Missed your chance to listen to our latest interviews and
specials? Well, just click on the links below to listen online.
(In order to listen you must have Windows Media Player. To install the latest
player, click
here.)
Mose
Allison on Natch'l Blues
The iconic American jazz and blues singer and writer Mose
Allison joined host Holger Peterson on Natch’l Blues, Saturday,
June 27th. They talked about music and the music business over the decades long
career of this great performer.
Part
1 (18 minutes and 49 seconds) Part
2 (18 minutes) (In order to listen you must
have Windows Media Player. To install the latest player, click
here.)
Lionel
Rault on Artist in Focus
For over 30 years, Lionel
Rault has been one of Alberta's favorite folk-roots musicians. An intense,
electrifying guitarist, Lionel is a gifted songwriter with extraordinary scope
in his creativity and understanding of the folk-roots genre. In addition to a
successful broadcasting career, Lionel has a wide range of concert, night club,
television, radio and festival appearances to his credit; sharing stages with
John Hiatt, Willie Dixon, John Hammond, Ruthie Foster, Jesse Winchester, Taj Mahal,
Eric Bibb, David Francey, J.J. Cale, John Lee Hooker, Bo Diddley, the Staple Singers
and more. Lionel has five albums to his credit; independent releases: Killin'
Time, Been So Long, and No Tell Hotel, his 2004 self-titled
CD and The Further Adventures of... released in June of 2007.
Host Holger
Petersen took an in-depth look at CKUA's own Lionel Rault on Artist in Focus,
Friday, June 26th.
Mike
Mattison of the Derek Trucks Band on How I Hear It
The Derek Trucks
Band has been a work in progress for over 10 years, blending jazz, rock,
blues, Latin, Eastern Indian, and other world music into the sound that now defines
them. Recorded in a backyard studio, the band’s latest release, Already Free,
captures a band reveling in the comfort and intimacy of its surroundings. Lead
singer Mike Mattison dropped by the How I Hear It studio on Thursday,
June 25th for an interview with host Monica Miller.
Six-time Juno award-winner Colin
James has driven his 10-album, 25-year career with his blues influenced
guitar mastery and soulful vocals. James was only 18-years old when he captured
the attention of guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughn, who marveled at the prodigious
talent, decided to take him on the road through the Canadian prairies, and later
the United States. It wasn't long after that the young musician began opening
for the likes of John Lee Hooker, ZZ Top, Steve Winwood and Keith Richards. James
was also the first to be signed to the then fledgling Virgin America label. With
the seductive, smash hit "Why'd You Lie?", the rocker "Voodoo Thing" and "5 Long
Years", he managed to break the record for most albums sold on a first release
by a Canadian artist and has since maintained the integrity of a truly enduring
artist.
CKUA's Terry David Mulligan spoke with Colin James in an exclusive
interview on Mulligan Stew, Saturday, June 20th. They talked about what's
keeping Colin busy - including his collaboration with Tom Wilson of Blackie and
the Rodeo Kings and upcoming new album.
Mark
Sadlier Brown of Highwater Jug Band on How I Hear It
The Highwater
Jug Band taps a deep pool of performing experience, vocal abilities and
songwriting talent, featuring some of the province's busiest and most accomplished
blues and roots musicians. Mark Sadlier Brown, Tim Williams, Cedric Blary, Suitcase
James and John Rutherford form a rag-tag team of musical sharp shooters set on
having a ball.
Laced with a foot stompin’ good-time groove, the Highwater Jug
Band perform with an array of instruments including ukuleles, guitars, banjos,
mandolins, clarinet, washboard, kazoo, harmonica, musical saw, tambourine, bells,
whistles, toys, a home made wash tub bass contraption called a “muck-bucket” and
yes – a jug.
Mark Sadlier Brown dropped by the How I Hear It
studio on Friday, June 19th, with his guitar and a jug. Host Monica Miller received
a “jugging 101” demonstration by a renowned practitioner.
Watch Mark Sadlier Brown give a
demonstration on how to play the jug: (Video courtesy of Production Supervisor
Don Marcotte)
Redd
Volkaert on Nine to Noon
One of country music's top guitar slingers, the legendary Redd
Volkaert, returned to his hometown of Edmonton from Austin, Texas to perform
at the annual Global Country Concert, June 15th at the Winspear Centre. The noted
lead guitar player for Merle Haggard, Volkaert was presented with a 2009 Grammy
Award for his instrumental work with Brad Paisley and Vince Gill. Redd Volkaert
dropped by the Nine to Noon studio, Monday, June 15th to talk with guest
host Peter North and perform live.
