist collective LeE HARVeY OsMOND created a sound that would creep out of the Northern woods and across the Great Lakes into the South, the same way The Band did forty years before them.
Blue Frog looks forward to a return appearance by the eminent and hirsute Steeltown reprobate, Lee Harvey Osmond, aka Tom Wilson aka One of Three Rodeo Kings, aka that large, melodic growling man from the former Junkhouse. Stylized as LeE HARVeY OsMOND, LHO is a Canadian psychedelic folk project of musician Tom Wilson. The act first took shape with Wilson in his LeE HARVeY OsMOND persona, backed by Michael Timmins of Cowboy Junkies and Josh Finlayson of Skydiggers.
When Tom Wilson created the moniker Lee Harvey Osmond he wasn’t entirely certain if this was a new stage name or merely a provocative handle for the musician/artist collective assembled by producer Michael Timmins to record a collection of Tom Wilson songs that would become “A Quiet Evil”. This was the first of four albums bearing the featured artist Lee Harvey Osmond. “The Folk Sinner” was next, followed by the break through “Beautiful Scars”. It was during this time between releasing “Beautiful Scars” and recording “Kings and Kings” with Blackie and The Rodeo Kings that Wilson went public with his recent discovery. He was not exactly the person he thought he was.
Blue Frog looks forward to a return appearance by the eminent and hirsute Steeltown reprobate, Lee Harvey Osmond, aka Tom Wilson aka One of Three Rodeo Kings, aka that large, melodic growling man from the former Junkhouse. Stylized as LeE HARVeY OsMOND, LHO is a Canadian psychedelic folk project of musician Tom Wilson. The act first took shape with Wilson in his LeE HARVeY OsMOND persona, backed by Michael Timmins of Cowboy Junkies and Josh Finlayson of Skydiggers.
When Tom Wilson created the moniker Lee Harvey Osmond he wasn’t entirely certain if this was a new stage name or merely a provocative handle for the musician/artist collective assembled by producer Michael Timmins to record a collection of Tom Wilson songs that would become “A Quiet Evil”. This was the first of four albums bearing the featured artist Lee Harvey Osmond. “The Folk Sinner” was next, followed by the break through “Beautiful Scars”. It was during this time between releasing “Beautiful Scars” and recording “Kings and Kings” with Blackie and The Rodeo Kings that Wilson went public with his recent discovery. He was not exactly the person he thought he was.
"Three powerful musicians playing and singing some powerful music" - Bluegrass Unlimited
The Lonesome Ace Stringband is an old-time band with bluegrass chops that play some righteous folk and country music. There's a depth of groove and sense of space not often heard in bluegrass today, a level of instrumental interplay and vocal blend uncommon in old-time, and an on-stage rapport that transcends all of this.
Three Canadians lost in the weird and wonderful traditional country music of the American South, the band members Chris Coole (banjo), John Showman (fiddle) and Max Heineman (bass) are each journeyman musicians and veterans of some of Canada's top roots music acts (New Country Rehab, The David Francey Band, The Foggy Hogtown Boys, Fiver).
Instrumentation alone instantly sets LAS's sound apart: consisting of just fiddle, clawhammer banjo, and upright bass, the band moves freely between having a sound so powerful that it doesn't seem like it should be coming from a trio, to a sparseness and fragility that draws the listener in and refreshes the ear. All three are compelling lead singers, each with his own character and range. This allows for the vocal texture to shift depending on how the song needs to feel - and what the song has to say. When those voices come together the power of the harmonies is unshakable. It's clear to anyone who's heard LAS that they just don't sound like any other band.
One must, however, look at the roots of LAS to understand where the sound comes from. Starting in 2007, the band took up residency in Toronto's legendary Dakota Tavern routinely playing 10 sets of music every weekend. LAS spent 7 years as a house band before ever taking the show on the road or recording a note. In these days when new records and buzz-bands come at us like a jacked-up news cycle, this workaday approach hearkens to another era. Those years were a gestation period that allowed for a type of looseness and intuition to develop, something that can only come from experienced musicians clocking hundreds of on-stage hours together.
