British rock legends Queen make UK chart history as they become the first act ever to reach 7 million UK chart ‘sales’ of an album, the Official Charts Company can confirm.
Queen break Official Chart records as they surpass the 7 million milestone with their 1981 Greatest Hits album. The Official best-selling album of all time in the UK, the record includes such classic tracks as We Will Rock You, Don’t Stop Me Now and the group’s top-selling behemoth Bohemian Rhapsody.
Greatest Hits reaches this record-breaking achievement through a combination of physical sales, downloads and streams.
Back in 2014, Queen’s Greatest Hits became the first album to ever surpass 6 million sales in the UK and, as pure sales (physical and digital download copies) of the collection continue to increase, the group’s back catalogue proves enduringly popular in the modern streaming age. Greatest Hits has accumulated an incredible 1.26 billion total UK streams to date, with the album’s most-streamed track being Bohemian Rhapsody, which boasts 240 million UK streams and counting.
The record also recently celebrated its 1000th week on the Official Albums Chart, with Queen becoming the first British act ever to achieve this landmark milestone.
Speaking to OfficialCharts.com, Queen guitarist Brian May says: “We’re here to bring you the joyous news that Queen’s Greatest Hits album has sold 7 million copies, which nobody has ever done before. No album has done this before in history. Thank you, we appreciate it.”
Queen’s Roger Taylor adds: “The British public and their infinitely-great taste have made this the biggest-selling album in history. Thank you very much; we’re humbled and honoured. We salute you!”
Martin Talbot, Chief Executive, Official Charts Company, comments: “It really is a fantastic achievement by Queen to become the first act to notch up 7 million sales of one album, with their legendary Greatest Hits. When it was released for the first time in 1981, career-spanning packages such as Greatest Hits were relatively rare, the preserve of only the very biggest acts. Queen’s Greatest Hits can claim to be in more than one-in-four UK households’ record collections today, and there is no doubt that its massive success has done as much as any other release to turn hits packages into the omnipresent album concept that they are today.”
This comes as Queen + Adam Lambert announce Rhapsody Over London; a concert film available to stream live and on-demand later this month.
The exclusive concert spectacular, filmed live at London’s O2 Arena during the group’s sold-out European tour, will premiere live via Kiswe’s global streaming platform on July 24. The stream will also include a Q&A with Brian, Roger and Adam, speaking backstage from the penultimate show of their European tour.
Rhapsody Over London will give fans worldwide the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Queen’s dazzling 28-song show, which honours the late Freddie Mercury.
ACM, CMA and GRAMMY-winning band Little Big Town will release their highly anticipated 10th studio album Mr. Sun on September 16, 2022.
On Friday, July 22, the band will release a brand-new track and lyric video from the album, “Rich Man,” written by LBT’s Jimi Westbrook. Pre-save “Rich Man” here. An official music video for the song will arrive soon.
The genesis of Mr. Sun was unlike any of their previous albums. Due to the pandemic, the band found themselves off the road and apart for the first time ever throughout their 20-year journey. The resilience and creativity born from those months unearthed a deep appreciation for both one another, and the privilege of making music – ultimately inspiring the self-produced Mr. Sun, which packs both the sparkle of storytelling and the heat of truth-telling in a way only Little Big Town can.
“Mr. Sun is intentionally an emotional record that holds hands well with our last album Nightfall,” LBT’s Karen Fairchild shares. “Mr. Sun is focused on better days ahead, the value of friendships and family; it touches on heartbreak and letting go, but it’s full of sunshine and joy.”
“This album has a special feeling to it. We have collectively been through an unprecedented period making this album,” adds LBT’s Phillip Sweet. “Life is short; we are here to live it with the ones around us, loving them and ourselves the best we can. All the while, thankful for another turn around the sun.”
New and old relationships are woven through the Mr. Sun, with a member of the band writing or co-writing 13 of the 16 tracks, and a grand total of 33 songwriters hailing from 3 counties and 20 different states. These songwriting relationships span from 20-year friendships to first time connections, resulting in an album beaming with color across the entire spectrum.
