This ‘Sinhakken’ model has the usual 88 keys of a piano… but every single key is white.
The one-of-a-kind instrument was found at a fair in Japan. The pianist here plays Debussy’s ‘Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum’ in a special arrangement for the white-keyed piano.
Venture into the heart of British Columbia’s southern interior, and you’ll find Son of John, a duo that purposefully shatters the mold in the realm of Alternative Country Americana/Roots. Their music, steeped in the rich traditions of country music, refuses to conform, embodying a truly authentic and genre-defying spirit.
On November 3rd, Javan and Johnny are bringing to the world their album Lucky, a compelling ten-song album, offering a captivating journey through a range of emotions. From the lively, toe-tapping bluegrass-folk-alternative country tunes to the soul-stirring ballads, this album covers the entire spectrum of feelings. Its meticulously crafted lyrics delve into life’s complex issues, sparking deep introspection.
The final track is a heartfelt cover of “When You Come Back Down,” originally performed by the award-winning bluegrass band Nickel Creek, a significant source of inspiration for Javan. Penned by the talented duo of Tim O’Brien and Danny O’Keefe, the lyrics resonate with the theme of a profound relationship, where the narrator lovingly encourages their dearest one to spread their wings and embark on their own journey.
‘Your memory’s the sunshine every new day brings
I know the sky is calling
Angel, let me help you with your wings
When you’re soarin’ through the air
I’ll be your solid ground
Take every chance you dare
I’ll still be there
When you come back down’
“The first time I heard the song – I fell in love with it, especially the instrumentation. But it was truly the melody that captured my attention, and it was probably also the first song I learned to analyze the lyrics of. When recording the album, it was a no-brainer that we’d record this one to put it on the album”, tells Javan about his passion for the track. Another incredible fact on this track is that, although Johnny does most of the singing on the album, Javan sings this one.
In “That Feels Right,” Son of John explores the age-old concept that opposites attract, offering a refreshingly simple take on the idea of two people with differing interests finding love in each other. “Money Tree” originates from Johnny’s poignant observation of a homeless person collecting bottles, evolving into a commentary on the daily struggles faced by individuals from various walks of life, be they well-educated or hardworking blue-collar citizens. Track number 5, “Lonely Door,” speaks to the profound experience of those who have lost a loved one, navigating life through a metaphorical “Lonely Door” and adjusting to a new reality without their cherished companions.
The birth of Son of John can be traced back to June 2019 when they unveiled their debut single, “Country Pure.” This unique duo features Javan Johnson, a four-time nominee for BC Country Music Assocation Fiddle/Mandolin Player of the Year, and Johnny P. Johnson, a music veteran with a remarkable 25-year career as a solo artist, songwriter, and frontman.
Rooted in rich storytelling and an ensemble of traditional instruments like fiddles, mandolins, steel guitars, banjos, dobros, and harps, Son of John’s music is a testament to a family’s musical journey spanning almost two decades. With their official collaboration beginning in 2017, the duo’s unmistakable harmonies, born from the same bloodline, breathe life into the name ‘Son of John.’
“It’s a common thread and technically misconception that the name Son of John is a reference to me, as I’m quite literally the son of John. But the literal translation of the Johnson last name is Son of John, therefore becoming the duo’s official band name after years of playing together”, says Javan Johson.
The duo, a 3x BC Country Music Association Gaylord Wood Traditional Country/Roots Artist of the Year nominee has appeared at multiple venues across Western Canada with notable performances at the iconic Dream Cafe in Penticton, BC, the Roxy Cabaret in Vancouver, Gabby’s Country Cabaret in Langley, The OK Corral in Kelowna, and the Calgary Stampede.
The deep melody and storytelling in each of Son of John’s songs is a testament to their genuine connection with the stories they tell. Johnny’s hands-on farming experience in the Saskatchewan prairies, where he was born and raised, and Javan’s upbringing on a family farm in rural BC, situated along a river in the mountains, are the foundations upon which their authentic country sound is built.
Their music is a reflection of their roots, and there’s no pretense in it. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Blue Rodeo, Neil Young, and Ian Tyson, Johnny P. Johnson, the primary songwriter, weaves tales of love, life, and loss that capture raw emotions through the lives of his song’s characters.
Their debut album, “Lucky,” featuring ten carefully crafted tracks, produced by John Ellis, is set to be released on November 3rd, 2023. Son of John beautifully marries two generations of country music, creating a timeless and honest musical journey.
Toronto-born, Nashville-based Folk & Soul artist Oliver Pigott takes listeners on a journey of self-reflection in his first U.S. single, “Eyes My Daddy Gave Me,” out now.
