photos by the Newt By Steve Newton As someone who's been an avid concert-goer since his teens--and has reviewed more than 300 concerts as a professional music writer--I used to dream about how cool it would be if I could just leave my house, walk a block or two, and see a show. Well, thanks … Continue reading TrailerHawk’s intoxicating roots-rock lights up the new North Delta Centre for the Arts
Luther Wright & the Wrongs go country and punkgrass on new Guitar Pickin’ Martyrs
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, SEPT. 11, 2003 By Steve Newton Luther Wright & the Wrongs raised a few eyebrows—and tweaked a lot of ears—with Rebuild the Wall, their 2001 country-bluegrass adaptation of Pink Floyd’s epic concept album. On their new CD, Guitar Pickin’ Martyrs, the Canadian roots performers continue to draw attention with … Continue reading Luther Wright & the Wrongs go country and punkgrass on new Guitar Pickin’ Martyrs
Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Oct. 14-16
Colin James performs as part of the BlueShore at CapU 25th Anniversary Gala By Steve Newton FRIDAY: Kenny vs. Spenny at the Harbour Event & Convention Centre sees lifelong frenemies Kenny Hotz and Spencer Rice using personal attacks and lifelong grievances to create cringe-inducing comedy. FRIDAY: soul, jazz, and R&B singer Krystle Dos Santos performs with her five-piece band at the ACT … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Oct. 14-16
Corey White thanks the peelers at No. Five Orange for shakin’ it to “Bonecracker”
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JULY 24, 2003 By Steve Newton Anyone who’s spent time ogling female flesh down at No. Five Orange in the past couple of years has probably heard some of Shocore’s music. In the liner notes to the local hard-rock act’s new CD, Evilution, vocalist Corey White thanks “all the … Continue reading Corey White thanks the peelers at No. Five Orange for shakin’ it to “Bonecracker”
Nathan Williams only pretends he’s a millionaire accordion hero
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 8, 2003 By Steve Newton For Louisiana accordionist-vocalist Nathan Williams—leader of Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas—music is a family affair. He grew up admiring his uncle, Harry Hypolite, who played guitar for the godfather of zydeco, Clifton Chenier. Williams was heavily influenced by Chenier, whom he regularly … Continue reading Nathan Williams only pretends he’s a millionaire accordion hero
Ray Bonneville crawls inside a spider’s mind on new Roll It Down album
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 1, 2003 By Steve Newton Ray Bonneville’s fifth CD, Roll It Down, features an entrancing little ditty called “Tiptoe Spider”, a bluesy, J.J. Cale–style tribute to the soundless movements of the wily arachnid. On the phone from his Montreal home, the singer-songwriter-guitarist explains that he got the idea … Continue reading Ray Bonneville crawls inside a spider’s mind on new Roll It Down album
The Beat Farmers’ 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome
By Steve Newton One of the most underrated rock bands of all time. 20. "Selfish Heart" (Tales of the New West, 1985) 19. "Lost Weekend" (Tales of the New West, 1985) 18. "Big Ugly Wheels" (Van Go, 1986) 17. "Happy Boy" (Tales of the New West, 1985) 16. "Baby's Liquored Up" (Viking Lullabys, 1995) 15. … Continue reading The Beat Farmers’ 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome
Brent Parkin has worked the Winnipeg blues beat longer than Big Dave McLean
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 24, 2003 By Steve Newton When you talk about the Winnipeg music scene, one name that tends to crop up repeatedly is Big Dave McLean. He’s a fixture of the city’s blues joints who’s been championed for years by the likes of Colin James. But Brent Parkin is … Continue reading Brent Parkin has worked the Winnipeg blues beat longer than Big Dave McLean
Vinyl guitarist Billy Frates pulls off a sterling Santana impression on Flea Market
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 17, 2003 By Steve Newton Inside Flea Market, the latest CD by Bay Area jam band Vinyl, there’s a gatefold reproduction of a painting by friend Neil Osborn (not the 54•40 guy) that depicts the titular open-air bazaar, with hippie types setting up shop in front of old … Continue reading Vinyl guitarist Billy Frates pulls off a sterling Santana impression on Flea Market
Alannah Myles gets lewd for the dudes in Vancouver
kevin statham photo ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, SEPT. 23, 1994 By Steve Newton I'm pretty sure the booze wasn't free at the Commodore last Saturday, but there sure seemed to be a lot of half-inebriated partyers in the crowd, which was going nutzoid for opening band Nine Below Zero's version of Canned Heat's … Continue reading Alannah Myles gets lewd for the dudes in Vancouver
Guy Davis says that Taj Mahal gave him the real concerted blues lesson
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MARCH 20, 2003 By Steve Newton Blues fans who enjoy their music with a theatrical twist should make an effort to get out to the North Shore on Sunday (March 23), when singer-storyteller-guitarist Guy Davis plays the Capilano College Performing Arts Theatre. The New York bluesman will be performing … Continue reading Guy Davis says that Taj Mahal gave him the real concerted blues lesson
White Cowbell Oklahoma declares a war of attrition against boredom and shit
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, FEB. 6, 2003 By Steve Newton Bands like Nashville Pussy and Southern Culture on the Skids came to prominence pushing the white-trash, hicks-from-hell angle, but there’s a new batch of inbreds in town, and they’re called White Cowbell Oklahoma. These Toronto-based hooligans have a shot at taking over the … Continue reading White Cowbell Oklahoma declares a war of attrition against boredom and shit
Kelly Joe Phelps is in awe of Steve Dawson’s slide-guitar playing
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JAN. 30, 2003 By Steve Newton Over the course of his first four albums, Kelly Joe Phelps made a name for himself as a singer-songwriter who, according to music critic–turned–film director Cameron Crowe, “speaks to the soul of each and every listener”. Along the way he also gained a … Continue reading Kelly Joe Phelps is in awe of Steve Dawson’s slide-guitar playing