Refrain Music

When I’d heard about Tyler Bryant he was opening for Jeff Beck a few months back and I knew very little about this young guitar prodigy from Texas.  But after seeing him at that show there was no way I was going to miss this lad and his own band in all the way from Nashville, tonight at Moncton’s “Tide & Boar Gastropub”.  If you’ve never had the opportunity, which I’d had before, to eat at the Tide & Boar I highly recommend it.  With everything made in-house, even right down to the ketchup, the food is unique and just all around yummy.  With items like a twist on cheescake, with irish-cream cheescake on a stick, and “boar poutine” it’s a tasty adventure to be had.  The atmosphere is cozy, with two levels, good prompt service, and good food…another great feature is their penchant for live entertainment bringing in great live shows, including tonight’s, from all over.  This feature also garnished them a chance to be one of the live venue’s for showcasing acts at the upcoming East Coast Music Awards in about a week’s time.  I highly recommend the Tide & Boar as a place to eat and play…now on to the show!

Tide & Boar Gastropub - Moncton, NB

Tyler Bryant got his first guitar at the age of 6, and at the ripe old age of 21 he’s already been playing for 15 years, and making the most of it.  He banged around on that guitar until at 11 he traded a new motorcycle, a gift from his parents, for his first electric guitar.  While still young, he had the fortune to meet an old bluesman from Texas named Roosevelt Twitty, and he taught Tyler an appreciation for the blues.

Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown - Tide & Boar Gastropub - 04/05/12

While in high school he started to expand his musical horizons and listen to more straight up rock and roll, artists like the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, and the Black Crowes (that themselves have a bluesy undertone). This music influenced his playing and at 17 Tyler moved to Nashville to write and play, and in the process met drummer Caleb Crosby and bass player Calvin Webster (who was celebrating a birthday of sorts on this night in Moncton).  Caleb and Calvin joined Tyler’s band, which now also includes guitar player Graham Whitford, who is the son of well known Brad Whitford of Aerosmith.

Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown - Tide & Boar Gastropub - 04/05/12

When you talk to Tyler, which I had a brief moment to do before the show, you learn that he’s just a simple guy that loves what he does, loves music.  He’s not trying to be anyone else, like the next Stevie Ray Vaughn, he’s just trying to be his own musician with his own sound that pulls in all his influences and play some straight up rock and roll music.  Having played with some impressive musicians like Clapton, Bonamassa, BB King, Vince Gill and more he’s got no shortage of influences to draw from but he still harkens to the old blues greats like Muddy Waters as some of his favorites.

Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown - Tide & Boar Gastropub - 04/05/12

As I said I’d gotten to speak to Tyler briefly prior to the show and asked him to play one of my favorite TB songs in “Lipstick Wonder Woman” which is a fantastic tune.  Not only was he kind enough to play it for me but dedicated it to me as well, which was a nice touch on his part, and appreciated (I’d hoped he’d do the acoustic slide version from his Aimeeland recording, but hey, I’m happy!).   He played a lot of songs from their current CD ‘From The Sandcastle’, songs like ‘Kick The Habit’ and ‘Shackles’ (another favorite).  They also referred to a new CD coming out soon and played a great new acoustic song from it called “My Tangerine”.  Telling stories around the songs of the boys moving to Nashville, driving across Canada in their Winnebago (and breaking down and blowing a tire in a location where no one spoke English) and having fun playing music, doing what they love, lucky guys.

Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown - Tide & Boar Gastropub - 04/05/12

Speaking of playing I have to mention the “Shakedown”, Tylers friends and bandmates who not only are great musicians themselves but at times showed that they too have serious skills with which to accompany Mr. Bryant.   The drum solo by Caleb Crosby that had him venture right out into the crowd, drumming on the wooden floor boards, amp racks, and band mates, anything his sticks could reach was a treat to watch.  Solos by both bassist Calvin Webster and guitarist Graham Whitford showed why these pieces all fit together so well.  Bryant’s many ventures off the stage and into the crowd was not only appreciated but absorbed, the crowd in awe of his skill.

Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown - Tide & Boar Gastropub -04/05/12

This show had it all, from great blues, to rock and roll, to stories, amazing solos and more.  I encourage you to get out to see Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown if you ever get the chance (help them get out of their broken Winnebago), if you appreciate strong, well played rock and roll this is the band to see.  I also encourage you to check out the Tide & Boar…I recommend the Boar Poutine!

Hopefully the next time I see Tyler perform I’ll get the chance to chat with him a bit longer (perhaps when I visit Nashville in October) and pick his brain a bit more, maybe I’ll have a new song to graciously ask him and his band to play for me from their new CD.  Either way I look forward to the next time I see him play, there definitely will be a next time!  I want to thank Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown for a great night of entertainment, the Tide & Boar for great food and great entertainment (keep it up!) and encourage all to check out both!  Until next time!

