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Nov. 23 - Nov. 30, 2003 |
On The Beat
Kathleen shines
By Kerry Doole
Originally Published: 2002-12-01
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Kathleen Edwards
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KATHLEEN EDWARDS: This roots-based Ottawa singer/songwriter has been taking great strides since the release of her solo debut, Failer, earlier this year. It earned great reviews here, and attracted American interest. Kathleen is now signed to top U.S. roots label Rounder, and the album will surface there soon. A recent well-attended gig at The Rivoli showed what the fuss is about. She has a strong and passionate voice that is often compared to LUCINDA WILLIAMS (and sometimes compatriot SARAH HARMER), but it's her talent as a songwriter that makes comparisons pointless. She premiered a couple of new tunes solo, and they sounded highly promising. The material from Failer was handled skillfully by her ace band, one including guitarist COLIN CRIPPS (JUNKHOUSE, CRASH VEGAS) and drummer JOEL ANDERSON (SKYDIGGERS). Edwards faltered with an occasional sound problem and some rambling monologues, but emerged triumphant.
BET.E & STEF: This fast-rising Montreal duo made their first local appearance in support of their second CD, Day By Day, at Revival recently. The full house confirmed their increasing popularity here, but the setting of a large and loud night-club was not an ideal one. Bet.e & Stef's stylish bossa nova-based sound was treated merely as background music by too many chatty scenesters in the crowd. The subtleties of this style need a quieter or seated venue to come across properly. Still, there was no denying the talent of these two attractive singers, and they were well supported by a five-piece backing band. Bet.e occasionally delved into her r 'n b roots, showing a vocal power that is not required for the quieter bossa fare. Hopefully their return to Toronto will come in a more suitable venue.
PRECIOUS LITTLE: One of the best local independent releases to come On The Beat's way in quite some time is 100 Miles, from Precious Little. This trio, formed out of the ashes of HELLO KITTY, have a moody sound that fits the alt-country genre, but they also have an edge that indicates they've listened to VELVET UNDERGROUND and THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN albums. In fact, there's a cover of JAMC's "Birthday" here. Singer and chief writer LEORRA NEWMAN has a literate songwriting style, and it's interesting to note she co-wrote one tune with fine actress TRACY WRIGHT. Some of Queen Street's best players (GORD CUMMING, PATRICK GREGORY, RHEOSTATIC TIM VESELY, NICK HOLMES and FRED ROBINSON) contribute to the disc. Check out www.preciouslittle.ca for more info, or catch them at The Horseshoe when they open for U.S. band SLOBBERBONE at a free show on Dec. 17.
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