On The Beat
Brilliant Breau
By Kerry Doole
Originally Published: 2004-11-21
EDGAR BREAU: Moments of musical magic can sometimes be found in unlikely places. A cold night in Parkdale, for instance. At cozy neighbourhood bar Mitzi's Sister, a small audience was on hand for Hamilton cult hero, Edgar Breau. He achieved that status with "ahead of their time" psych rockers SIMPLY SAUCER, and he has now morphed into a folk-oriented singer/songwriter. His new solo disc, the aptly-named Canadian Primitive, is a compelling, but decidedly non-commercial work. He is understated onstage, but his inventive acoustic guitar work and poetic songs left a mark. Accompanied by bassist KEVIN CHRISTOFF and, occasionally, harmony singer COMPTON ROBERTS, he concentrated on his new material. Some of his tunes are inspired by writers like Melville and W.B. Yeats ("Rockin' Chair"), but his more autobiographical tunes had most resonance, especially the lovely "I Miss You My Nico." Breau is far from a smooth vocal stylist, but the sincerity of his approach overcomes the flaws.
POLITICS: The memory of the recent U.S, presidential elections remains painful. One telling lesson from the (dumb and) DUBYA victory is just how politically impotent rock and movie stars are. Never before have so many celebrities united in such angry opposition to one candidate, but he won anyway. Having BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN on his side didn't do JOHN KERRY enough good, and neither did all those efforts to "rock the vote." Seems Americans love to read all the dirt dished up on celebs, but don't take any political direction from them.
PAUL REDDICK: The Toronto blues scene's movers and shakers turned out on force for the CD release party of one of its major talents recently. Reddick was launching his superb new solo CD, Villanelle (out on NorthernBlues), and he came armed with a fine four-piece band that included ace pianist/accordionist RICHARD BELL (BRUCE COCKBURN, THE BAND) but lacked the album's producer COLIN LINDEN (committed to sessions with CASSANDRA WILSON in L.A.). Paul has risen to local prominence as leader of blues band THE SIDEMEN, but his solo material has branched into more eclectic Americana/roots territory. A scruffy beard heightened a physical resemblance to a young JOE COCKER, and his gruff convincing vocals fuelled that comparison. He showed off great harmonica playing, and the strong lyrics of tunes like "Dogcatcher" and "Big Not Small" also impressed. This disc will surely help spread word of Reddick's talent internationally.
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