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Canadian Blues Master DAVID VEST Doubles Down to Deliver ‘Live at Hermann’s’ and ‘Live in Calgary’ Concert Albums

Eric Alper
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Canadian Blues Master DAVID VEST Doubles Down to Deliver ‘Live at Hermann’s’ and ‘Live in Calgary’ Concert Albums

While we take tentative steps back into the electric atmosphere of our favourite live music venues, multi-award winning Canadian blues singer-songwriter and performer David Vest is here to deliver a double dose of the next best thing: not just one, but two live concert albums landing at the same time! Live at Hermann’s and Live in Calgary are both available now.

More than 18 months of pandemic lockdown has us all longing for that undeniably kinetic live music experience, and Vest is giving us a twin taste of what we’ve been missing. Live at Hermann’s and Live in Calgary feature two uniquely different performances, sets of songs and tones from the multi-talented and honoured vocalist and keyboard player recorded pre-pandemic in Calgary and in Vest’s hometown of Victoria, B.C.

However different, the two albums are unified by one distinctive theme: David Vest is truly a master of his craft.

Vest’s masterful manipulation of the black and whites is perhaps no better on display than with the featured single release from Live at Hermann’s, “Mr. Pine Top Boogie”. The jaw dropping dexterity of his fingers running up and down the keys on this grin-worthy, boogie-woogie jam have a seemingly effortless flow.

He’s been rockin’ and shoutin’ the blues since 1957 and Live in Calgary highlights Vest’s wild side, showing us what it must have been like during the early years of this genre. In contrast, Live at Hermann’s showcases the savvy showman who has sold out Hermann’s Jazz Club in Victoria over 50 times with intimate, captivating shows drawing from jazz, blues, rock and gospel, crafting a genre mix that renders each song a wholly unique and spellbinding experience.

Vest lives on the Canadian west coast paradise of Vancouver Island now, but the winner of five Maple Blues Awards including 2017 Piano or Keyboard Player of the Year started his life and art steeped in Southern boogie-woogie. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama near Tuxedo Junction put him in the right proximity with the right talent to jam with the likes of Ace Cannon, Bill Black’s Combo, the Jimmy Dorsey Band, Big Joe Turner and to open for the legendary Roy Orbison on New Year’s Day in 1962.

He’s aptly described by veteran Canadian broadcaster, producer and Stony Plain Records founder Holger Petersen as a “huge blues and boogie talent” but, David Vest also refers to himself with more than a little tongue-in-cheek as “the world’s oldest living, promising young pianist”.

That kind of deep, rich and varied musical experience certainly deserves a first and second helping for fans to enjoy at the same time.

Live at Hermann’s and Live in Calgary are both available now.

My Next Read: “Seeing Sideways: A Memoir of Music and Motherhood” By Kristin Hersh

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Seeing Sideways: A Memoir of Music and Motherhood” By Kristin Hersh

Doony, Ryder, Wyatt, Bodhi. The names of Kristin Hersh’s sons are the only ones included in her new memoir, Seeing Sideways. As the book unfolds and her sons’ voices rise from its pages, it becomes clear why: these names tell the story of her life. This story begins in 1990, when Hersh is the leader of the indie rock group Throwing Muses, touring steadily, and the mother of a young son, Doony. The chapters that follow reveal a woman and mother whose life and career grow and change with each of her sons: the story of a custody battle for Doony is told alongside that of Hersh’s struggles with her record company and the resulting PTSD; the tale of breaking free from her record label stands in counterpoint to her recounting of her pregnancy with Ryder; a period of writer’s block coincides with the development of Wyatt as an artist and the family’s loss of their home; and finally, soon after Bodhi’s arrival, Hersh and her boys face crises from which only strange angels can save them. Punctuated with her own song lyrics, Seeing Sideways is a memoir about a life strange enough to be fiction, but so raw and moving that it can only be real.

That Time The Rolling Stones Performed On A Flat-Bed Truck In NYC In 1975

Eric Alper
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That Time The Rolling Stones Performed On A Flat-Bed Truck In NYC In 1975

The Rolling Stones’ Tour of the Americas ’75 was a 1975 concert tour originally intended to reach both North and South America. The plans for concerts in Central and South America never solidified, however, and the tour covered only the United States and Canada.