Drawing from his personal life and journeyman experience, Oliver Pigott has penned an Americana-inspired song that transcends genres, offering listeners a soulful journey through life’s trials and triumphs. The lyrics, which speak to the importance of fatherhood, resilience, and the light within, resonate with authenticity and universal themes.
Oliver Pigott shared his insights about the song, saying, “The first song I wrote on American soil was ‘Eyes My Daddy Gave Me.’ As a new father of twin sons, I was aware of the responsibility that lay before me to guide them and lead the way.” This sentiment forms the emotional core of the song, making it a touching tribute to the transformative power of fatherhood.
The song’s genesis was particularly poignant for Pigott. “Having lost my father to cancer when I was eight, music was my way of remaining connected to his musical spirit,” he revealed. It was in a quiet moment of reflection that the idea for the song emerged. “Sharing what I had with my wife, she encouraged me to highlight the line ‘Eyes My Daddy Gave Me.’ Within thirty minutes, the song emerged,” he added.
With its emotive lyrics, soulful melodies, and Oliver Pigott’s captivating vocals, “Eyes My Daddy Gave Me” is poised to make a significant impact on the music scene.
Renowned Canadian jazz vocalist, Molly Johnson, officially releases the vinyl edition of her most recent full-length album, It’s A Snow Globe World, today for the first time via Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company. You can purchase it here.
It’s A Snow Globe World was initially released by the JUNO-Award winner on October 29, 2021 on CD and digital formats. Her first holiday-themed album includes favourites “Don’t You Know It’s Christmas,” “This Holiday Season,” and more. The project was produced by John “Beetle” Bailey and executive produced by Johnson herself.
The new vinyl edition arrives several months after the iconic singer-songwriter was awarded the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. Johnson was also honoured this year as a Chevalier in l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France.
Molly Johnson’s voice is a distinctive national treasure. A singer-songwriter, artist, broadcaster, and philanthropist, Johnson’s roots are Canadian while her reach is worldwide. Perhaps most associated with the iconic jazz vocal styling she has honed, Johnson has performed with such diverse artists as Tom Jones, Céline Dion, Anne Murray, Lenny Kravitz, Tom Cochrane, Stéphane Grapelli, Jackie Richardson, Peter Appleyard, and many more. Molly Johnson has performed for the legendary Quincy Jones as well as the late Princess of Wales and Nelson Mandela. In 2009, she received the JUNO Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album and the National Jazz Award for Best Female Vocalist. Johnson is a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, was honoured with the Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of her charitable work and contributions to the arts, and recently she was presented with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for lifetime artistic achievement.
The 6-time JUNO-Award nominee will be performing a string of magical holiday shows between December 11-13 at Roy Thomson Hall with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke and the Etobicoke School of the Arts Holiday Chorus. Tickets are available here.
It’s A Snow Globe World Tracklisting:
Side A:
1. Don’t You Know It’s Christmas
2. Painted Blue
3. I Don’t Like Christmas (When You’re Not Around)
4. This Holiday Season
5. Christmas in Hopetown
Side B:
6. Winter Wonderland
7. Brighter Day (feat. Billy Newton-Davis)
8. Maybe This Year
9. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
10. Winter’s Got Spring Up Its Sleeve
The real-time exuberance Tommy Emmanuel brings to every note of every song he plays is palpable and infectious. His fans are in love with his unbound talent as a guitarist of multitudes, his ability to play three parts at once, always with pure heart and real soul. He is a true virtuoso. But he seems as delighted always with the magic of the music as the audience, if not more, and his joy illuminates everything.
It’s one thing to play these multi-dimensional arrangements flawlessly on an acoustic guitar. But to do it with that smile of the ages, that evidence of authentic, unbridled delight, is an irresistibly infectious invitation to feel his music as deeply as he does. “The joy, ” he says, “is there always because I’m chasing it through music. Seeing the surprise in peoples’ eyes is worth living and working for… I can’t help but play to the people with all my heart, which is overflowing with joy of being in that moment that I’ve worked all my life for. And here it is!”
That authentic exuberance Tommy brings to every show and every record is especially powerful, given the profound deficit of real joy in so many lives. Tommy’s happiness, like his music, is pure and expressed in real-time. Nothing is phony. It’s a quality that does reach far beyond any one language, and it’s instantly understood by all his fellow humans. It’s the reason he smiles so much while playing, and why his audience does as well. As many have said, it’s hard not to be happy at his shows. Because his joy, and the timeless river of inspiration, which is the source, is universally recognized. And it feels good.