Edmonton hip hop artist Rollie Pemberton, aka Cadence Weapon, has just
been named Edmonton’s new poet laureate. Pemberton, 23, has released two acclaimed
albums as Cadence Weapon: 2005's Breaking Kayfabe and 2008's Afterparty
Babies. He's also a poet and a writer, having previously been on staff with
multiple publications, including popular Chicago-based music website Pitchfork.
Rollie Pemberton dropped by the How I Hear It studio, Monday, June 1st
to talk with host Monica Miller about his two-year ceremonial post.
In a feature interview from San Francisco’s Castro district, Terry David Mulligan
put a microphone in front of legendary rock writer Ben
Fong-Torres on Mulligan Stew, Saturday, May 30th and heard the
details behind the former Rolling Stone magazine writer’s 40 years in the Rock
and Roll industry.
Part
1 (14 minutes and 38 seconds) Part
2 (10 minutes and 54 seconds) (In order to
listen you must have Windows Media Player. To install the latest player, click
here.)
Leeroy
Stagger on Afternoon Edition
There
are songwriters who find a creative niche and never stray from it. Then there
are songwriters who choose to continually break down what they are known for and
start again from the ground up. Leeroy
Stagger is the latter. Capturing a more mature sound than earlier recordings,
his 4th studio album, Everything is Real, presents Stagger at a new beginning.
The album straddles the lines between the rock side of Ryan Adams, the gravel-fueled
poetry of Lucinda Williams, and the muscle of early Tom Petty. Everything is
Real is a gritty, honest collection of songs that aren’t afraid to rock, sway,
or break a few hearts. Leeroy stopped by the Afternoon Edition, Tuesday,
May 19th to talk with host David Ward about the writing, recording, and production
of the new album.
American
singer-songwriter and guitarist Tony
Joe White joined host Holger Petersen in conversation on Natch'l Blues,
Saturday, May 9th from 4-5 PM. Revered as one of the originators of swamp rock,
White is best know for his 1969 hit "Polk Salad Annie" and as the composer of
"Rainy Night In Georgia." His songs have been covered by dozens of artists ranging
from Hank Williams Jr. and Elvis Presley, to Dusty Springfield and Tina Turner.
His latest release in a forty plus year career is 2008’s Deep Cuts.
Part
1 (13 minutes and 18 seconds) Part
2 (11 minutes and 36 seconds) (In order to
listen you must have Windows Media Player. To install the latest player, click
here.)
Jorma
Kaukonen on Dead Ends and Detours
In
a career that has already spanned a half-century, Jorma
Kaukonen has been the leading practitioner and teacher of fingerstyle
guitar, one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots music,
blues, and Americana, and at the forefront of popular rock-and-roll. He was a
founding member of two legendary bands, The Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring
Hot Tuna, a Grammy nominee, and a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Host
Peter North presented an interview with Jorma Kaukonen on Dead Ends and Detours,
Saturday, April 11th.
From the centre of Canada, deep in the prairies, comes an unstoppable force that
is becoming a household name across the globe: Romi
Mayes. On her new CD, Achin In Yer Bones, Mayes' effortless, matter-of-fact
lyrical style weaves poetically around fantastic production, credited to renowned
producer Gurf Morlix. Commonly referred to as the hardest working musician in
Canada, Mayes stopped by the Wide Cut Country studio, Saturday, April 4th
for a conversation with host Allison Brock.
CKUA
Presents: First Fridays - Dave McCann and the Ten Toed Frogs
Lionel Rault hosted alt-country rockers Dave
McCann and the Ten Toed Frogs on April 3rd for a one hour live broadcast
at the legendary Last
Chance Saloon in Wayne. The group is comprised of some of the best musicians
in the business and their sound has been described as a feast of electric, acoustic
and slide guitar, mandolin, dobro and pedal steel.
