One thing has been proven time and again over the last 20 years: White Cowbell Oklahoma knows how to bring the party. And while the band may have toned it down some over the years, that doesn’t mean that their stage show isn’t still the craziest in Canada. And yes, there is indeed a cowbell, and a lot more besides.

White Cowbell Oklahoma (WCO) did not disappoint Ottawans on February 8 at Maverick’s, bringing their hard party and creative entertainment tactics to an audience that knew exactly what they were in for. At times flanked by two scantily clad burlesque dancers, and at others releasing flames into the air, the band’s Friday night spectacle was exactly what fans of WCO have come to expect and came out to experience.

This Southern-fried rock band which rocked the Maverick’s stage is a far cry from its debut in June of 1999 at Club 360 (a now-defunct venue just steps away from the legendary Horseshoe Tavern) in their home city of Toronto, having been whittled down from a staggering 13-17 members to a now comfortable five- (occasionally up to seven-) piece. Members present for the show at Maverick’s included Clem C. Clemsen (vocals, guitar), South Pawl Jones (bass, vocals), Curtis E. Flush (guitar), Betty Bullwhip (drums) and Charlie Chainsaw (power tools, percussion).

Gone is the once-giant melee of members sharing the stage with countless dancers, replaced with a streamlined stage lineup, resulting in a much tighter and controlled chaos. This is in stark contrast to the sheer madness of earlier years, when nothing was too excessive, too outrageous, or too scandalous. The fact that this new version is this good just goes to prove the old adage that sometimes, less truly is more.

Charlie Chainsaw served as master of ceremonies, regaling the audience with wooly tales of travelling through the American south. He acted almost as the personification of the band itself: drawling, reckless, and hard partying. Charlie led the audience’s march into a night of no consequences, a sort of bacchanalian revelry. Did we mention there was a chainsaw involved?

During one of the songs, while Charlie Chainsaw played the cowbell, he turned to pick up another item that at the time was hard to make out but soon became abundantly clear. Moments later, sparks begin flying upward toward the ceiling before raining onto the band in a wholly fantastic display of light, as Charlie took an angle grinder to his trusty cowbell. Soon after, he hopped down off stage into the audience with what turned out to be a flamethrower, spitting flames in time with the song with a healthy dose of actual heat. The showmanship of this band is radically unmatched.

Closer to the end of the show, Charlie briefly exited the stage. Moments later, as the smell of gasoline filling the air and after a brief struggle in getting it started, a fully operating chainsaw materialized in his hands in conjunction with a triumphant swagger.

Two volunteers then emerged from backstage, holding a 10-foot wooden pole with two industrial-sized rolls of toilet paper strategically placed in the middle. Charlie, demonstrating his confident, steady hands with the chainsaw that only comes with years of practice, takes it to the toilet paper, unleashing a constant flood of white streamers onto the audience. It’s a carnival of chaos, with the crowd meeting the insane energy flowing forth from the stage, as members of the audience gather up the giant mound of freshly shredded toilet paper, and throw it over their shoulders like a cape.

Besides the antics that the band gets up to on stage, this well seasoned ensemble is clearly adept at writing, performing the rock genre, adding a healthy dose of blues and country. Songs like “Cheerleader” and the latest single “Into the Sun” (video found here), as well as the old fan favourite “Put the South In Your Mouth” showcased the entire band’s technical skill and onstage dynamic. In this live show, WCO brought lots of vocal harmonies, an unrelenting rhythm section, and solo trading, giving each member room to display their virtuosity. Though the band has had many musicians come and go over the years, this particular lineup is as solid as they come.

Anyone who attends a White Cowbell Oklahoma concert will be blown away not only by the theatrical feats in their live show, but also by the band’s skillful embodiment of deep fried rock: their musicality is off the charts. WCO tours throughout the year, so keep tabs on when they’ll be coming to bless a “holy temple of rock and roll” near you on their website. Find them, follow them, and be sure not to miss another live show.

www.facebook.com/WhiteCowbellOklahoma
www.instagram.com/whitecowbell
www.twitter.com/whitecowbell
www.whitecowbell.com

The post Show Review: White Cowbell Oklahoma @ Mavericks — Feb 8/19 appeared first on Bytown Sound.