In 2018, Tommy made the great album, Accomplice One, a series of duets with musicians great and varied, and all at his level. It’s a concept that worked, as the range of artists reflected Tommy’s expansive love of all kinds of music, including Rodney Crowell, Mark Knopfler, Amanda Shires, Jason Isbell, Jerry Douglas, Jake Shimabukuro and more. Each of his accomplices seemed as inspired by his energy and passion as much as Tommy was by theirs, and he played with effortless grace.
Now comes the long-awaited sequel, Accomplice Two. It shares the same exuberance, diversity, and sense of adventure as the first album, with a great range of artists. This album features rock legends Michael McDonald, Jorma Kaukonen, and Little Feat; bluegrass superstars such as Billy Strings, The Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Sierra Hull, and David Grisman; country icons such as Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jamey Johnson, and Raul Malo; and guitar heavyweights like Yasmin Williams, Larry Campbell, and Richard Smith. The first single “White Freight Liner Blues” is out now and features the Grammy award winner and claw hammer guitarist, Molly Tuttle.
Tommy also has a new television special called Accomplice LIVE! which begins airing on PBS in March of 2023. This special features some of Tommy’s best-known songs and duets with his accomplices such as Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Sierra Hull, Yasmin Williams many others.
Tommy was born in 1955 in Muswellbrook, New South Wales Australia, and started playing the guitar at age four. In his twenties, he was the most sought-after performer and session musician in Sydney. By age 30, he was burning on electric guitar with several rock bands in stadiums across Europe. He could have gone on to live the rock star life. Yet, he yearned for something purer and closer to his heart. Casting off the reliable rock band engine of monstrous sonics blasting, Tommy went acoustic.
The inspiration for Tommy’s transformation was his hero, Chet Atkins, who represented the purity of one man, one guitar, and unlimited passionate for serving the song. Eventually Tommy met his hero and started a lifelong friendship which shaped Tommy’s music forever. Chet welcomed Tommy into guitarist knighthood by bestowing upon him the coveted title of CGP (Certified Guitar Player), an honor awarded only to four other humans ever, and they recorded an album together, The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World.
Receiving the love and esteem of Chet lifted Tommy into a different realm. Because, as Chet recognized instantly and told the world, musicians like this don’t come along that often; pay attention to this man. And people have paid attention from sold out shows all over the world to multiple Grammy nominations, ARIA Awards, IBMA Awards, and countless “Best Acoustic Guitarist” wins in numerous music magazine readers polls…. the world is taking notice.
May 22, 2024 – St. Catharines, ON: FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. Tickets Here
May 23 2024 – Oshawa, ON: Regent Theatre. Tickets Here
Award-winning jazz singer-songwriter Ori Dagan has captivated audiences with his distinctive bass-baritone voice and forward-thinking musical style. With a career that has earned acclaim both locally and internationally, Dagan now unveils his latest musical gem, “Going That Counts,” a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. The single is now available for streaming and download on all major platforms, and last month was honoured with the Grand Prize at the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. The song remains in competition, up for the Lennon prize which will be determined by a public vote in the spring of 2024.
Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald’s legacy and her enduring words of wisdom, “Going That Counts” encapsulates the strength and resilience of an iconic artist who overcame adversity to become one of the most beloved jazz masters of all time. The song’s lyrics and soulful melody pay homage to Ella’s extraordinary journey and her dedication to her craft.
In Ori Dagan’s own words, “The song ‘Going That Counts (For Ella)’ was inspired by my heroine Ella Fitzgerald, who was quoted as saying ‘It isn’t where you come from, it’s where you’re going that counts.’ Ella’s rare gift and her dedication to it set her apart from all other singers. It feels so special for me to be recognized with this John Lennon Songwriting Award for this particular song because it feels like I am honouring Ella, and that feels right. She truly is the reason I sing this music.”
“This song has actually been a number of years in the making,” recalls Dagan. “Back in 2014 when I got together with pianist Scott Metcalfe to arrange my single “Clap on the 2 and the 4”, we started writing this tune together based on Ella’s famous quote. Scott is an absolute gem of a musician – the chorus was pretty much written in an afternoon – but the lyrics of the verses just wouldn’t come so the tune was shelved. A good half-decade later, in 2019 I was workshopping tunes for “Click Right Here” at Blair Packham’s SongStudio workshop and this tune was reborn.