In what is now a CKUA tradition, many of Canada’s best musicians joined
Terry David Mulligan for his Juno Couch broadcast of Mulligan
Stew on Saturday, March 28th. There was no shortage of great guests this year
- co-hosted by Jim Cuddy, the Couch was a stopping place for some of our country’s
finest, including Jim Byrnes, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Loverboy, Luke Doucette, Nikki
Yanofsky, Suzie Vinnick, Zaki Ibrahim and many more.
Part
1 (23 minutes) Part
2 (18 minutes and 33 seconds) Part
3 (19 minutes and 38 seconds) Part
4 (25 minutes and 42 seconds) (In order to
listen you must have Windows Media Player. To install the latest player, click
here.)
Barry
Allen on Artist in Focus
Peter North hosted the second installment of Artist in Focus, Friday, March27th,
featuring Barry Allen. This multi-talented, award winning engineer and
performer currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Alberta Recording
Industry Association and is widely known and respected throughout the music industry
in both Canada and the U.S. for his many years of dedication and vision. He has
enjoyed a successful career as a recording artist, both solo and as a member of
The Rebels and Painter. As a solo artist Barry garnered two Juno awards as Canada's
Most Promising Male Vocalist and as Canada's Top Male Vocalist. He also had an
album produced for MCA Records by Randy Bachman and played host for a national
CTV music show. He has also won numerous awards for his producing/engineering
skills from ARIA in recognition of his abilities. Barry is the owner of the prestigious
Homestead Recorders
in Edmonton.
Toronto
singer/songwriter Melissa
McClelland stopped by How I Hear It, Thursday, March 26th. She
performed live in the studio and talked with guest host Peter North about her
upcoming tour and her newly released CD, Victoria Day.
In
a field where intangibles like feel and integrity count for so much, Canadian
roots music artist Lester
Quitzau has forged an exemplary career that has earned him great respect
and appreciations by musical peers and fans alike. A mellow guy who throws down
a heavy groove, this Juno Award winning singer-songwriter and guitarist started
with a solid blues foundation that has now grown into an eclectic and constantly
evolving musical journey. Lester Quitzau joined host Lionel Rault for an interview
and live performance on Nine to Noon, Wednesday, March 25th.
James
Hunter, who the NY Times says possesses a "tight, slithery soul groove"
and a "sweet growl", made his Hear Music label debut in June 2008 with the release
of The Hard Way. This new collection finds Hunter delving even further
into the limitless realm of deepest soul with another expertly crafted set of
all-original material and showcases further evidence of Hunter's amazing guitar
prowess. The Grammy nominee joined How I Hear It host Monica Miller in
conversation, Friday, March 13th.
Tom
Russell's own story is as rich and colourful as the characters that come
to life in the hundreds of songs that he's written and which are spread across
the 25 albums he has made since his arrival on the music scene back in the mid-'70s.
For example, Tom has a Master's degree in Criminology, he's taught school in Nigeria,
driven a taxi in New York City, played the skid bars along Vancouver's East Hastings
Street, published three books, and is now an established painter. His songs have
been lauded by fans and other famous songwriters alike because Tom has a particular
gift in telling simple yet powerful stories.
Tom was David Ward's special guest
on the Afternoon Edition , Wednesday, March 11th to sing a few songs and
talk about his latest efforts, including a new double CD anthology called Veteran's
Day, his recent collaboration with singer/songwriter Gretchen Peters and some
insight into what his painbrushes have been up to lately.
Host
Peter
North presented blues-rock legends Tacoy
Ryde in a 1 hour performance at The
Vat in Red Deer on March 6th.
Tacoy Ryde was first conceived almost
40 years ago in the minds of a group of twelve year olds from Stettler, Alberta
in the summer of 1967 (commonly referred to as ‘the Summer of Love’). In 1973
they moved to Edmonton. At this time, the members of Tacoy Ryde were writing their
own songs, as well as playing covers by the likes of the Allman Brothers, The
Band, The Byrds and lots of Grateful Dead tunes. Since they were the only band
in Edmonton playing this kind of material they developed a large following of
loyal fans who would guarantee full houses wherever they played.
Canadian
slide guitarist Rachelle
van Zanten is a unique and eclectic singer-songwriter who creates songs
that swing between heavy blues riffs and fragile melodies with poetic lyrics and
irresistible phrases. She has performed with Feist, Blue Rodeo, Clarence Gatemouth
Brown and Sue Foley; and has supported Indigo Girls, Eagle Eye Cherry and Dar
Williams. Rachelle's recent tour schedule took her through Canada, the United
Kingdom, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, India and
Nepal. As an active member of the music community Rachelle is the producer of
Western Canada's music camp for young women, Rocker
Girl Camp. Rachelle van Zanten joined host Monica Miller on How I Hear
It, Thursday, March 5th for an interview and live performance.