Little Big Town first entered the music scene over 20 years ago with hit songs “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone” and the GRAMMY-nominated “Little White Church.” The band’s breakthrough albums Tornado and Pain Killer produced multiple #1 singles, including “Pontoon,” “Tornado,” and “Day Drinking,” as well as the history-making, best-selling country single of the year (2015) “Girl Crush.” 2017’s The Breakerdebuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Charts and Top 10 (No. 4) on the Billboard 200 to critical acclaim. The album features their GRAMMY-winning, multi-week #1 single, “Better Man,” as well as the 2019 GRAMMY-nominated, “When Someone Stops Loving You.” The band’s self-produced ninth studio album Nightfall was released January 2020 and hit the top of the Billboard Country Charts. The record included critically-acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated “The Daughters,” “Over Drinking” and “Wine, Beer, Whiskey”- the latter of which has reached more than 362 million global streams. In April 2022, they released their new single “Hell Yeah,” which has amassed more than 21 million global streams to date. Little Big Town has earned more than 45 award show nominations and has taken home nearly 20 awards, including multiple GRAMMY, AMA, People’s Choice, CMA and ACM Awards, in addition to an Emmy award.
Mr. Sun Track List:
All Summer (Karen Fairchild, Sara Buxton, Madi Diaz, Ashley Ray, Savana Santos, Alysa Vanderheym)
Better Love (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Tofer Brown, Audra Mae)
Hell Yeah (Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Corey Crowder, Tyler Hubbard)
Mr. Sun (Sarah Buxton, Daniel Tashian)
Three Whiskeys and the Truth (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
One More Song (Tofer Brown, Sean McConnell)
Heaven Had a Dance Floor (Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure)
Gold (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Trent Dabbs, Luke Dick)
Rich Man (Jimi Westbrook)
God Fearing Gypsies (Karen Fairchild, Nicolette Hayford, Ashley Ray)
Different Without You (Corey Crowder, Jared Mullins, Steven Lee Olsen, Jordan Schmidt)
Whiskey Colored Eyes (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
Song Back (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Todd Clark, Sara Haze, Jason Saenz)
Something Strong (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
Last Day On Earth (Karen Fairchild, Trent Dabbs, Tommy English)
Friends of Mine (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Foy Vance)
Previously released tracks from Mr. Sun include “All Summer” on July 1 and lead single “Hell Yeah” in April, which has amassed more than 21 million global streams since its release. Watch the music video for “Hell Yeah” here and the lyric video for “All Summer” here.
Little Big Town will kick off the brand-new series “CMT Summer Camp” with the premiere episode airing Thursday, August 12 at 9p/8c on CMT. The exclusive one-hour special will include performances of new music and some of LBT’s greatest hits for a night of summertime fun.
To celebrate the album’s release, the band will perform on the 2022 Citi Concert Series on TODAY on September 16 from the TODAY Plaza at 30 Rock.
Mr. Sun follows the band’s self-produced, 9th studio album Nightfall, which debuted atop Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart upon its January 2020 release and was nominated for Best Country Album at the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards. The record included critically-acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated “The Daughters,” “Over Drinking” and “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” – the latter of which has garnered more than 362 million global streams to date.
Little Big Town continues to bring their exceptional live shows to fans worldwide this summer – they recently wrapped up The Bandwagon Tour with Miranda Lambert and joined The Eagles on all dates of their European stadium tour this summer. This fall, Little Big Town will join Wynonna Judd on select dates of The Judds: The Final Tour.
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For millions of Canadians, watching the devastating impact the conflict in Ukraine continues to cause has left us eager and wondering the best ways to help. As a long-standing beacon of inspiration and guidance in such situations, actor, singer, philanthropist, and Canadian Red Cross Ambassador Tom Jackson knows one such way with the release of “Red Cross Ukraine Appeal” — available now to watch here.
“Red Cross Ukraine Appeal” is available now, and donations to its fundraising initiative can be made here.
Concerned for the 7.5 Million+ children directly affected in Ukraine, as well as those around the world exposed to its news, the Companion of the Order of Canada recipient took time amidst his current filming schedule for CTV / Crave’s forthcoming production Sullivan’s Crossing to create the grassroots fundraising campaign. With so many avenues of aid required in response to the conflict, Jackson’s poignant focus with this initiative provides lift to the unique emotional and mental health support needed for youth’s well-being in the wake of the affray.