If you’re looking to see this splendor for yourself – and I suggest that you do – you’ll have that opportunity on Saturday, Dec. 8, when Jumpin’ Joel Flash and the Magic Machine will be releasing their new EP at Makerspace North (250 City Centre Ave – # 216) at 7 pm. To celebrate the occasion, they’re hosting their very own prom, so wax nostalgic and enter your very own John Hughes movie for this shindig! Wear your fanciest dress, your danciest dancing shoes, and make the most of this super special night. According to Joel, this will TRULY be an event, with a festival atmosphere, multiple stages, a photo booth, vendor tables, video projection, installation art, and even a Prom Royalty contest. If that wasn’t enough, the release show will also feature guests Scary Bear Soundtrack, Capital Tease Burlesque, and The Ghost Lights.

You can get acquainted with the band’s music during the lead up to their prom-themed album release show. Since October 1, Jumpin’ Joel and the Magic Machine have been releasing one single from the album every two weeks. The two singles, “Eleanor” and “You Still Got Me,” are  available to stream and purchase right now. Expect the next release to be out this Monday, October 29.

“I want folks to enjoy the tracks and take them in on their own, then see how well all the songs get along when they’re all together!” said Joel. “Like a great bunch of friends at a party!”

To learn more, we were privileged to speak with Jumpin’ Joel Flash about this upcoming album release, the band, and his journey to the Magic Machine.

Though he had been playing music since high school, the allure of a steady paycheck beckoned him to the cubicle, and as such, Flash spent years in Ottawa’s major industry – government-related work.

“I worked for an economic think-tank for a decade. It was just as boring as it sounds. I mean, informative, sure, but boring.” Joel said, “Rocking on the weekends certainly helped break that up. Cubes and spreadsheets to ensure as much time as possible for tunes.”

However, all that changed once Brett Kelly invited him to write the score for the theatrical Phantom of the Opry.

“The rigorous schedule for theatre production means you’re surrounded by creatives 3 or 4 times a week. It had a profoundly positive effect on me. After many smiles and unending support from my wife Kim, I decided to quit my job to focus on the music. That was in March of 2017.”

Since then, Joel says he’s been thinking far less about economics and more about art.

“Corporate Joel still hangs around sometimes though. He makes sure meetings start on time and are run efficiently.“

Now serving as the band’s fearless leader, Jumpin’ Joel Flash describes the Magic Machine as, “a potpourri of creative minds, lovingly plucked from Ottawa’s music, theatre, and visual art scenes!” Members including Robin Hodge and Zoe Towne (otherwise known as The Ghost Lights), and Jasen Colson joined up after working with Joel at productions like My Fair Zombie (2016) (“which was exactly what it sounds like,” Joel says) and Phantom of the Opry (2017). And Ashley Newall was scooped up by Joel after he saw him perform at a fateful open mic at Live! On Elgin. And serving as visual artist and ukelelist is Joel’s wife, Kim Valentine. This varied group of talent and artistic experiences make this a truly magical musical machine.

Together, they’ve created the first album for Jumpin’ Joel Flash and the Magic Machine, though the core of these songs have been percolating for a long time in Joel’s head. “I wrote most of these songs during my work-filled 20s, on the bus, in my office, on the bus again. I’ve always found it easier to get lost in creativity with the background noise of travel.”

Would these songs sound good when made manifest in the world? The answer, as we see for ourselves, is a resounding yes!

“The biggest trick was finding a bunch of people who could translate those head sounds into actual sounds. And translate we did!” Joel said. “We jammed them over and over and over and over again until we had lines and riffs and beats and everything! Wow!“

Jumpin’ Joel Flash is equally passionate about and active in the local music scene, as he is an advocate for Ottawa’s fantastic artists. When it comes to what can be done to better support our burgeoning music community, Jumpin’ Joel Flash says it best:

“Supporting local artists isn’t just about going to shows and buying merch/albums. It’s also about spreading the word when you catch a groove you can’t lose! Ottawa is an emerging music city, and as such, any win for Ottawa artists is a win for the community. So when I see/hear an artist that has it going on, I’ll send it to a friend. Just think about all the local music we could know about if we all did the same!”

