Saturday 27 August 2011

REVIEW: Paul Gellman's Seeking and Soul at the Roxy August 15/11




Every once in a while I have the privilege of keeping my technical chops in form by doing sound at the Roxy here on Gabriola. There are usually great shows to be seen there, and Paul Gellman's output on August 15 was no exception. I had only previously seen Paul at acoustic jams playing guitar and I was also familiar with his early musical adventures with the Perth County Conspiracy. I found his music at the jams to be quite pleasant listening. But this night's performance transported me completely to a different time and place...Paul's piano was reminiscent of great R&B and gospel rolling piano licks, his rockin' band was perfect for the soulful musical approach. The rhythm section, consisting of Paul's son Josh Gellman on very funky bass and drummer Luke Nixon, kept things hopping, while Brad Shipley provided some exciting breaks on guitar and mandolin. A great addition to the band was the backup vocalizing of Tami Blazer whose work was a musician's joy to hear. She watched Paul for key phrasing and matched his emotional vibrations with each song, which gave great power to the music, as great vocal blends always do. The very enthusiastic audience danced and sang along with Paul and were obviously familiar with songs like "Volcano" and "Medicine Wheel."

For more information on Paul Gellman visit www.paulgellman.com

Tim Harrison

Saturday 13 August 2011

Nathan Tinkham and Marisha Devoin At The Roxy Aug 17


Nathan Tinkham, veteran guitarist with the likes of Ian Tyson, Quartette, Cindy Church, and a host of other bright Canadian musical lights, brings his prodigious talents to the Roxy this Wednesday, August 17th, in combination with talented young bassist Marisha Devoin. The two have just finished a run as part of the band in A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline in Vancouver. At the Roxy they are doing a show together of originals, jazz standards and some country and R&B. We are blessed indeed to have them land at the Roxy this Wednesday, August 17. Get your tickets (Artworks) as soon as you can for this one!

TH

Thursday 11 August 2011

Heather Blush and the Uppercuts - The Roxy, August 11

Tonight at the Roxy the audience was treated to the sounds of Heather Blush and the Uppercuts.  Heather's sultry, nightclub-influenced ballads were a sheer delight and a perfect foil for Gabriolan work-a-day ennui.  With a sensual and vibrant delivery,  the night was filled with original songs sprinkled with the occasional familiar cover from the fifties era.  It would not be fair to say Ms. Blush's songs are written imitating the nightclub genre, because, in fact, they seem to live in that genre and sound one-hundred percent authentic.  Heather provides solid rhythm guitar and even stretches out to do lead solos though accompanied only by a single sideman, drummer Steve Hazlett.  Steve adds tasteful rhythmic accompaniment and backup vocals to Heather's rich musical presence.  

More about Heather Blush at:
http://sonicbids.com/heatherblushandtheuppercuts

Check out Now On Gabriola for Heather Blush and the Uppercut's next appearance on Gabriola.  http://www.nowongabriola.com

Tim Harrison

Sunday 7 August 2011

The Doghouse Blues Revue at the Skol Pub, Saturday, August 6

 Last night at the Skol the joint was jumpin' to the sounds of one of Gabriola's newer bands, The Doghouse Blues Revue.  The Revue features Chris Jans on Little-Walter-style amped harmonica, veteran guitarist and songwriter John Gresham on multiple guitars (one at a time <s>), and a solid rhythm section in David Botten on drums and Kelly Field on bass.  The band is tackling some of the great blues classics and stretching out to Ray Charles gospel/blues combination with great aplomb and success.  But they are also very much at home performing some of Gresham's originals which they do with a Grateful-Deadish kind of feel.  The capacity audience was wildly appreciative with thunderous applause following a spooky version of Greg Allman's Whipping Post, which was a great vehicle for Jans' considerable vocal abilities.

Check out the Doghouse Blues Revue's next gig by keeping your eye on www.nowongabriola.com


To book the Doghouse Blues Revue email Kelly at kelly@mini-moose.com
or call 250-247-7103.
TH

Why Now On Gabriola?

Hello Folks,

Stevie B. at the Roxy (Gabriola's coolest performance venue) asked me to write 100 words to clarify what Now On Gabriola was about so he could print it in his "Roxy Raves"…it turned out to be more like 250 words, but I thought when I was finished it might be worth sharing….

Now On Gabriola Dot Com started from one of those “wouldn’t it be great IF” conversations and developed from there…wouldn’t it be great if there was one spot where people could go to find out who is performing and when; wouldn’t it be great if there was one spot where you could find the island’s dining choices; wouldn’t it be great if when people were looking for performers they could find a directory of those who wish to be out there performing; wouldn’t it be great if presenters of shows had a place they could check a date to ensure they wouldn’t be in conflict with anyone before booking that date; wouldn’t it be great if musicians, presenters and restaurants had a centralized location for getting their information out there….wouldn’t it be great!

As an artist I am constantly reminded of the importance of public awareness and participation in the arts. Easy access to information concerning events staged by performing artists helps to preserve our culture and assists individuals to have a meaningful experience within the community. Also, as an artist and a festival organizer, I have been blessed in having had some very rich experiences, and I have been taught some very valuable lessons. I once shared a workshop stage with Lyle Lovett at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. I asked him after our workshop how it happened that Texas songwriters became so popular. He responded that the scene in Austin became strong for the following reasons: The presenters would have performers back constantly; with this work the artists had the opportunity to grow and develop their art; and finally the audiences would support the artists and venues by coming out to support what was becoming superb music. This combination made the scene so strong it became intriguing and attractive to outsiders, and therefore became exportable. 

I hope that Now On Gabriola can contribute in a small way to the cohesiveness and strength of the amazing performing arts, culinary arts, and creative community here on Gabriola.


TIm Harrison