“In recent years, the Toronto jazz scene has been blessed by the unique talent and inspiring dedication of vocalist Donovan Locke. You can hear him singing every Sunday night at The Cameron House with Doghouse Orchestra, an amazing showcase for his astonishing musical range. Possessing an intense tone to his vocals as well as sensational rhythm, I knew this was the guy for “Going That Counts (For Ella)”. Recording with Donovan was quite the experience, and I’m honoured that he was part of this recording and now this award-winning song.”
With a career marked by creativity and innovation, Ori Dagan’s 2022 release “Click Right Here” showcased his skill as a lyricist, offering a darkly humorous commentary on life in the digital age. Dagan’s work has garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, solidifying him as a unique storyteller in the world of jazz music. “Going That Counts” is a testament to Dagan’s ability to blend tradition and contemporary themes, delivering a musical experience that resonates with listeners of all generations.
The Andy Kim Christmas returns to Toronto’s legendary Massey Hall Wednesday, December 6 for another unforgettable evening celebrating the magic of the season with performances from iconic Canadian artists. This year’s show marks the 19th year that luminary musician and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee, Andy Kim will bring together some of the nation’s most applauded talent for a night of intimate performances, with all event proceeds donated to CAMH’s Gifts of Light.
Tickets to The Andy Kim Christmas go on sale Friday, October 27 at Ticketmaster with prices ranging from $35.50- $85.50 plus fees. The complete line up of musical guests taking the stage will be announced in the coming weeks.
“I can’t believe it’s the 19th Annual Andy Kim Christmas supporting CAMH Gifts of Light. I’m so thankful to Toronto’s community of talented artists, each year they come together & donate their time for such a worthy cause,” said Andy Kim. “The heart of this great city continues to inspire as we come together, as one, for an evening of music and love.”
Guests can look forward to a classic variety showcase with special holiday performances from the country’s top acts. Andy Kim’s previous guests include Alex Lifeson, Arkells, Barenaked Ladies, Billy Talent, Bobby Bazini, Broken Social Scene, BUCK65, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Choir! Choir! Choir!, City and Colour, Colin James, Cowboy Junkies, Dan Hill, Feist, Georgia Harmer, High Flyer, Jacksoul, Jake Clemons, Jully Black, Kim Mitchell, Lights, Maestro, Men Without Hats, Metric, Michel Pagliaro, Molly Johnson, Nelly Furtado, Ron Sexsmith, Russell Peters, Sam Roberts, Sarah McLachlan, Scott Helman, Serena Ryder, Sloan, The Sadies, The Sheepdogs, The Strumbellas, The Trews, Tom Cochrane, Tom Wilson, Tyler Shaw, William Prince among many others.
For decades, Kim has entertained and united people through his music. Kim started his music career at age 16 and has received top industry honours including two JUNO Awards, as well as membership in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Canada’s Walk of Fame, the Key to the City of Toronto, and will be appointed to the Order of Canada in 2024. To this day, Kim’s musical artistry is acclaimed by many who take joy in his numerous hit songs, including nine Billboard Top 40 hits such as the number one hit “Rock Me Gently” and the iconic ”Sugar, Sugar.”
The Vinyl Collection, Vol. 2 (Columbia/Legacy, 2023)
* first time on vinyl
LP 1: Glass Houses (Columbia FC 36384, 1980)
LP 2: The Nylon Curtain (Columbia QC 38200, 1982)
LP 3: An Innocent Man (Columbia QC 38837, 1983)
LP 4: The Bridge (Columbia OC 40402, 1986)
LP 5: Storm Front (Columbia OC 44336, 1989)
LP 6: River of Dreams (Columbia CK 53303, 1993)
LP 7-8: Fantasies & Delusions (Columbia/Sony Classical CK 85397, 2001) *
LP 9-11: Live from Long Island (released on video as CBS/Fox 6297, 1983) *
Allentown
My Life
Prelude/Angry Young Man
Piano Man
Don’t Ask Me Why
The Stranger
Scandinavian Skies
Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
She’s Always a Woman
Pressure
Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
Just the Way You Are
Goodnight Saigon
Stiletto
Until the Night
It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me
Sometimes a Fantasy
Big Shot
You May Be Right
Only the Good Die Young
Souvenir
All tracks recorded live at Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY – 12/29/1982
On November 3, 2023 UMC/Mercury will release Dire Straits – Live 1978-1992, an 12 LP/8 CD box set of live performances by Dire Straits, a band that straddled the globe in the eighties and nineties with their sophisticated rootsy guitar rock wedded to literate story-telling lyrics.