The announcement of the tour became famous in itself. On 1 May, reporters were gathered inside the Fifth Avenue Hotel on 9th Street in New York City’s Greenwich Village to attend a press conference where the Stones were scheduled to appear. But the Stones never went into the hotel. Improvisational comedian “Professor” Irwin Corey gave a typically long-winded, nonsensical performance for journalists waiting for the Stones. The press was still listening to Corey ramble on when they finally noticed that the Stones were playing “Brown Sugar” on a flatbed truck driving down Fifth Avenue.

The handful of curiosity seekers standing outside the hotel – who’d heard a rumor of the press conference and who were hoping to catch a glimpse of the Stones entering the hotel – were instead treated to the sight of a flatbed truck rolling down Fifth Avenue carrying the Stones, their instruments and a wall of amps. The truck stopped in front of the hotel entrance and the band played an extended version of “Brown Sugar”. Charlie Watts had suggested this adaptation of a promotional gimmick often used by New Orleans jazz musicians; the idea was later emulated by groups like AC/DC and U2. After the Stones finished the song, the flatbed truck rolled down Fifth Avenue another block and the band jumped into limousines. They never attended the press conference.

Via

12 hours of background music from a 3M Cantata Background Music System from the 1960s

Eric Alper
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12 hours of background music from a 3M Cantata Background Music System from the 1960s

I love the internet.

Green Day To Officially Release The BBC Sessions Live Album On December 10

Eric Alper
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Green Day To Officially Release The BBC Sessions Live Album On December 10

Opening up the vault and revisiting a series of historic UK broadcast performances, five-time GRAMMY Award-winning band Green Day proudly present The BBC Sessions live album out on December 10, 2021. The 16-track collection features four seminal performances recorded at BBC’s legendary Maida Vale Studios from 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2001 together on one album, marking the first time these recordings have been mastered for official release.

Four months after dropping Dookie upon an unsuspecting world, Green Day entered the hallowed halls of BBC’s Maida Vale Studios on June 8, 1994 and ripped through a raucous and raw four-song set: “She,” “When I Come Around,” “Basket Case,” and “2000 Light Years.” It captured the band on the precipice of their worldwide explosion. That day, they even took advantage of the free studio time—much like forbearers in the seventies and eighties—and even discovered the title of Insomniac’s eventual opener in the loo, “Armatage Shanks.” They returned to the BBC during 1996 in support of that album, turning up with “Brain stew/Jaded”and “Walking Contradictions.” Two years later, they snuck an F-bomb into a hyper-charged “Nice Guys Finish Last” in the midst of the Nimrod era. Finally, they capped off summer 2001 with four Warning anthems such as “Church On Sunday.” It’s all on The BBC Sessions.

The BBC Sessions will be available on CD, digital, and limited-edition 2LP vinyl configurations, including Sea Blue/Hot Pink vinyl for the band’s official store and Milky Clear Color vinyl for indie retailers. It’s complete with liner notes by Steve Lamacq Host of Radio 1’s legendary Evening Show (who was there at each session!).

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band is fresh off of The Hella Mega Tour, their sold-out North American headline stadium run, which brought the band to some of the most renowned stadiums including Dodger Stadium, Wrigley Field, Citi Field, Fenway Park and more. The tour will resume in the UK and Europe next Spring, click here for the full list of dates.

TRACKLISTING
She (Live at the BBC June 8 1994)
When I Come Around (Live at the BBC June 8 1994)
Basket Case (Live at the BBC June 8 1994)
2000 Light Years Away (Live at the BBC June 8 1994)
Geek Stink Breath (Live at the BBC November 3 1996)
Brain Stew/Jaded (Live at the BBC November 3 1996)
Walking Contradiction (Live at the BBC November 3 1996)
Stuck With Me (Live at the BBC November 3 1996)
Hitchin’ A Ride (Live at the BBC February 12 1998)
Nice Guys Finish Last (Live at the BBC February 12 1998)
Prosthetic Head (Live at the BBC February 12 1998)
Redundant (Live at the BBC February 12 1998)
Castaway (Live at the BBC August 28 2001)
Church On Sunday (Live at the BBC August 28 2001)
Minority (Live at the BBC August 28 2001)
Waiting (Live at the BBC August 28 2001)

