MUSIC PREVIEW: Paul Brandt shares his Journey
When word came that Paul Brandt was going to play the local hockey arena as part of his “Journey” tour, we thought, man, these country guys will cover anybody!
But no, the Calgary country star will not be doing Journey songs at Rogers Place on Saturday night – wouldn’t that have been something? The tour is actually named for his pair of EPs released last year, The Journey YYC Part 1, and The Journey BNA Part 2. YYC is the airport code for Calgary, Brandt’s home town; BNA is Nashville, where he lived and worked for a while, and bounced back and forth – so that sums of the whole “journey” thing.
Short history of the Nicest Man in Canadian Country Music: Humble beginnings, worked as a pediatric nurse in Calgary before getting his big break with My Heart Has a History in 1996. It was a huge hit across North America, eventually prompting a move to BNA, where Brandt honed his hot country sound, and in turn brought it back to Calgary. He’s got that typical male country vocal “bass scoop” that drives women wild. And while the love affair with America did not continue, in 2001 Brandt came out with Canadian Man. It was a huge hit – in Canada.
This will be the first time Brandt has played the Edmonton hockey arena in quite some time. He brings with him a solid contingent of support acts, including High Valley – a rural Alberta bluegrass vocal group gone hot – along with the rising star Jess Moskaluke and the Hunter Brothers.
Advance tickets to the show, at 7 pm, start at $54.
Wednesday 30
The Trews – This Tragically Hip-like Nova Scotia band named for trousers has been working very hard since its breakthrough hit Not Ready To Go made such an impact in 2004. Aside from having four different drummers since then, the core of the Trews’ remains pure: the MacDonald brothers, Colin and John-Angus, lead vocals and guitars respectively, with Jack Syperek on bass. They’re touring on their 2018 album Civilianaires, and play the Starlite Room Wednesday and Thursday. Altameda will open both nights. 8 pm, advance tickets $32.50.
Thursday 31
Arkells – Pretty much the dominating force in Canadian alternative rock in the second decade of the 2000s – do we call it the ‘10s? – this Hamilton band is now thoroughly mainstream, with the 2017 megahit Knocking at the Door, and a tour that takes the band to Rogers Place with all the expected bells, horns and whistles. Opening the show will be a treat with festival fave Lord Huron. 7:30 pm, advance from $47
Friday 1
Birds Bear Arms – They call these guys “math rock” for their use of unconventional melodies and rhythms in a noisy punk rock setting – so not slick enough for “prog,” eh? Latest recording is an EP called Art Vandalize. Did anyone get the Seinfeld reference? Also on the bill at the Sewing Machine Factory are Strangers to Fiction, Psychedelic Meth Gack, and a band called We Clap When Airplanes Land. 9 pm, $10 at the door
Dead Fibres/Borrachera – Here’s a cool gig off both the radar and the beaten path featuring two exciting Edmonton rock bands with new music. Dead Fibres could best be described as a power trio with strange guitars, while Borrachera is a power duo pure and simple. Both are on the cutting edge in terms of creativity, and under the record label – and keen ear – of Craig Martell from Double Lunch Records. This night at the Strathcona Orange Hall (literally the oldest structure in Old Strathcona, built in 1903) will host a split “cassingle” release (assuming it’s a cassette single). Warming up the show are three bands: Counterfeit Jeans, Highbernation, and Morals. 8 pm, admission is a $10 donation to Boyle Street Community Services.
READ: Cassette Comeback – Are You Kidding?
Saturday 2
Kristen McArthur – Sure is a lot of country in the air lately. This gusty local country-rocker will be releasing her slick debut CD with a show at the Aviary. Also on the bill is Tammy Lamouche. 8 pm, $10 advance
Jaguar Wright – You’ve heard of Black History Month? We’re in it! But this Philadelphia soul singer is coming to the Station on Jasper to celebrate Black HerSTORY Month. Wright is perhaps best known for her work with The Roots, and with Jay-Z, and has released two albums of her own. 8 pm, advance tickets $10
Monday 4
Corrosion of Conformity – There’s lots of kinds of metal: And these guys fall firmly into the “blues ‘n’ groove” side of the genre. Not as strange as it sounds, in fact somewhat more soulful than your usual deth stuff, this North Carolina band has been going at it hard since 1982. Their latest album is No Cross No Crown. With Crowbar, Weedeater and Mothership. Starlite Room, 6:30 pm, advance $35