Chris Dreja and Jim McCarty of the Yardbirds on Natch'l
Blues
The
Yardbirds, noted for starting the careers of three of rock's most famous
guitarists: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, are a blues-based band whose
sound evolved into experimental rock. They had a string of hits including "For
Your Love", "Over, Under, Sideways, Down" and "Heart Full Of Soul". They were
a crucial link between British R&B and psychedelia. CKUA's Holger Petersen had
the pleasure of interviewing two of the original Yardbirds recently. Chris
Dreja and Jim McCarty were his guests on Natch'l Blues, Saturday,
February 28th.
On
the inaugural edition of CKUA Presents:Artist in Focus, Friday,
February 27th, Tony King had the pleasure of sitting down with Chloe
Albert, a very talented singer/songwriter based in Edmonton. From studying
classical piano in her early childhood, to picking up the acoustic guitar inspired
by her mother and older brother, Chloe Albert has stayed the course in pursuing
a career in music, a choice that is at once challenging and rewarding.
Edmonton songwriter
Jesse Dee is
as real and weathered as your dad’s hush puppies. He travels like a hobo, and
his entire musical arsenal practically fits on his back. His one-man show dazzles
crowds with a mélange of wit and sincerity. When you start to listen to what following
his passion has wrought, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of strong lyricisms
and robust compositions. Whether it’s the jazzed up "A Short Diddy" or the longing
ballad "Find Our Flow" or the folky "Sunblind," the songs are all so wonderfully
layered and perfectly realized. Jesse Dee joined host Lionel Rault on Nine
to Noon, Monday, February 23rd.
Gurf Morlix
has been a professional musician since 1966. He can play just about any instrument
he might find lying around. Gurf spends most of his time holed up in his home
studio in Austin, Texas, producing albums for many well known artists, but he
gets out once in a while to tour on his own or with some of his friends. Gurf
is a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, and the Austin Music Awards Hall
of Fame.
The easygoing nonchalance and weary, but not entirely dissatisfied,
vocals of Scott
Nolan belie the multitude of miles he's logged - either fronting his own
band, Leaderhouse or serving as a hired gun for bands like Nathan and the New
Meanies. Scott reveals himself as a laid-back master of steady pacing - one who
knows when it's time for taste and restraint and when it's time to take his foot
off the brake and let 'er roll.
These two veterans of the stage dropped by
the Wide Cut Country studio to chat with host Allison Brock and play a
few tunes, Saturday, February 21st.
For the past few years, singer/songwriter Joe
Fournier has been living in Calgary but doing most of his touring in Europe.
Joe Fournier, along with Anders Olson, one of the members of his European band,
joined host David Ward to play some of his songs and talk about life as a musician
both here and in Europe, Wednesday, February 18th.
Bill Hills and Brother Ray Lemelin on Afternoon Edition
Veteran
Calgary bluesmen Bill
Hills (harmonica) and Brother
Ray Lemelin (guitar) release their debut CD as an acoustic duo with Neither
Here Nor There and they brought their blues to CKUA's Afternoon Edition
studio, February 17th.
For
20 years Stephen Fearing's
deep catalogue of songs has kept him at the forefront of the roots music scene.
An accomplished solo artist and one third of Blackie
and the Rodeo Kings, his 2006 solo recording Yellowjacket was heralded
as his most complete work yet. Stephen Fearing was Lionel Rault's guest on Nine
to Noon, Friday, February 13th. He performed live and talked about his newly
released album The Man Who Married Music: The Best of Stephen Fearing.
A lot will
be said and written about Kreesha
Turner's exciting debut album Passion and its eclectic blend of
soulful, jazzy, pop-infused R&B. But for the young artist whose sweet soprano
shines on every track, the album can be described quite simply. "It's just good
music to enjoy and listen to over and over again," says Kreesha. And like any
true artist, Kreesha hopes her music touches people. "Regardless of what emotion
it is, for me to be able to create that emotion is a privilege and an intimate
type of interaction." The Edmonton R&B artist, who was recently nominated for
two Juno Awards, including New Artist and Pop Album of the Year, joined host Monica
Miller on How I Hear It, Thursday, February 12th.
