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John Evans website
John Evans is more than just Horn Rims and Hair. With music born on the bayous of Houston and injected with influences from the Mississippi Delta to Bakersfield, California to the boroughs of New York City, John Evans and his Rockabilly Band have taken over his hometown (and the whole Lone Star State!) by dominating the Houston Press Music Awards over the last decade. John can boast six wins for Best Male Vocalist, four for Best Songwriter and a pair for both Best Roots Rock and Musician of the Year. You won't hear him boast, though. He's as humble as they come. And the most personable performer on the road. He'll make each and every audience member feel like a family member. Listen to his music. See him if comes to town. Book him if you have a beer joint.
Houston Marchman website
Described as a charming and passionate person, Marchman is filled with humorous accounts and boundless energy. He connects with audiences wherever he plays. His fans love the honesty of his music as well as his smoky character-filled voice.
.Leavin' Dallas, released in 1999, charted on Gavin Americana and prompted the Blue Chip Radio Report to carefully describe him as "...somewhere in the ballpark of Townes Van Zandt and Robert Earl Keen in the songwriting/storytelling department ..." and "musically ...a country rocker of the Mellencamp-Springsteen-Earl variety." Other critics frankly called it "an impressive debut".
Houston's newest album Long Gone is a slight departure from the norm. Houston maintains his singer-songwriter roots, but pushes it to the edge. Songs like “I Can't Go Back," a blues-rock number, features a duet with Carolyn Wonderland. Other artists who helped shape this album include Cindy Cashdollar on steel, Gabe Rhodes on guitar, Brendon Anthony on fiddle, Tom Gillam on vocals and many more. He has once again shown the diversity of his writing and his music.
With ten records, Houston Marchman still has much to say and his fans are thrilled to know there is more coming. Music lovers who appreciate an honest outlook on life and enjoy the sounds of country music packed with the punch of rock, while carrying on the tradition of Texas Folk, conjunto, polka, and blues are constantly satisfied taking in the true-to-life tunes of Houston Marchman..
Mark Jungers website
Mark Jungers is no stranger to the Americana roots music scene. He's been playing it for years- since well before the term "Americana" was coined- because in his world, country, roots rock, folk, and bluegrass music need not be mutually exclusive. Mark and his band play what is the heart of Americana: gutsy, unpretentious music filled with spirit and spontaneity.
Mark was in a number of bands in his youth before graduating in Minneapolis with a degree in electronics and sound engineering. Soon thereafter, he moved to Austin, Texas. There, Jungers soon became a major player in the mid 80's Austin music scene, playing with such bands as Straight Up, Hell's Café, and The Masons. In the fall of 1994, he left Texas for New Haven, Connecticut to join his then wife-to-be, Joy, while she finished her education. It was there that Mark was finally able to concentrate on his songwriting, for himself rather than for a band. But being without a band did not last long: He was soon adopted to front the Motel Preachers who went on to win Best New Band, and second place, Best Country Band in New Haven before he and Joy, homesick, returned to Central Texas in July of 1997. They continue to make their home in Martindale, Texas, on the San Marcos River
Mark's commitment to the art of songwriting is evident throughout his recorded catalogue. His songs, real and honest, capture the American Spirit. Hearty musicianship only adds to the experience. His albums are masterfully arranged and produced, exemplifying Lars Goransson's well deserved title as Best Producer in the 2004 Austin Music Awards.
Dave Mc Cann website
"Handbuilt Americana and Scorching Southern Rock that channels
some James Gang Twang - Dixiebluebird holds fire true in a world
of trend chasing replicators" - Americana Reviews - The Netherlands
Invokes the spirit of early Whiskeytown and a Twangier Wilco.
As far as Canadian roots music goes "Dixiebluebird" is a strong
candidate for album of the year. - Leeroy Stagger - Artsbridge Magazine
"Motorhead-meets-Merle Haggard- Rocks like some
Crackling 70s Outlaw Classic and would be top forty
in a saner universe" - Richard Thornley (Penguin Eggs Magazine) Canada
"A Canadian who delivers honest hillbilly music that's
more country than much of the pasturized schlock coming out
of major-label Music Row these days."
-Clay Steakley (Performing Songwriter Magazine) Nashville Tennessee
"the perfect antidote to the plastic world in which
most of us live." - Michael Mee (NetRhythms Roots Press) London UK.
Brock Zeman website
Over the past five years Brock Zeman has elbowed his way into the independent music world. The 28 year old singer-songwriter of Carleton Place, Ontario has already released 7 albums and toured Canada and the US extensively averaging 250 dates a year. His signature roots style has been praised by critics for the maturity of his vocals, the depth of his storytelling and his impressive live performances. He was first discovered by Canadian Country Hall of Famer Keith Glass (Prairie Oyster) who went on to produce his first 4 releases. By the time of his 5th released Brock was picked up by Busted Flat records out of Kitchener Ontario, and in the past five years Brock has become known as one of the most prolific, hard working artists to fly under the radar.
"Where was this troubadour hiding?.... hopefully Zeman's words and music will now get heard by more of the masses. This is a songwriter worth hearing over and over again."