As of 2019, the band has toured internationally, been engaged at some of the largest festivals in North America (Merlefest, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Rockygrass), and recorded 3 albums. On the first two albums, Old Time (2014), and Gone For Evermore (2016) the band leaned heavily on the traditional old-time cannon to express what it needed to say musically. In 2018, with the release of When the Sun Comes Up, the band showcased its songwriting and studio savvy, offering up a more progressive interpretation of old-time music, and taking it's sound to new places. All three albums have been embraced by both fans and critics alike.
2019 will see LAS at festivals and concerts throughout North America, as well as four European tours. Wherever they go, listeners will hear a compelling and original band fueled by the creative spirit that is the seed of all traditional music.
The Lonesome Ace Stringband is an old-time band with bluegrass chops that play some righteous folk and country music. There's a depth of groove and sense of space not often heard in bluegrass today, a level of instrumental interplay and vocal blend uncommon in old-time, and an on-stage rapport that transcends all of this.
Three Canadians lost in the weird and wonderful traditional country music of the American South, the band members Chris Coole (banjo), John Showman (fiddle) and Max Heineman (bass) are each journeyman musicians and veterans of some of Canada's top roots music acts (New Country Rehab, The David Francey Band, The Foggy Hogtown Boys, Fiver).
Instrumentation alone instantly sets LAS's sound apart: consisting of just fiddle, clawhammer banjo, and upright bass, the band moves freely between having a sound so powerful that it doesn't seem like it should be coming from a trio, to a sparseness and fragility that draws the listener in and refreshes the ear. All three are compelling lead singers, each with his own character and range. This allows for the vocal texture to shift depending on how the song needs to feel - and what the song has to say. When those voices come together the power of the harmonies is unshakable. It's clear to anyone who's heard LAS that they just don't sound like any other band.
One must, however, look at the roots of LAS to understand where the sound comes from. Starting in 2007, the band took up residency in Toronto's legendary Dakota Tavern routinely playing 10 sets of music every weekend. LAS spent 7 years as a house band before ever taking the show on the road or recording a note. In these days when new records and buzz-bands come at us like a jacked-up news cycle, this workaday approach hearkens to another era. Those years were a gestation period that allowed for a type of looseness and intuition to develop, something that can only come from experienced musicians clocking hundreds of on-stage hours together.
As of 2019, the band has toured internationally, been engaged at some of the largest festivals in North America (Merlefest, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Rockygrass), and recorded 3 albums. On the first two albums, Old Time (2014), and Gone For Evermore (2016) the band leaned heavily on the traditional old-time cannon to express what it needed to say musically. In 2018, with the release of When the Sun Comes Up, the band showcased its songwriting and studio savvy, offering up a more progressive interpretation of old-time music, and taking it's sound to new places. All three albums have been embraced by both fans and critics alike.
2019 will see LAS at festivals and concerts throughout North America, as well as four European tours. Wherever they go, listeners will hear a compelling and original band fueled by the creative spirit that is the seed of all traditional music.
Lisa is coming back to Blue Frog, but this time she’ll be including her favourite country Christmas songs! This is the first time in Lisa’s 25 yrs + of touring that she’ll be doing a show primarily of Holiday music! ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, ‘I Heard The Bells’, ‘Shake Me I Rattle’ and 'What A Wonderful Beginning' are just a few of the classics you’ll enjoy and you can expect to be a part of some sing along, audience participation as well!
There is nothing like the simple joy, peace and warmth that comes from a night of Christmas music and everyone is sure to leave fully filled with the spirit of the season!
There is nothing like the simple joy, peace and warmth that comes from a night of Christmas music and everyone is sure to leave fully filled with the spirit of the season!
Full band featuring songs from his new album “Beach Music”
Vancouver beach rocker DANIEL WESLEY’s music has always been a call to live life to the fullest; to embrace the past, present and future enthusiastically. On his EP “Beach Music”, Wesley’s ninth release, that call rings out more clearly than ever before.