Ann Vriend’s
rich powerful voice, intelligent poetic lyrics and soaring melodies deliver an
experience that appeals to all with the sense of timelessness it creates. Her
sound is anthemic, emotional, stunningly fresh and powerful; handled with confidence,
ease and the naturalness of someone not content to follow.
Ann joined host
Lionel Rault onNine to Noon, Wednesday, February 11th for
an interview and live performance.
The
debut edition of First Fridays
launched on February 6th at the Blue
Turtle in Medicine Hat. The event kicked off with a live broadcast of the
Celtic Show from 6 PM to 8 PM with host Andy Donnelly. Wide Cut Country
host Allison Brock took over at 8 PM to present a live performance from musical
guests Steve Coffey
and the Lokels.
On a recent trip to London, Natch'l Blues host Holger Petersen had the
opportunity to chat with musician and former Rolling Stone Bill
Wyman.
Holger presented a special Natch'l Blues on January 31st,
focused on the multi-talented Bill Wyman. We heard first hand from Bill about
life with the Rolling stones, from their beginnings in London, to the reason Bill
left the band. Bill also spent some time talking with Holger about his first love
and passion, the blues. Bill traced his personal journey, from finding his first
records, to his sessions with some of the greatest artists, including Muddy Waters,
Son House and Howlin’ Wolf.
Martyn Joseph
is a performer like no other. Shades of Springsteen, Knopfler and Dave Matthews
there may be - but he stands in his own right, built on a reputation for giving
what thousands have described as the best live music experience of their lives.
Martyn stopped by the Afternoon Edition on January 28th to perform live
and talk with host David Ward about his newly released album, Evolved.
Oliver
Reuben Swain is larger than life. Though he is over 6 feet tall and plays
an upright bass, it's not just his stature that supports this claim. His infectious
spirit, intense emotion and technical prowess combine with his prolific music
career, and he effectively draws in audiences. Performing a unique and enchanting
solo show centered around the upright bass and his pure, wide ranged vocals, with
a little open backed banjo and guitar added for flavor, Oliver stands out in any
musical arrangement.
Oliver Swain unpacked a few of his instruments, sang,
played, and talked with host David Ward about the traditional music that inspires
him on the January 15th edition of Afternoon Edition.
An
exclusive recording artist for Sony Classical/BMG Masterworks, Daniel
Taylor is one of the most sought-after countertenors in the world. Taylor
has made numerous recordings, and is artistic director and founder of the Theatre
of Early Music, a period instrument ensemble based in Montreal, Canada. He was
named Opus Prizes Discovery of the year (1999) and Artist of the Year (2004).
Daniel Taylor recently performed at the Winspear Centre in Edmonton and joined
host Mark Antonelli on Classic Examples,Wednesday, November 19th.
Paul
Cresey, an 18-year old singer/songwriter from Edmonton, explores different
genres of music "from folk to rock, romance to reggae, gospel to blues and grunge
to jazz with a little Celtic thrown in the mix." The Edmonton based folk artist
uses fingerpicking and strumming techniques backed by strong witty lyrical accompaniments.
He was recently nominated for a 2008 Canadian Folk Music Award in the category
"Young Performer of the Year." Paul Cresey joined host Monica Miller on How
I Hear It,Tuesday, November 18th for an interview and live performance.
Joël Fafard
is that rare breed of instrumentalist: the kind whose appeal reaches far beyond
the realm of serious guitar enthusiasts. The gifted slide fingerstyle player writes
stirring, melodic compositions that paint pictures as vivid as any song with words.
His 2006 CD, … and another thing, was awarded Outstanding Instrumental
Album at the 2006 Western Canadian Music Awards and was nominated for Best Instrumental
Recording at the 2007 Junos. Joël Fafard joined host Monica Miller in conversation
on How I Hear It, Thursday, October 16th and performed live on the program.
David Myles,
one of Nova Scotia’s notable talents, combines great lyrical depth and insight
with a powerful and stylish blend of jazz, blues, gospel, pop and folk influences.
His trademark enthusiasm and likeability shine through on his latest CD, On
the Line. David Myles joined host Monica Miller on How I Hear It, Wednesday,
October 15th for an interview and live performance.