In the words of Jumpin’ Joel Flash, “Local art can’t happen without local love!” With that in mind, give your love to The Magic Machine by keeping up with their releases, sharing this great music, and getting yourself a ticket to the prom-themed album release party.

In fact, there are only 100 tickets available for the album release show, so get them early!  Keep up to date on these new songs and other Jumpin’ Joel Flash and the Magic Machine on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The post Feature Friday: Jumpin’ Joel Flash and the Magic Machine appeared first on Bytown Sound.

SATURDAY, JUNE 23

Los Gringos

Ontario Stage OLG Series, 7:30pm

Los Gringos are Ottawa jazz legends: they’ve performed at Jazz Fest nearly every year since the band formed in the mid-1990s. You can see them making hips shake around town all year round, playing primarily original jazz tunes inspired by the music of Cuba and Brazil. This nine-piece band includes Mark Ferguson on piano, Peter Beaudoin on drums, René Fortier on congas and percussion, Ken Seeley on bass, Nicholas Dyson on trumpet and flugelhorn, Fred Paci on trumpet and flugelhorn, René Lavoie on saxophone and flute, Mike Tremblay on saxophone and flute, and David Arthur on trombone. One of the best thing about seeing this band live is watching how much fun they have playing together — the feeling is contagious! Not to miss this Friday, June 23.

Website

Jazz Fest profile

FRIDAY, JUNE 29

The Commotions

Top Shelf Main Stage @ Marion Dewar Plaza, 6:30pm

The Commotions are what big band glam is all about: playing original tunes inspired by the great greats of Motown. Bringing funk/soul into the twenty first century with a heavy dose of pop, the eleven-piece band includes a full complement of horns, keys, strings, and percussion, as well as a team of skilled songwriters and two very capable lead vocalists. The Commotions do soul in a big way, and they do it well.

Website

Jazz Fest profile

The post Ottawa Jazz Festival: Local Gems You Won’t Want to Miss appeared first on Bytown Sound.

The post Feature Friday: Free Shows at the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival appeared first on Bytown Sound.

The driving force behind this unhurried, effortless pop album is Felicity DeCarle, the lead songwriter, vocalist and guitarist. Her composition style stands apart: a refined fracas of wistful, heady melodies, harmonies, aural threads and architectures. The whole band exudes a kind of consonance in and between their sound, like they fit perfectly together. Colleen Jones’s dulcet bass is undulating and true, Shamisa Schroeder captures the stars with her keyboard/synth, and Brad Lapensee keeps Sparklesaurus grounded with his percussion. Everyone sings to support the lead vocals to great effect.

The self-titled album was recorded on an 8-track in a blanket fort in Jones’ living room. “When we were deciding where and who to record with, we all agreed that it was really important to be in a relaxed, homey space,” DeCarle says, “So we essentially built a blanket fort in Colleen’s living room.” It doesn’t sound like it was made in a blanket fort, but the album sure does make you feel like you want to be in one.

The album’s otherworldly sounds lull you into a state of marvellous diversion. A collection of songs for idle days, or for feeling idle for just a beat. A mishmash of sonic signifiers that recall, but don’t rely on, the ebb and flow of familiar sounds made new again. Songs like “Young (Teach Me How to Have Fun)” gestures towards 1950s teenage pop ballad, turns on its heels and returns back again with pining vocals and swoony chorus. The album has its vocal lines soaked in reverb and synths that are at times nebulous, but with each filament seemingly perfectly placed. Other tunes like, “The Royal We” showcase the band’s instrumental capabilities, paired with auspicious lead vocals and courting harmonies, with ever so slight a hint of 1980s pop balladry. The palette of sonorities that the band paints with shades their sound into something simultaneously intimate and remote.

“Sprinkle on a Cake” was released as a single in mid-May in advance of the full album. The bass drum dance demonstrates the strong core of the band, while ornamental rat-tat-tats and melodic curlicues adorn its edges. The synth interlude effectively stands in for what almost certainly would have been a saxophone solo had this song been made 35 years ago. All around “Sprinkle on a Cake” is a bastion of good songwriting, great singing, and snazzy instrumentation that is emblematic of the album as a whole.

