Originally Published: 2009-01-25

DARIUS RUCKER: Hootie at The Horseshoe! That was the case recently when Rucker, the leader of the once very popular American rockers HOOTIE AND THE BLOWFISH, played an industry showcase there to promote his new solo album. Turns out this was the venue for his band's first ever Canadian gig, in front of just 40 people (before their album Cracked Rear View became a huge multi-million seller). Rucker has moved into a country direction as a solo artist. His unplugged set mixed Hootie favorites and new tunes, and displayed his warm and full-blooded voice well, as on an a capella tune about turning 40. Hey, there is now a black President, so why not a new black country star! Industry types at the gig talked about what a genuinely nice guy Rucker is (he even generously tipped the bartender), and OTB wishes him well. Opening with a three song set was a new country duo, ONE MORE GIRL. The two young sisters who hail from Western Canada will release a debut album on EMI Canada in the spring.
BRENDA CAROL RENAISSANCE FAIR: Now in its third year, this three-night jazz fair will warm the hearts of local music lovers. It is hosted by the Renaissance Cafe (1938 Danforth Ave.), with the music beginning at 8 p.m. Up-and-coming young jazz artists featured will include guitarists NATHAN HILTZ, TOM IONESCU and SAM DICKINSON, bassist ROSS MACINTYRE, saxman ROB CHRISTIAN, trumpeter NICOLE RAMPERSAUD, singers JANICE HAWKE, SHANNON BUTCHER, TYANNA NIKITA, and the superb singer/songwriter/guitarist KATE SCHUTT, and more. The series is presented by noted jazz artist Brenda Carol and Long & McQuade’s JON LONG. For more information, go to www.bcrjf.com.
BRUCE PENINSULA: This Toronto band is being tipped for big things in 2009, with the imminent release of their first full-length album, A Mountain Is A Mouth. Their sound is described as a marriage of ghostly choral music and a frenetic kind of progressive rock and their riveting live shows often feature three drummers and a five-girl choir! The disc is produced by band member LEON TAHENY, a super-talented cat who drums in SEBASTIEN GRAINGER & THE MOUNTAINS and leads his own group, GERMANS. See what the fuss is about when they play The Horseshoe on Jan. 31 and at their Feb. 20 CD release party/show at The Polish Combatants Hall.

Page 1/...Page 2

Printable Version Email to a Friend Share

Voice Your Opinion Letter to the Editor