 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Info, Audio and Video Samples for Upcoming Shows Below!!
Ember Swift
opening guest...Glenna The Star
Friday, November 17th, 2006
Central Bar & Grill, 708 View St. 250-361-1700
Doors 7pm - Showtime 9:30pm
Tickets: $13 Advance / $15 Door
Available at: Lyle's Place (cash only) 250-382-8422, Central Bar and Grill 250-361-1700
& High Tide Box Office at www.hightideconcerts.net or charge by phone 250-478-1888
Ember's Website is: www.emberswift.com
More info can be found at: www.hightideconcerts.net or email us at
hightideconcerts@shaw.ca
"...Politically charged lyrics, a blindingly versatile voice, and decidedly punk
sensibilities."
See Magazine – Edmonton, Alberta.
"The Dirty Pulse," the ninth album by Ember Swift through her own independent label
Few'll Ignite Sound, is a collection of new material whose central theme is a celebration
of life, the living, and the embedded hope in us all.
Lyrically, these songs pose brave inquisitions about the (sometimes dirty) truth behind
issues such as the environmental and cultural impact of the mining industry ("Bliss"),
affluence ("Affluence Disease"), urban isolation ("Reinforced Concrete") and democracy
("Intervention"). That's not to say there isn't joy in this body of work; "No Regrets," is a
song that celebrates family (in all its dysfunction!), "Some Fine Day" rallies hope towards
the promise of a brighter future, and "Ten Pin" is a cheeky song that informs the listener
that ten-pin bowling is cool, no matter what anyone says.
Still featuring the familiar stylistic diversity of Ember Swift's music, this album has a
melodic and rhythmic pulse found in the layers of Ember's dirty electric guitars coupled
with the featured horn lines, keyboard licks and gentle distinctions found in the sparse
acoustic finger-style songs with Flamenco overtones. The styles on this album range
from folk to funk, to R&B, to jazz and feature some new forays into reggae and South-
African influenced pop. Throughout it all, the groove is undeniable. There is a distinctive
life force that vibrates this recording.
Like a germinating plant deep in the soil, The Dirty Pulse recognizes that the possibilities
of a better world have been lying dormant for too long. Digging up the truth of our
destructive ways as humans is not always a clean, pristine process, but is necessary if
we wish to move forward. This album attempts to contribute to this process, which
recognizes that only by sifting through the "dirt" can we find the hope and truth to which
we aspire.
Recent News
In recent years Ember's career has grown significantly. She and her band have
performed at the Ottawa and Winnipeg Folk Festivals in Canada; Blissfest and Great
River Folk Festival in the U.S.A., and the Roots and Blues, Woodford and Port Fairy
Festivals in Australia, to name but a few. Ember's music has recently been heard on the
highly popular American T.V. series The L-Word, and the international organization
PETA, recently featured Ember in a one page add which ran in various North American
publications. In 2006, Ember was one of the few artists asked to perform at the inaugural
Canadian Folk Music Awards in Gatineau, Quebec and was also approached as a juror
for both the Northern Ontario Film & Music Awards as well as New York City's OutMusic
Awards.
The fall of 2005, saw the release of the first ever DVD project entitled Witness: Live in
Australia, 2005 which features the band performing live interspersed with interview and
road footage. The band has just completed the release tour in Australia to glowing
reviews and several sold-out shows.
BIO
Ember Swift is a Canadian and Ontario-born singer-songwriter who has been writing
songs since she was nine years old and performing since she was ten. In 1996, she
released her first "self-titled" album and started to develop her now loyal fan following
that extends to tens of thousands of people across Canada, the U.S. and Australia. Her
loyal support network is thanks to a high-energy live show coupled with pertinent
politics that reaches out to many communities. It is the union between art and activism
that forms the foundation of Ember's songwriting ethic; only through honest and open
dialogue about global issues can we hope to inspire greater social awareness that will
lead to social change.
After graduation from the University of Toronto with a degree in East Asian Studies in
1998, Ember and regular band member Lyndell Montgomery, took to the road and
embarked on building a career through consistent touring of North America and
Australia. (These live shows often feature the additional talents of Adam Bowman on
drums and percussion.) Ember's music has garnered large and loyal support thanks to
the high-energy live show and pertinent politics that reached out to many communities.
The fall of 2005, saw the release of the first ever DVD project entitled "Witness: Live in
Australia, 2005" which features the band performing more than ten pieces live and is
interspersed with interview footage, on-the-road footage and some glimpses of fans. It
was directed by Sydney-based documentary filmmaker Max Bourke of Pigfish
Productions. This DVD has been received with great excitement. The band has just
completed the release tour in Australia to glowing reviews and several sold-out shows.
See above for more information about their most current release, "The Dirty Pulse", a full-
length album project released in April, 2006.
Ember currently resides in a 130-year old home in Eastern Ontario. She has never been
happier. The quiet of rural living lends itself well to music-making; the beauty of her
surroundings has inspired a new body of work that is more positive and hopeful than
songs written in previous years. Her new release reflects the width of sky outside her
door and the emphatic rejection of impossibility.
opening guest...Glenna The Star
Friday, November 17th, 2006
Central Bar & Grill, 708 View St. 250-361-1700
Doors 7pm - Showtime 9:30pm
Tickets: $13 Advance / $15 Door
Available at: Lyle's Place (cash only) 250-382-8422, Central Bar and Grill 250-361-1700
& High Tide Box Office at www.hightideconcerts.net or charge by phone 250-478-1888
Ember's Website is: www.emberswift.com
More info can be found at: www.hightideconcerts.net or email us at
hightideconcerts@shaw.ca
"...Politically charged lyrics, a blindingly versatile voice, and decidedly punk
sensibilities."
See Magazine – Edmonton, Alberta.
"The Dirty Pulse," the ninth album by Ember Swift through her own independent label
Few'll Ignite Sound, is a collection of new material whose central theme is a celebration
of life, the living, and the embedded hope in us all.
Lyrically, these songs pose brave inquisitions about the (sometimes dirty) truth behind
issues such as the environmental and cultural impact of the mining industry ("Bliss"),
affluence ("Affluence Disease"), urban isolation ("Reinforced Concrete") and democracy
("Intervention"). That's not to say there isn't joy in this body of work; "No Regrets," is a
song that celebrates family (in all its dysfunction!), "Some Fine Day" rallies hope towards
the promise of a brighter future, and "Ten Pin" is a cheeky song that informs the listener
that ten-pin bowling is cool, no matter what anyone says.