Sparklesaurus will be launching their self-titled debut album this Saturday, May 26 at St. Alban’s Church, 454 King Edward Ave., as part of the Ottawa Showbox Concert Series. They’ll be sharing the stage with Ottawa’s eerie country band Ginny, and heavy soul solo Keturah Johnson (Heavy Medicine Band). Tickets are $10, $12 at the door, music starts at 7:30 p.m. The event will also feature a thrift store pop up shop, selling finds hunted by Tall Pines Thrift, and a record pop up from the Record Centre.

The post Feature Friday: Sparklesaurus appeared first on Bytown Sound.

One of the most industrious musicians in Ottawa, Allard works towards advancing not only her own music career, but for building our community through helping to launch the careers of emerging artists in the area. She also donates over 30 performances a year to various charitable organizations around the city, and invests her time as a mentor for young up-and-coming musicians and entrepreneurs.

Danielle Allard performs “Passing Notes” for Shot in the Dark

Allard walks the talk in other ways as well. The digital proceeds from one of the tracks on Passing Notes, “#NoLongerSilent,” will go to Voice Found. Voice Found is an organization that helps survivors and those at risk of sex trafficking and other forms of abuse. These forward-looking and community-minded endeavours that help to foster collaboration, partnership, and genuine concern for the common good what make Allard’s efforts stand out in Ottawa.

Her album release this Saturday is expected to be quite the event with lots to do, see, and hear for all ages. The show starts at 7 pm with opening acts soulful blues-rock singer Crystalena, comedian Michael Lifshitz (IllumAbilities), and emerging singer-songwriter Kyle Ivan. Allard and the band — Jasen Colson (drums), Aaron Ray (electric guitar), and Dean Watson (bass) will take the stage around 8:30 pm to officially launch this highly anticipated album. Be sure to stick around afterward, as the aftershow party is rumoured to include a marshmallow toss, giant jenga, ping pong, as well as a Much Dance 90’s Dance Party. Get your tickets before they’re sold out!

Passing Notes – Behind the Scenes in Studio

The post Feature Friday: Danielle Allard “Passing Notes” Album Release appeared first on Bytown Sound.

The release of Anniversaries marks 10 years of making music together. Throughout this decade, Amos the Transparent has made some big moves in the Canadian folk-rock world; they’ve played several major festivals, been showcased on shows like CBC’s Q and The Strombo Show, and have even had their music played on the hit TV show Degrassi. The band describes Anniversaries as an album about reflection, growing, and acceptance — qualities that all shine through in the songwriting and arrangements. The whole album exudes a wisdom and refinement that demonstrates that the band hitting their stride, both with their songwriting and each other.

The current iteration of the band includes founder Jonathan Chandler on vocals and guitar, Olenka Bastian on guitar and vocals, Dan Hay on guitar, James Nicol on bass and vocals, Christopher Wilson on drums, and Mike Yates on Cello. Chandler’s knack for lush arrangements, instrumental layering, and playing with timbres and textures through varied production techniques are a hallmark of Amos the Transparent’s sound. The whole band is present on the album in a way that gives each room to breathe, but they are also integral to support the structure as a whole.

The record is incredibly dynamic and carries momentum all the way through; each tune on the album is a drama in its own right. Intimate sentiments are balanced with raucous choruses, driving instrumental sections, and graceful blending of male lead vocals and female vocal harmonies. Honesty and heartfelt performances are what make Anniversaries a thing of beauty.

The first track on the album immediately draws you into the record: “I’m Going to Make You Cry” instantly relays the band’s pop disposition while showcasing the dynamism of stratified textures, and deceptively simple, ear-catching composition. Songs like the nuanced “Troublemaker” demonstrate the attention to detail that Amos the Transparent is so adept at executing. This is especially apparent in the interplay between Chandler and Bastian’s vocals, yet just about everyone shines on this tune that falls on the rockier side of indie rock.

Another standout song is “Annabelle,” a lullaby-like song that doesn’t abate, but propels itself forward. A beautifully constructed song that besides its sonorous mix of ambient and crisp timbres, features a dancing melody that seems to graze the surface of the song. Tracks like “Over and Over” and “It’s Only Getting Better” are also absolute “must-hears” on Anniversaries.