Tonight at the capitol we had two great Canadian country music acts in Gord Bamford and opening act Hey Romeo.  Stacie Roper, Rob Shapiro, and Darren Gusnowsky are the members of Hey Romeo and over almost the past decade, these three very talented musicians have become one of the rising star acts in Canadian country music.  Originally, Darren and Rob were playing in Gord Bamford’s band and vocalist Stacie needed some accompaniment at an upcoming gig.  Gord was kind enough to give his go for Darren and Rob to join Stacie at her show, and the beginnings of Hey Romeo were born.

Hey Romeo - Capitol Theatre - 03/17/12
Darren Gusnowsky, Stacie Roper, and Rob Shapiro

There style sparks thoughts of a multitude of artists with Roper being able to be soft when need be and belt out a tune with power to spare.  Dazzling in her festive green dress for St. Patrick’s day she regaled us with stories of the bands past and the influence of some songs on them, for example before they belted out their cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 hit “Second Hand News” which got them into the Top 50 of Canadian country charts back in 2007.

Hey Romeo - Capital Theatre - 03/17/12
Vocalist Stacie Roper

Hey Romeo moved on into 2008 with a Canadian Country Music Award for Top New Talent of the Year (Group or Duo).  This talent is evident in their live performance, with artists like Shapiro who has won the CCMA for best keyboard player the past three years running.  A great group that get’s your feet tapping and you can tell that they have a genuinely good time while performing, they played a multitude of songs from their hit CD “That’s What I Am” as well as a few off their upcoming CD out in the next month or so.

Hey Romeo - Capitol Theatre - 03/17/12
Keyboards/Vocalist Rob Shapiro

I wished I could have gotten a better picture of Darren Gusnowsky (sorry Darren) but the lighting was a challenge on this night at the Capitol and he was the farthest away.  Having won the CCMA last year for “Group or Duo of the Year”, Hey Romeo shows no signs of slowing down, they provide an entertaining live show, great music, and I highly recommend if you get the chance to see them perform live to do so!

Next up, after a brief intermission and chat with Hey Romeo about Twitter (@heyromeo), thanks for the pic guys!  The lights in the lobby dimmed to let us know it was time for headliner Gord Bamford.  Bamford was born in Australia but moved to Alberta with his mom at the age of five, which I’d say still classifies him as a “canuck”.  Bamford has released four albums since his debut back in 2000 with “God’s Green Earth” sparking such hit’s as “All About Her”, “Heroes” and his first top ten hit on country charts “Blame It On That Red Dress”.

Gord Bamford - Capitol Theatre - 03/17/12

On this night Gord was having a lot of fun it seemed taking us through songs like “Day Job”, “Put Some Alcohol On It”, and “My Daughter’s Father” (which I think I saw a couple of tears in the crowd due to this song) all from his latest album from 2010, “Day Job”.   He also had a somber moment when he told a story of the loss of a family member and played a heart felt tribute to the person in question.

Gord Bamford - Capitol Theatre - 03/17/12

Having now seen Gord Bamford twice (the last time with Aaron Pritchett on the “Rowdy Boys tour”) I must say he puts on a great show that is well worth seeing.  He plays a mix of old style country with a twinge of twang and throw in some modern country with a guitar rip or two, I definitely recommend his show and his music to fans.

Once again I want to thank PPR, the Capitol Theatre, Hey Romeo and Gord Bamford for a great night of entertainment…until next time!

Brit Floyd - Casino NB - March 06 /12

An exciting event for rock fans, and specifically for Pink Floyd fans came to Casino NB on March 06…Brit Floyd!   A cataclysm of light and sound the Brit Floyd show is an onslaught of music that sweeps you up in it’s melodic menagerie and dances you to the end.  Newly branded, the show may be new but the players are not, all the musicians are drawn from the better known Australian Pink Floyd show which is still currently touring and has been for almost twenty years.

Brit Floyd - Casino NB - 03/06/12

Brit Floyd’s show began promptly at 8:00pm with a long melodic intro to the first song…the crowd roared in appreciation, the lights dim, the video screen came to life and the show hummed to life.   The fans of Floyd also tend to have a penchant for ‘herbs’ and took the opportunity to partake of such at this moment…like a heart monitor the video screen pounded out a beat and we were on our way.   Brit Floyd excel in their visualization and in recreating the conceptual stories that often came hand in hand with the many songs which provide a core to Pink Floyd’s albums.  Even if you have been fortunate enough to see the origina Floyd live, you will not be disappointed by the Brit Floyd show, at times closing my eyes, and feeling like I was hearing the real thing with only slight subtle nuance differences.

