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AD's Bluesfest Picks for Saturday


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OK, here ya go. I'm not gonna hype anything except Male Nurse. Davey is really quite amazing.

The Soirée

Saturday, July 7 at 3:15 pm on the Blacksheep Stage

For the past four years, The Soirée have been honing their songwriting skills while quietly making an excellent name for themselves within the Ottawa music scene. Following their self-titled EP in 2004, the band released their debut full-length CD entitled birds, in 2006. The recording has garnered critical acclaim, while national radio airplay has exposed the band to the rest of Canada.

While their songs are firmly rooted in melody and the traditions of pop music, experiments with instrumentation and song structures are present throughout. Melodies are woven seamlessly through voice and instrumentation, creating full and deep sonic textures that never abandon the pop sensibilities that persist throughout the core of the songs.

Matthew Arnold (bass and vocals) and Bryce Colenbrander (guitar, vocals) have been writing songs and playing music together since 1995. Bryce is also a member of The Soft Disaster. Eric Roberts (percussion) and Bryce met while attending university in Guelph, and after lending many records back and forth Eric became a regular at the sporadic practices. In 2002 the three musicians found themselves in the same city once again, and decided to get organized. Mike Armstrong (guitar, piano) was added, bringing a whole new dimension to the developing songs, and triggering a shift from a distinct country tendency towards a richer and more diverse blend of sounds. The current configuration of The Soirée continues to experiment with songs and sounds, creating music, and singing their hearts out!

The Soirée have shared the stage with acts such as Jim Bryson, Islands, Snailhouse, and Rock Plaza Central. Suitable musical comparisons and influences include The Sea & Cake, Wilco, The Wooden Stars, and Royal City.

"...music that perfectly scores a melancholy mood where romantic indecision crushes you from all sides - this should definitely be on your play list." - Lisa Christiansen (CBC Radio 3)

"Beautiful and unassuming" - Chris Whibbs (Exclaim Magazine)

Male Nurse: Saturday, July 7 at 3:45 pm on the Barney Danson Theatre

Male Nurse is Davey Q, a young indie singer-songwriter gaining attention within the local indie scene for his quirky and funny songs with simple and unlikely themes. His other projects include Quebexico and Million Dollar Marxists. He will not dazzle with over-the-top glamour and flashy style but rather with gentle humility and a beguiling sense of humour.

Jon-Rae & The River

Saturday, July 7 at 4:45 pm on the Blacksheep Stage

Rock/Country/Alternative

Jon-Rae & The River is a country/rock indie outfit based in Toronto. The band—slated to tour with the Constantines, among others, this spring—includes Jon-Rae Fletcher, vocals & guitar; Anne Rust D'eye, vocals; Ian Russell, bass; Paul Mortimer, guitar and lap steel; Jonathan Adjemian, analog synth; Mike Stafford, keyboard; and Dave Clarke on drums.

Sarah Harmer

Saturday, July 7 at 7:00 pm on the MBNA Stage

Rock, Country Rock, Folk

Formerly the driving force behind Weeping Tile, Juno award winning Canadian singer/songwriter Sarah Harmer began her solo career in 1999 playing dates with the Indigo Girls, Great Big Sea, and Moxy Fruvous. Harmer's first album outside of Weeping Tile was a tribute to her father titled Songs for Clem. Credited to Harmer and Jason Euringer, the folksy album was released independently by Harmer, but was eventually given wider release by Universal Canada. Her proper debut album, You Were Here, was released in mid-2000 by Zoe Records, and showed a polished, mature side to her music. In 2004 that Harmer returned with a follow-up, All of Our Names, while in 2006 she explored her country and bluegrass side in I'm a Mountain. Sarah was recognized with a Juno Award in 2007 for her efforts on the ‘Music DVD of the Year’, Escarpment Blues.

Manu Chao

Saturday, July 7 at 9:00 pm on the MBNA Stage

Rock, Alternative, Latin, World Music, Reggae

Manu Chao helped begin the Latin Alternative movement back in the '80s, yet his recent work cuts a cross-cultural swathe across styles and geographic boundaries. Chao, whose real name is Oscar Tramor, is Spanish. Growing up bilingual, he was influenced by the punk scene across the English Channel. Chao and his cousin began Mano Negra. Multilingual and decidedly multicultural, Mano Negra seemed at home anywhere, although attempts to break into the States at the start of the '90s failed—the U.S. didn’t seem to be ready for their musical ratatouille.

However, Europe loved them, as did South America. In 1992, they toured port cities in Latin America, traveling by boat with actors and a circus, allegedly aided by various political guerrilla groups. In 1995, Chao moved the band to Spain, where he also formed another outfit, Radio Bemba Sound System, employing musicians from both Mano Negra and outside, which may have led to the split of Mano Negra. Chao then returned to South and Central America, spending the next few years drifting around with his guitar and a four-track, recording here and there. The resultant collection of songs was released in 1998 under the title Clandestino, and included a reworking of the Mano Negra track, King of Bongo, which was picked up for use on the soundtrack to Madonna's The Next Big Thing. In June 2001, he released Proxima Estacion: Esperanza, which reflected the influence of years soaking up the sounds of the Caribbean.

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Oh yeah?