Still featuring the familiar stylistic diversity of Ember Swift's music, this album has a
melodic and rhythmic pulse found in the layers of Ember's dirty electric guitars coupled
with the featured horn lines, keyboard licks and gentle distinctions found in the sparse
acoustic finger-style songs with Flamenco overtones. The styles on this album range
from folk to funk, to R&B, to jazz and feature some new forays into reggae and South-
African influenced pop. Throughout it all, the groove is undeniable. There is a distinctive
life force that vibrates this recording.
Like a germinating plant deep in the soil, The Dirty Pulse recognizes that the possibilities
of a better world have been lying dormant for too long. Digging up the truth of our
destructive ways as humans is not always a clean, pristine process, but is necessary if
we wish to move forward. This album attempts to contribute to this process, which
recognizes that only by sifting through the "dirt" can we find the hope and truth to which
we aspire.
Recent News
In recent years Ember's career has grown significantly. She and her band have
performed at the Ottawa and Winnipeg Folk Festivals in Canada; Blissfest and Great
River Folk Festival in the U.S.A., and the Roots and Blues, Woodford and Port Fairy
Festivals in Australia, to name but a few. Ember's music has recently been heard on the
highly popular American T.V. series The L-Word, and the international organization
PETA, recently featured Ember in a one page add which ran in various North American
publications. In 2006, Ember was one of the few artists asked to perform at the inaugural
Canadian Folk Music Awards in Gatineau, Quebec and was also approached as a juror
for both the Northern Ontario Film & Music Awards as well as New York City's OutMusic
Awards.
The fall of 2005, saw the release of the first ever DVD project entitled Witness: Live in
Australia, 2005 which features the band performing live interspersed with interview and
road footage. The band has just completed the release tour in Australia to glowing
reviews and several sold-out shows.
BIO
Ember Swift is a Canadian and Ontario-born singer-songwriter who has been writing
songs since she was nine years old and performing since she was ten. In 1996, she
released her first "self-titled" album and started to develop her now loyal fan following
that extends to tens of thousands of people across Canada, the U.S. and Australia. Her
loyal support network is thanks to a high-energy live show coupled with pertinent
politics that reaches out to many communities. It is the union between art and activism
that forms the foundation of Ember's songwriting ethic; only through honest and open
dialogue about global issues can we hope to inspire greater social awareness that will
lead to social change.
After graduation from the University of Toronto with a degree in East Asian Studies in
1998, Ember and regular band member Lyndell Montgomery, took to the road and
embarked on building a career through consistent touring of North America and
Australia. (These live shows often feature the additional talents of Adam Bowman on
drums and percussion.) Ember's music has garnered large and loyal support thanks to
the high-energy live show and pertinent politics that reached out to many communities.
The fall of 2005, saw the release of the first ever DVD project entitled "Witness: Live in
Australia, 2005" which features the band performing more than ten pieces live and is
interspersed with interview footage, on-the-road footage and some glimpses of fans. It
was directed by Sydney-based documentary filmmaker Max Bourke of Pigfish
Productions. This DVD has been received with great excitement. The band has just
completed the release tour in Australia to glowing reviews and several sold-out shows.
See above for more information about their most current release, "The Dirty Pulse", a full-
length album project released in April, 2006.
Ember currently resides in a 130-year old home in Eastern Ontario. She has never been
happier. The quiet of rural living lends itself well to music-making; the beauty of her
surroundings has inspired a new body of work that is more positive and hopeful than
songs written in previous years. Her new release reflects the width of sky outside her
door and the emphatic rejection of impossibility.
Back by Popular Demand! PERFORMING 2 SUPA-FUNKY MARATHON SETS!!
Five Alarm Funk
Friday, November 24, 2006
Central Bar & Grill, 708 View St., Victoria 250-361-1700
Doors 7pm, Showtime 9:30pm
Tickets: $13 Advance / $15 Door
Available at: Lyle's Place (cash only) 382-8422, Central Bar and Grill 361-1700 & the
High Tide Box Office @ www.hightideconcerts.net or charge by phone 250-478-1888
Five Alarm Funk's Website: www.fivealarmfunk.com
Five Alarm Funk is a Vancouver-based, 12-piece rhythm machine that pounds out a
delirium-inducing live show and has a brand new, eponymously-titled CD brimming with
original funk and afro-beat grooves. The band’s horn and percussion-driven
instrumental jams feature searing guitar leads and horn solos wailing and soaring above
a four-man percussion maelstrom that is grounded by Neil Towers’ juicy bass lines.
The band’s wicked cross-rhythms and frenetic, costumed stage show appeals to jazz
fans and clubs kids alike. Five Alarm Funk has carved out a word of mouth fan base from
a series of crowd-pleasing performances at clubs, concert halls, and festivals
throughout B.C. The band has scheduled another Canadian tour beginning with their
CD launch at Richard’s On Richards in Vancouver March 10.
“Interaction between the crowd and the band is a huge part of the show, and we try to
make every show an event. We’ve managed to get big crowds to our shows by word of
mouth, friends telling friends about the band,” enthused guitarist and group spokesman
Gabe Boothroyd. “There’s nothing like seeing 600 people at a sold-out show at Richard’
s on Richards crouch down on the floor when our vocalist and drummer Tayo Branston
tells them to ‘get low’ during a funky build-up.”
The band’s playful, high-energy live show is fueled by skin-tight arrangements and raw,
sweat-drenched passion. From its founding as a six-piece in 2003, the young band
(average age is 23) has grown into one of the most exciting and unique groups in
Canada.
“There’s a huge afro-beat, Fela Kuti influence,” explained Boothroyd. “We take that and
combine it with some James Brown and Kool and the Gang and then throw in a lot of
youthful energy and reckless enthusiasm. Most people in the band started playing rock-
oriented music, and that edge is still there in a lot of our playing and our stage presence.”