Amos the Transparent is releasing their new album Anniversaries at the 27 Club tomorrow night, Saturday, May 12 (8 pm doors, $12). They will share the stage with Ottawa indie pop legends The Love Machine, and Toronto’s Rum Fit Mosey. PLUS you can try Big Rig’s special “Amos Anniversaries” beer, which will be served at Amos the Transparent’s upcoming shows. Listen to Anniversaries on Spotify or buy the album from the the band’s website (vinyl available). Keep up to date with Amos the Transparent’s next moves on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

The post Feature Friday: Amos the Transparent appeared first on Bytown Sound.

Jessica Pearson and the East Wind

Live on Elgin
220 Elgin st. 2nd Floor
Doors at 7:30pm
$10 Advanced | $12 at the door

This dynamic trio always puts on a fantastic show. The band’s chemistry is undeniable, and their onstage banter and storytelling is onpoint. JPEW not only radiates with lighthearted and lively performances, but they are also able to draw on the affect of some of the more traditional East Coast-inspired tunes that they play, capturing the spirit of times past and placing them squarely in the now.

Lora Bidner

Blacksheep Inn
763 Chemin Riverside Wakefield,QC
Doors at 8:30pm
$10

Lora Bidner is a talent to be reckoned with. Her songs are thoroughly well crafted and compelling. She experiments with harmonies and timbres in a way that makes music sound new again. But her songs hold that magic that will have you leave a show humming melodies. Not only is she an practicing film scorer, but she has won numerous awards for her original music. She is an absolutely captivating performer. Tonight she will be playing with Declan O’Donovan.

80s Dance Party

House of Targ
1077 Bank St.
Doors at 9 pm
$6

We would be remiss not to mention House of Targ’s Star Wars themed ‘80s dance party in honour of May the Fourth. The night will start out with tribute band The Underground, who will play the very best of 80s new wave hits. Later, Ottawa legend Remi Royale will wear his DJ hat tonight as he spins the most authentic mix of ‘80s power hits. You. Must. Dance. Bonus, here’s a clip of Remi Royale talking about his experience of being on the Price is Right in the 90s.

DIY Spring Festival 2018

Friday & Saturday
General Assembly (Friday) & D’Afrique Restaurant and Bar (Saturday)
Show starts at 7 pm
$7-$33 (day and weekend passes available)

This! This! This! A fantastic festival that cultivates the work of young artists in the hip hop futurism scene. This festival runs over Friday and Saturday and showcases the work of queer folks, women of colour and indigenous heritage from across the country. Under the direction of community educator Elsa Mirzaei with the support of Mikayla Gordon aka Seiiizmikk, these leaders in Ottawa’s music scene are practicing what they preach.

Saturday, May 5

Iron Maidens

Brass Monkey
250 Greenbank Rd
Doors at 8 pm
$34

The Brass Monkey always has a good lineup of metal acts on the weekends, but this Saturday they have something unique on the bill. The Iron Maidens are the world’s first and only all-women tribute to Iron Maiden. Hailing all the way from southern California, this beyond talented tribute band is a must see for fans of 80s heavy metal. True to form they perform songs from every phase of Iron Maiden’s career and put on truly theatrical performances.

Lindi Ortega

27 Club
27 York St
Doors 8 pm
$20

The unequaled Lindi Ortega will be gracing the stage at the 27 Club this Saturday. On her most recent album Liberty this accomplished Toronto-based artist goes back to the Mexican-Irish roots to create a truly powerful album. Drawing on her established Nashville sound and inspiration from the scores of spaghetti western composer Ennio Morricone, this new album is true sonic spectacle. Don’t miss this chance to see her play this new material live. She will be joined by country-blues artist Jeremie Albino. Bonus: after the show 27 Club will be hosting a Motown Soul Dance Party hosted by DJ Stacey Ann and DJ Emmett starting at 11 pm.

The post Ottawa Live Music Weekend Picks appeared first on Bytown Sound.

You know you want this kind of music and you know when you want it: late at night, alone or together, when you need just the right record. That’s the time and place for Shadowhand’s “Through the Fog”, which offers some intimate-sounding enormity.

