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Posts Tagged ‘The Elmdale House Tavern’
Australian songwriter Eli Wolfe: Enter the doorway to an emotive musical experience
‘the room was his…Eli Wolfe is a name people are going to associate with great acoustic blues music.’
- Gareth Beal, Arts Hub
‘Summer is all about relaxing, taking life easy and being as laid back as possible, and Eli Wolfe’s self-titled debut provides the anthems. The emotive, hypnotic experience Wolfe has shaped is the perfect soundtrack to lazy warm days and long drives.’ -Drum Media Sydney
One of Australia’s most creative singer songwriters and troubadours, Eli Wolfe, is touring Canada on the back of compelling performances at Canadian Music Week, One Movement for Music Musexpo Industry Showcases in Perth, The Rocks Australia Day – Festival of the Voice, Sydney, the National Australian Blues Festival in NSW, and Nannup Music Festival in WA.
Last year, the Maton-endorsed artist clocked up over twenty-five thousand kilometres in the tour van he painted with his own brightly coloured artwork, and performed 80 shows across every Australian every state and territory.
On stage, Eli opens a doorway to an emotive musical experience, inviting the audience in with his smooth, enchanting vocals and captivating and unconventional guitar work on 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars.
A new fan recently said on Facebook, ‘I saw you playing the other day in the bar of Margaret river, I bought two cds!! It is incredible, such an emotion in your songs. Continue like that bro!! Seriously!’
On the back of all these shows, Eli is now independently releasing his brand new, self-titled debut album, with distribution through MGM in Australia.
A talented artist, the album also features Eli’s own detailed illustrations and artwork.
On touring his music, Eli says, ‘You get to see the diversity of the people and the common thread that runs through us all. There’s that basic human empathy – a sharing vibe and mateship. It’s about connecting with people, living strong.’
Eli Wolfe will be performing some stripped back, gritty and soulful tunes at:
The Elmdale House Tavern
Sunday, April 24th
9:00 PM ($7)
Openers:
Jehan Khoorshed & His Problems: Elmdale House Tavern! January 28th!
Where: The Elmdale House Tavern
Jehan – vocals, guitar
Matt Ouimet – guitar, lap steel
Philip Shaw Bova – drums
Philip Victor Bova – bass
… double-bill with: Pelletier, Ouimet & Quinlan
The Tumbleweed Project continues Eastward: Improv that is “growing”
On May 13th, one improviser performed a one-man set in Vancouver.
That one improviser jumped into a van and travelled East to Edmonton to perform a two-person show with a second improviser.
They together then drove to Calgary to pick up a third improviser, and so on performing shows of increasing size in Regina, Winnipeg and Chicago.
On May 20th, one week after the tour’s kickoff in Vancouver, the big white van (named Vanna White) arrived in Ottawa, picking up an Ottawa Improviser with Crush Improv, Cari Leslie, and play a show at the sold out Elmdale Tavern.
Then the Tumbleweed continued eastward.
Video courtesy: Kevin Burton
CD Review: The Anybody’s Let It Damn Well Hurt
Powerful laptops and simpler-to-use mixing/recording software have made it easy for ‘anybody’ to make indie music in the comfort – or discomfort – of their own home. Connor Mercury’s former abode fell into the latter type of home, having recorded his second CD, the full-length Let it Damn Well Hurt, in his ‘windowless basement apartment’ (later a victim to a destructive fire) in Ottawa.
Presumably Mercury chose the name ‘The Anybody” for his musical project due to a lack of a name, or perhaps to satirize the endless desire of indie musicians to have ‘cool’ names. Perhaps he wanted to symbolize the loneliness of making music on your own. Whatever the reason, The Anybody’s music is far from generic; Let It Damn Well Hurt is an impressive and varied second record for Ottawa-based Mercury which shows an artist of many talents who should go far.
All the songs on this CD were written, recorded, produced and mixed by Mercury. Though The Anybody’s live performances feature any number of Ottawa musicians, this recording is uniquely his. In practical terms this means that the CD defies categorization: unlike bands, which often struggle to work on “a” sound or style, Mercury allows himself the creative freedom to move from genre to genre, often within the same song, with ease. Exhibit A: “San Francisco” – a sunny, sing-a-long dedication to a great city and a wonderful trip, which switches midway to Nirvana-style grunge guitar, and back again. “Let It Damn Well Hurt” is anything but predictable.
