FOLK FILLS THE FALL AIR
Fans of the genre can take in a variety of shows around town
At the time of writing this, it looks like we are getting a real autumn for once — so I’ll consider that a bonus and embrace all the lovely fall colours as I write about mostly folk music groups this week. It wasn’t planned initially, but it somehow feels appropriate with all of this nice nature around us. Once the winter settles in, things will be less cheerful, so let’s all enjoy this while it lasts.
THE MATT REMENDA ENSEMBLE When: Saturday, Oct. 20
Where: Amigos Cantina
What: The Matt Remenda Ensemble took a bit of a hiatus for a few years in Saskatoon, but now the local group — with some new local faces in the band — are making a return to the music scene with an album release show at Amigos. The ensemble has, in the past at least, had a cool and somewhat gritty acoustic sound for their roots/folk style. It’s not overcomplicated stuff — there’s not a wall of sound hitting you in the face — but it’s fantastic to listen to. It’s more like a cool wave of fun jams gently reaching your ears. It’ll be interesting to see how the new group sounds, but it should be a great night of music.
GUNNER & SMITH
When: Friday, Oct. 19
Where: Black Cat Tavern
What: A lot of really great Saskatchewan-grown folk music is on tap this week. Although I feel a little bad looking at my list this week and realizing everyone has kind of that folk sound, I stand by my choices with gusto. Gunner & Smith is more on the rock and country edge of folk-rock in a lot of their music, and their sound is a lot more hard-hitting than most folk groups. Even the themes of their songs fill that tougher and more powerful niche, with evocative lyrics and a heavy beat underscoring their music. There’s some really, genuinely haunting music on their newest full-length album Byzantium. Gunner & Smith has toured through festivals in Canada and the United States, and it’s always nice to have that kind of talent on a hometown stage. THE ONCE
When: Wednesday, Oct. 24 Where: The Bassment
What: Due to personal music tastes, I feel there is some obligation to put it in writing whenever a truly excellent acoustic folk group rolls through Saskatoon. Last week, it was the Fortunate Ones, this week it’s The Once (and they have kind of similar names, don’t they?). The Once does a magnificent job of rich vocal harmonies that gives their small ensemble a much fuller sound than one might expect. But even when those harmonies aren’t taking centre stage, it’s the silky-smooth vocals of lead singer Geraldine Hollett and the magnificent precision of Phil Churchill and Andrew Dale on a variety of instruments that elevate this band to being more than “just” a three-person folk ensemble.