Five Alarm Funk’s’ wacky costumes and stage antics guarantee a frenzied dance party,
but the boys in the band can really play too. The group’s 16 year old tenor saxophonist,
Eli Bennett was recently chosen to perform at this year’s Grammy Awards as a member
of a North American all-star high school band.. Five Alarm Funk can pack a dance floor,
but they’ve got tons of jazz chops too. They’ve got it all. They’re the real deal. Check ‘em
out!
FIVE ALARM FUNK is:
Tayo Branston - Drums/Vocals
Tom Towers - Congas
Carl Julig - Timbales
Justin Kennedy - Percussion
Neil Towers - Bass
Oliver Gibson - Guitar
Gabe Boothroyd - Guitar
Ryan Naso - Trumpet
Andrew Spence - Alto Sax
Eli Bennett - Tenor Sax
Nimish Parekh - Trombone
Max Murphy - Baritone Sax
Click Below to listen to track
Don Mega - Five Alarm Funk
Five Alarm Funk
Friday, November 24, 2006
Central Bar & Grill, 708 View St., Victoria 250-361-1700
Doors 7pm, Showtime 9:30pm
Tickets: $13 Advance / $15 Door
Available at: Lyle's Place (cash only) 382-8422, Central Bar and Grill 361-1700 & the
High Tide Box Office @ www.hightideconcerts.net or charge by phone 250-478-1888
Five Alarm Funk's Website: www.fivealarmfunk.com
Five Alarm Funk is a Vancouver-based, 12-piece rhythm machine that pounds out a
delirium-inducing live show and has a brand new, eponymously-titled CD brimming with
original funk and afro-beat grooves. The band’s horn and percussion-driven
instrumental jams feature searing guitar leads and horn solos wailing and soaring above
a four-man percussion maelstrom that is grounded by Neil Towers’ juicy bass lines.
The band’s wicked cross-rhythms and frenetic, costumed stage show appeals to jazz
fans and clubs kids alike. Five Alarm Funk has carved out a word of mouth fan base from
a series of crowd-pleasing performances at clubs, concert halls, and festivals
throughout B.C. The band has scheduled another Canadian tour beginning with their
CD launch at Richard’s On Richards in Vancouver March 10.
“Interaction between the crowd and the band is a huge part of the show, and we try to
make every show an event. We’ve managed to get big crowds to our shows by word of
mouth, friends telling friends about the band,” enthused guitarist and group spokesman
Gabe Boothroyd. “There’s nothing like seeing 600 people at a sold-out show at Richard’
s on Richards crouch down on the floor when our vocalist and drummer Tayo Branston
tells them to ‘get low’ during a funky build-up.”
The band’s playful, high-energy live show is fueled by skin-tight arrangements and raw,
sweat-drenched passion. From its founding as a six-piece in 2003, the young band
(average age is 23) has grown into one of the most exciting and unique groups in
Canada.
“There’s a huge afro-beat, Fela Kuti influence,” explained Boothroyd. “We take that and
combine it with some James Brown and Kool and the Gang and then throw in a lot of
youthful energy and reckless enthusiasm. Most people in the band started playing rock-
oriented music, and that edge is still there in a lot of our playing and our stage presence.”
Five Alarm Funk’s’ wacky costumes and stage antics guarantee a frenzied dance party,
but the boys in the band can really play too. The group’s 16 year old tenor saxophonist,
Eli Bennett was recently chosen to perform at this year’s Grammy Awards as a member
of a North American all-star high school band.. Five Alarm Funk can pack a dance floor,
but they’ve got tons of jazz chops too. They’ve got it all. They’re the real deal. Check ‘em
out!
FIVE ALARM FUNK is:
Tayo Branston - Drums/Vocals
Tom Towers - Congas
Carl Julig - Timbales
Justin Kennedy - Percussion
Neil Towers - Bass
Oliver Gibson - Guitar
Gabe Boothroyd - Guitar
Ryan Naso - Trumpet
Andrew Spence - Alto Sax
Eli Bennett - Tenor Sax
Nimish Parekh - Trombone
Max Murphy - Baritone Sax
Click Below to listen to track
Don Mega - Five Alarm Funk
Barra MacNeils - Christmas Concert
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Bell Centre for Performing Arts, Surrey
6250 - 144th Street Surrey
Doors 7:30pm - Showtime 8pm
Tickets: $34.50/$32.50 + services charges
Available at: Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone: 604.280.3311 or at www.ticketmaster.ca
For more info: www.hightideconcerts.net or hightideconcerts@shaw.ca
Barra MacNeils Website: www.barramacneils.com
Barra MacNeils - Christmas Concert
Saturday, November 25th, 2006
Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora St. (Conservatory of Music)
Doors 7pm - Showtime 8pm
Tickets: $23 Advance / $25 Door
Available at: McPherson Box Office 250-386-6121, 1-888-717-6121
For more info: www.hightideconcerts.net or hightideconcerts@shaw.ca
Barra MacNeils Website: www.barramacneils.com
The Barra MacNeils are one of Canada's premier Celtic groups from Sydney Mines, Nova
Scotia. Steeped in Cape Breton tradition with strong Celtic roots and musical artistry, this
diverse and talented family group continues to wow audiences around the world with their
captivating vocals, harmonies and extraordinary musicianship. Their much-anticipated
new CD All At Once features the addition of siblings, Boyd and Ryan MacNeil, delivering an
exhilarating and rejuvenated sound.
Multi-award winners, the Barra MacNeils have released eight recordings including, Racket
In the Attic (2002), Christmas Album (1999), Until Now (1997), The Question (1995), The
Traditional Album (1994), Closer to Paradise (1993 - Certified Gold in Canada), Timeframe
(1990), Rock in the Stream (1989), The Barra MacNeils (1986). In 2001, they released a DVD
titled Cape Breton Christmas incorporating music from their live Christmas Concert
Special (as seen on television), plus a visit to Cape Breton, interviews with the Barra
MacNeils home at Christmas and music videos.
Canada's Celtic ambassadors, the Barra MacNeils continue to perform to sold out
audiences throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.
From headlining major festivals, concerts, special guest appearances (Rita MacNeils CTV
Christmas Special, performing with The Chieftains) television specials, film and television
placement (Men with Brooms Soundtrack; Racket In The Attic) and their annual Christmas
tour, they have set the course with a solid foundation for success. The Barra MacNeils
one-hour Christmas Television Special (2000) continues to be broadcast on Country Music
Television (CMT) and on the Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) network in the United
States.
