Sweden’s latest folk singer/songwriter Kristian Matsson from Tallest Man on Earth comes to Toronto this Saturday. Matsson has an immediately stark resemblance folk rasp of Bob Dylan but with intricate acoustic finger stylings that balance this scruffy voice. Although his lyrics don’t match up to the D-man, he brings it all to life on stage. With the show already sold out at the El mocombo, and a 8.3/10 Pitchfork rating on his “Shallow Grave” release, he’s doing something right.
Tallest Man on Earth w/Nurses
04.17.10
El Mocombo
SOLD OUT
Ever since coming across Reid Jamieson about 5 years ago, floored from his acoustic EP “Noise in my Chest,” I’ve been meaning to see him live. Ever since he moved to Vancouver, it has been tougher and tougher to catch him. I was lucky enough to hear about his return to Toronto last Wednesday.
Walking into the Rivoli, I was taken aback by the revamp of it’s typically drab (yet intimate) backspace. The space was transformed into a classic 1940s-inspired jazz bar, complete with tables w/white table cloths and candle lights. Not bad for a quick turnaround; enough so you didn’t care much about the plastic patio chairs and sticky floors from the previous weekend’s shenanigans.
Guelph folk darling Jessie Bell Smith kicked off the night with a solo set of gutteral roosty songs about old age homes, dead mice and drunken jagermeister. Bell has a commanding raspy twang with the potential of great dames Etta James, Janis and Emma Lou Harris,powerful enough to fill the room without a mic. I wished she opened our eyes more as she was belted out those raw alto notes to strengthen her already powerful connection to the audience during her set. She has a ton of potential – look out for her as she grows and returns backed by full band.
Coming straight off the heels of a successful tour with CBC’s Vinyl Cafewith Stewart McLean, Reid Jamieson came onto the stage to a warm and comforting crowd of close friends and family, including a few folks the Skydiggers. His elation and emotion came through very strongly, as if he was putting on a special show in his own living room. Jamieson was very professional and polite in his demenour, playing songs from his albums The Unavoidable Truth, The Presley Sessions, and his new EP, Courting Juniper, coming out this month.
Jessie Bell Smith came onstage to sing Paperback Fantasy, one the highlights of the night. Unfortunately he did not play any of his evocative and intimately private songs from his Noise in My Chest release, but it had been over 5 years since its release.
Although he started polite and professional off the gates, Jamieson loosened up to become his alter-elvis ego for his set of Elvis songs, and closing with a fun cover of Natural Woman. Looking forward to hearing his next album of (presumably) knee-shaking heartbreak tunes and sweet love songs – something for which I can never seem to get enough.
The incredible winning duo of Frames frontman Glen Hansard and Czech ingénue Marketa Irglova are returning for North American Tour. I was lucky enough to see them last year at Massey Hall, blown away by their connection and raw emotion that only Massey Hall could contain and amplify. They are returning to Massey Hall on November 3rd 8pm, so don’t miss out.
Presale tickets are avaiable TODAY only through their website (see below for details), offering great floor seats for fans. Public onsale begins Friday Sept 11.
Swell Season are adding the finishing touches on ‘StrictJoy,’ for Oct 27 release in North America), the follow-up to their beloved, surprise hit and oscar winning song from ‘Once’
‘Strict Joy,’ which borrows its name from a work by Irish poet James Stephens, was co-produced by Hansard and Peter Katis (The National, Interpol), and recorded mostly at Katis’ Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, CT. In addition to Hansard and Irglova, the album features Frames members Colm Mac Iomaire (violin), Joe Doyle (bass), Rob Bochnik (guitar), Graham Hopkins (percussion) plus guitarist Javier Mas (Leonard Cohen), pianist Thomas Bartlett (Doveman), percussionist Chad Taylor (Chicago Underground Duo), horn players Steven Bernstein and Clark Gayton from Levon Helm’s band, and others.
‘STRICT JOY’ TRACK LISTING
1. Low Rising
2. Feeling the Pull
3. In These Arms
4. The Rain
5. Fantasy Man
6. Paper Cup
7. High Horses
8. The Verb
9. I Have Loved You Wrong
10. Love That Conquers
11. Two Tongues
12. Back Broke
Toronto Show Details:
Swell Season feat. Glen Hasard and Ingénue Marketa Massey Hall
Tuesday, November 3
Doors at 7:15pm
Presale tickets HERE
Public Onsale beginning Sept 11 through Ticketmaster
With North By North East Music festival fast approaching, tons of artists will be rummaging through the big smoke in the beginning of June. One such artist by the name of Dan Mangan, a Vancouver BC singer/songwriter has swept likes of CBC Radio 3 ala Podcast Host Grant Lawrence and his listeners with his all encompassing folk vocals that has stopped even the most rowdy and rambunctious crowds. The track, Unnatural Progression , stopped me in my tracks. His deep rooted, personal vocals and soft guitar backdrop will warm any evening – despite how sad and pensive they may be.
As part of his cross Canada tour, he’ll be playing a couple venues in June.
June 13 June 12 – Toronto – The Rivoli - "TMB Lawyers" Showcase for North-By-North-East (Time TBC)
June 14 – Toronto – The Savannah Room - North-By-North-East @10 PM. Savanaah room is a bit of a hole but will give a truely intimate vibe; guaranteed he’ll blow you away.
Dan Mangan – "A Passport Approved" Live on Indie 103.1
