Elizabeth Shepherd
By Elizabeth Shepherd
It’s just over a week since we got back from Japan – what a fantastic trip. It was our third time over there, and I have to say: we never actually get to see much of Tokyo given how busy the schedule is, but… we did manage to eat the freshest sashimi ever (over 7 courses in total), paired with a beautiful vintage Sake from a rice field 400 km north of Tokyo (yes, I’m a foodie). But back to the shows – we played 6 sold-out nights at the Cotton Club, joined by DJ Shacho of Soil and Pimp Sessions who spun some fantastic Soul-Jazz vinyl from the 60s and 70s to feed our ears in between sets. We did a live in-studio session and interview with the lovely and charming Andy – host of J-Wave’s International Music Show, Modaista (J-Wave is Japan’s national radio station). J-Wave has always been good to us, and this time was no exception; J-Wave listeners voted my first single, Seven Bucks, onto the “Tokyo Hot 100″ pop chart. Last time I checked it had climbed up to #38 and was in the company of some pretty big names. CONTINUE READING >
CBC,Elizabeth Shepherd,Glenn Gould Studio,J-Wave,Matt Galloway,Tokyo
Randy Bachman
This coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Glenn Gould Studio welcomes the legendary Randy Bachman, for special two-hour live tapings of his award winning radio show “Vinyl Tap”.
His website promises the shows will showcase history unfolding and recreated “from Fender Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul to Gretsch…from echo, flanging, distortion to overdrive – to showcase effects heard on some of the greatest records in the world.”
Truly, a rock n’ roll lecture straight from the source!
All shows are completely sold out but you’re able to hear them on CBC radio one, Saturdays at 7pm (8pm AT, 8:30pm NT) and you can check out previous shows here.
CBC,Randy Bachman,vinyl Tap
Jamie Cullum
Welcome back! Did you have a nice winter break? We did, albeit a bit of a late one: as you may have noticed, our Soundboard was rather quiet last week. With shows celebrating both Christmas and New Year’s at our Halls, many of us were working through the holidays, and so our days off came a little while after yours. We’re back now though, refreshed and chock-full of enthusiasm for 2010.
JUST ANNOUNCED
Yesterday we announced that Jamie Cullum will be performing at Massey Hall on Tuesday, March 9. Tickets go to members of our FriendsFirst program on Wednesday, and to the general public on Friday. Can’t wait until then to get your Jamie Cullum fix? Head on over to his website to sample some tunes from his latest release The Pursuit.
AUDIO-FILE
We last mentioned CBC Concerts on Demand at the top of December, so the beginning of January seems a good time to shout from the rooftops (again) that their website is ridiculously awesome. Example: The Downchild Blues Band’s CONTINUE READING >
CBC,CBC Concerts On Demand,Christopher O’Riley,Downchild Blues Band,Jamie Cullum,LANG LANG
Photo credit: Lucienne van der Mijle
PERFORMANCES
Yamato Drummers of Japan (Wednesday): the Yamato Drummers present Matsuri FIESTA as part of their world tour, and it promises to be one breathtaking show. Check out this background post on the drummers from yesterday, and prepare yourself for an invigorating and inspiring percussion experience at Massey Hall tomorrow night.
Bob Newhart (FRIDAY): For a little slice of what Newhart is all about, check out a clip from this recent cinematic gem. The classic funnyman brings his dry wit and clever satire to the Roy Thomson Hall stage this Friday.
Sophie Milman (FRIDAY): Sophie’s just been nominated for a 2010 Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, and released Take Love Easy just this past spring – it sprang to number one on the charts soon thereafter. Hear her sing the title track from the album on Canada AM, and then check out the real deal at Massey Hall. CONTINUE READING >
Art Of Time Ensemble,Bob Newhart,CBC,Harry Manx,Sophie Milman,Yamato Drummers Of Japan
Catherine MacLellan will be contemplating Canadian greatness for the CBC's Great Canadian Song Quest
November brings with it rains and winds that will no doubt chill us to the bone as we refuse to don our winter coats for just a few more weeks. Conversely, at the halls November brings some artists that will warm your heart and soul.
Swell Season, appearing tonight at Massey Hall, is like a hot cup of cocoa – a delicious treat you might take in while sitting around the fireplace. The duo’s latest album, Strict Joy, came out just last week and already critics are singing its praises: SPIN magazine gave it four stars and called it “a glorious bummer.” (If you’re not yet acquainted with the mythology surrounding this band, here’s your crash course.) And if you can’t make it out to the show this evening, we have a consolation prize – you can stream the album in its entirety right here. CONTINUE READING >
Catherine MacLellan,CBC,Great Canadian Song Quest,Rob Thomas,Swell Season
Paco Peña
Welcome back friends! I hope everyone had a splendid long weekend filled with good food and good company. This week the Halls promise plenty of good musical fare to keep you thankful long after the holiday leftovers are done.
Wilco performs at Massey Hall on Wednesday evening; if you’re looking for a second helping you’re in luck because this one’s a double whammy—you can check them out again for a second show on Thursday night. Meanwhile, Thursday night over at Roy Thomson Hall features none other than Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers (yes, that Steve Martin), performing An Evening of Bluegrass & Banjo. On Saturday evening, Paco Peña presents A Compás at Massey Hall—a performance that will include his world famous company of dancers, singers, and musicians collaborating to give audience members a true feeling for the vital rhythms of flamenco. CONTINUE READING >
CBC,CBC Concerts On Demand,Paco Peña,Steve Martin And The Steep Canyon Rangers,Wilco