Brit Floyd - Casino NB - 03/06/12

Rolling through their first three songs (even though this took almost twenty minutes) I was almost thrown off enough that I forgot to take pictures at how amazing the sound on “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” was with guitarists Bobby Harrison and Damian Darlington providing a roller coaster of sound from either side of the stage.   The band was massive with the aforementioned guitarist Bobby Harrison, Drummer, Arran Ahmun, Percussionist/Saxophonist Carl Brundsen, Bassist Ian Cattell, gutarist & musical director Damian Darlington, keyboardist Rob Stringer, and background vocalists Emily Jollands, Jacquie Williams, and Ola Bienkowska.  All played a part, that took us through album after album of Pink Floyd musical history.

Brit Floyd - Casino NB - 03/06/12

Brit Floyd - Casino NB - 03/06/12

Brit Floyd - Bobby Harrison - Casino NB - 03/06/12

The band ended the almost three hour night to grand applause from the greatly appreciative Casino NB crowd that brought the band back for a finishing touch performance of ‘Run Like Hell’ complete with bass player and singer Ian Cattell in biker shades and leather trench coat.  I highly recommend, if you are a Pink Floyd fan, rock music fan, hell just a music fan to see Brit Floyd if you get the chance, it’s a wonderful musical experience that will leave you wanting more…I’ll be seeing them again next time they come around!  To the band, Casino NB, and CMP Live I thank you for a wonderful night of musical entertainment…until next time!

Brit Floyd - Casino NB - 03/06/12

Hitting the Capitol Theater on a snowy night in the middle of February comes Canadian country superstar Paul Brandt with special guests, Open Road Recording artists High Valley.  The lobby of the beautiful theatre was very busy with the anticipation of the upcoming show and it looked as though it would be a pretty much full house.   The Capitol Theatre reopened its doors in 1993 after being restored to it’s former stylings of 1921, it’s acoustics and beauty modernized, shine through today.  Off to our seats it was almost show time, and every time I walk in this regal old theatre I feel taken back a bit and am amazed something like this still exists.  It was the first time I’d been seated in the upper balcony, and oddly it felt almost dizzying and I awaited the start of the show, admiring the old feel of this beautiful auditorium.  An interesting addition to the show was showing the influence of social media in today’s musical world as you could see behind the instruments a large video screen showing “tweets” about the show (if you don’t know what tweets are, where have you been?).  Audience members could enter a ‘Paul Brandt’ contest and win a trip to the Calgary stampede, and I must say it was a neat addition to see your own tweets roll across the screen for you and all the crowd to see (@highvalley / @PaulBrandt).

Audience Tweeticipation - Paul Brandt Concert - 02/17/12

Local radio personality Shilo Bellis from XL96 kicks the night off with the introduction of Open Road Records “High Valley”.  The Rempel brothers are three young lads with a great skill set on their instruments, fantastic harmonies, and a great sense of fun onstage.  Having opened for the likes of Brad Paisley and Keith Urban these brothers from Northern Canada are really beginning to come into their own with the group having won the 2011 Country Radio Music Award for Best New Group / Solo Artist (Country) and in 2010 and 2011, they were nominated for the Rising Star Award at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards (CCMA).   To add to that list they were recently nominated for a JUNO award for “Best Country Album”.

The brothers are always appreciative of the crowd before them when they play here, and inject their show with humorous story telling and anecdotes from their life and travels.  They were even able to deal admirably with two rather ‘boisterous’ fellows that were rather raucous in their appreciation of the band (whom were later removed to applause from the crowd).  The guys rolled through all their hit singles from their self-titled debut album which had four singles in the top 25 on country radio, “I Will Stand By You”, “On The Combine”, “A Father’s Love” and “Call Me Old Fashioned”.  They also took the time to talk about a personal cause that had special meaning for them in regard to sponsoring children in impoverished countries.  The crowd was highly appreciative of the young group High Valley, who I highly (no pun intended) recommend that you check out.

High Valley - Capitol Theatre - 02/17/12

After a brief intermission it was time for our main act, Paul Brandt, to take the stage.  With a stage set up appropriate for the Capitol, featuring three large throw rugs, a multitude of candle lights, and three large ‘lava lamps’ the stage set an intimate mood for Brandt’s show.  Hitting the stage with little introduction, and launching right into the first songs, Brandt set us off on a night that would take us across decades and a worldly music career.   The “Now” tour kicked off with that very song from Brandt’s latest and sixth studio album “Give It Away” and took us all the way back to one of his biggest hits in “I Do” that he wrote for a co-worker’s wedding from his career, which came to a surprise to many, as a pediatric nurse.

