On The Beat
Reid's Truths
By Kerry Doole
Originally Published: 2004-05-16
REID JAMIESON: This Toronto singer/songwriter has a well-deserved reputation as one of the nicest guys on the local scene. He's also one of the most talented, as his new CD, The Unavoidable Truth, confirms. It is full of gently emotional and poetic songs delivered in a charmingly sweet voice and featuring stellar musicianship. Those lending a hand included SKYDIGGER JOSH FINLAYSON (who produced, co-wrote three cuts, and played bass), DAVE CLARK, BOB EGAN, MIA SHEARD, SARAH HARMER, MICHAEL JOHNSON and Reid's muse, CAROLYN MILL. The well-attended CD launch party at The Rivoli featured many of these guests, plus LORI CULLEN, PETE ELKAS (who opened the show) and DAVE CELIA. There was indeed a lot of love in the room, and Jamieson responded with a charming and convincing performance.
LORI CULLEN: We caught the closing gig of this Toronto songsmith's Maple Lounge residency at The Rivoli recently. She broke with the usual solo format of this series by inviting guitarist KURT SWINGHAMMER and her bassist/co-producer CHRIS GARTNER onstage, and this proved a smart move. They were able to reproduce much of the sonic adventurousness of Lori's superb current CD, Uneven Hill. She gave a nod to her influences by also doing a LEONARD COHEN and a JONI MITCHELL cover. With her haunting voice and poetic lyrics, Cullen is an artist to watch for. She'll be playing a residency at C'est What shortly.
GROSSMAN'S TAVERN: This venerable Spadina watering hole has played a key role in this city's live music scene for over 55 years now. Stars who have played there include DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND, ALANNAH MYLES, AMANDA MARSHALL, JEFF HEALEY, BURTON CUMMINGS and BLUE RODEO. Grossman's undervalued contributions are now being recognized by an Alumni Week, featuring some of its most popular acts. Their performances will be recorded for a future CD release. There's still time to catch GARY KENDALL (May 14), HAPPY PALS and CRISCO BROWN (15th), and NICOLA VAUGHAN and THE NATIONALS (May 16).
Page 1/...Page 2
|
</ td>