“After more than 100 days of conflict in Ukraine, the facts and images are particularly disturbing knowing that millions of children are at risk and directly affected,” Jackson shares. “The spillover is children around the world are also affected by this crisis in ways that they will probably never know…
“The conflict in Ukraine is not the ‘next normal,’” he continues. “Especially as international coverage fades and compassion fatigue sets in. Rebuilding and recovery will take years and, more importantly, we have to wonder: how will Ukraine’s next generation respond?
“Helping kids be kids again is our mission with this fundraiser; children around the world need to know there are adults committed to their well-being.”
Produced by Tomali Pictures Ltd and Joe Media Group, the sweeping music special features Jackson — in addition to band members Tom McKillip, Phil Hall, Samantha King, John Thiel, Joey McIntyre, and Simon Kendall.
The Calgary Philharmonic also appears in addition to Beverley Mahood, Andrea Menard, Robert Walsh, Mac Shepherd, Duane Steele, Christina Martin, Dale Murray, and dancers Kennedy Bomberry, Katie Couch, and Samantha Sutherland with choreography by Alejandro Ronceria.
“The musicians and artists featured in ‘Red Cross Ukraine Appeal’ continue to be extraordinarily generous with their time, creativity, and passion around issues that need to be heard,” Jackson says. “Just witness the talent in this fundraiser and you’ll understand their heart and drive.”
The 35-minute special available on YouTube also includes Canadian Red Cross President and CEO Conrad Sauve. The Red Cross is concerned for people impacted by the ongoing fighting — both those still in Ukraine and those who have fled to neighbouring countries; as such, there are currently upwards of 41,000 trained Red Cross volunteers actively responding to meet humanitarian needs in Ukraine and the surrounding regions.
“Every day I’m inspired by the work done by the Red Cross — especially those on the frontlines of conflict,” Jackson says of working with Sauve and the Red Cross as a long-time Ambassador. “The global show of solidarity and support for those affected by this crisis has been massive and instantaneous. Now is our chance to raise the standards of all refugees and displaced people in need of humanitarian support and protection.
“The best way to help kids be kids again is to support the teams of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society as they roll out their action plans, and producing this online concert is just one of the ways to support their efforts,” he adds. “My hope is that you and your loved ones are well, and can watch the video, pass it on, and ask the world to connect with us to help others.”
Canadian rockers Eclecticus are up for the chance to perform at the legendary Hollywood Bowl as Audacy’s Opening Act for this year’s annual concert — and now their fate is in the audience’s hands and you can vote here.
Voting for the Toronto-based five-piece is open now and could seal the deal on cinching the prestigious spot; last year’s winner opened for Coldplay, Black Eyed Peas, Doja Cat, Kid Laroi, and Shawn Mendes — and the 2022 lineup is set for unveiling the top five acts this August 1st.
In addition to performing at the sold-out show, the Opening Act™ will also receive mass radio exposure across Audacy’s 230+ stations across the US, a $10,000 cash prize, and their own private dressing room at the iconic venue — a sweet gig indeed for co-fronts and partners Gar Reid and Tiina LeMay.
Known for their dynamic sound and larger-than-life vox, Eclecticus has received critical acclaim across their roster of four albums and two EPs, as well as live shows — including the Sebastian Bach of Skid Row Tour, the Sound of Music Festival, and more.
“From writing and recording to performing in front of a live, rockin’ audience, we love everything about being a musician,” the band shares.
And if they win? “We would reinvest our winnings into rehearsal and studio time, touring, promotion, and more,” they reveal. “Also, we would certainly put a little aside to celebrate after the show with our avid supporters!”
To be part of that distinction, audiences can cast their vote daily (every 24 hours) for Eclecticus in this year’s Opening Act™ until July 21st at 8:00pm PST. Full details can be found at the link above.
Under wraps no more, the Oshawa Music Awards have announced this year’s nominees!
Marking its fifth year celebrating music in Durham Region, the 2022 OMAs are set to take place Thursday, September 29th, and will honour artists across multiple categories — including Songwriter of the Year, Album of the Year, Emerging Artist or Band of the Year, Durham Song of the Year, and Music Teacher of the Year, to name a few.
Launched in 2018, previous Oshawa Music Award recipients include Shawn Mendes, Crown Lands, Tania Joy, Three Mile Islanders, Zaftig, Skye Wallace, Hollowsage, and Mogens Galberg; returning OMA winners Lindsay Schoolcraft and Gal George Gjurin are also up for 2022 nods.