Paul Brandt - Capitol Theatre - 02/17/12

He even regaled us with a few humorous stories from his time on the childrens ward, speaking of stories, that’s one thing I personally was very appreciative of, Brandt taking the time not to just play music for us; but to ‘interact’ with us.  Now some bands, all you want them to do is ‘play’, but most I’d like to ‘hear from them’, to me it makes for a more ‘complete’ show and experience…if we just wanted to hear the music, we could do that at home.

Paul Brandt - Capitol Theatre - 02/17/12

Brandt took us around the world with his stories, showed us how music is ‘universal’, how it and his guitar got him out of a tight spot in a militant country overseas.  How it has aided him in helping World Vision sponsor children, which he took some time in the middle of the show to speak about and encouraged people to check out in the lobby of the Capitol.    Taking us on a journey through his career with songs like “My Heart Has A History”, “I Do”, “Convoy” (which brought his merchandise guy on stage in a duck suit, and if you know the song you know why) and his latest single “Give It Away”.  Even joined by opening act HighValley members for a couple of his songs to the delight of the crowd.

Paul Brandt - Capitol Theatre - 02/17/12

I must remember to make a note to myself the next time I go see a performer that typically likes to wear a cowboy hat most of the time, don’t sit in the balcony or you won’t see their face much!  Brandt talked about how he loves what he does, and how he appreciates everything he has received over the years and how he’d still do it in his ‘living room’ if he couldn’t do it live anymore.  But he will have a chance to do it on a very large stage later this year when he gets the chance to celebrate on the main stage at the Calgary Stampede as the Stampede celebrates it’s centennial and Brandt get’s to fire off a million dollars in fireworks every night (who wouldn’t be excited about that!).  Closing out the night with an encore, Brandt asked the crowd what they wanted to hear, and many shouted out “Alberta Bound”, which was the final song of the night!

Thanks to High Valley, Paul Brandt, the Capitol Theatre, and Jones entertainment for another great show, and if you get to see either of these acts in your area I strongly urge you to, until next time!

Tonight we have some fantastic classic rock entering our newest concert venue, “Deep Purple” live at Casino New Brunswick’s “The Center” for the first of two shows.  Oddly, this was actually the second show added in Moncton, with the first coming two days later but because of demand and a sold out show on Monday the promoter added a second show on the previous Saturday.

We started the night off with an opening act of “Gloryhound” a rock band from Nova Scotia who comprised of Evan Meisner (lead vocal/rhythm guitar), David Casey (lead guitar/bg vocal), Shaun Hanlon (drums) and Jeremy MacPherson (bass), are a tight well rounded rock band that had my brain searching for 80′s similarities that were just out of reach.  Influenced by Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop, I can see why my mind went there, and their sound backs that up.  With solid tunes like “Electric Dusk”, which I really enjoyed, smooth vocals and musicianship these four high school band mates from Fall River have something good going here.   Graciously accepted by the crowd of Deep Purple fans Gloryhound is a band to watch out for as I’m sure we’ll hear from them again.

Opening Act "Gloryhound" - Deep Purple Concert - Casino NB

After a half our set by the opener and a thrity minute break it was time for our headliner to take the stage.  Ian Paice is the only member of British rockers Deep Purple who can claim to have been in the band since day one, but vocalist Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover have been there for most of the bands incarnations as well.  Glover and Gillan signed on beginning with “In Rock” and in 1994, former Dixie Dregs founder Steve Morse became a member of the band.  In 2002, founding member and keyboard player Jon Lord retired from the group and Don Airey stepped in to complete the current lineup.

Deep Purple - Casino NB - 02/04/12

The band blasted onto the stage playing “Highway Star” from 1972′s ‘Machine Head’ album, which was their most successful album, and the band highlighted this album with songs like “Lazy”, and “Space Truckin’”.  The band’s various members also took turns with blistering solos on this Saturday night, the crowd most appreciative of a lengthy Steve Morse guitar solo.  As I’ve mentioned in the past, the sound in the Center at Casino NB is top notch, and tonight was no exception, with the bands music transporting us back a few decades to the seventies and eighties where heavy rock and heavy metal were essentially born.  They effortlessly flew through songs like “Strange Kind of Woman” and “Rapture of The Deep”.