The Barra MacNeils will continue to do what they love to do best, and that is playing their
music for the fans. This incredibly talented family group will tour Canada, the US and
Europe to spread their distinctive brand of Celtic flavour around the world.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Bell Centre for Performing Arts, Surrey
6250 - 144th Street Surrey
Doors 7:30pm - Showtime 8pm
Tickets: $34.50/$32.50 + services charges
Available at: Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone: 604.280.3311 or at www.ticketmaster.ca
For more info: www.hightideconcerts.net or hightideconcerts@shaw.ca
Barra MacNeils Website: www.barramacneils.com
Barra MacNeils - Christmas Concert
Saturday, November 25th, 2006
Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora St. (Conservatory of Music)
Doors 7pm - Showtime 8pm
Tickets: $23 Advance / $25 Door
Available at: McPherson Box Office 250-386-6121, 1-888-717-6121
For more info: www.hightideconcerts.net or hightideconcerts@shaw.ca
Barra MacNeils Website: www.barramacneils.com
The Barra MacNeils are one of Canada's premier Celtic groups from Sydney Mines, Nova
Scotia. Steeped in Cape Breton tradition with strong Celtic roots and musical artistry, this
diverse and talented family group continues to wow audiences around the world with their
captivating vocals, harmonies and extraordinary musicianship. Their much-anticipated
new CD All At Once features the addition of siblings, Boyd and Ryan MacNeil, delivering an
exhilarating and rejuvenated sound.
Multi-award winners, the Barra MacNeils have released eight recordings including, Racket
In the Attic (2002), Christmas Album (1999), Until Now (1997), The Question (1995), The
Traditional Album (1994), Closer to Paradise (1993 - Certified Gold in Canada), Timeframe
(1990), Rock in the Stream (1989), The Barra MacNeils (1986). In 2001, they released a DVD
titled Cape Breton Christmas incorporating music from their live Christmas Concert
Special (as seen on television), plus a visit to Cape Breton, interviews with the Barra
MacNeils home at Christmas and music videos.
Canada's Celtic ambassadors, the Barra MacNeils continue to perform to sold out
audiences throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.
From headlining major festivals, concerts, special guest appearances (Rita MacNeils CTV
Christmas Special, performing with The Chieftains) television specials, film and television
placement (Men with Brooms Soundtrack; Racket In The Attic) and their annual Christmas
tour, they have set the course with a solid foundation for success. The Barra MacNeils
one-hour Christmas Television Special (2000) continues to be broadcast on Country Music
Television (CMT) and on the Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) network in the United
States.
The Barra MacNeils will continue to do what they love to do best, and that is playing their
music for the fans. This incredibly talented family group will tour Canada, the US and
Europe to spread their distinctive brand of Celtic flavour around the world.
Grammy Award Winners - Afro Latin Group from Los Angeles
Ozomotli
opening guests...Noises from the Toolshed
Monday, November 27th, 2006
Legends Nightclub, 919 Douglas St. , Victoria 250-383-7137
Early Show Doors 8pm, Showtime 9:00pm
Tickets: $23 Advance / $25 Door
Available at: Lyle's Place (cash only) 382-8422, Strathcona Hotel 250-383-7137 & the
High Tide Box Office @ www.hightideconcerts.net or charge by phone 250-478-1888
Ozomatli's Website: www.ozomatli.com
For more info: hightideconcerts@shaw.ca
The last time Los Angeles’ beloved Afro-Latin-and-beyond style-mashers released an
album, it was September 11, 2001. While most bands in the United States responded to the
attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon by canceling their concerts,
Ozomatli; a multi-racial crew who have never been shy about their commitment to social
justice, progressive politics, and anti-war convictions; decided to keep their dates and
keep playing.
“Music is the key to every culture, the beginning of an understanding,” says the band’s
trumpet player and co-vocalist Asdru Sierra. “September 11 really pushed us to delve into
North African and Arab music. For us, music is a language far more universal than politics.”
The GRAMMY® Award-winning Street Signs, the band’s first full-length studio album in
three years, bears this new Middle Eastern influence out in typical Ozo style, by mixing it
into their trademark blend of hip-hop and Latin styles. When the band’s original MC Chali
2na (now of Jurassic 5) returns to take center stage on “Who’s To Blame,” he drops
rhymes about “presidential motorcades” and “Yakuza tattoos” over a reedy Gnawa trance
session complete with tablas and hand-claps. “Believe,” the album’s uplifting opener that
looks for hope in destruction, features Veteran Moroccan sintir master Hassan Hakmoun,
who’s joined by the acclaimed French-Jewish gypsy violinists Les Yeux Noir and The
Prague Symphony (yes, The Prague Symphony).
Street Sign’s body-moving urban globe-trots were encouraged by Ozo’s new label,
Concord Records, who gave them total creative freedom to follow their songs wherever
they went. “With the last record, I loved all of our collaborations, but it wasn’t a complete
representation of who Ozomatli is,” says Sierra of the band’s sophomore outing that
paired them with the esteemed hip-hop likes of Common and De La Soul. “Concord just
seemed happy to let us go off and do our thing. There’s a real sense of acceptance of what
we do. Plus, I’m really honored to be on the same label as Eddie Palmieri. He’s my idol.”
The band invited Palmieri, the legendary Latin jazz and salsa pianist, to play on “Nadie Te
Tira,” where his gorgeous solo piano lines set off a round of horn-blasted salsa fusion.
Along with Palmieri, Hakmoun, Les Yeux Noir, Chali 2na, and the Prague Symphony (who
grace three tracks), Ozomatli are also joined by the band’s original DJ, Cut Chemist
(“Dejame en Paz”). There’s also the band’s new MC (Jabu, formerly of 4th Avenue Jones)
and guest drummer, Mario Calire (formerly of The Wallflowers).
Throw in a board mixologist who’s worked with everyone from Justin Timberlake and
NERD to Michael Jackson and Prince (Serben Ghenea), and engineers who’ve
collaborated with the likes of Beck, Santana, Jack Johnson, and Cypress Hill (Robert
Carranza and Anton Pukshansky), and you get what is easily the band’s most vibrant and
ambitious project to date. Everyone from critics to NARAS members agree. In February,
Street Signs received the GRAMMY award for Latin Rock / Alternative Album of the Year.
