MUSIC PREVIEW: A tisket, a tasket, a Plaskett Family Affair
You’re likely very familiar with Joel Plaskett – multiple Juno winner, multiple Polaris nominee. He’s released seven solo albums since 1999, as well as six albums as the frontman of Canadian indie-rock staple Emergency, and five with Thrush Hermit. By all markers, Plaskett is undoubtedly an indie folk-rock luminary. What you’re probably not as familiar with is that he just recorded and released an album with his dad, Bill, one of the biggest influences on him, his life, and his music. And now they’re touring to support the album, Solidarity. Father and son play the Myer Horowitz Theatre on Thursday night.
The duo both wrote and performed all the songs on the album, from the opener Dragonfly, about a paranormal experience that Joel had, to the closing track, about dad leaving his home in England. With Joel’s extraordinary musical and songwriting talent, and the immense likelihood that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, you can expect chemistry and emotional connection far beyond that seen by most mortals, making this an evening to remember.
Mayhemingways, who released their newest album Skip Land earlier this year, are also on the bill. Tickets to the 7pm show are $30, BUY.
Thursday 6
Katie and the Wildfire – This local alt-folk (with a tinge of neo soul) band will be releasing their new album Ringing this week, and are ringing it in with style. Sam the Living and Peddlestones are also on the bill. Buckingham, 8 pm.
Friday 7
Sparrow Blue – The second of three notable release parties this weekend, this St. Albert hard rock band is celebrating their debut album, an eight-track eponymous effort. Some of their primary influences include Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin, so expect a classic feel to the album and the show, but with significant modern flair. Former Tupelo Honey guitarist Brad Simons, now owner of Velveteen Audio, recorded the album. Dextress and Open Air also perform. Station on Jasper, 7 pm, $10. BUY
Counterfeit Jeans – This local lo-fi-noise pop outfit, formed back in 2014, released their debut album in 2016, and are set to release their follow-up some time in 2019. In the meantime, they’re Sonic’s designated local spotlight band, and are playing a gig to celebrate. Rec Room (WEM), 9 pm, free admission.
Saturday 8
Craig Cardiff – This songwriter extraordinaire, who hails from Waterloo, released a tribute album earlier this year, titled Upstream Fishing All the Words, He Is: Birthday Cards for Bob Dylan. His first tribute album, it contains five Dylan covers, each specifically selected for its significant influence on Cardiff’s music and style. So expect at least a couple tracks from that effort, but let’s face it, Cardiff has almost 20 releases to his credit, including a number of live albums, so it’s really hard to say exactly what the set list will be. One thing’s for sure – his talent, his raw energy, and his incredible musicianship will have you talking about this gig for a good long while. Station on Jasper, 7 pm, $20. BUY
Striker – This Edmonton heavy metal act is hosting a release party to celebrate their sixth full-length, Play To Win. The scene veterans have struck a chord with local and international fans, and are known for their heady blend of traditional heavy metal, hard rock, and ‘80s hair metal. Bogue Brigade, Solborn, and Traveler open. Starlite Room, 8 pm, $15+. BUY
