When I a week ago bought the album 13 with Lee Hazlewood on the nearest record shop, Aux 33 Tours, the shopkeeper put something in the bag when I paid, said something quickly in French, of which I only caught pieces, "Je mets ... dans la sac ... gratuite ... ". Since I still understood the essentials, I smiled and responded, "Comme noël." Outside the store, I examined the bag and found to my surprise that there was an extra album there. What a lovely day. Two albums for the price of one. They must have realized that I was a Very Important Person, with a Very Important Blog. Didn't think it was that visible.
The record is a so-called promo, which must be handed out for free by shops, it cannot be sold. After my initial hybrids, I thought maybe they gave it away if you bought for a certain amount of money, but through the internet, I realized that the artists created this record in conjunction with this year's Record Store Day, and Aux 33 Tours' 10th Anniversary. It was to be handed out to the first 1500 customers after the release. I managed to be among the first 1500. The official release date is April 22, 2017, so it's really smokin' fresh.
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| Patrick Watson |
The artists are two local bands that I didn't know before. I had no expectations of the content, but was very pleasantly surprised. As the name suggests, it is a live recording with each artist. Patrick Watson is both an artist and a band (where the artist is, of course, a member / founder). On internet, the band's music is described as a mix of cabaret pop, classical music and indie rock. And the record opens up with something that makes me associate with Jacques Brel and Mackie the Knife. The music is from a concert in 2013 at Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste (a church), and on stage there is an orchestra and a choir in addition to the band. The four songs are a rather eclectic mix, with everything from beautiful, calm songs to cabaret influenced stuff. The band is apparently known for using odd "instruments" in the studio, such as a bike. Interesting side of the album, which definitely makes me want to explore the band further.
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| The Barr Brothers |
On side B you'll hear the two brothers Barr and Sarah Pagé, who are the foundation of The Barr Brothers. On stage there are also other musicians joining them. Their music is described as eclectic modern americana, a music style they are considered to be one of the more important performers of. Different than the A-side, but absolutely listenable. They got to know each other when they were neighbors in Montreal, and Sarah's experimental harp playing was heard through the thin walls. And from there it continued. This music is more back to the American roots, something I don't have much of in the shelf. The closest thing might be Dr John, even though The Barr Brothers don't dive as deeply into the voodoo swamp. Three good songs, and also here I get curious to hear more of the band. The concert was recorded in 2015 at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.
It was fun to get this album, which made me discover two new local bands that seem interesting. When I read about them on internet, I realize that they are quite famous and successful in their respective genres, and no longer only local artists. Of the two bands, Patrick Watson is currently the one that arises most curiosity, but the Barr Brothers are also worth remembering.
Tracklist
Side A - Patrick Watson & l'Orchester Cinéma l'Amour
1. Wooden Arms 3:23
2. Beijing 5:53
3. Man Like You 5:03
4. Where The Wild Things Are 5:13
Side B - The Barr Brothers
1. Even The Darkness Has Arms 4:11
2. Beggar In The Morning 7:23
3. Half Crazy 8:01
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