“Our list of 2022 nominees demonstrates once again that Durham Region is front row to so many incredibly talented artists,” OMA Co-Director Julius Allan Rondilla says. “Our arts scene is home to some of the nation’s best.”
“While celebrating and supporting local artists is important every year, and the reason we founded the OMAs in the first place, the 2022 award ceremony continues to hold special significance given the hurdles musicians have faced over the past years,” OMA Director Thao Nghiem adds. “Despite it, our creative industry is thriving and we were honoured to receive many wonderful submissions for the 2022 award season.”
In its ongoing commitment to supporting local artists, the OMAs recently offered an unprecedented deadline extension, allowing musicians additional time to gather their submissions amidst the aftermath of the pandemic and its rippling impact. Further, the 2022 Oshawa Music Awards will again distribute Lifetime Achievement and Industry Leader awards, marking distinct work within the local community.
Recipients of the 2022 Oshawa Music Awards for Lifetime Achievement and Industry Leader are set to be announced soon.
// 2022 Official Nominees & Recipients
Artist or Band of the Year
Excuses Excuses (“Far From Perfect”)
Jadea Kelly (“Driveway”)
Lindsay Schoolcraft (“New World”)
Single of the Year
Excuses Excuses (“Far From Perfect”)
Jadea Kelly (“Happy”)
Valdii (“3 Years (Casino Stereo Remix)”)
Songwriter of the Year
Cameron Tania (“Helium”)
Dead Defined (“Rise and Stall”)
Hunter Sheridan (“Ambrose”)
Music Video of the Year
The Crease Rule w/ Production Haus (“Ed Was Honest”)
Delon Om and BenAnthony Lavoz w/ Delon Om (“Delequente (Delinquinte)”)
BUSM w/ The North Brothers (“Smile”)
Emerging Artist or Band of the Year — Presented by Spark Centre
Anthony Brown (“This is Anthony Brown – EP”)
Cameron Tania (“Helium”)
Delon Om and BenAnthony Lavoz (“Delequente (Delinquinte)”)
Album of the Year
Tania Joy (“I Will Stand”)
Valdii (“The Mirror”)
Wayne Madder (“Unconditional”)
Durham Song of the Year — Presented by Durham Region Economic Development and Tourism
Cameron Tania (“Helium”)
Gal George Gjurin (“Shine”)
Music Producer of the Year — Presented by 360insights
Dsymphony (“Delequente (Delinquinte)”)
Gal George Gjurin (“Shine”)
Lindsay Schoolcraft (“Stolen Light”)
Music Teacher of the Year — Presented by Durham College
Amanda de Boer
Durham Girls Choir
Emily Snellings
The public is invited to vote for their favourites across all categories, save for Music Producer of the Year and Music Teacher of the Year. Public voting is officially open via theomas.ca, and set to close August 9th, 2022, 11:59 P.M.
The 2022 Oshawa Music Awards will take place Thursday, September 29th, and are proudly presented by Durham Region Economic Development and Tourism, 360insights, Spark Centre, Trent University Durham GTA, and Durham College
A fearless rendezvous of precision and skill, cosmically-wired jazz-R&B New Orleans artist Laranah Phipps Ray and La Funkalicious unveil the majestic and unbridled new single, “Jazz Crimes.”
Embodying the spirited mix of high-energy jazz, R&B, funk, and Afrofuturism start to finish, the multi-talented vocalist, songwriter, producer, and influencer continues to bend boundaries and break barriers with her deeply-rooted musicality and explosive scat execution — her new song arriving as no exception.
Written by Joshua Redman, “Jazz Crimes” features Laranah on scat alongside trumpeter Arnetta Johnson. Produced by consummate hitmaker, guitarist, and co-founder of the legendary Gold Certified Group Instant Funk, Kym Miller, the track serves as a prime preview to Laranah Phipps Ray’s upcoming album, Game Changer — set for release January 2023.
On the highly anticipated forthcoming release, Laranah brings her distinctive sound, phrasing, and storytelling to the table. Most noted for her “far from mainstream” scat-styling, five-octave range, improvisational facility, and volcanic grasp of groove, her voice is laced with a certain ancient richness and her instrument soars with a distinct yet familiar soul and power.
Laranah has penned several powerhouse songs as a recording artist, including the singles “I Rule the Night,” “Love in Santiago” “Sudden Love,” and “Save Me Now.”
