The area roots music scene remains active with several national and international touring acts appearing amongst the scattering of performances from Alberta-based artists.
Bill Bourne has two upcoming Red Deer shows. Tonight he appears solo at The Hub on Ross while Oct. 1 finds Bourne with his Free Radio Band at The Vat.
The Irish Rovers are at the Memorial Centre on Saturday night.
The Hideout presents rising and continually developing Canadian singer-songwriter Royal Wood, specializing in keyboard-rich, catchy soul-crossed folk; Danielle Duval opens the Sept. 27 show. The Heartbroken return on Sept. 29 and the talented and very youthful Michael Rault visits on Sept. 30.
Poised to hit Nashville like a Saskatchewan wind storm, The Deep Dark Woods first visit The Grandview Stage at Cow Lake near Rocky Mountain House on Sept. 30. In support of their outstanding new album The Place I Left Behind, the Saskatoon quintet is poised to win over the American roots music community.
The Canadian Supreme Horse Show presents an afternoon of bluegrass on Oct. 1. Featuring local performers Coal Trail as well as Calgary’s Wild Rose Xpress and The Tragically Hick, full day access to the various happenings of the horse show including admission to the bluegrass show is $12. The Prairie Pavilion at Westerner Park is the venue.
Jeans Joint House Concerts present an amazing singer and songwriter Katy Moffat on Oct. 1 accompanied by the much admired Andrew Hardin. Moffat has been one of the most prominent Americana singers for the past 30 years always bordering on the blurred lines of country and folk. John Fullbright opens. For ticket reservations, contact Andy or Laura at 403-357-4728.
Jazz and blues at The Hub on Ross on Oct. 7 when saxophonist Claude Godin is accompanied by a three-piece band with opener radio host and singer-songwriter David Ward. For tickets and information, call 403-340-4869.
Gary Fjellgaard returns for an evening of dinner and song at Heritage Ranch on Oct. 8. Joining him are frequent touring companions Saskia & Darrel, a Saskatchewan duo who have just released their eighth album. Call 403-347-4977 for ticket information.
The Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society concert season features Nova Scotia’s popular The Spinney Brothers at the Elks Lodge on Oct. 23. Tickets on sale at 53rd Street Music, Parkland Mall, The Key Hole, and Jackson’s Pharmasave in Innisfail.
Blues-rock with the Johnny Winter Band at the Memorial Centre on Oct. 13; British Columbia’s David Gogo opens.
This week’s disc reviews:
Ray Bonneville
Bad Man’s Blood
Red House Records
What Dave Alvin does with country-influenced roots rock, Ray Bonneville does for its blues-based, swamp dwelling cousin.
Unafraid of challenging lyrical structures and rhythmic diversity, Bonneville floats along his self-created river of blues with confident intensity. Starting out dark and hopeless (Bad Man’s Blood), the album somberly explores shades of gray before sparking a bit on Ray’s Jump, a stepping sax-rich instrumental.
Bonneville provides plenty of room for accompanist Gurf Morlix, who shines on various guitars and provides harmony vocals.
Canadian-born, Bonneville has again produced a collection of story songs rich in the southern, country blues tradition.
Donald Teplyske is a local freelance writer who contributes a twice-monthly column on roots music; visit fervorcoulee.wordpress.com for additional reviews. If you know a roots music event of which he should be aware, contact him at fervorcoulee@shaw.ca