Steve Dawson and Jesse Zubot put the soul in the Spirit Merchants

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON DEC. 15, 1994 By Steve Newton Seems like every year of late I’ve come across one particular release from a local band that’s been head-and-shoulders above the other Vancouver discs sent my way. Last year, it was Two Trains’ Too Many Faces; the year before that, She Stole My Beer’s Sparks Against … Continue reading Steve Dawson and Jesse Zubot put the soul in the Spirit Merchants

Jim Byrnes busts out of the blues

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 18, 2004 By Steve Newton For many Vancouver music fans, the name Jim Byrnes brings to mind a laid-back blues veteran, grizzled yet hip, weaving soulful tales with his smoky voice, slipping in subtle slide-guitar bits here and there. The actor-musician's latest CD, Fresh Horses, doesn't abandon his patented sound, but … Continue reading Jim Byrnes busts out of the blues