Great music gets played in these parts all the time.
That’s what I’ve come to learn in my 11 months covering the arts and entertainment beat for the Wheel. To prove my point I’ve assembled a rundown of songs, all available on iTunes, from artists who have had concerts in the local area since the fall of 2010.
Here, in no particular order, are my choices for a “Performed Live in the Foothills” summer playlist.
“What If” by Jenn Beaupre – played Rotary Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) in Okotoks, February 2011. It’s just the Calgary artist’s rich emotional voice and a piano questioning if the end of a relationship really should be the final note for two people who once meant everything each other. This song is elegant in its simplicity and yet haunting in the tone and richness of its lyrics.
“Arizona” by Dustin Bentall – played Beneath the Arch in Turner Valley, November 2010. This song is a bouncy western romp that’ll put almost anybody in a good mood. The son of Canadian 80’s hit maker Barney Bentall, Dustin proves on tracks like this one, he doesn’t have to have to take a back seat to the old man when it comes to making music that’s fun and highly addictive.
“At the Rising of the Moon” by Claymore – played Elks Hall in Okotoks, April 2011. Try not to tap your toe to this thundering Celtic flavoured epic. Driving strings and lead singer Chris Greve’s urgent vocal delivery fuel this fast paced song. A Calgary band well known to many Okotoks music fans, Claymore has reached an almost cinematic level with their ambitious effort on “At the Rising of the Moon.”
“The Lucky One” by Rick Fines and Suzie Vinnick – played the Bragg Creek Centre, April 2011. Here’s a memorable rocking rhythm and blues duet featuring a pair of Toronto artists who know how to bring the best out of each other. Vinnick has a powerful voice with just the right amount of bluesy growl to it. She’s ably supported here by the confident upbeat backing vocals of Fines.
“Hockeytown” by Tim Hus - played The Stop in Black Diamond, February 2011. Stompin’ Tom Connors himself considers Hus his all-things-Canadian musical heir apparent. The younger artist ably accepts the responsibility with this ode to our national game. You have got to love any hockey song that not only mentions Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky but television sports icons Ron McLean and Don Cherry as well.
“Get Way Back” by Amos Garrett – played RPAC in Okotoks, February 2011. The title track of the High River musician’s Percy Mayfield tribute album, this swinging blues number demonstrates that trailblazing guitarist Garrett, is also a heck of a singer. He nicely adapts to Mayfield’s smooth vocal style to produce an upbeat song with much throwback flair.
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Oh My Darling – played Beneath the Arch in Turner Valley, March 2011. This is Tina Turner’s chart topping 80s pop single re-imagined as a spirited bluegrass tune. It may sound like a bizarre concept but these four ladies out of Winnipeg pull it off nicely with strong harmonies and fine musicianship.
“Wind in the Wire” by David Wilkie and Cowboy Celtic - played DeWinton Hall, March 2011. The tin whistle off the top establishes an earthy, gentle mood that’s extended throughout this love letter to life on the plains. Turner Valley’s Wilkie and his Cowboy Celtic associates make reference to the sound of a “coyote choir” in a song that evokes feelings of both isolation and serenity.
“When the Wolves Go Blind” by Twilight Hotel – played Beneath the Arch in Turner Valley, February 2011. This Canadian duo now living in Texas has produced a haunting, mysterious song that takes more than couple of listens to really appreciate. Turn it up in your ear buds and enjoy the accordion …yes, the accordion that pulses under all the other musical elements.
“Love Hurts” by Nazareth – played the River Roadhouse Bar and Grille in High River, July 2011. Here you have the consummate hard rock ballad from a legendary Scottish band. A song more than 35 years old “Love Hurts” features the anguished vocals of Dan McCafferty lamenting the enduring emotional scars of a broken heart. Sure, the song is melodramatic but it’s raw nature has allowed it to age far better than 80s rock ballads like Poison’s “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn” and Journey’s “Open Arms.”