“After eight years of being together,” explains tenor saxophonist Ulises Bella, “our overall
comfort level with ourselves and with our playing has really grown. The songs venture off
to a lot of different areas. That’s the beauty of Ozomatli, being able to do things really
differently than everyone else.”
Street Signs is both a mature testament to the band’s nearly decade-long evolution and a
fresh, dance floor-rocking reminder of their commitment to creating original music in the
face of industry conservatism. “Saturday Night” is a “dip-dive-socialize” hip-hop block
party. “Love & Hope” is an anthem waiting to happen with its English-language mix of
Arabic strings and new-school Chicano funk-rock. “Dejame En Paz” is a papi chulo
merengue fest that boils over into the mosh pit. The band even re-mixes itself (with the
help of Ghenea and John Hanes) on “Ya Viene El Sol,” turning its soaring concert sing-a-
long into a piece of DJ heaven; a broken-beat electro cut-up of dancehall, batucada, and
jarocho.
“Since we started, our perspectives have changed as our lives have changed,” says Bella.
“We just trust each other more now. Everyone gives everyone the space we all need. This
band did not start, at all, to get a record deal. It started out of love for the music we made,
and that’s exactly where we still are.”
Ozomatli are:
Jiro Yamaguchi Percussion
Wil-Dog Abers Bass, Vocals
Justin Poree Percussion, MC, Vocals
Asdrubal Sierra Trumpet, Lead Vocals
Raul Pacheco Guitar, Lead Vocals
Ulises Bella Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Vocals
Mario Calire Drums
Rene ‘Spinobi’ Dominguez Turntablist
Jabu MC
Sheffer Bruton Trombone
Ozomotli
opening guests...Noises from the Toolshed
Monday, November 27th, 2006
Legends Nightclub, 919 Douglas St. , Victoria 250-383-7137
Early Show Doors 8pm, Showtime 9:00pm
Tickets: $23 Advance / $25 Door
Available at: Lyle's Place (cash only) 382-8422, Strathcona Hotel 250-383-7137 & the
High Tide Box Office @ www.hightideconcerts.net or charge by phone 250-478-1888
Ozomatli's Website: www.ozomatli.com
For more info: hightideconcerts@shaw.ca
The last time Los Angeles’ beloved Afro-Latin-and-beyond style-mashers released an
album, it was September 11, 2001. While most bands in the United States responded to the
attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon by canceling their concerts,
Ozomatli; a multi-racial crew who have never been shy about their commitment to social
justice, progressive politics, and anti-war convictions; decided to keep their dates and
keep playing.
“Music is the key to every culture, the beginning of an understanding,” says the band’s
trumpet player and co-vocalist Asdru Sierra. “September 11 really pushed us to delve into
North African and Arab music. For us, music is a language far more universal than politics.”
The GRAMMY® Award-winning Street Signs, the band’s first full-length studio album in
three years, bears this new Middle Eastern influence out in typical Ozo style, by mixing it
into their trademark blend of hip-hop and Latin styles. When the band’s original MC Chali
2na (now of Jurassic 5) returns to take center stage on “Who’s To Blame,” he drops
rhymes about “presidential motorcades” and “Yakuza tattoos” over a reedy Gnawa trance
session complete with tablas and hand-claps. “Believe,” the album’s uplifting opener that
looks for hope in destruction, features Veteran Moroccan sintir master Hassan Hakmoun,
who’s joined by the acclaimed French-Jewish gypsy violinists Les Yeux Noir and The
Prague Symphony (yes, The Prague Symphony).
Street Sign’s body-moving urban globe-trots were encouraged by Ozo’s new label,
Concord Records, who gave them total creative freedom to follow their songs wherever
they went. “With the last record, I loved all of our collaborations, but it wasn’t a complete
representation of who Ozomatli is,” says Sierra of the band’s sophomore outing that
paired them with the esteemed hip-hop likes of Common and De La Soul. “Concord just
seemed happy to let us go off and do our thing. There’s a real sense of acceptance of what
we do. Plus, I’m really honored to be on the same label as Eddie Palmieri. He’s my idol.”
The band invited Palmieri, the legendary Latin jazz and salsa pianist, to play on “Nadie Te
Tira,” where his gorgeous solo piano lines set off a round of horn-blasted salsa fusion.
Along with Palmieri, Hakmoun, Les Yeux Noir, Chali 2na, and the Prague Symphony (who
grace three tracks), Ozomatli are also joined by the band’s original DJ, Cut Chemist
(“Dejame en Paz”). There’s also the band’s new MC (Jabu, formerly of 4th Avenue Jones)
and guest drummer, Mario Calire (formerly of The Wallflowers).
Throw in a board mixologist who’s worked with everyone from Justin Timberlake and
NERD to Michael Jackson and Prince (Serben Ghenea), and engineers who’ve
collaborated with the likes of Beck, Santana, Jack Johnson, and Cypress Hill (Robert
Carranza and Anton Pukshansky), and you get what is easily the band’s most vibrant and
ambitious project to date. Everyone from critics to NARAS members agree. In February,
Street Signs received the GRAMMY award for Latin Rock / Alternative Album of the Year.
“After eight years of being together,” explains tenor saxophonist Ulises Bella, “our overall
comfort level with ourselves and with our playing has really grown. The songs venture off
to a lot of different areas. That’s the beauty of Ozomatli, being able to do things really
differently than everyone else.”
Street Signs is both a mature testament to the band’s nearly decade-long evolution and a
fresh, dance floor-rocking reminder of their commitment to creating original music in the
face of industry conservatism. “Saturday Night” is a “dip-dive-socialize” hip-hop block
party. “Love & Hope” is an anthem waiting to happen with its English-language mix of
Arabic strings and new-school Chicano funk-rock. “Dejame En Paz” is a papi chulo
merengue fest that boils over into the mosh pit. The band even re-mixes itself (with the
help of Ghenea and John Hanes) on “Ya Viene El Sol,” turning its soaring concert sing-a-
long into a piece of DJ heaven; a broken-beat electro cut-up of dancehall, batucada, and
jarocho.
