When trying to sum up the Vancouver music scene there were many aspects I wanted to portray. I wanted to talk specifically about the home grown artists that bring the sounds of Vancouver to the rest of Canada and the world. I wanted to sum up the natural aspects of the city; the ocean and mountains and rainforests. With a backdrop like this, it’s no wonder where artists find their inspiration. I also wanted to talk about the cultural aspects; the fashion houses, the art galleries, the nightlife. These aspects, not only build up the feel of the city, but have developed a certain breed of Vancouver-ites who greatly impact the music scene. And I wanted to talk about the venues; the Commodore Ballroom, the Orpheum Theatre, the Railway Club! Then it hit me. The Vancouver artist I felt best summed up everything this city has to say for itself: Dan Mangan./p...
My Dad can beat up your dad...(Part 2)
While I’ve often been heard to be complaining about the infrequency that the boys release albums (three in eight years) or perform live, the truth of the matter is that besides the band, the members are very involved in the local music community. Arturo Brisindi runs “The Gallery Recording Studio” while Jose Palacios is a DJ of some local renown. Both Tom Herbert and Jason Redmond have full time careers as well as their MDVY commitments. I’ve often suspected that the only limitation to their accession amongst Canada’s best is themselves. If I’ve learned anything from my time meeting, talking and writing about people in this business it’s that there is either a fear factor or some sort of commitment issue, that is, to give all of ones self to an attempt at success. Sadly though, the success must be predicated upon some level of financial security as well, which can lead to compromising ones artistic integrity./p...
My Dad can beat up your dad...(Part 1)
Music, like so many of its contemporaries within the arts, evolves, grows and takes on a life of its own. There is a beauty in how organic it can be. Examine some of the following; the jazz forms of the great Miles Davis, Coltrane or Brubeck can be found in today’s music performed by The Roots or St Germain; the R&B soul of James Brown can be found in the likes of John Legend, Mary J. Blige or Joss Stone; how about the soulful blues of Buddy Guy or BB King? Listen to red-hot Black Keys for a more modern take on the sound; Like the sounds of prog or psych rock from the 60’s/70’s? Give a listen to Canada’s own Black Mountain; there’s certainly an argument that can be made as well with regards to how hip-hop has kept many a sound and artist relevant through the use of sampling (and the laws dictating that the samples now be credited)./p...
Top 20 Albums of 2010 (at least according to Jeff Schroeder)
Under normal circumstances I would have begun compiling my favourite albums back in November. Who am I kidding? I most likely would have begun in September or October. However, 2010 has been a bit of a life-changing year./p...
Ottawa Legend - Marc Charron
Marc Charron is a workhorse of a singer/songwriter/musician. Recently, Marc noted that,since July 2004, he has performed over 1000 shows, on 6 Canadian tours, 3 Western tours, one Australian tour, shows in Dominican Republic and one Eastern Canadian tour . But then, in what is either a lament or a challenge, Charron notes "YOU still haven't seen me play..." I've seen Marc Charron play. I've been most fortunate to have him perform, too early in the morning for most musicians, on my radio show, the Thursday Morning Special Blend on Ottawa's CKCU. His performances are always spirited, well crafted and fun. He's a great performer./p...