Berkley-formed, five-time Grammy Award-winning rock band Green Day is one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time, with more than 70 million records sold worldwide and 10 billion cumulative audio/visual streams. Their breakout album Dookie, which sold over 10 million and achieved diamond status, is widely credited with popularizing and reviving mainstream interest in punk rock, catapulting a career-long run of #1 hit singles. Green Day’s release of rock opera American Idiot captured the nation’s attention, selling more than 7 million copies in the U.S. alone, taking home the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album and lead to a critically acclaimed stage adaptation on Broadway. Released on February 7, 2020, Green Day’s thirteenth studio album Father Of All… (Reprise/Warner Records) debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Album Sales Chart and #1 in both the U.K. and Australia. Pitchfork declared, “Green Day’s most fetching and youthful songs in ages. The trio sounds reinvigorated, more like hungry newcomers staking their claim.”

Henry Rollins Announces ‘Good To See You’ 2022 Tour

Eric Alper
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Henry Rollins Announces ‘Good To See You’ 2022 Tour

Henry Rollins returns with the announcement of his Good To See You 2022 tour.

In describing Henry Rollins, the tendency is to try to squeeze as many labels as possible into a single sentence. “Rollins is many things,” says The Washington Post, “diatribist, confessor, provocateur, humorist, even motivational speaker…his is an enthusiastic and engaging chatter.”

On the Good To See You 2022 tour Henry will faithfully recount the events of his life in the brief pre-COVID period since the last tour and when things got even stranger over the last several months. It’s been an interesting time to say the least and he’s got some great stories to tell.

TOUR DATES:
May 19 – Vancouver – BC – Rio Theatre
May 20 – Nanaimo – BC – Port Theatre
May 21 – Victoria – BC – Alix Goolden Hall
May 24 – Calgary – Bella Concert Hall
May 25 – Edmonton – Shoctor Theatre
May 26 – Saskatoon – Broadway Theatre
May 27 – Winnipeg – Park Theatre
May 30 – Kingston – Grand Theatre
May 31 – Ottawa – Algonquin Commons
June 1 – London – London Music Hall
June 2 – St. Catharines – First Ontario Performing Arts Centre
June 3 – Toronto – Danforth Music Hall

New Release Friday! Duran Duran, Rolling Stones, The Replacements, Elton John and more!

Eric Alper
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New Release Friday! Duran Duran, Rolling Stones, The Replacements, Elton John and more!

Sonic Reducers. 1 topic. 2 music nerds. 5 minutes.

We talk about some of this week’s biggest music releases, including Duran Duran, Elton John, The Rolling Stones and The Replacements’ Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash.

Photo Gallery: Maluma at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena

Eric Alper
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Photo Gallery: Maluma at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena

All photos by Mini’s Memories. If you are an artist or a band and need photos done, you can do no wrong contacting her with your details;

minismemories@hotmail.com

Maluma
Maluma
Maluma
Maluma
Maluma
Maluma
Maluma
Maluma

From the Ashes of a Global Pandemic Comes Ottawa’s TAMING SARI’s Electrifying & Timely “Crazy” New Rock Anthem

Eric Alper
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From the Ashes of a Global Pandemic Comes Ottawa’s TAMING SARI’s Electrifying & Timely “Crazy” New Rock Anthem

Speaking to the deep human desire of connecting with others, and how good it feels to let loose from it all, the timeliest of timely anthems has arrived from Ottawa rockers Taming Sari: “Crazy” is available now.

Taming Sari’s signature splashy guitar work and thunderous drums guide the listener through a supercharged anthem to inspire hope in the post-pandemic. Bringing us back to when life seemed more straightforward, “Crazy” is about the inherent connection we all feel towards one another, and how surreal it can feel to lose touch with our need to just enjoy life.

One listen to “Crazy” tells you everything you need to know about Taming Sari’s musical influences, and Toronto’s iconic Polson Pier set the backdrop for the band to channel the rock gods on a beautiful summer day and lay down a couple of blazing new tracks.

The sun-kissed harbourfront wasn’t the only inspiration leading into the recording studio: it would be the first time they would record with a new member, accomplished lead guitarist Joe Fraser, to create the perfect balance of grit and melody while paying homage to past rock n’ roll legends.