Fresh from accepting his second Juno Award in three years for World Music
Album of the Year, Alex
Cuba continues to play a major role in setting and triggering the pulse
for Canada’s world music scene. Raised in Artemisa, Cuba and now a resident of
Smithers, B.C., Alex is an artist who is definitely living the cross-cultural
experience. Incorporating elements of Afro-Cuban musical arrangements and instrumentation,
melded with pop songwriting and exquisite melodies, Alex Cuba composes, writes
and sings original Latin pop/soul music with a unique Cuban approach. Alex Cuba
joined host Monica Miller for an interview and live performance on How I Hear
It, Friday, October 3rd.
Bob Jahrig’s
songwriting reveals his love of language, melody and a search for beauty in the
human spirit and the natural world. His inspiration comes from family, his hobby
as an amateur astronomer and the wilderness he experienced growing up in northern
Ontario and Alaska. Bob transforms the uniquely Canadian experience to that universal
single, solitary feeling gnawing at the hearts of all peoples. The Edmonton based
singer/songwriter was host Lionel Rault's guest on Nine to Noon, Thursday,
October 2nd.
The James Murdoch
Band's music is a spectacular blend of roots based, rock soaked melodies
with a pop sensibility reminiscent of Crowded House with a twist of The Band -
great vocals, great band, great songs. In Transit, produced by Hawksley
Workman was released in November 2007 and is James' most mature and ambitious
record to date. James has just been nominated for three Western
Canadian Music Awards: best pop album, best video, and best album artwork.
The Edmonton-based singer/songwriter joined Nine to Noon host Lionel Rault
on Friday, September 26th for an interview and live performance.
Originally from the prairies of Canada, Wendy
McNeill's songs retain her love of wide open space and the longing that
such big skies can generate. She is a fan of underdogs, strange cats and brave
hearts; these characters are often the centerpieces of her songs which she creates
using looped vocals, accordion, and guitar. She has been described as an artist
that creates 'deep twisted tales' and 'wise moving music'. Wendy McNeill joined
host Monica Miller on How I Hear It, Friday, September 12th. She performed
live and talked about her newly released CD, A Dreamers Guide to Hardcore Living.
Scottish singer/songwriter Roddy
Hart, whose self-written debut studio album Bookmarks was released
to critical acclaim, joined Nine to Noon host Lionel Rault on Thursday,
July 24th for an interview and live performance.
With more than a decade and a half in the Canadian music scene Ken
Tizzard, through his work with The
Watchmen, Thornley,
and now his solo material, has received numerous Juno nominations, MuchMusic Awards,
six gold and platinum records and has had music licensed to major television shows.
His latest CD, Lost in Awe, has a natural stripped down sound, and was
produced by John Whynot (Bruce Cockburn, Blue Rodeo, Lucinda Williams, Colin James).
Ken Tizzard was Monica Miller’s guest on How I Hear It, Tuesday, July 15th
for an interview and live performance.
Award winning singer-songwriter Fred
Eaglesmith inspires comparisons to icons like Woody Guthrie and Bruce
Springsteen, tops the roots music charts, and boasts devoted fans. Though a decidedly
grassroots artist in the thematic focus of his songs and how he pursues his career,
playing some 180 shows a year across North America as well as Europe and Australia
and releasing his own records under his cheekily-titled "A Major Label" imprint,
Eaglesmith boasts an impact that far better known musical acts can only dream
of. Fred Eaglesmith joined Nine to Noon host Lionel Rault on July 15th
for an interview and live performance.
On the July 5th, 2008 edition of Natch'l Blues, host Holger Petersen
presented an interview he'd recorded with Ry Cooder in his Santa Monica,
California studio. In a wide ranging interview, Holger also played music from
various aspects of Cooder's career, with an emphasis on the new disc I,
Flathead. The feature stretched over the two hours of Natch'l Blues,
and is presented here in two parts.
For further information on Ry Cooder and his
latest recording, click here.
Evalyn Parry on How I Hear It
Songwriter, poet and ironic social commentator Evalyn
Parry is gifted with a sharp pen, a quirky musical sensibility and a wicked
sense of humour. "Equally funny and dangerous" (CBC Radio), "Parry breathes new
life into the folk tradition with her politics, passion and poetry" (Penguin Eggs).
