Past Concerts
Bat Taylor: A living blues legend, Bat has
been part of the Montreal blues scene for decades. With echoes of J.J.
Cale and
Taj Mahal, his soft rich baritone is complemented and accented by
virtuoso guitar playing. Bat spans the repertoire from traditional Delta
Blues to his own toe-tapping compositions, often on droll
Hartford-like themes. Having collaborated with Jesse Winchester and played at three different Montreal Jazz Festivals as well as a regular
player in the various folk clubs down through the years an
evening with Bat Taylor is guaranteed to be a rich musical
banquet.
Opening the evening was our own Pierre Lachance, who
has delighted many an audience with a broad spectrum of tunes of
all musical genres in both French and English.
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David Ross MacDonald: A rich, gentle baritone producing musical poetry,
haunting lyricism merging seamlessly with long guitar lines echoing and
complementing the melody. No wonder the audience waited in a meditative hush: we were entranced, spell-bound, and moved beyond
words. We were extremely proud and fortunate
to have this amazing musical magician perform for us.
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Bruce Murdoch & Friends: This was not a concert - more of a musical opus, an event that will be talked
about in years to come. On a blustery spring evening Bruce Murdoch and friends
held a capacity audience spell-bound presenting a rich musical banquet of epic
proportions. Bruce celebrated his return to a safe haven, fortunately Ormstown,
from an adventurous life voyage, and with droll narrative and heart-felt songs
shared his experiences bringing his enraptured audience into the warm glow of
the communal campfire. One could not help but be deeply moved by the raw gritty
reality of his emotional spectrum, and at the same time dazzled by the
virtuosity, sense of ensemble and respect of his fellow musician friends.
Welcome home Bruce. We await the next chapter of your legendary saga.
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Stewart Burrows: Stewart Burrows, a true Chateauguay Valley talent, led an enthusiastic audience
on an enchanting musical voyage - from his Celtic ballads and love songs through
sea chanteys and tavern dances and ultimately paying hommage to icons such as
Townes van Zandt , Stan Rogers and David Francey. A wonderful spirited and warm
St. Patrick's Day afternoon, delighting all present.
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Chris Crilly: An evening of Celtic delight - voice, fiddle, harp and drum evoking tender love
ballads in the best tradition of St Valentine's; raucous tavern dancing
celebrating life's challenges and triumphs, and plaintiff wails and war-cries
from craggy headlands while the ocean crashes on rocky shores below.
Chris Crilly, musician, singer and composer, a native of Co. Down,
Ireland and formerly of BARDE, has been playing and singing Celtic music
since childhood. His music is influenced by many styles from Celtic
to baroque, classical to Ghanaian Highlife. Crilly has recorded with
Stan Rogers, the Montreal Symphony Chorus and the St. Lawrence Choir.
Composer, teacher and founder of the Carolan Chamber Orchestra, Chris
received a Genie in 2001 for Best Original Music for the award-winning
feature film “Atanarjuat / The Fast Runner.” He lives in Havelock,
Québec. ____________________________
Road Scholars: What a show!! A great time was had by
all, audience and musicians alike despite the cold January night. The Road
Scholars' tight, snappy arrangements filled the hall while the capacity crowd
stomped, clapped and cheered them on. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful evening!
Road
Scholars has quietly become perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in
Canada’s bluegrass community. Established in 1999, and with numerous
opening-acts over the years, as well as 2 excellent CDs to their credit
(The Road Home and Someday Soon), Road Scholars has evolved into much
more than just an opening-act band.
Trying
to put a finger on just what makes the Road Scholars so enjoyable to
audiences is not an easy task. While on some tunes they excel with their
instruments, on others, it’s the vocals. However, most of it can
certainly be attributed to the good chemistry and friendship that has
come to exist in the band, as well as lots of practice time, and just
plain hard work.
They
have performed at festivals and entertained audiences on both sides of
the U.S.A./Canada border, and it’s obvious to just about everyone who
has seen them that the Road Scholars have indeed graduated, and become a
well-respected featured band on their own.