“Since we started, our perspectives have changed as our lives have changed,” says Bella.
“We just trust each other more now. Everyone gives everyone the space we all need. This
band did not start, at all, to get a record deal. It started out of love for the music we made,
and that’s exactly where we still are.”
Ozomatli are:
Jiro Yamaguchi Percussion
Wil-Dog Abers Bass, Vocals
Justin Poree Percussion, MC, Vocals
Asdrubal Sierra Trumpet, Lead Vocals
Raul Pacheco Guitar, Lead Vocals
Ulises Bella Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Vocals
Mario Calire Drums
Rene ‘Spinobi’ Dominguez Turntablist
Jabu MC
Sheffer Bruton Trombone
West Coast's Hottest Jump Blues From The Bay Area
Little Charlie & The Nightcats
Wednesday, November 29th, 2006
Central Bar & Grill, 708 View St. 250-361-1700
EARLY SHOW! Doors 7pm - Showtime 8:00pm
Tickets: $18 Advance / $20 Door
Available at: Lyle's Place (cash only) 250-382-8422, Central Bar and Grill 250-361-1700
& High Tide Box Office at www.hightideconcerts.net or charge by phone 250-478-1888
Little Charlie & The Nightcats Website is: www.littlecharlie.net
More info can be found at: www.hightideconcerts.net or email us at
hightideconcerts@shaw.ca
"Fabulous jump blues; remarkable original material"
-Billboard
"Little Charlie & the Nightcats take a healthy dose of blues and make it shimmy and shake
with hip jazz and rolling retro-rock riffs punctuated with sizzling guitar and harp solos."
-New York Post
Little Charlie
Charlie Baty was born in Alabama in 1953, moved to California at the age of 8, and began
playing harmonica at the age of 12. Fascinated by the sound of the harmonica and a
chance gift of a classic record 'The Best of Little Walter', Charlie quickly learned harmonica
well enough to front his own high-school band and compete in a few San Francisco Bay
Area battle-of -the-bands. By the age of 18, while attending UC Berkeley, Charlie was
performing in Bay Area blues clubs and happened to meet Rick Estrin through a mutual
friend--harmonica player, Gary Smith. A few years later (in 1976), Rick Estrin telephoned
Charlie and suggested forming a musical union and 'Little Charlie & the Nightcats' was
born. Charlie switched from harmonica to guitar and Rick took over the singing and
harmonica playing. During the early years of the Nightcats, Charlie & Rick fronted house
bands at the Sacramento Blues Festival and University of Oregon Blues Festival, appeared
in many regional festivals, and slowly developed a loyal following. In these early years
'Little Charlie and the Nightcats' backed up Big Mama Thornton, Tiny Powell, Charles
Brown, Sonny Rhodes, Albert Collins, Floyd Dixon, John Lee Hooker, Gatemouth Brown,
Pee Wee Crayton, in addition to performing their own shows at festivals. In 1982 the band
recorded its first record, a 45 of a Rick Estrin original 'Homely Girl' backed with 'Run Me
Down'. Little Charlie's guitar playing was recognized by Robert Cray in an early interview
he did with Rolling Stone Magazine, and eventually the band signed with Alligator Records
and released 'All the Way Crazy' in 1987. Charlie Baty has continued to grow as a
guitarist, playing blues, jazz, western swing, and other types of music and combining
these styles to form a unique voice. Charlie has recorded 10 records with Alligator, 3
records with John Hammond on Point Blank, and appeared as a guest on records by Joe
Louis Walker, Kid Ramos, and others. Charlie has written many guitar instrumentals, and
plans to release a solo jazz/blues record in 2006.
Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin started playing harmonica in San Francisco in the 1960's. By age 18 he was
opening for Z.Z. Hill at San Francisco's premier black night club, the Club Long Island in
the Hunter's Point district. During this engagement he met soul
singer/songwriter/all-around entertainer Rodger Collins who was to become his show
business and songwriting mentor. Rick traveled with Rodger up and down the West Coast
and tried to pay very close attention when Rodger would share his theories on
songwriting and his show business wisdom. At the age of 20 Rick journeyed to Chicago
at the urging of his friend and fellow harp player, native Chicagoan Jerry Portnoy. While
in Chicago. Rick had the opportunity to play with such luminaries as Muddy Waters and
Buddy Guy and work and tour with such legendary figures as Eddie Taylor, Sam Lay,
John Littlejohn, Johnny Young and the celebrated "Cool Johnny Twist". After years of
traveling between California and Chicago, and honing his craft, Rick joined forces with
guitarist Little Charlie Baty to form 'Little Charlie and the Nightcats'. Rick has won a WC
Handy Award for Best Blues Song of the Year ('My Next Ex-Wife'), and has written songs
recorded by Koko Taylor, Robert Cray, Little Milton, John Hammond, and many others.
Rick continues his great song-writing tradition on 'Nine Lives' by penning 10 new
compositions.
J. Hansen
J. Hansen fell in love with the drums at the age of five, and has been playing ever since.
After teaching himself some simple grooves from his favorite childhood rock and roll
records, he began to study and play in the school band at ten years old. This music
education culminated in a Bachelor of Arts degree in percussion performance from
California State University at Hayward, a renowned jazz school. J. played his first
professional job at age 13 with Clint Baker's New Orleans jazz band, remaining with the
group for the next 13 years playing jazz festivals across the country, in addition to
freelancing with various groups around the San Francisco Bay Area. J. Hansen started
his own original R&B/Funk band 'Verso' in 1995, which performed around the Bay Area for
the next four years. This is the group that gave J. Hansen his first vehicle for songwriting,
and in 1997 Verso released their CD, "Attacking Metropolis". J. Hansen joined the band
'Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums'- one of the premier retro-swing bands in the country.
J. extensively toured the U.S. and Europe with the Rhumba Bums until 2002, when he left
the band to join Little Charlie and the Nightcats. J. Hansen has toured Europe, Asia,
Australia and North America with Little Charlie & the Nightcats, appearing on TV and in
concert performing an average of 200 dates per year. J's singing, songwriting, and
phenomenal drumming are showcased on their current Alligator release, "Nine Lives".