- Exclaim
Cindy Doire website
Cindy’s deceptive. Slim and petite, she has a voice that can whisper a lyric in your ear that will startle your heart (and maybe your libido).. This is a woman who can channel the moody atmosphere of French singers from Piaf to François Hardy and pin you against the back wall with a Joplin-esque wail to shatter your soul.
Sticks and Mud, her latest release, is dedicated to “all the troubadours, vagabonds and bandits with whom I’ve crossed paths.”
A troubadour and a vagabond herself, she’s also an inventive, collaborative, thoughtful songwriter and a dynamic on-stage performer, and one who’s been at home in a recording studio since she made her first CD back in 2007.
Le vie en Bleu was a striking debut. Completely bilingual, her northern Ontario heritage and her affection for southern blues and the romanticism of Europe helped create songs which trans-Atlantic audiences regarded as brilliantly French, yet somehow “different.” Closer to home, the CD earned her Music in Film and Motion nominations for Best Album, Best Songwriter and Best vocal performance.
Cindy’s second album, Chapeau de Pluie, was produced in Nashville and Toronto two years later by expatriate Canadian producer Colin Linden. It built on the success of her debut, and earned applause — and radio play — in Quebec and in Europe.
And, again, it earned recognition from her peers: The “best discovery” award from the Gala des Prix Or, and the Songs from the Heart award from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals. The CD also earned honours as Best Album by a Solo Artist at the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards.
Megan Lane website
Megan Lane fills the gaps between blues, jazz, rock, and soul with fierce passion. An experienced song-writer, performer, and producer, Lane is touring her latest album Bow and Drill the Spark (2009). With this release Lane showcases an incredibly diverse style that is both sensitive and provocative. Igniting her audience from the first note, Lane has shared the stage with Colin James, Buffy St. Marie, and many others.
Lane’s distinct voice moves back and forth between a deep dark growl and the breaking point of an aching cry, and her weeping guitar is anything but gentle. Her music resonates with the intensity and wisdom of someone who knows how to make fire from friction, and it leaves a burning mark.
Her second album Wrapped in Plastic (2006) extended the totally unique blues/rock trajectory laid down in Purple and Blue (2004), a debut nominated for Outstanding Blues recording by the Western Canadian Music Awards. Winning awards and grants from the Saskatchewan Arts Board and Rawlco Radio, Lane’s recordings have received national airplay on the CBC and Rawlco Radio. Her performances have been nationally broadcast on CBC television and CTV’s “Good Morning Canada.” Along with bandmates Kyle Krysa (drums) and Gent Laird (bass), Lane has performed across the country, including at the Calgary International Blues Festival (2007) and the Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival (2008, 2006, 2005, 2004).
Besides touring and promoting extensively, Lane gives much of her time to charity organizations. She has been recognized for her contributions to society by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan (2005). Also involved in a variety of community cultural groups, Lane performed as a featured member of the Saskatoon SLAM Team at the National Spoken Word Festival in Victoria, B.C. (2009), and plays drums as a member of the successful group Kamila Martel and the Ne’erdowells.
Left on Red website
Meet Liah Alonso and Kelly Halloran, collectively known as Left on Red. Left on Red features Liah on guitar and lead vocals and Kelly on violin, guitar, vocals and drums. Left on Red simply means to take your own direction. This dynamic duo is edgy and entertaining, using their spirited songs and harmonies to inspire positive social and environmental changes in the world.
In addition to busking, Left on Red performs in clubs and festivals across the US, Canada, France and Spain. Left on Red also takes their music directly to people who otherwise are unable to enjoy live music by performing at the bedsides of patients in hospitals and nursing homes through Musicians On Call and also for domestic violence survivors at YWCA Shelters. Left on Red also performs for war veterans including on shared bills with Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Street Sweeper Social Club) and his organization Axis of Justice.
Their self-titled CD features an entertaining range of genres and topics that appeal to both men and women of all ages. “Shop” finds LOR singing about America’s addiction to retail, “Crash and Burn” deals with the poisoning of our food, while the self explanatory “High Heel Blues” and the duo’s first single “Jack and Jill” will hit home with anyone whose dealt with societal expectations. The beauty of LOR is they find a way to present heavy hitting topics in a fun manner, leaving audiences enlightened, empowered and happy.
Roger Marin Band website
Following a youth of accompanying his roaming country musician father, and years of touring the world non-stop with Canadian alt-country luminaries Fred Eaglesmith and Willie P Bennett, and working with acts such as Willie Nelson, Junior Brown, Del McCoury, and Delbert McClinton, Roger Marin now delivers his own distinctive voice and an honest, razor sharp sound that cuts through the manufactured pretense of commercial radio.
The Roger Marin Band will be touring extensively through the Eastern seaboard, Texas, the Canadian prairies and Ontario in support of "Silvertown" in the coming months.
2010 NIAGARA MUSIC AWARDS "SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR" NOMINATION
"On Friday I played a place called P.K.'s with Roger Marin.... We did two sets and I think it was the first time I've ever had people sitting on the floor in a bar to see the show."
