Winnipeg music & culture since 1989
The Hidden Words is a Montréal-based acoustic folk-pop project celebrating the scriptural tradition of the Bahá’í faith. Initiated by Alden Penner (ex-Unicorns, Clues), the project has grown to include Penner’s old friend and collaborator Jamie Thompson (ex-Unicorns, ex-Islands), as well as Marie-Claire Saindon, Neah Bahji Kelly, James Farr, and Ben Howden. Continue reading “The Hidden Words explore the Bahá’í faith in song”
by Sheldon Birnie
When Greg Rekus’ long-running, hard-touring punk band High Five Drive went on indefinite hiatus recently, Greg wasn’t willing to hang up his stompin’ boots. Instead, the singer/guitar-player set about writing songs he could deliver himself, and then set about conquering North America. With the release of his debut full-length The Dude Abides, Rekus has been on the road more or less non-stop since. Stylus caught up with Greg just before he flies over to tour Europe. Continue reading “Greg Rekus – Hardcore Troubadour”
by Sheldon Birnie
Last Thursday I went to see the Dierks Bentley show at the Burt. Boy, was it something else. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Fun night with Dierks”
I Can’t Keep All of Our Secrets is the most recent release from Rae Spoon, and the most electronic album of his discography to date. Before my stupid computer crapped out in the middle of our interview (unbeknownst to me), he was kind enough to chat about the new album, Nirvana, and gendered pronouns. Continue reading “Rae Spoon – Keeping no secrets”
by Sheldon Birnie
The Reverend Rambler might not be an ordained man of God, but his passionate rhythm and blues inspired tunes will have you feeling the spirit something fierce. Whether he’s fronting blues-rockers the Red River Ramblers, folk troupe the Mass of Reparation or performing as a one-man-band, the Reverend — aka Matt Colpitts, of Winnipeg — delivers. Anyone who’s seen his live show can testify to that. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Gospel according to the Reverend Rambler”
By Nicholas Van Doeselaar
by Sheldon Birnie
Well, friends, it’s no secret that life on the Hillbilly Highway can be a hard hustle, at best. Satisfying, sure, but this ain’t no cake walk. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Workingman’s Blues”
Chances are if you are familiar with Winnipeg’s jazz scene, you have probably heard of today’s interviewee. Curtis Nowsad has been an active and participating member of Winnipeg’s music community for many years, but has recently come into his own as a musician. Weekly gigs, cross-country tours, and even an upcoming album release means that Curtis is a pretty busy dude, yet he absolutely loves what he’s doing, and shows no signs of slowing down. With talent like his, we hope he never does. Continue reading “Curtis Nowosad :: A Man About Town”
by Sheldon Birnie
Well, friends, it seems like a true star has fallen a little from heaven this week.
They may have entitled their album Sweet Nostalgia, but Winnipeg’s Oh My Darling wasn’t looking back longingly when they went into the studio to record it. Instead, the roots quartet (consisting of Rosalynn Dennett on fiddle, Allison de Groot on clawhammer banjo, Marie-Josée Dandeneau on upright and electric bass, and Vanessa Kuzina on vocals, guitar and mandolin) was clearly focused on the present and the future with their sophomore full-length. Continue reading “How Sweet It Is :: Oh My Darling strikes a deft balance on their sophomore album.”