Recorded with producer John Raham at Afterlife Studios, the album finds Wesley reaffirming his roots, but also stretching out as a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist.
On the lead single, “Fire”, Wesley revisits something his 2007 hit, “Ooo Ohh”, seemed to be about, but actually wasn’t. “Everyone thought that was a pot song, but it was more sexual,” Wesley says. “And ‘Fire’ didn’t start out that way either, but with legalization happening I was like, ‘okay, this’ll be my anthem for pot smokers.”
Most of “Beach Music”, however, is firmly focused on getting high on life, and underpinned by Wesley’s belief that welcoming change without reservation is integral to lasting happiness.
“Fire” is available on all streaming and download platforms. For more about DANIEL WESLEY please visit: www.danielwesley.com.
Vancouver beach rocker DANIEL WESLEY’s music has always been a call to live life to the fullest; to embrace the past, present and future enthusiastically. On his EP “Beach Music”, Wesley’s ninth release, that call rings out more clearly than ever before.
Recorded with producer John Raham at Afterlife Studios, the album finds Wesley reaffirming his roots, but also stretching out as a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist.
On the lead single, “Fire”, Wesley revisits something his 2007 hit, “Ooo Ohh”, seemed to be about, but actually wasn’t. “Everyone thought that was a pot song, but it was more sexual,” Wesley says. “And ‘Fire’ didn’t start out that way either, but with legalization happening I was like, ‘okay, this’ll be my anthem for pot smokers.”
Most of “Beach Music”, however, is firmly focused on getting high on life, and underpinned by Wesley’s belief that welcoming change without reservation is integral to lasting happiness.
“Fire” is available on all streaming and download platforms. For more about DANIEL WESLEY please visit: www.danielwesley.com.
The perfect answer to winter chill, come share some hot and swinging Christmas cheer with musical group VanDjango and vocalist L.J. Mounteney!
Van Django, Vancouver's hottest swing string quartet, bring their sizzling hot Gypsy Jazz Christmas show to the Blue Frog this December! Joining Van Django's violinist Cameron Wilson, guitarist Budge Schachte, guitarist/cellist Finn Manniche and bassist Brent Gubbels is stellar vocalist L.J. Mounteney.
Van Django's music is punchy, driving and rhythmically inventive, combining a wealth of musical influences while maintaining strong roots in the gypsy jazz made famous by Django Reinhardt and the 1930's Quintet of the Hot Club of France. On stage, "they effortlessly whip the audience into a joyful frenzy". Renowned both for the quality of their musicianship and as great entertainers, Van Django's Cool Yule is a merry Christmas mix of nostalgic favourites, jazz standards, sing- alongs,pop tunes, some classical touches, and a few surprises - all delivered in their swinging gypsy jazz style. You'll hear everything from the evocative I'll Be Home for Christmas to Let it Snow, Silent Night and Silver Bells to Christmas Time is Here, a bit of Beethoven, and of course all with a touch of Django Reinhardt's style - something every ear, heart, and tapping foot will enjoy.
“Van Django tosses off jaw-dropping technical licks with effortless ease, but above all, they entertain hugely, with every bar of every tune - tried and true or keenly original.”
Jurgen Goethe, Hose, CBC Disc Drive Canada
"In an increasingly crowded niche, Van Django is a standout act. With a clever mix of contemporary standards, classical ditties, rock homages and solid originals they effortlessly whip the audience into a joyful frenzy. Attending a Van Django concert is the most fun you can have sitting down with your clothes on."
Nick Lehr, Djangofest Director - US
Such a superb concert! What a pile of fun! M. Goulding
By all accounts, this show is so much fun. Take an evening out of the busy Christmas season and enjoy music at it's best.
