The Floorbyrds @ Streaming!

Seven accomplished musicians in their own right, the Floorbyrds came together and played to a full house at the Streaming Cafe on June 19th.  

Andrew Smith, Norm Strauss, Kim McMechan, Graham Ord, Scott Gamble, Corey Janz, and Dean Clark are known in town and beyond for their individual musical and songwriting skills – and when they come together to perform as the Floorbyrds that skill shines even brighter due to the support of their fellow bandmates.

 

Although the band could almost be described as a project formed to highlight some of the songs Strauss and Smith have written, McMechan and others contribute songs to the mix as well. And the band itself probably owes its existence more to the persistence of Dean Clark than to anything else.

Clark has a long history of organizing and promoting folk music festivals. He first met Smith and Strauss in relation to a large annual folk fest he headed up in Alberta. After moving to the Okanagan and playing bass in different configurations of this band for various one-off projects, Dean kept saying to Strauss and Smith that they should form a band with more consistency, one that would play regularly together. And (at long last, Dean would say) the Floorbyrds were born.

Fans of Kim McMechan can find lots to like about the Floorbyrds, too; in this grouping Kim sings songs she has written with the support of a six-person band – the multi-layered guitars and underlying rhythm section add a wonderful fullness to her strongly-written songs.

The Floorbyrds: seven stand-alone musicians coming together to make it 'even better' – check out the show highlights in the 'Previous Shows' section of www.streamingcafe.net

Enjoy the clip below "Black Bird Sitting on the Line", fronted by Kim McMechan.

Vancouver based band Prairie Dance Club joined us this last Saturday and didn't disappoint!
PDC's self titled album at first listen sticks out as a smooth, moody, well written album.  The 2009 release has launched this relatively new band into the forefront of up and coming Canadian acts.  Reflecting this strong sounding album is the radio success it has found, being heard on airwaves across Canada, US and Europe.
These guys are definitely worth a listen!
Be sure to check them out @ http://www.myspace.com/prairiedanceclub and listen to a clip from their performance at the Streaming Cafe!        


 Check out more music from Prairie Dance Club's performance @ http://www.streamingcafe.net/

From the UK pavement comes...

    Saturday brought us United Kingdom artist, now residing in Victoria, BC, Kid on the Pavement to the Streaming Cafe.  From the moment Chris Llyod ( Kid on the Pavement being his stage alter ego) pulled up to the cafe in a 70's brown Camaro, it was quite clear there's a retro feel about him.  This retro approach not only resided in KOTP's personal style but also came through strong in his music. Much like his influences, Neil Young and Simon & Garfunkel, his strong melodies and guitar work communicated well the reflective and sometimes dark stories he had to tell.

    Kid on the pavement is relatively new to the Canadian scene but look to hear great things from him in the future.  His debut album is being wrapped up and will be coming soon. Until then have a listen to a live clip "Paris Rain", one of my favorites, from the show. Enjoy!
Michael



Check out more music from this show @ http://www.streamingcafe.net

Rocket Boy!

  I had been looking forward to Pat LePoidevin performing at the Streaming Cafe for some time now. It isn't very often that I listen to an artist's album and have to stop what I am doing, take a step back and say "WOW"!
 
  Pat's new album "Moon Wolves" has a strong animal theme in which he draws from his childhood, having been raised in rural BC and his love for children's story books.  His uniques subject matter and original sounding voice, mixed with a large presence of baritone ukulele invited me into his music from the first song. This strong presence carries through this entire album. I strongly suggest you getting it, you won't be disappointed!
  
  Much like his album, his live performance did not let me down. His genuine personality come across strong, as did his raw talent! I expect to see great things from Pat in the future.

Enjoy "Rocket Boy",  a song about his childhood time he spent with his father, shooting off toy rockets into the sky.

thanks for tuning in!

Michael

A New Generation of Canadian Independent Folk

 Catherine MacLellan and The Olympic Symphonium performed an amazing show to a packed audience at the Streaming Cafe this last Saturday. The two week tour took these two acts to the west coast, had been an idea of theirs for some time and we were privileged to be part of it!

   The Olympic Symphonium's multi-instrumental abilities and precise harmonies reminded me of why I love Canadian music so much.  They have a honest, rustic/roots sound that seems to connect to the next generation of folk lovers. The concept for this band was a quiet escape from their accustomed high-energy rock/pop projects - to focus more on the subtle, gentler side of music - a concept definitely achieved!

   CBC radio staple Catherine MacLellan, gave us an intimate solo performance as well as being backed by her travel mates OS that added a cool new dynamic.  Catherine's live performance felt approachable and drew me in from her first note.  She has a keen ability to communicate her song ideas through sweet melodies reminiscent of Emmy Lou Harris.  Now having seen her live I fully understand why she was awarded "Solo Artist of the Year" at the "2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards".

Check out a couple songs from the night below...

Thanks for tuning into Streaming Cafe!

Michael