MUSIC PREVIEW: Bedouin Soundclash reformed, renewed, returning to Edmonton
Next Tuesday the venerable Starlite Room hosts the almighty Bedouin Soundclash.
This reggae-ska-pop band out of Kingston, Ontario, recently returned from a nine-year hiatus with a monstrous creation of an album, 2019’s Mass. It’s the fifth album in their catalog, and the return was anything but assured, with lead singer Jay Malinowski writing a novel and releasing two solo albums during the band’s time off, whilst bassist Eon Sinclair DJ-ed and did session work.
As 2017 came around, though, Malinowski found himself writing the infectiously catchy track Clock Work, instantly realizing upon its completion that it was a Bedouin track, and sent it off to Sinclair. The rest, as they say, is history. With any luck, Bedouin Soundclash will be around for another decade before they even consider going their separate ways again.
Odario opens. Show at 8 pm, advance tickets $20, BUY.
Thursday 6
Dan Bern – This singer-songwriter from Iowa – a state that’s been in the news plenty already this week – is touring to support his 2019 release Regent Street. Sometimes folk, sometimes Americana, with a significant blues subtext everywhere, Bern has an album catalog approaching a couple dozen, dating back to his first EP in 1996. Ever the wide-reaching artist, he’s also released a couple of novels under the pen name “Cunliffe Merriwether” Station On Jasper, 7 pm, $20. BUY
Friday 7
The Bros. Landreth – Winnipeg brothers Joey and David are touring to support their 2019 release ’87, an 11-track effort which once again proved their immense prowess at writing extraordinary songs of the alt-folk bent, with just a hint of country showing in the overall feel. The pair usually share vocal duties, with Joey playing guitar and David playing bass, and are then joined by others on tour and in the studio. Arden Theatre, St. Albert, $46 and up (only single seats remain). BUY
Theory of a Deadman – Best known for their chart-topping tracks No Surprise, Bad Girlfriend, and Lowlife, this quartet out of Delta, B.C., has a Juno on their mantle for New Group Of the Year (2003), and a whole host of nominations since. Their latest album, Say Nothing, was released less than a week ago. Its first single, History Of Violence, hit No. 2 on the US Mainstream Rock chart. Winspear Centre, 8 pm, SOLD OUT.
Saturday 8
Laila Biali – This Vancouver-born jazz artist also a Juno winner, with her 2018 self-titled album awarded Vocal Jazz Album Of the Year. She’s released seven albums of her own over the years, and has also worked as a pianist and vocalist for a number of celebrated artists, including Suzanne Vega and Sting. Festival Place, Sherwood Park, 7:30 pm, $31 and up. BUY
The Confusionaires – This Edmonton rock-rockabilly trio are releasing their sophomore album From the Headache To the Heartache this weekend. The band always delivers a heart-stomping high-energy live show that’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Opening for the Confusionaires on this eve are The Ramblin’ Ambassadors, an instrumental de facto supergroup out of Calgary featuring the members of Chixdiggit, Huevos Rancheros. Aviary, 8 pm, BUY