Lorenzo Farrell
Lorenzo Farrell studied classical piano as a child in Kentucky and Indiana, picking up the
acoustic bass during his high school years in California. He attended UC-Berkeley, and
spent six months studying religion and philosophy at the University of Delhi, India. After
receiving his Philosophy degree from Cal, Lorenzo returned to music, embarking on a
career as an acoustic and electric bassist, performing jazz, blues, rock, soul, and Brazilian
styles. When he's not touring with the Nightcats, Lorenzo works with a variety of Bay Area
bands, including the big band Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, and the original jazz group
Collective Amnesia. He is an award-winning jazz composer and has performed with,
among others, Clark Terry, Joshua Redman, Phil Woods, James Williams, and Bob Berg.
Little Charlie & The Nightcats
Wednesday, November 29th, 2006
Central Bar & Grill, 708 View St. 250-361-1700
EARLY SHOW! Doors 7pm - Showtime 8:00pm
Tickets: $18 Advance / $20 Door
Available at: Lyle's Place (cash only) 250-382-8422, Central Bar and Grill 250-361-1700
& High Tide Box Office at www.hightideconcerts.net or charge by phone 250-478-1888
Little Charlie & The Nightcats Website is: www.littlecharlie.net
More info can be found at: www.hightideconcerts.net or email us at
hightideconcerts@shaw.ca
"Fabulous jump blues; remarkable original material"
-Billboard
"Little Charlie & the Nightcats take a healthy dose of blues and make it shimmy and shake
with hip jazz and rolling retro-rock riffs punctuated with sizzling guitar and harp solos."
-New York Post
Little Charlie
Charlie Baty was born in Alabama in 1953, moved to California at the age of 8, and began
playing harmonica at the age of 12. Fascinated by the sound of the harmonica and a
chance gift of a classic record 'The Best of Little Walter', Charlie quickly learned harmonica
well enough to front his own high-school band and compete in a few San Francisco Bay
Area battle-of -the-bands. By the age of 18, while attending UC Berkeley, Charlie was
performing in Bay Area blues clubs and happened to meet Rick Estrin through a mutual
friend--harmonica player, Gary Smith. A few years later (in 1976), Rick Estrin telephoned
Charlie and suggested forming a musical union and 'Little Charlie & the Nightcats' was
born. Charlie switched from harmonica to guitar and Rick took over the singing and
harmonica playing. During the early years of the Nightcats, Charlie & Rick fronted house
bands at the Sacramento Blues Festival and University of Oregon Blues Festival, appeared
in many regional festivals, and slowly developed a loyal following. In these early years
'Little Charlie and the Nightcats' backed up Big Mama Thornton, Tiny Powell, Charles
Brown, Sonny Rhodes, Albert Collins, Floyd Dixon, John Lee Hooker, Gatemouth Brown,
Pee Wee Crayton, in addition to performing their own shows at festivals. In 1982 the band
recorded its first record, a 45 of a Rick Estrin original 'Homely Girl' backed with 'Run Me
Down'. Little Charlie's guitar playing was recognized by Robert Cray in an early interview
he did with Rolling Stone Magazine, and eventually the band signed with Alligator Records
and released 'All the Way Crazy' in 1987. Charlie Baty has continued to grow as a
guitarist, playing blues, jazz, western swing, and other types of music and combining
these styles to form a unique voice. Charlie has recorded 10 records with Alligator, 3
records with John Hammond on Point Blank, and appeared as a guest on records by Joe
Louis Walker, Kid Ramos, and others. Charlie has written many guitar instrumentals, and
plans to release a solo jazz/blues record in 2006.
Rick Estrin
Rick Estrin started playing harmonica in San Francisco in the 1960's. By age 18 he was
opening for Z.Z. Hill at San Francisco's premier black night club, the Club Long Island in
the Hunter's Point district. During this engagement he met soul
singer/songwriter/all-around entertainer Rodger Collins who was to become his show
business and songwriting mentor. Rick traveled with Rodger up and down the West Coast
and tried to pay very close attention when Rodger would share his theories on
songwriting and his show business wisdom. At the age of 20 Rick journeyed to Chicago
at the urging of his friend and fellow harp player, native Chicagoan Jerry Portnoy. While
in Chicago. Rick had the opportunity to play with such luminaries as Muddy Waters and
Buddy Guy and work and tour with such legendary figures as Eddie Taylor, Sam Lay,
John Littlejohn, Johnny Young and the celebrated "Cool Johnny Twist". After years of
traveling between California and Chicago, and honing his craft, Rick joined forces with
guitarist Little Charlie Baty to form 'Little Charlie and the Nightcats'. Rick has won a WC
Handy Award for Best Blues Song of the Year ('My Next Ex-Wife'), and has written songs
recorded by Koko Taylor, Robert Cray, Little Milton, John Hammond, and many others.
Rick continues his great song-writing tradition on 'Nine Lives' by penning 10 new
compositions.
J. Hansen
J. Hansen fell in love with the drums at the age of five, and has been playing ever since.
After teaching himself some simple grooves from his favorite childhood rock and roll
records, he began to study and play in the school band at ten years old. This music
education culminated in a Bachelor of Arts degree in percussion performance from
California State University at Hayward, a renowned jazz school. J. played his first
professional job at age 13 with Clint Baker's New Orleans jazz band, remaining with the
group for the next 13 years playing jazz festivals across the country, in addition to
freelancing with various groups around the San Francisco Bay Area. J. Hansen started
his own original R&B/Funk band 'Verso' in 1995, which performed around the Bay Area for
the next four years. This is the group that gave J. Hansen his first vehicle for songwriting,
and in 1997 Verso released their CD, "Attacking Metropolis". J. Hansen joined the band
'Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums'- one of the premier retro-swing bands in the country.
J. extensively toured the U.S. and Europe with the Rhumba Bums until 2002, when he left
the band to join Little Charlie and the Nightcats. J. Hansen has toured Europe, Asia,
Australia and North America with Little Charlie & the Nightcats, appearing on TV and in
concert performing an average of 200 dates per year. J's singing, songwriting, and
phenomenal drumming are showcased on their current Alligator release, "Nine Lives".