Taming Sari roars with the confidence of a band that has been touring stadiums for decades. The dedication to individual musicianship conveyed on “Crazy” can be found in every bar. The backbone of Taming Sari’s booming sound manifests itself through the chemistry of polished drummer Adam Ouellette and the seemingly effortless craftsmanship of Alex Pellerin on bass. Infectious riffs come courtesy of newest member Joe Fraser with the seamless weaving of rhythm guitar specialist Miguel Kingsberry filling out the rest of the uptempo grooves found within. The soaring vocals of “Ottawa’s #1 Rock Ginger” Warren Meredith easily accompanies the instrumental expertise on display, further reinforcing Taming Sari’s sense of timelessness.

Following the momentum of their debut album, Thirsty From The Draught, Taming Sari was positioned to take full advantage of the burgeoning concert scene across Canada shortly before the world was thrown into chaos with Covid. “Crazy” is the third single to capture the group’s artistic perspective on this tumultuous period in history; the first, “Loving Way,” dealt with the initial response to the virus along with the call for racial justice that was to come, and the second, the emotionally-charged “Gone and Run Away,” highlighted the sense of loss that our communities collectively feel.

After making numerous media appearances and safely playing for socially distanced crowds, Taming Sari is ready to hit the ground running. When live music makes its triumphant return, there is no doubt that this talented assembly of performers will grace stages with the same intensity found in their recordings.

Pop Songstress BREE WHITWORTH Sings About The Right Love at the Wrong “Time” in New Single

Eric Alper
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Pop Songstress BREE WHITWORTH Sings About The Right Love at the Wrong “Time” in New Single

Just ask Romeo and Juliet: Finding the perfect love is a noble pursuit that can be fraught with peril. It can either work out to be forever, or never — and often, it all comes down to the timing. Kelowna, BC’s singer-songwriter Bree Whitworth is adding her voice to the chorus of the star-crossed swoons with her new single and remix, “Time” — available now.

An honest, heartfelt ballad that delivers full ‘80s nostalgia recalling Heart, The Bangles and Tiffany, “Time” is about meeting the right person but the timing is off, dooming the relationship. It’s the type of situation that the Vancouver-based artist feels has been amplified due to the global pandemic, and she has personal proof; as COVID shuttered the world, Whitworth was also experiencing the shuttering of a romantic relationship, and the grief and self-reflection that goes along with it.

“Sometimes, the only crime, really, is bad timing with no other explanation, but somehow it leaves you feeling like the criminal,” Whitworth explains. “I really felt like others would connect with these lyrics, probably with many going through similar situations of their own during the past 18 months.”

Time chose the lies we tell ourselves every day and night
We can’t make it right but you’re always on my mind

During lockdown, Whitworth’s main solace was her piano, so she took to what she knows best — turning heartbreak into song. “Time,” and another upcoming single, “Mister Wrong”, were written and recorded during this introspective pandemic period and both are set for imminent release.

Whitworth took on a new challenge to record the songs with her longtime producer Winston Hauschild. They wrote the melodies via Zoom calls and built the song structures all completely from a distance. Months later, when restrictions eased up, Bree traveled to the Treehouse Studio on Bowen Island to record vocals for the tracks while still never physically being in the same room as Hauschild. No hugs or high fives when their long day was done, but they produced two stellar songs nonetheless!

The “Shamus Goes to Hollywood” single remix of “Time” takes the emotional ballad with a shimmering ‘80s aesthetic and opens it up into a joyous, dance floor banger — thanks to a new collaboration with Nova Scotia-based pop, hip-hop and electronic producer Shamus Musik.

“I was super excited to work with Shamus again,” says Whitworth. “I gave him full permission to ‘go to town’ to make the remix as upbeat and dancy as possible, and of course, he did not disappoint.”

Whitworth and Shamus Musik previously collaborated on the remix for the single “Don’t Let Me Go” from her 2019 EP, Siren Songs. The two have never met in person, living on opposite sides of Canada, but they’ve discovered a great, long distance creative relationship making killer remixes of already great tunes.

With two new single releases this fall, Bree Whitworth is topping up a catalogue that already includes three previously released albums and various project-related singles. Her songs have also found their way into a television series and a Paris-based music library.

“Time,” and the Shamus Goes to Hollywood Remix, are available now.

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That Eric Alper

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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