Van Django, Vancouver's hottest swing string quartet, bring their sizzling hot Gypsy Jazz Christmas show to the Blue Frog this December! Joining Van Django's violinist Cameron Wilson, guitarist Budge Schachte, guitarist/cellist Finn Manniche and bassist Brent Gubbels is stellar vocalist L.J. Mounteney.
Van Django's music is punchy, driving and rhythmically inventive, combining a wealth of musical influences while maintaining strong roots in the gypsy jazz made famous by Django Reinhardt and the 1930's Quintet of the Hot Club of France. On stage, "they effortlessly whip the audience into a joyful frenzy". Renowned both for the quality of their musicianship and as great entertainers, Van Django's Cool Yule is a merry Christmas mix of nostalgic favourites, jazz standards, sing- alongs,pop tunes, some classical touches, and a few surprises - all delivered in their swinging gypsy jazz style. You'll hear everything from the evocative I'll Be Home for Christmas to Let it Snow, Silent Night and Silver Bells to Christmas Time is Here, a bit of Beethoven, and of course all with a touch of Django Reinhardt's style - something every ear, heart, and tapping foot will enjoy.
“Van Django tosses off jaw-dropping technical licks with effortless ease, but above all, they entertain hugely, with every bar of every tune - tried and true or keenly original.”
Jurgen Goethe, Hose, CBC Disc Drive Canada
"In an increasingly crowded niche, Van Django is a standout act. With a clever mix of contemporary standards, classical ditties, rock homages and solid originals they effortlessly whip the audience into a joyful frenzy. Attending a Van Django concert is the most fun you can have sitting down with your clothes on."
Nick Lehr, Djangofest Director - US
Such a superb concert! What a pile of fun! M. Goulding
By all accounts, this show is so much fun. Take an evening out of the busy Christmas season and enjoy music at it's best.
One of Canada's most influential singer-songwriters with 22 albums, 22 singles and 4 Gold Records, Valdy will be performing his music along with some of his special Christmas favourites.
Valdy, born Valdemar Horsdal in Ottawa, has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk music for years. A man with a thousand friends, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island to Texas to New Zealand, he's a songwriter who catches the small but telling moments that make up life.
Remembered for “Play Me a Rock and Roll Song”, his bitter-sweet memory of finding himself, a relaxed and amiable story-teller, facing a rambunctious audience at the Aldergrove Rock Festival circa 1968, Valdy has sold almost half a million copies of his 16 CDs, albums and 8-tracks, and has received two Juno Awards (from a total of seven Juno nominations), and four Gold albums to his credit.
Along the way, he's taken his music to a dozen different countries, from Denmark to Australia, been an invited performer for five years in a row at the prestigious Kerrville Festival in Texas, and even played a lead role in an episode of The Beachcombers.
Blue Frog Studios is delighted to welcome back Valdy for a fascinating evening of music and storytelling.
Formed in 2008, Triology is a Jazz Trio featuring three of Canada’s most sought after jazz musicians. This group was fashioned after the great early jazz trios of Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson, and features wonderful arrangements of classic standards, as well as original tunes by the trio members.
Bill Coon: an amazing and fluid guitarist, originally from Montreal, Bill has over 25 years professional experience. He has worked with many jazz greats, including Jimmy Heath, Eddie Daniels and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
Jodi Proznick – Having just received the WCMA Jazz Artist of the Year award, Jodi has become one of Canada’s “top call” artists. Jodi leads her own quartet, and is a member of many other amazing jazz ensembles, such as the Tilden Webb Trio, the Joel Haynes Trio, and the Oliver Gannon Quartet. Some of the legendary talents she has accompanied: Lewis Nash, George Coleman, David Fathead Newman, Ed Thigpen, Charles McPherson, Mark Murphy and Sheila Jordan.
Miles Black – with over 30 years experience, Black is a highly accomplished pianist and composer who has performed worldwide and recorded extensively. Miles has worked with many jazz greats, including Max Roach, Lew Tabackin, Houston Person and Harry “Sweets” Edison.
Be part of this seasonal occasion to hear one of the best jazz groups around in a pristine acoustic environment.