Evalyn’s outspoken, personal and political creations hold out a powerful vision
of social change, while her irreverent wit holds nothing sacred. Her third release,
Small Theatres, is a double CD package (Borealis Records), featuring one
disc devoted entirely to her musical offerings and a second to her performance
poetry.
Evalyn Parry was Monica Miller's guest on How I Hear
It, Thursday, July 3rd for an interview and live performance.
Veteran guitarist, sideman, & session player, Gord
Matthews has been a part of the Alberta music scene since the early ‘80s.
Although busy as a member of Ian Tyson's acoustic trio, Gord has established himself
as a songwriter and solo performer with his first solo recording The Third
Best Thing. Gord’s original music is entertaining, thought provoking and musically
pleasing but with some witty humor thrown in for good measure. Gord Matthews joined
Lionel Rault in conversation on Nine to Noon, Wednesday, June 4th.
Bill
Werthmann’s work in the folk/roots music community has been recognized
and appreciated by many. His delivery is passionate, his words meaningful, and
his voice and his message strong. The Edmonton singer/songwriter joined Lionel
Rault on Nine to Noon, Thursday, May 29th. He performed live and talked
about a fundraising concert for SEEDS,
an organization that works in Ethiopia, supporting children and their families
to bring them out of poverty, breaking the cycle of adversity.
On the Saturday, May 24th edition of Mulligan Stew, Terry David Mulligan
featured a special guest - Blues Brother, Ghostbuster, SNL Alumnus and great Canadian,
Dan Aykroyd.
Dan talked to Terry about all things blues, as well as his Niagara winery.
In an extraordinarily short period of time, Michael
Kaeshammer has become one of the most sought-after jazz pianists in the
world. Still in his mid-20s, the boogie-woogie pianist has released a series of
award winning, critically acclaimed recordings and has developed a large, international
following through his dynamic live performances. A polished performer, the young
pianist’s spin on classic jazz and blues songs never fails to awe.
Michael
Kaeshammer joined host Monica Miller on How I Hear It, Monday, May 12th
for an interview and live performance.
Royal Wood is on his way to establishing himself alongside the
Canadian royalty of artists such as Sexsmith and Wainwright. – EXCLAIM MAGAZINE
Beginning on the piano at the age of four, Royal
Wood became a multi-instrumentalist by his early teens. In fact, any instrument
he could get his hands on was explored and devoured. His school's music program
had a sign-out policy for any instrument smaller than the tympani - and they all
found their way home to his bedroom. Even the drums came home for the summer months.
Last year, A Good Enough Day, Royal’s follow up to 2004’s critically
acclaimed Tall Tales was released. With the new record out to critical
praise in both Canada and Europe, his music in the hands of fans, successful performances
at major festivals and venues all over the world, Royal Wood is an artist whose
time is at hand to be heard. The Toronto-based singer/songwriter joined host Monica
Miller on How I Hear It, Thursday, May 8th for an interview and live performance.
Steve
Earle's brand new album Washington Square Serenade is an unabashed
tribute to the time when Greenwich Village in New York was the fertile soil from
which grew many of the branches of modern music. The award-winning songwriter,
author and political activist is currently on tour to promote the new album and
recently played a couple of shows in Alberta. He joined host Terry David Mulligan
on Mulligan Stew, Saturday, March 15th.
Ben
Sures has all the qualities that make a great performing songwriter. Since
1994 he has been making people smile with his songs and stories. As a performer
he's always improvising, bringing the stories in new and often hilarious directions.
The songs are image driven, taking the listener in directions they don't expect,
and the melodies are strong and simple. Ben Sures was Monica Miller's guest on
How I Hear It, Friday March 14th for an interview and live performance.
With over 15 recordings
between them and multiple awards, sensational acoustic blues duo Rick
Fines and Suzie
Vinnick have released their critically acclaimed album of original material
titled Nothing Halfway. Last year, Fines and Vinnick were the toast of
the Maple Blues Awards
as they picked up three awards at the annual function hosted by the Toronto Blues
Society. Rick Fines joined host Lionel Rault on Nine to Noon, Friday, March
14th to perform live and talk about his concerts in Edmonton and Calgary.
Lara Yule Singh's
sincere, profound music is subtly unconventional. Her meaningful lyrics and quirky
style are delicate, refreshing, avante-folk poetry. She makes music that's "motivated
by the kindness, goodness, and honesty that lives in all of us."