The band consists of songwriter Jamieson Mackay (vocals, guitars and piano), Matthew Corbiere (guitars), Brandon Allan Walsh (bass) and Sean Tansey (drums).  Their Bandcamp page indicates that the band is in toto responsible for the arrangements, which is impressive.  This is a participatory outfit of fine musicians making the most out of some honestly stunning songwriting. Mackay’s vocals and song writing are just this side of the other side. He tells his tales of romance and longing in the most lightly gruff voice, like just the right amount of sugar on your bowl of Cheerios.  And he’s backed by the most wonderful arrangements, drenched in echo and twang, like Otis Redding by way of Hank Williams and the Flamingos.

Something about this music feels really important, like the way the minor-chord-into-major-7-chord melodies dance around, falling into each other in the most exquisite ways.  It’s like reaching into that cloud of music that you know you’ve never actually heard before, but you feel like maybe, somehow, you have. This music evokes the same feelings I had when I heard Fleet Foxes’ first album: that anybody who hears this music can and will likely enjoy it.  It would take a cynic not to see the potential for a long-term relationship with music like this.

While it might sound as though I’m overstating the case or just engaging in some sort of journalistic flourishspasm, I will point you to the main hook in “Passing Through”. This sense of lazily falling ass over tea kettle into a cloud chord change is nothing short a knockout punch, delivered at the rate of hyper slow motion. I love it.

And if that’s not enough to convince you, listen to lovely lyrics like “Oh great sequoia, won’t you let me in, and won’t you love me like I’m human” in “Larch”, or the arrangement of the penultimate tune “Light of Afternoon”, which offers up everything you’ve ever wanted in an eight-minute-long song in just over eight minutes. This band is tops, I tells ya!

Do yourself a favor and check out Shadowhand’s Through the Fog.  The ethereal album cover art alone is worth the price of admission, so be sure to put your hard-earned dollar down on this.  I know I will.

Shadowhand will be playing their next show at Pressed on Sunday, April 28th at 7 pm. They’ll be sharing the bill with Montreal’s Pallice and Ottawa’s mal/aimé. Keep up-to-date with this and more of Shadowhand’s upcoming shows and releases by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Bandcamp.

The post Feature Friday: Shadowhand appeared first on Bytown Sound.

“Dead Ringer” marks a towering step on a journey that Cast In Cadence began in 2010, when it was launched as a solo venture for lead vocalist/guitarist Ryan MacIntyre. With the release of its first EP “Serotonin” that same year, the band grew to include Nick Marson (drums), Skyler Radmore (bass/vox) and Adam Traversy (lead guit/vox); this line-up was responsible for the band’s first LP “Vocation” in 2014, and their energy has only grown as they’ve continued through to this recent release.

This history shines throughout “Dead Ringer,” and it’s a vibe that will be familiar to anyone who’s ventured through their back catalogue of endlessly playable tracks. The EP is a perfect showcase for the talent that’s led Cast In Cadence to perform with some of the country’s big names in music (July Talk, Sam Roberts) and claim second place in 88.5’s Big Money Shot in 2014.

Of course, the addition of nearly a decade as well as several band members will cause any band to evolve, and Cast In Cadence is no exception. “Dead Ringer” veers slightly away from the stronger punk/pop edge found in their earlier work, and instead focuses a bit further on their rock tendencies. As a result, this release exhibits a more polished feel without ever losing the energy and passion that has been the heart of the band’s sound since the beginning.

It’s safe to say that the band has truly hit their stride in this wonderfully cohesive rock/pop EP, pairing MacIntyre’s charming vocals with a steady stream of catchy hooks. It’s a seamless blend that just works, and marks this solid collection of tracks with a distinct focus and flow.

There’s just something truly satisfying about music that you just can’t help but sing along to, and “Dead Ringer” will have you doing just that time and time again. See for yourself by checking out this ultra-catchy EP (as well as their other two releases) on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/cast-in-cadence/388014375

You can check out their website here, as well as give them a follow on Facebook and Twitter in order to keep tabs on upcoming shows and to catch the release of their upcoming video.

The post Feature Friday: Cast In Cadence appeared first on Bytown Sound.