On the Anybody’s myspace page, the first ‘influence’ is Elliott Smith, and that is apparent from the first listen. From the sound of his voice, to the production and mix, to the loneliness of some of the lyrics, many of these tracks could have easily been out-takes from Smith records. “Basement Blues” is a standout track which will draw Smith comparisons, as do some of the sonic details in many of these songs. Mercury also pushes these songs with subtle or bold touches, like pretty piano, (“Car Crash” and “20 Again”), quirky electronic percussion (“20 Again” and “Hide”), loud guitars (“San Francisco” and the ‘Intro’/'Outro’ tracks (subtitled the existentialist ‘being’ and ‘nothingness’) which feature warm, deep piano melodies interspersed with arena rock guitars), and disturbing voices (“San Francisco” and “Outro (nothingness)”).
Works of art created by a single artist, especially ones based on electronic technology, can sometimes incorporate too many sounds or variations in soundstyles. Let It Damn Well Hurt has a few of these excesses, but they do not detract from the overall cohesiveness of the record. The tracks I like best are rooted in an organic instrument (mostly guitar, which Mercury handles with both grace and power). Many of these tracks draw on Conor Oberst/Bright Eyes style lyricism, vocals and sound: “To Be”, for example, features indie-folk guitar finger-picking and storytelling with lush vocals easily stretched and changed to something a little more anxious and harsh. “Underground” also falls in this category – a standout track which features simple finger picked acoustic guitar interpersed with electric guitar sounds which are heard as both soothing and ominous.
Lyrically the record follows its influences and its title: these are songs mostly of sadness, loss, and regret (even “San Francisco”, which celebrates a great trip to a lovely city, is more about what is missing having left that city). Even the birthplace of the record – Mercury’s old apartment that burned down – is given a farewell in the otherwise sparse liner notes. However, the CD still leaves one with a sense of wonder and hope as Mercury keeps his listeners guessing with the varied styles and moods he employs. OVerall, this is a fine collection of songs from a young artist who has taken a variety of influences and made them into his own unique sound. There is no doubt that Mercury has a wonderful touch with music, and I look forward to hearing him develop.
The Anybody is performing Wednesday night at the venerable Elmdale House Tavern with a full band. $5 to get in; $10 for this CD; and a great music venue – check it out if you can.
Mike Essoudry’s Mash Potato Mashers: Mash @ The Elmdale House Tavern
Video Courtesy: civicKAYAK
Visit: www.myspace.com/mempm
Hang on Haiti! – The Elmdale House Tavern Fundraiser
What?
Hang on Haiti! – A fundraising event – Monies donated to CARE Canada
Where?
The Elmdale House Tavern – 1084 Wellington Street – Hintonburg – Ottawa, Ontario (map)
When?
February 10th | Doors open 8:00 PM
Who?
Event Organizer- Michael Peterson / CBC Host – Amanda Putz (Emcee)
Musical Acts:
That’s The Spirit
Pamela Brennan
Marc Nelson
and
DISH catering
Pilot Design Studio
The Elmdale House Tavern
CARE Canada
Why?
Michael (a.k.a. Mica Hamerson of Ottawa bands – The Flats and Tilda) was walking home along Wellington street with his son a couple of weeks ago when he bumped into a neighbour who looked quite distraught. She had just learned of the recent news of a 2nd wave of aftershocks in Haiti. She felt helpless, at a loss – wanting to do something.
Before he knew it, Michael was saying “ You know what…?… I have this show booked at the Elmdale House Tavern with Pamela Brennan in a couple of weeks, and I am sure we could “… So – after a weekend filled with telephone calls and emails, Michael was able to rally many friends to stand behind “Hang on Haiti!”
The evening will open with local Ottawa troubadour Marc Nelson followed by Toronto’s Pamela Brennan (Hennessey) and closing is one of Ottawa’s most under rated bands – That’s the Spirit. Amanda Putz has graciously offered to host the evening. Local Hintonburg catering company DISH catering has kindly to provide elegant bar snacks.
Pilot Design Studio has donated the poster. Nat of the Elmdale House Tavern is not only donating the space but is also covering the cost of the sound technician. Donations? Monies raised will go to CARE Canada to be dispersed directly to Haiti. Attendees are encouraged to “donate at the door” and bid on some door prizes.