Lara
Yule Singh joined Tony King on Alberta Morning, as part of the "Discovery"
feature, Wednesday, March 12th.
Until she stumbled upon the roots & alt-country sounds emanating from CKUA Radio,
Susan Wheatley's
musical world was fed by the harder side of rock. Since her musical epiphany,
she has soaked up the songs and inspiration of singers like Lucinda Williams,
Tom Russell, Mary Gauthier. Through them, Susan was able to unlock her stories
and set them to music. Her debut disc, Beyond The Dover, addresses a turbulent
time in her life with songs that speak frankly about those experiences. Taken
as a whole, the album proves to be a collection of questions, answers, and observations
on the road to redemption.
Susan joined host David Ward on the Afternoon
Edition for a performance and interview on Friday, March 7th.
Al
Brant writes music that is soulful, reflective and life affirming. It
simply comes from the heart, creating images and drawing feelings from his listeners.
Combined with a voice that has depth and incredible range, this makes for an unforgettable
listening journey.
Al Brant joined Tony King on Alberta Morning, as
part of the "Discovery" feature, Wednesday, March 5th.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Samantha
Schultz is 16 years old and currently attends the Victoria School for
the Visual and Performing Arts. She began singing at the age of 3 and playing
the guitar at 11. Samantha writes her own lyrics and music and has a subject range
far exceeding her young years.
Samantha Schultz and her sister Emily were Tony
King's featured guests on Alberta Morning, Wednesday, February 27th.
To quote from a recent press release: "Securing
the Juno Awards has raised the profile of music, the arts and the city of Calgary.
We want to leverage the excitement generated by the 2008 JUNO Awards to create
a Legacy program that supports music in our community for years to come," says
Terry
Rock, Co-Chair, Calgary Host Committee. The legacy will focus on raising
funds to support music for youth and education, and on providing career support
resources for artists and other music professionals and the Aboriginal music community.
Dr. Terry Rock (who also is also President and CEO of Calgary Arts Development)
told David Ward more about Music Lives Here during his visit to the Afternoon
Edition, Wednesday, February 27th.
Harry
Manx has been called an essential link between the music of East and West,
creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth
of classical Indian ragas. He has created a unique sound that is hard to forget
and deliciously addictive to listen to. Blending Indian folk melodies with blues,
a sprinkle of gospel, and compelling grooves, Manx's "mysticssippi" flavour is
hard to resist, easy to digest and keeps audiences coming back for more.
Harry
Manx joined host Lionel Rault on Nine to Noon, Friday, February 22nd for
an interview and live performance. The Juno nominee's new CD, Harry Manx and
Friends Live at the Glen Gould Studio, will be released in early March.
Paul Cresey,
an 18-year old singer/songwriter from Edmonton, explores different genres of music
"from folk to rock, romance to reggae, gospel to blues and grunge to jazz
with a little Celtic thrown in the mix."
Paul Cresey joined host Tony
King in music and conversation on the Wednesday, February 20th edition of Alberta
Morning. The interview was part of the "Discovery" feature when,
every Wednesday, Tony profiles a fresh young artist, new to his ears, who might
just become a new favourite.
Although only 17 years old and having played guitar for just 5 years, Joe
Nolan demonstrates an incredibly inspired potential for songwriting and
performance. An impressive combination of technical guitar skill and a uniquely
thoughtful perspective on topics of import, Joe says that his songs "usually involve
some form of injustice, something wrong that hasn't been righted. I try to write
about what's going on or what's happening around me, something people can relate
to."
Joe Nolan joined host Tony King in music and conversation on the Wednesday,
February 6th edition of Alberta Morning. The interview was part of the
"Discovery" feature when, every Wednesday, Tony profiles a fresh young
artist, new to his ears, who might just become a new favourite.
Luke Doucet
has developed a distinct musical style that effectively transfuses the rootsy
styles of the past with emotional stresses of the modern urban lifestyle. Throughout
his most accomplished work to date, Broken (and other rogue states), he
masterfully effects wonder in the familiar and familiarizes the foreign. Luke
Doucet and his wife, singer/songwriter Melissa
McClelland, joined guest host Peter North on How I Hear It, Friday,
January 4th for an interview and live performance.