Deep Purple - Casino NB - 02/04/12 - Roger Glover & Steve Morse

An appreciative crowd greeted the band tonight, not surprisingly it was mostly male which I fully expected, with a smattering of ladies throughout.  The crowd knew the music, were fans of the music, ‘got’ the music, and they showed it with multiple standing ovations throughout the night.  I had a wonderful seat on the center aisle that afforded me a great view of the performance, it allowed me to see the appreciative crowd as they absorbed the sounds.

Deep Purple - Casino NB - 02/04/12 - Ian Gillan, Roger Glover & Steve Morse

Rolling Through multiple albums like “Machine Head”, “In Rock”, and “Deepest Purple” the guys of Deep Purple did not leave the crowd wanting.  When they launched into “Smoke on the Water” from back in 1972, every person who has picked up a guitar and plucked out those first few notes felt that connection that that song brings…’duh, duh, duh’…the small and vocal crowd was ecstatic.

The sold out show from Monday is in for a treat as the show is a great time machine trip back to those days when heavy metal rock was in it’s prime, when melodic vocals and wailing guitars joined in a cacophony of sound that blasts you to a different place.  If Deep Purple is rolling into your town I highly recommend the show for fans of the era, fans of Deep Purple, and rock music fans.

Deep Purple - Casino NB - 02/04/12 - Ian Gillan, Roger Glover & Ian Paice

Once again I want to thank Gloryhound, Deep Purple, Casino NB and Paul Mercs concerts for a great night of music…until next time!

For almost four decades the Living Christmas Tree has been thrilling audiences in the greater Moncton area with its entertaining blend of music, lighting, and song. For many people the season doesn’t  ”start” until the LCT has been put on and draws thousands of people from all over the Maritimes.

Involving a cast of over 200, the tree features music, dance and drama and the accompaniment of a live band, and this year had a special treat in an almost week long guest appearance by country star Jason McCoy!  This year it features improved stage effects, a snowflake filled auditorium, the pristine Wesleyan Celebration Center, and a guest country superstar!

Living Christmas Tree 2011

Moncton Wesleyan is Atlantic Canada’s largest church, with a congregation of over 3500 people averaging more than 1,700 persons in attendance each weekend and have had a presence of over 100 years in the City of Moncton.  The Wesleyan Celebration Center is a comfortable 1800 seat, two level auditorium that contains modern lighting, sound, and projection systems.  The Atrium acts as a large foyer to the Center and off the atrium there is a secondary Life Center with a 600 seat auditorium with stage.  Adding to all of this this year was the addition of Canadian country superstar Jason McCoy whom is a two time CCMA Male Vocalist of the Year and winner of the Global Artist Award in 2006 by the CMA’s in Nashville.  He is also well known for writing many great country hits for other artists like Doc Walker (Rocket Girl), and collaborating on many others.

The show always starts with a grand spectacle and this year it was music and lights and about 50 dancing Santas, that got the crowd into it right away, followed up by a local school choir which was a feature of the show all week, by having local schools participate in the show.  The show featured everything from choral performances, to individual songs, trios in sleighs, and it even had “the Grinch”!  The Grinch took us through some fantastical keyboard playing, playing music from the Phantom of the Opera, and being joined by kids of the church to do the “grinch rap” after a baritone choral member did an admiral job filling in for Boris Karloff in the Grinch song/narration.

Soon after the stage was taken by none other than the featured artist, who regaled us with great stories, songs, and an unexpected humor that had everyone enjoying themselves.  He spoke to what Christmas meant to him and his young family, and told stories of his youth intermingled with songs and jovial anecdotes.

Jason McCoy - Living Christmas Tree 2011

After a twenty minute intermission where you could buy refreshments in the Atrium, bake-sale cookies, and visit the “World Vision” table to get informed about adopting an needy child in a third world country, it was time to light the Living Christmas Tree.    With the auditorium filling with choral sounds of the season the ‘living’ Christmas Tree comes to life with it’s 35,000 multi-coloured bulbs undulating from top to bottom and side to side and it’s ‘choir ornaments’ adorning the tree.

The almost three hour event went on with more songs, a great live painting to music, an interview of Jason McCoy by lead pastor L.D. Buckingham about his work with World Vision and more performances by the country star.  Not wanting to give too much away I must say the show was a great event all around and lead right up to the grand finale complete with ‘flying’ angels that soared above the crowd.

Living Christmas Tree 2011

The Living Christmas tree is a spectacle of lights, sound, laughter, music and spiritual messages that many will take many different things from, but it is an all around top notch local production that next year with be celebrating it’s 40th Anniversary, for which, I expect they will pull out all of the stops!  I want the thank the LCT Director Pastor Don Ingersoll, The Moncton Wesleyan, and Jason McCoy for a humorous and fun musical evening and encourage you all to take in the show next year for their 40th anniversary!  Until next time!