Originally Published: 2009-03-29

CANADIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL: 500 bands in nearly 50 venues over 5 days. Impressive numbers indeed for this live music component of CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK. Judging by the music OTB caught, there was plenty of quality alongside the quantity. We kicked off the Thursday evening by lending moral support to THE WARPED ’45s, our current favourite Toronto roots-rock band. They drew a very good turnout for their 8 p.m. slot at The Silver Dollar, and treated the crowd to a superb set mixing tracks from their debut EP with potential-packed new songs they’re recording with JOHN CRITCHLEY. Next stop was the Black Betty, for the Canadian debut of New York-based Anglo singer/songwriter CANTINERO. He demonstrated an affable stage manner, well-written songs, and a pleasingly melodic voice. At a packed Horseshoe we caught just a couple of songs of highly-rated locals $100, then split for the more comfortable Gladstone. There, Montreal singer/songwriter ANGELA DESVAUX and her talented band THE MIGHTY SHIP delivered a fine set of country-themed originals. Comparisons to LUCINDA WILLIAMS are inevitable, and she showed similarly impeccable taste by covering the lovely PRETENDERS song “Kid.” Sweet stuff indeed. She was followed by the angular TALKING HEADS-flavour of THE WEEK THAT WAS, then it was off to The Drake for the dance-rock of Halifax foursome RUBY JEAN AND THE THOUGHTFUL BEES. They’re led by REBEKAH HIGGS, also known as a charmingly off-kilter folkish songstress. She’s a natural at this genre too, swinging her long hair, shaking her rump, pounding the keyboards and singing spiritedly over DAFT PUNK-styled beats. Highly impressive, unlike the following act we caught back at The Gladstone. SLIM TWIG has certainly generated lots of hype, including a recent cover story in EYE, but we were seriously underwhelmed. He’s got the look and that CRAMPS meets SUICIDE psychobilly thing down, but to these ears and eyes (and I’ve seen the pioneers in top form) it comes off as an art-school pastiche of a style. A distinct lack of memorable songs too. On the industry party front, OTB checked out two highly enjoyable events. The Consulat General de France in Toronto hosted a luncheon reception for the French bands performing at CMF, though it was actually held in an Italian restaurant (Rocco’s Plum Tomato). Most of the musicians were in attendance, as well as representatives from Toronto’s blues, jazz and rock community. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to catch the French bands in action, but did hear positive reports about MORIARTY and HERMAN DUNE, and can recommend Mister K, the fine nu-jazz styled album from EOL TRIO. Now well-established as one of CMW’s best parties is The Tiki Strikes Back, hosted by Music Nova Scotia. It featured short performances from some of that province’s best singer/songwriters (this year’s lineup included such notables as JIMMY RANKIN and AMELIA CURRAN), not to mention a delicious feast of East Coast seafood. ANDREW HUNTER shone on one track “Feel Good Song For The Summer” that may well become a radio hit, while young songstress CHRISTINA MARTIN showcased eloquent songs and a pleasing voice. Our thanks to the parties hosts. Unfortunately, one problem from earlier festivals recurred at CMF, with some acts taking the stage 10 or 20 minutes after the advertised start. That may seem minor, but it totally disrupts the schedule not just for journalists but for those wanting to join in the club-hopping spirit.

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