Present Times’ packaging, simple black ink artwork on deep brown cardboard has a warm, organic comfort to it as does the music it contains. Continue reading “Alexander McCowan – Present Times”
The F-Holes get Red Hot
by Broose Tulloch
An f-hole is the fancy sound hole on a violin, mandolin, or arched-top guitar.
The F-holes are an energetic entanglement of dixieland jazz, traditional bluegrass, and Manitoba roots music. Continue reading “The F-Holes get Red Hot”
Weekenders – 04/18 – 04/21
Record Store Day! Crazy shows! Really looking forward to the Weekend, you guys! Continue reading “Weekenders – 04/18 – 04/21”
Hillbilly Highway – A conversation with director of Chasing a Song
by Sheldon Birnie
Chasing a Song is a brand new documentary from local filmmaker Charles Konowal. Some of y’all might remember Charles’ work on Happily Dysfunctional: The Story of Transistor 66 Records. Konowal’s latest is a study of the art of songwriting, by way of local songwriter Scott Nolan, who Konowal met while working on Happily Dysfunctional. The film is a beautifully shot, stirring contemplation of what makes Nolan tick as an artist, with some special appearances from Bobby Stahr and Jesse DeNatale. Shot in Winnipeg, Oklahoma, and Folsom Prison in California, Chasing a Song takes the viewer on quite the trip along the Hillbilly Highway. Stylus caught up with Konowal recently to chat about the making of the film. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – A conversation with director of Chasing a Song”
CHARLES BRADLEY – Victim of Love
It takes less than ten seconds.
Seriously, at the eight-second mark I’m all in on Charles Bradley’s sophomore album. Continue reading “CHARLES BRADLEY – Victim of Love”
DAVID BOWIE – The Next Day
After ten years of utter silence, David Bowie had his fans wondering if he would ever return with new material. Now, in true Bowie style, The Next Day is released without warning, showing us a version of the man we haven’t seen before. Continue reading “DAVID BOWIE – The Next Day”
Curtis Nowosad – The Skeptic And The Cynic
For his debut recording Curtis Nowosad inserts a pair of original compositions to an album of jazz impressions of popular music. Continue reading “Curtis Nowosad – The Skeptic And The Cynic”
Weekenders 04/11 – 04/13
Romi Mayes Rides Away
by Broose Tulloch
After more than a decade in the roots scene, Romi Mayes is retiring, “sort of.” Through a series of social media posts, Mayes announced that she was tired of the grind and wanted a change, a big one. Some soul searching later, a plan was hatched; to move from music performance into management and from cold Winnipeg to warm Vancouver Island. Stylus spoke with the roots rocker about the big shakeup. Continue reading “Romi Mayes Rides Away”
Hillbilly Highway – Paisley, LL Cool J, and an internet shitstorm
by Sheldon Birnie
If you were anywhere near Twitter this week, or the decrepit social media hulk that is Facebook, you probably heard about Brad Paisley’s new tune “Accidental Racist” and the shitstorm of vitriol it inspired in pretty much everyone. After getting lambasted online, Paisley took to Twitter to defend the tune, telling folks he wrote the tune to “evoke feelings” and “wouldn’t change a thing about it.” Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Paisley, LL Cool J, and an internet shitstorm”