Emerging on the club and pub circuit in 1977, Dire Straits were led by charismatic Geordie singer-songwriter, record producer and composer Mark Knopfler, one of the most successful musicians the UK has ever produced, who is often cited as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Dire Straits’ sound defined the late 70s/early 80s with huge hits such as “Sultans Of Swing”, “Romeo And Juliet”, “Money For Nothing” and “Walk Of Life”. Dire Straits’ 1985 album Brothers In Arms, a global No 1 and double Grammy Award winner, is one of the world’s best selling albums. After releasing their final album ‘On Every Street’ in ’91 and touring in ‘92, Knopfler called time on Dire Straits in 1995 and set off on a new path as a solo artist.
Dire Straits Live 1978-1992 features newly remastered versions of the classic Dire Straits’ live albums Alchemy (‘84) and On The Night (‘93), ‘93’s Encores EP, ‘95’s Live At The BBC, and the previously unreleased Live From The Rainbow Theatre show from ’79, and captures the band’s thrilling heartland rock played with breath taking virtuosity from their first live recordings at the BBC in ’78, through to their final shows in ‘92 in On The Night.
The expanded version of the original double album Alchemy will include unreleased songs from the performance – “Industrial Disease” and “Twisting By The Pool” – as well as “Love Over Gold”, and the extended versions of “Telegraph Road”, “Solid Rock”, “Going Home” and “Portobello Belle”.
An expanded version of the original On The Night will include tracks performed during the tour which have never been released, taken from multitrack recordings of shows in Nimes, Rotterdam and Paris: “Tunnel Of Love,” “Telegraph Road,” “Sultans Of Swing,” “Two Young Lovers,” “When it Comes To You,” and “I Think I Love You Too Much.”
Says Mark Knopfler: ‘People will always want you to play songs from the songbook; that’s part of what you’re doing playing live. You’ve got to please yourself but at the same time it’s a celebration. You’re all there to have a good time together. I enjoyed writing the songs, I enjoyed recording them, so I’m going to enjoy playing them. I don’t play anything I don’t want to play, so if I get up there and play ‘Romeo And Juliet’ or ‘Brothers In Arms’, it’s because I want to play them. It’s important to me that it’s important to people, that you’ve created milestones in people’s lives.” [Mark was speaking to journalist and broadcaster Paul Sexton, author of the box set sleeve notes.]
Live 1978-1992 (Mercury/UMR (U.K.), 2023)
** previously unreleased full version
CD 1-2/LP 1-3: Alchemy: Dire Straits Live (Expanded Edition) (released as Vertigo 818 243-2 (U.K.)/Warner Bros. 25085 (U.S.), 1984)
All tracks recorded live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, England – July 22-23, 1983
Edited version of Disc 2, Track 3 released on Money for Nothing (Vertigo 836 493-2/Warner Bros. 25794 (U.S.), 1988)
CD 3-4/LP 4-7: On the Night (Expanded Edition) (released as Vertigo 514 766-2 (U.K.)/Warner Bros. 45259 (U.S.), 1993)
All tracks recorded live at Arènes de Nîmes, France – May 19-21, 1992 and De Kulp, Rotterdam, The Netherlands – May 29-31, 1992
CD 5/LP 8: Encores (released as Vertigo 862 209-2 (U.K.), 1993)
CD 6/LP 9: Live At The BBC (released as Vertigo 528 383-2 (U.K.)/Warner Bros. 46053 (U.S.), 1995)
Tracks 1-7 recorded live for BBC in Concert – 7/22/1978
Track 8 recorded for The Old Grey Whistle Test – 1/31/1981
CD 7-8/LP 10-12: Live At The Rainbow *
All tracks recorded live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, England – December 20-21, 1979
Jimmy Page made an unexpected and memorable appearance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony held at Barclays Center in New York last night. Page’s appearance was to induct the legendary guitarist, Link Wray, into the Hall of Fame and featured a video tribute to Wray’s groundbreaking career, after which Page appeared on screen through a pre-recorded message. During his message, the iconic Led Zeppelin rocker reflected on his first encounter with Wray’s classic instrumental track, “Rumble,” when he was just a teenager. Page expressed his amazement at the time, saying, “What is this? In those days, there were many guitar instrumentals, but as a 14-year-old kid who could barely play the guitar, it really had an effect on me. The vigor and the strength and the power in it. And you know something else, it was fearless. It was just phenomenal. The essence of cool.”
The one and only @JimmyPage is in the building, absolutely rocking the stage with "Rumble" in tribute to 2023 Inductee @Link_Wray.
Stream #RockHall2023 NOW on @DisneyPlus! pic.twitter.com/6QgI4dBIuo— Rock Hall (@rockhall) November 4, 2023
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Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.
Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com
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