Lorenzo Farrell
Lorenzo Farrell studied classical piano as a child in Kentucky and Indiana, picking up the
acoustic bass during his high school years in California. He attended UC-Berkeley, and
spent six months studying religion and philosophy at the University of Delhi, India. After
receiving his Philosophy degree from Cal, Lorenzo returned to music, embarking on a
career as an acoustic and electric bassist, performing jazz, blues, rock, soul, and Brazilian
styles. When he's not touring with the Nightcats, Lorenzo works with a variety of Bay Area
bands, including the big band Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, and the original jazz group
Collective Amnesia. He is an award-winning jazz composer and has performed with,
among others, Clark Terry, Joshua Redman, Phil Woods, James Williams, and Bob Berg.
Jigu! Thunder Drums of China
28-member ensemble direct from Shanxi Province
Sunday, April 1st, 2007
Chan Centre for The Performing Arts at UBC
6265 Crescent Road, UBC, Vancouver BC
Doors 7pm - Showtime 8pm
Tickets: $39.50/$37.50/$35.50 + Service charges (No Service charges at Chan Centre
Ticket Office)
Available at: Ticketmaster outlets, Chan Centre Ticket Office,
Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone: 604.280.3311 or at www.ticketmaster.ca
"Deeply rooted in Chinese folk traditions and updated with high-tech lighting and
special effects, Jigu's spectacular movement and drumming is designed to enhance
the eyes, entrance the ears and engage the spirit."
- Chico Performances (California)
"There is something very original and elusive in their performance…this honesty
and spontaneity is a wonderful thing…not the least in the genre of folklore, but it
became a very important part of the performance that one will not soon forget!"
- Berlingske Times (Denmark)
“The thunder dragon roared in the Cultural Grand Theatre on Monday night… for
most of this exciting show, there was a strong feeling that something very special
was happening on stage!”
- South China Morning Post
JIGU! In Chinese it means to 'beat or touch the drum' and your audience will clamor
for more as they are thrilled by the powerful Thunder Drums of China! Hailing from
the Shanxi province, this world-renown company of 28 drummers, percussionists
and musicians will astound audiences in this ultra-sensory entertainment
experience. The fine art of drumming and percussive performance is indicative of the
culture of the Shanxi province. Performances by Jigu! are deeply rooted in these folk
origins, which are blended with many modern musical elements. In this fascinating,
totally new show concept from the producers of The Peking Acrobats®, high-tech
lighting and special effects add to the drama of this spectacular and awe-inspiring
cultural event your patrons won't want to miss. Not only can you see and hear the
action, but you can actually feel the intense sound! Experience the vibrant and
colorful roar of JIGU! Thunder Drums of China.
HISTORY: The Ensemble was founded in 1988 and they have performed in many
countries including
Denmark, Morocco, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
FESTIVALS: CCTV's (China's National TV Station) Spring Festival Special Event;
The Shanghai
International Arts Festival; The Chinese Folk Art Festival; The Summer of Ha'ErBin
Arts Festival; The
Hong Kong Drum Festival and Competition. (Finalists); The 2004 China/US National
Basketball
Games (They were featured performers at NBA Games)
AWARDS: Gold Medalists 2004 National Star Awards in China given for excellence in
their field of
drumming and percussive performance (also 2000, 2001 and 1992); Winners in the
1992 Chinese
Folk Dancing Competitions for Percussion and Drums Performers.
28-member ensemble direct from Shanxi Province
Sunday, April 1st, 2007
Chan Centre for The Performing Arts at UBC
6265 Crescent Road, UBC, Vancouver BC
Doors 7pm - Showtime 8pm
Tickets: $39.50/$37.50/$35.50 + Service charges (No Service charges at Chan Centre
Ticket Office)
Available at: Ticketmaster outlets, Chan Centre Ticket Office,
Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone: 604.280.3311 or at www.ticketmaster.ca
"Deeply rooted in Chinese folk traditions and updated with high-tech lighting and
special effects, Jigu's spectacular movement and drumming is designed to enhance
the eyes, entrance the ears and engage the spirit."
- Chico Performances (California)
"There is something very original and elusive in their performance…this honesty
and spontaneity is a wonderful thing…not the least in the genre of folklore, but it
became a very important part of the performance that one will not soon forget!"
- Berlingske Times (Denmark)
“The thunder dragon roared in the Cultural Grand Theatre on Monday night… for
most of this exciting show, there was a strong feeling that something very special
was happening on stage!”
- South China Morning Post
JIGU! In Chinese it means to 'beat or touch the drum' and your audience will clamor
for more as they are thrilled by the powerful Thunder Drums of China! Hailing from
the Shanxi province, this world-renown company of 28 drummers, percussionists
and musicians will astound audiences in this ultra-sensory entertainment
experience. The fine art of drumming and percussive performance is indicative of the
culture of the Shanxi province. Performances by Jigu! are deeply rooted in these folk
origins, which are blended with many modern musical elements. In this fascinating,
totally new show concept from the producers of The Peking Acrobats®, high-tech
lighting and special effects add to the drama of this spectacular and awe-inspiring
cultural event your patrons won't want to miss. Not only can you see and hear the
action, but you can actually feel the intense sound! Experience the vibrant and
colorful roar of JIGU! Thunder Drums of China.
HISTORY: The Ensemble was founded in 1988 and they have performed in many
countries including
Denmark, Morocco, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
FESTIVALS: CCTV's (China's National TV Station) Spring Festival Special Event;
The Shanghai
International Arts Festival; The Chinese Folk Art Festival; The Summer of Ha'ErBin
Arts Festival; The
Hong Kong Drum Festival and Competition. (Finalists); The 2004 China/US National
Basketball
Games (They were featured performers at NBA Games)
AWARDS: Gold Medalists 2004 National Star Awards in China given for excellence in
their field of
drumming and percussive performance (also 2000, 2001 and 1992); Winners in the
1992 Chinese
Folk Dancing Competitions for Percussion and Drums Performers.
Upcoming Shows
| | | | | | | | | | |
Info, Audio and Video Samples for Upcoming Shows Below!!
Upcoming Shows Page 1
| | | | | | | | | | |
Info, Audio and Video Samples for Upcoming Shows Below!!
Upcoming Shows page 2
| | | | | | | | | | |
Info, Audio and Video Samples for Upcoming Shows Below!!
Upcoming Shows page 1
