Ottawa’s music scene sees three new albums debut
Veteran musicians recorded music that will touch your soul
There’s been a steady stream of new recordings from Ottawa-area acts this year. Here are snapshots of three that have just been released:
WICKED GRIN
Who are they: Singer-songwriterguitarist Murray Kinsley and bassist Leigh-Anne Stanton with Liam Melville on drums, Rod Williams on harmonica and Andy Gorham on keys.
Why you should care: This is the band that won the Ottawa Blues Society’s Road to Memphis best-band competition last fall. They will be representing Ottawa in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN next month.
What they sound like: Dark, bluesy ruminations on love and loss featuring the weathered vocals and nasty guitar of Kinsley, who must have sold his soul to achieve such depths of sonic wickedness.
Latest recording: Shame On Me. The second CD from the veteran musicians showcases a reconfigured lineup. Since their last record, the band has been energized by the addition of a twentysomething drummer (Melville) and talented harpist (Williams). Nine of the eleven tracks are originals.
Where to see them: CD launch, 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank St. Cover charge: $8.
THE KINGMAKERS
Who are they: Singer Clark Lawlor, guitarist John Cormier, bassist Standup Steve Donnelly, with Anastasios “Ernie Legend” Basiliadis on drums.
Why you should care: The band will transport you back to simpler times when the music that mattered most was crisp, punchy and designed to make you move.
What they sound like: The tunes range from rockabilly to swing, with jump-jive, blues, country and Motown stirred into a mix that’s guaranteed to fill the dance floor.
Latest recording: Chicago HiStyle. The Kingmakers have recorded past albums in legendary studios in Memphis and Nashville, but this time, the dream was to record in Chicago. They set up camp in the Hi-Style studio, where one of their musical heroes, J.D. McPherson, recorded his breakthrough album.
Where to see them: CD launch, 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank St. Cover charge: $10, or $15 with a CD.
CRAIG CARDIFF
Who is he: An independent singersongwriter in his 30s who lives in the Arnprior area and travels extensively, performing anywhere people want to see him. That can include the usual clubs and festivals, but also nontraditional venues such as churches, prisons, basements, kitchens and living rooms.
Why you should care: After more than a dozen independent releases, Cardiff’s last album, the gorgeous Floods & Fires, was nominated for a Juno Award and a Canadian Folk Music Award, proving that it’s possible to establish an atmosphere of intimacy amid a lush musical backdrop.
What he sounds like: His folky melodies and soft vocals are as warm and soothing as a cup of hot chocolate. Like Paul Simon, Van Morrison and John Mayer, he finds a balance between heartache and joy.
Latest recording: Love is Louder (Than All This Noise). Cardiff follows up his Juno-nominated record with an even more ambitious release. Love Is Louder is a double album, consisting of an acoustic set and a full-band outing.
Where to see him: Two shows, 4 and 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield, Quebec. He also plays on Dec. 20 at the Neat Cafe, Burnstown, ON.