In addition, she is married to renowned trumpeter Michael Ray — known for Sun Ra Arkestra, Kool & The Gang, Cosmic Krewe, and more. Affectionately dubbed the ‘Cosmic Couple,’ they consistently co-write and recently collaborated with famed saxophonist Marshall Allen of Sun Ra Arkestra on “Mayan Temple,” Kym Miller of Instant Funk on “Covid-19,” and Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies on “Hello Hello.”
With a prolific career fronting La Funkalicious and collaborating with A-list musicians, her impossible-to-ignore talent is no surprise considering she was born to jazz royalty— the Phipps Family, Newark’s First Family of Jazz; as the daughter of pioneering saxophonist Gene Phipps, Sr., she received an unparalleled education in jazz and entertainment from a young age. As a result, Laranah’s high-energy performances, regal stage presence, and mesmerizing vocal ability make her a favourite of fans worldwide.
While Laranah Phipps Ray is best known for her music, she is also a savvy media entrepreneur and a vital voice in the fight for racial justice. Her production credits include professional stage management, live events producer, and influencer with multimedia outlets Rayborhood TV, Behind the Cosmic Grind, and Down the Rabbit Hole. In addition, she is Executive Producer for the series Tales from The Stage, in which A-list stars reveal the secrets of the entertainment industry, and Co-Producer & Co-Host of kNOw Justice kNOw Peace. This 12-hour live stream provides entertainment, education, and resources to fight for racial equality.
Laranah Phipps Ray and La Funkalicious’ new single “Jazz Crimes” is available now. A Flat 5th Dimension Records (b5D) project, Game Changer is set for release January 2023.
Drawing on hard lessons and a life well-lived, Oshawa singer/songwriter Mark Wihlidal celebrates his golden years with a good ol’ fashioned rock tune about living without regret on his debut single, “Life Can Be A Mystery,” while proving you’re never too young, too old, too anything, to follow what you love to do.
Wihlidal hits the ground running with the supercharged song “Life Can Be A Mystery,” an eclectic rock n’ roll composition about never looking back and staying positive. “This song represents me giving myself some advice and perhaps offering advice to someone else.”
The song came about on a cold December night when the car radio just happened to go down. Cool silence filled the air as silky smooth harmonies brought life to the vehicle. The genesis of “Life Can Be A Mystery” is found here.
“Life Can Be A Mystery” is as musically lush as it is relatable with messages about tried and true lessons that guide the soul toward happiness and a more fulfilling future.
“Don’t look back, you won’t like what you see
Look ahead, let your mind be free
Life isn’t fair, for you and for me
But without a care, you will be free.”
Mark Wihlidal is a fearless artist who decided to take a chance on his musical craft later in life with the first of many singles. Wihlidal’s fluid sonic nature is reflected in the recording process, relying mainly on trust between bandmates. “When I create a song, I always encourage my bandmates to create their own parts. Everyone is involved in the creative process. I believe it makes the songs sound better.“
Wihlidal continues to pursue his dream of connecting with audiences from all walks of life through the power of music.
There’s nothing like getting together with friends you haven’t seen in forever, and Ottawa-based Americana artist Francine Honey bottles the excitement of a wild, all-out reconnecting of pals in her new single and video, “One Big Party.”
Rocking and rollicking with a driving rhythm and a singalong chorus, “One Big Party” is an ode to the reunions we’ve all been longing for during the pandemic — as well as reunions of every kind.
“I had my group of high school friends in mind when I wrote it,” Honey shares. “We reconnected at a high school reunion some years ago and have gotten together regularly since then. Our parties almost always involve being outside around a fire and howling at the moon by the end of the night!”
Being stuck at home the last couple of years, we’ve all had cabin fever. “As we were all hunkered down at home, didn’t we all make plans for when we’d get together again?” Honey asks. “I know I did! I don’t know how many times I put an X on my calendar on the wall, only to have to scratch it out and put the X in another spot.”
“One Big Party” was written with co-writer Fabio Ingratta, who Honey met at a songwriters’ meeting she hosted. “He has a certain style that I thought would suit a party song,” she says. “We had so much fun writing it and came up with so many scenarios that it was hard to nail it down. Even though we only lived 15 minutes apart at the time, we used Zoom and lots of texts back and forth with lines describing the kind of party we were going to have with our friends.”