With the weekend ahead of you pacing will be the key. Shows go all day on Saturdays and Sundays, so chow down a hearty breakfast (or brunch if you drank too much at George Thorogood last night) and get yourself to the Bluesfest site early. Local flamenco star James Cohen starts the weekend off on the River Stage at quarter after one. James is a familiar face at Bluesfest and rightfully so; this guy can really play, so if you're into flamenco stuff check him out.

Next up one might be tempted to hit the Rogers Stage for a little funk. Don't. Bomb Squad is an American R&B nonet that features American Idol finalist Brenna Gethers, and as such they lack just as much soul as you would expect them to. Instead do yourself a favour and check out ukulele virtuoso James Hill over at the Blacksheep Stage. No, this is not the same ukulele virtuoso as last year so don't expect vomitous over-emoting, but I have heard James play a few times and he really is quite astonishing.

If you caught Harry Manx's final set at Bluesfest last year you'll probably recall that his young and very talented harmonica player stole the show. With a recently released solo album, Ottawa's own ‘South Side' Steve Marriner is slated for his own set on the MBNA Stage at 3pm. This guy plays his heart out and should put on a great set. That said, there is a special treat over at the River Stage at the same time. Burnside Style is a blues project involving three of R.L. Burnside's sons, two of which were members of the North Mississippi All Stars, so if you were a fan you might want to check them out. Up next it seems wherever you wander outside you'll find nothing but straight up blues. Likely your best option will be at the River Stage with acclaimed British guitarist Matt Schofield backed up by his superb organ trio. If the weather is looking bleak there is a non-blues option in the Barney Danson Theatre. Male Nurse is a solo project from Davey Q of the Million Dollar Marxists. He claims to write quirky, funny songs, but as he doesn't have a website listed we'll have to take him at his word.

Manu ChaoThe days get long don't they? Maybe it's time to grab a few beers and a patch of grass at the Blacksheep Stage. Break out your Dirienzo lunch and check out Bob Schneider . This Austin, Texas native used to front The Ugly Americans, who toured with Dave Matthews and the H.O.R.D.E. fest back in the day. Now a solo act, Bob should prove to be an engaging and entertaining backdrop to your nice Bluesfest picnic lunch. You might wanna spend some of your digestion time mulling over your next couple of hours of music, for the choices are wide and varied. The theatre offers another opportunity to catch young blues guitarist Samuel James, followed by a set from Ottawa slam poetry guru and former Marijuana Party candidate John Akpata . I don't suppose anything will pull fans of Kingston artist and former Weeping Tile member Sarah Harmer from the MBNA Stage at 7pm, and those compelled to express how they're feeling will doubtlessly be eagerly awaiting Michael Franti & Spearhead on the Rogers Stage. Fans of Roots/R&B and/or that little green Line 6 DL4 looping pedal that is sooooo in vogue these days might wanna catch Mihirangi on the Blacksheep Stage. She is a solo singer/beatboxer/guitarer who constructs layers of sound with her little effects pedals much in the style of Keller Williams, though her target soundscapes run along a different plane altogether. Finally, I think you'll find me at the River Stage checking out Mute Math , an up-and-coming New Orleans-based retro-rock outfit who will arrive at the Bluesfest fresh from their gig at Bonnaroo and an impressive European tour.

Closing out the Saturday is the return of the Power Hour with Tony D . The Power Hour is an invitation for festival musicians to sit in with Ottawa's premier blues guitarist. Last year Tony tore up the Blues ‘Til Dusk Stage almost nightly to the delight of thousands. This year the Power Hour happens three times. Make sure you catch at least one. Maybe not this one though because…

…I'm sure a lot of people will show up at the MBNA Stage for Manu Chao , and with good reason. An eclectic world music artist, Manu Chao has been experiencing exponential popularity as of late. The Spanish artist has spent the last 15 years touring all over the world and has consistently sponged his surroundings into a myriad of creative musical settings. His take on Mana Negra's King Of Bongo is unstoppably catchy with its ultra-relaxed vocals interspersed perfectly and cheesy video game-sounding keyboard track. However, word is that if you are even slightly interested in traditional African music (the momma of the blues, as it were) you must finish off your day at the Blacksheep Stage for Toumani Diabate. This Malian group is highly respected and is considered by hardcore fans to be one of the must-see African groups touring today. They bring along wacky traditional instruments and play them at a prodigal level, weaving tunes that bridge cultures and transcend age barriers. This will be a great wind-down under the stars to close out your long musical Saturday. What a day, huh?!? Now go home, get some sleep, wake up, come back.

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Male Nurse is a solo project from Davey Q of the Million Dollar Marxists. He claims to write quirky, funny songs, but as he doesn't have a website listed we'll have to take him at his word.

Check Davey out here. I wouldn't put too much emphasis on the 'quirky funny' part of the write up. He's got the full package, really great stuff. But that's my hype again. I think he's a great hidden talent of Ottawa. Your mileage may vary, of course.

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Manu Chao is one of the best selling artists in the world. Soooooo, no, he is massively more popular than Phish. It is a huge coup for Bluesfest to get him.

Remember Amadou and Miriam from last year? He produced the record they were touring.

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I am listening to Toumani Diabate right now and I am certain they will put on a great show. Plus, the small stages kick ass over the main area in every way. Beautiful locations by the river, intimate up-close experiences, bla bla blah.

But, Manu Chao rules so I will have to be there for at least the bulk of his show. I'm curious how the white anglos are going to react on the main stage. His music should pull at least a few of their oversized posteriors off of their lawn chairs!

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