Hayes Carll
Road Journal
Carolyn Mark website
"There's two kinds of women you let in your life/ Exciting new mistress and boring old wife," sings country throwback Carolyn Mark on her new album, Nothing Is Free. The line is indicative of Mark's straightforward style - she doesn't take shit and she's not afraid to let you know it. And, safe to say, Mark is not boring. She's good friends with fellow twangy siren Neko Case (the outspoken duo released an album together in 2000) and the Canadian songwriter has made a name for herself with five brassy albums over the last seven years.
Mark's music is so authentic in its back porch vibe, it seems to come with its own direct link to Loretta Lynn's '60s heyday - like her heroes, Mark is not afraid to rail against a man too drunk to understand his own fuck-ups. Not to say Mark is some kind of saint: Her gigs are known for their off-balance candor and ribald humor as much as the homespun tunes. Go for the music, stay for the dirty jokes.
Metromix New York
Alun Piggins website
"... Alun proved that he still rocks a crowd like few other people, and does it with a sense of humour that's completely contagious. You'd think a guy who'd spent that long at working in the music business might be bitter or jaded, but Alun comes across as enthusiastic and excited about playing as the youngest bands out there..."
Tilts Back To Fall
Black Flies website
The Black Flies from Niagara Falls Canada, formed in 2007. This year they released their second full album "Middle of the Night." The 9 song CD "Road Ahead " was put out in 2008. Both were recorded @ Groundloop Studios in Ridgeway, Ontario by Dean Malton. The offical video for "You were Miles" which was directed by Britt Wilen, can be found on YouTube. Playing live is also a huge part of The Black Flies, switching gigs up between acoustic and full out rock, whatever the night calls for. They are currently planning to shoot two video's for the new album.
The Black Flies were named the Niagara Regions 2009 Group of the Year at the Niagara Music Awards, they were also nominated in 3 other categories, Best Rock Band, Best Video and Album of the Year.
J.P. Riemens website
J.P. Riemens is a songwriters songwriter. His rootsy, honest approach speaks in volumes through his songs. He is at home in an intimate acoustic environment as well as the Concert Hall and has played in venues across the country with a host of noteable acts.
Dirty Sunset - JP's 9th release, has been completed and is for sale.
Jesse T. Reid website
Hailing from the shores of Lake Erie, songsmith Jesse Reid traded the lake for saltwater early in life, going to the deep sea and working with Greenpeace International. From the Artic to the Antartic and through the seas in between, Jesse honed his craft into a story-telling songwriting style guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and stomp your feet. This Canuck is definitely on his way to a whole new adventure.
The Beat Downs website
The Beat-Downs are a tall cold pint for every true Rock n’ Rollers parched throat after walking the endless desserts of commercial mundanity. With their style rooted somewhere between 50’s rock-a-billy and 60’s surf rock, they provided more than enough punk attitude to keep the Casbah jumping all night. This three piece consisting of Cory Richardson- Guitar & Vox, Melody Vanschaik-Bass & Vox and Mike Di Giorgio- Drums are currently working on their first album. The trio, although just off the line, have been rocking crowds relentlessly thru-out Southern/Western Ontario for the past twelve months. If it looks good you’ll see it, if it sounds good you’ll hear it, if it’s marketed right you’ll buy it…….but if it’s real you’ll feel it!
Dave Gould website
MOST IMPORTANTLY he has taken to playing a TOILET. It sounds great too! In his solo shows, Dave incorporates quirky original material, that push his rhythmic and lyrical ideas, with surreal solos on his musical toilet. In summary, he likes experimenting with sound and levity. He is often accompanied by the lovely harmonies of PEI's Tanya Macausland Amyote.
He is a session player who has recorded for a plethora of artists including Brooke Miller, The Expos, Nicole Christian, Nathan Wiley etc...
He is releasing 2 CD recordings this summer. One is chalk full of his tongue and cheek sex and hate songs with 3 or 4 chords and meanings in common times. The other is a mess of experiments he has compiled over the years including playing a tree in the woods.
A message from Dave Gould, "If you can turn a canadian bill into a Jet and throw it down my toilet, I'd love to meet you."
Jives Time website
James Standish.
Life Problems website
Life Problems, a costumed band comprised of seven core members includes acoustic guitars, horns, strings and various percussion to their ensemble. The core of the band is made of musitians Ranging from Jazz musicians and the classically trained to street performers and the self taught, each member has added an effect on the direction of the music. Fusing elements of Classical and Folk Music, Celtic Punk and Psychedelic Rock, the band can entertain a wide spectrum of audiences and venues. From absurd and humorous songs like Whisky, Porno & Beer to more tasteful and elegant pieces like Ever Wondered? comes a combination of lyrically diverse travelling songs backed by a big sound and large stage presence. Easily fit onto any billing, the band can be placed amongst any genre as either a transitional act or a headliner. Whether headlining small clubs, performing at large festivals, showcasing charity events, enlightening corporate soirees, or simply busking on the side of the road; Life Problems has and will continue to enthral all who witness its bizarre splendour.
Old Plank Road website
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