The song features Nashville A-list players Will Kimbrough, Fats Kaplin, Danny Mitchell, Dean Marold, and GRAMMY-nominated producer and drummer Neilson Hubbard recorded live off the floor by Dylan Alldredge at Skinny Elephant Recording Studios in East Nashville.
“They were all together, except for me!” Honey explains. “I was in on the session via Zoom with a sound feed direct from the board.” She then recorded her vocals in her studio in Leamington the week before she was set to move to Ottawa; co-writer Fabio Ingratta sings background vocals on the song.
“One Big Party” is the last single from Honey’s upcoming album, I Carry On, and the song officially kicks off Honey’s ‘summer of fun’ campaign across her social media channels with upwards of 20k fans.
Speaking of fun, the track is complemented by a playful video featuring Kristian Dambrino and Honey getting ready for their party ‘Risky Business’ style.
Having garnered numerous finalist and semi-finalist honours from industry organizations and competitions — including the International Songwriting Competition, Canadian Songwriting Competition, UK Songwriting Competition, a first-place honour from the Austin Songwriting Group for “Stay,” and more — Francine Honey is also a member of the Songwriter’s Association of Canada (SAC), Nashville Songwriters Association International, Canadian Country Music Association, and Americana Music Association.
As a graduate of the Berklee College of Music Professional Singer-Songwriter Certificate Program, Honey regularly makes the nine-hour drive from Ontario to songwriting workshops in Nashville, where she has been mentored by icons like Beth Nielsen Chapman (who contributes backup vocals to Honey’s Snowflakes On My Eyelashes), Mike Reid (I Can’t Make You Love Me), Mary Gauthier (Mercy Now), Verlon Thompson (Boats to Build), Gretchen Peters (Independence Day), and Jonatha Brooke (Put the Gun Down).
She co-ordinates the SAC’s Leamington/Windsor Regional Writer’s Group, mentoring other songwriters, and has showcased at the Texas Songwriters Symposium four years in a row, as well as NSAI Tin Pan North Festival, Hugh’s Room, the WinterFolk Blues and Roots Festival in Toronto, the Kingsville Folk Music Festival, and the Folk Music Ontario conference. Francine’s music and songwriting have not only taken her through Canada and the U.S., but the U.K., Switzerland, and Italy.
With previous album releases including 2014’s Re-Drawn and 2018’s To Be Continued…, her 2019 holiday album, Take Me to the North Pole, made Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 50 Christmas Albums of the Year list.
Canadian roots-blues duo Blue Moon Marquee are ready to “Scream, Holler & Howl” with the release of their soul-shoutin’ new single.
Bursting with a loose, let-it-all-hang-out kind of groove, the song is the opening and title track of their forthcoming album set for release this September 9th via their own label, Blue Moon Marquee Music.
“”Music is a release, and we encourage expression of the spirit with this tune,” co-front A.W. Cardinal says. “It’s a song to honour what music provides for so many — an escape.”
Recorded live to tape, Scream, Holler & Howl captures their most sophisticated collection of songs yet — all while blazing forward with a full band featuring some of Canada’s finest veteran players. Recorded at Vancouver, BC’s Afterlife Studios, and produced by the band with multi-Blues Music Award-winner Duke Robillard and Erik Nielsen, both the song and its namesake album shine a bright spotlight on the prodigious talents of Cardinal’s vocals and guitar, and Colette’s upright bass and vocals alongside guests Darcy Phillips, Jerry Cook, Matt Pease, Paul Pigat, Bonnie Northgraves, and Señor Erik; Robillard adds his stellar legendary guitar work on several tracks, too.
The album’s ‘Baker’s Dozen’ 13 tracks include 11 original songs plus two distinctive takes on songs written by the legendary Lonnie Johnson: “Another Night to Cry” and “Long Black Train.”
Born of the wild rose country in Alberta, Canada, both Cardinal and Colette played in punk, metal, and rock and roll bands. Leaving home at a young age, they both spent years traveling on their own, working a variety of jobs and touring with different acts. At one point Colette was hitchhiking throughout North America performing vaudeville with her act of hula hooping, skateboarding, and playing trombone simultaneously, while Cardinal was living in New York City working as a bike mechanic and performing at open mics every night.
