On The Beat

Downchild turn 35

DOWNCHILD: Likely Canada's longest-running blues band, they are also one of the best. They've celebrated turning 35 by releasing their first new studio album in seven years, Come On In. They launched it with a gig at The Mod Club recently, and it drew a respectable crowd of mostly long-time fans. Such new tracks as "Scars" and "Come On In" rank with the group's best, and they delivered a strong performance, led by leader DONNIE WALSH's guitar playing and CHUCK JACKSON's strong vocals. The disc features some big-name guests (JEFF HEALEY, JAMES COTTON and DAVID GOGO), and is available via www.downchild.com

FEVER: This New York City rock band has been getting some attention as part of that city's booming rock scene (YEAH YEAH YEAHS, THE STROKES etc). They played a gig at the El Mocambo recently, but left On The Beat wondering what the fuss was about. They are strong instrumentally, but the vocals (by JEREMY JASPER) and songwriting were on the lacklustre side. Some songs had a punkish attack, and others were in that Strokes riff-rock vein. The Fever have just released a new CD, Red Bedroom, that is listenable enough, but certainly no more impressive than those of many of our city's exciting young bands.

CARLO COPPOLA/NICK FIORUCCI: Our congratulations to this dynamic duo on picking up a CANADIAN URBAN MUSIC AWARD recently. They won in the Best Dance/Electronic Recording of the Year category for their dance hit, "Make You Love Me." The track has been featured on two top compilations, A Trip In House and Platinum Dance Hits 2. Carlo is a real talented local singer/songwriter, while Nick is an ace producer/mixer/DJ and head of the Hi-Bias label.

NEW RELEASES: Lovers of that epic British rock sound should check out the self-titled debut disc (on BMG) from KASABIAN. They mix psychedelic and anthemic songs that sometimes evoke OASIS or STONE ROSES, without resorting to mimicry. JAKALOPE are creating a bit of a stir with their first CD, It Dreams (on Orange). This is a star-studded project put together by ace Vancouver producer DAVE OGILVIE (SKINNY PUPPY). Big-name guests include TRENT REZNOR of NINE INCH NAILS, members of SLOAN and SONS OF FREEDOM and LINDY. The result is a pretty accessible take on industrial-infused rock, featuring the vocals of KATIE B. The premier song stylist around today is surely TONY BENNETT. Now in his '70s, he remains in fine voice, as can be heard on his brand new Sony CD, The Art Of Romance. It is actually his 104th (!) album, and it features his first ever lyric, on "All For You." It features large orchestration and lush production from PHIL RAMONE. A good Christmas gift choice. On the DVD front, fans of the legendary DOORS will want to snap up a new special edition double DVD set on Eagle Rock. It combines Soundstage Performances and No One Here Gets Out Alive, which pairs live footage and surviving members talking about JIM MORRISON. Three hours of bliss for Doors lovers.

UPCOMING: Canadian modern rock band TURN OFF THE STARS proved prophetic in naming their debut disc Everything Is OK. They've had a very good year, and have now just scored the support slot for the Dec. 8th SWITCHFOOT gig at the Kool Haus. If you're into FRANZ FERDINAND and THE STROKES, chances are you'll enjoy RAZORLIGHT. This London band has an excellent CD, Up All Night, out now on Universal. Good to hear they'll be making their local debut with a Lee's Palace gig on Jan. 12. On Dec. 6, bass virtuoso ROBERTO OCCHIPINTI leads his quintet in a gig at Ontario Scene Centre. His group includes superb Cuban jazz pianist HILARIO DURAN, who is now based here. In at The Drake on Dec. 11 are THE BROWN HORNETS. They play the blues hard and fast with a punkish energy. Opening up is promising young singer/songwriter ANDREW HAUGHTON.

Publication Date: 2004-12-05
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=4695