Feature Article December 18, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeThe Trews and Oh Susanna
The
Trews, along with Bullmoose and Crowned King, put on a stellar
performance at Elixir in Kingston on Thursday November 21. Bullmoose
got the crowd warmed up with some old-fashioned hard rock. Its rare
to find a band these days that can incorporate a good rock scream, but
Bullmooses singer Eric Lawrance can belt them out. They were
followed by Crowned King, a ska-punk band out of British Columbia
whose music and energetic performance was well done, but not
infectious enough to get the crowd moving.
The Trews were the real stars of the night. Their live show is as good as their newest CD, House Of Ill Fame - full of energy and feel- good music that clearly demonstrates how much talent these guys have. Lead singer Colin MacDonalds voice ranges from angelic to rough, with a bit of I-told-you-so attitude thrown in, but this band is more than just a pretty front man. The foursome, singer Colin MacDonald, guitarist John-Angus MacDonald, bassist Jack Syperek, and drummer Sean Dalton, are all equally talented, and they seamlessly blend several musical elements to create a new genre thats part rock, with a bit of blues and soul. Then they tie it up with clever lyrics and throw it out there for people to discover and love.
The Trews, who have been nominated for ECMAs (East Coast Music Award) in two categories, recently finished part of a tour where they opened for the last of Big Sugars live shows and will be heading home to Nova Scotia during the holidays and playing there. Pick up their newest CD or try to catch a live show the next time theyre in your area. Your ears will ring afterwards, but its well worth it. Visit www.thetrewsmusic.com for tour or CD information or to sample some of their music.
Jim Bryson opened for Oh Susanna on Thursday night at Scherzo, and although the crowd wasnt huge, those who attended were treated to an excellent show. Jim played some music for our conversation, as he put it, which included songs off of his latest album, North Side Benches. His solo performance was a refreshing change from the more structured sound found on Benches, showing that a man and a guitar can be just as effective and mesmerizing as studio work.
Alternative country singer Suzie Ungerleider was born in the U.S. but raised in Vancouver, and has become a well-known name on the Canadian Folk music scene. Her new album, simply titled Oh Susanna, marks a change from the singers previous solo work towards a new more band-oriented rock record. During Thursdays set Suzies songs ranged in topic from ladies of the evening (i.e. prostitutes), to dreams, to parents. Her performance was that of understated rock, not too loud or forceful, relying more on the poetry of the music itself to come through, rather than being based on volume. While the new songs could be considered rock in terms of musical arrangement and sound, Suzies voice still adds a clear country element that doesnt fail to mesmerize. Remember the names Jim Bryson and Oh Susanna the next time you want to see a great show and support true Canadian talent.