It was in 2012 that they came together in Vancouver to record Cardinal’s original material for his album, Stainless Steel Heart; a mutual old friend was engineering the project and they connected deeply on their taste and obsession over music.
With their distinct energy and style, this acclaimed duo writes and perform original compositions influenced by anything that swings, jumps, or grooves. Carving a path through blues, jazz, jump jive, folk, country, swing, and Indigenous soul with an authentic spirit, their sound does not idle easily in one certain category. Also known as ‘Badlands Jass,’ Colette not only commands the upright bass but also brings the rhythm with her feet on a custom foot drum kit — all while singing in her signature honey-dipped tones — while Cardinal’s distinctive and soulful vocals barrel out like a raging bull and his guitar crackles with the swinging energy of jazz-tinged blues.
Their gift is bringing all these elements together without anything sounding out of step. They collect the roots and smoothly braid them with lyrics that often touch on the underbelly of society, woven with elements of Indigenous storytelling and poetic cadence.
“Blue Moon Marquee have their own completely original style,” American Roots UK writes. “Modern Blues doesn’t really get any better than this. This is a tremendous sound by a hugely talented duo.”
“To say A.W. and Jasmine are old souls is an understatement, to say the least,” Robillard pens in the album’s liner notes. “They are poised for worldwide recognition in an amazing genre-bending ride through American blues and folk, gypsy jazz, Native American themes, jump blues, swing, and more. These century-old traditions have been redefined and delivered in a new light here. They are astounding in their depth, groove, and soul on this recording. Written, played, and recorded here in a heartfelt and natural old-school way for the world to hear, feel, dance, drink or be alone with.
“For me, working with them in the studio was inspiring and a re-confirmation of my own belief in the power of roots music,” he continues. “Special thanks go out to Afterlife Studios, with their long history of great recordings and real echo chambers, vintage gear, and great engineer Erik Nielsen, who converged magically with all these musicians to make some damn memorable music.”
While they have primarily performed as a duo since 2013, Blue Moon Marquee have recently also performed as a trio or quartet with Darcy Phillips (Jann Arden) on piano and Jerry Cook (Colin James) on tenor and baritone saxophone.
With 2019’s release of Bare Knuckles and Brawn, they were nominated as Blues Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards and Indigenous Songwriter of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. With a “totally unique approach…such a powerful original mix of swing styles with jazz and blues, west coast swing and New Orleans feel” (Sound Guardian) the record topped both the Earshot National Folk/Roots/Blues Charts simultaneously with the National Jazz charts — a rare feat.
Appreciated for their lyrical candor, outstanding musicianship, and vivacious live performances, Blue Moon Marquee was the most-requested band in the country for the Canadian International Jazz Festival Circuit following their 2017 release, Gypsy Blues. That full-length album of original material also garnered the Indigenous Artist of the Year nomination from Western Canadian Music Awards as well as Best New Artist nomination at the Maple Blues Awards.
“As a long-time fan of Blue Moon Marquee, I’ve had the pleasure of following and appreciating their development over the years,” says Holger Petersen, Founder of Stony Plain Records and longtime radio broadcaster. “The combination of A.W. and Jazz with Duke Robillard takes their music to another inspired level. ‘Scream, Holler & Howl’ is a wonderful hybrid of their combined swing, blues, and gypsy jazz influences and unique songwriting often inspired from A.W.’s Metis Cree heritage. It’s a joy to hear and to see their on-stage chemistry and natural showmanship. I encourage everyone to get to know them by checking out their website, videos, and original artwork.”
“Their presentation is spellbinding and their original songs are unforgettable,” legendary award-winning American blues pianist David Vest vouches. “To me, they represent the real core of the folk-blues tradition. They would not seem out of place if they were on stage beside Lonnie Johnson or the young Memphis Minnie.”
“They embrace the retro vein celebrated for decades between ragtime blues, shady mambo, and vintage swing,” Paris Blues Magazine writes from France. “With a smoldering live performance and outrageous vocals… Welcome to the baroque cabaret, where the Charleston disjoins itself!”
“The sound of Blue Moon Marquee is delicious and sacrosanct cross-border blues,” Keys and Chords’ Philip Verhaege adds.
“Scream, Holler & Howl” is available now. Scream, Holler & Howl, the album, is available September 9th, 2022 via Blue Moon Marquee Music.