All monies donated will be matched by the Canadian Government. Live locally, think globally, try to take care of one another and every little bit helps. Hang on Haiti is turning into a really nice evening of music and friendship with some of Ottawa’s best. You should come out and join in on a great cause. For up to date details check out the Hang on Haiti Facebook event page. See you on the 10th!
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Donate to CARE Canada – Reference the “Hang on Haiti!” Fundraiser.
Come out and bring a friend!
Email your friends, post it on Facebook, Twitter it… Spread the word!
Donate something to the raffle.
Many thanks for your time, hope to see you on the 10th!
The Cooper Brothers new video: “That’s What Makes Us Great”
“Oh Jesus” The CD Release: A Special Invitation
Hey Boys and Girls! It’s that time of year again!
It’s…(insert: drum roll and party whistle sound)
A Brand New MAtt Ouimet CD RElease!!!!!!!! (insert: sound of 150000 people losing their sanity)
That’s right. It’s been 354 days since he released “Silently” so it’s about Time for A NEW Awesome Disc!!!!!
This time it’s “Oh Jesus” :10 Super hits on 1 Super Super Disc!
but wait, there’s more…
YOU CAN BUY THIS DISC!
It will be for SALE at the Release SHOW this Saturday Night (Jan 16th) at the Elmdale House Tavern.
(it’s also available on CDbaby.com and in local shops starting the week of January 18th)
Enjoy the opening acts of:
Steve Durand
Gamelan Semara Winangun
The Golden Seals
and then stick around for THE BEATLES!
…or matt and his band….whomever wins the coin-toss in the pre-game show will play.
For samples of Oh Jesus check out mattouimet.com or myspace.com/mattouimet
Be there or Be Square or better be Both!
- bye bye,
Matt
If you need to know more, reply to this message/also join the facebook event for more info.
The Sin Sisters Charity Benefit – A First Person Account
The Elmdale Tavern was buzzing on Wednesday December 16th.
The luscious ladies of Ottawa’s very own burlesque troupe, the Sin Sisters, were putting on their first annual holiday bash in support of Toy Mountain. The feeling in the air before a burlesque show, (and a Christmas burlesque show at that!) is similar to that of the illustrious third date. There’s anticipation, the apparent effort put into choosing outfits and the not-so-discreet signals that there’s much unwrapping to be done later on.
The show opened up with Patsy Clash and Lefty McRighty of local alt-country band Ninety Pounds of Ugly, whose debut album, Richmond Motel Room 3, was voted Best Country Album of 2009 in the Ottawa Xpress reader’s poll. Replete with hideous holiday sweaters and an ever so endearing veneer of cheer, the duo did away with their usual racy content about shooting people who drive too slowly and tongue in cheek sexual references to offer heartfelt holiday carols.
After years of performing together, Patsy and Lefty have developed a precise sense of harmony that injected new life into the cannon of Christmas classics. Their cheeseball grins and corny banter easily won over the slightly soused audience. They even had this practicing Satanist singing along to Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer – hey, I’ll take any opportunity to shout in the middle of a song. A new sense of sweetness and vulnerability radiated from these two old friends of mine; Patsy shared stories about warming her feet on the dash of her mom’s old Honda and Lefty showed true jubilation at locating a misplaced guitar capo. It was a Christmas miracle!
I quite enjoyed the exposed inner-workings of this pair, who have only been playing together for two years. Since they were performing songs they’d only recently arranged and prepared, they publicly asked each other when to end the tunes and who should sing which part. Their ongoing communication, while seemingly amateurish, was always enjoyed by the audience and their on-the-fly decisions resulted in clean playing with tight changes and crisp endings. It was the sign of a collaboration that has evolved into a cohesive unit. They’re reaching the point where they almost know what each other is thinking. I predict great things ahead for Ninety Pounds of Ugly. Good luck in the new year.
After a quick break, yours truly took the stage. I took the opportunity to explain that the celebration of winter solstice is a Pagan tradition that preceded Christianity and Judaism by thousands of years. The evergreen that we all seem to worship this time of year is the perfect symbol of Mother Earth’s consistent vitality. Someone shouted out, “Just like the Yule Log!”, which apparently has its tradition in Germanic Pageantry. These days, light is scarce, so it’s important to come together at events like this, to share warmth, good will, and of course, drink.
The audience agreed.
I performed my standard fare of blues, rockabilly, swing, country and jazz, throwing in Auld Lang Syne and Jingle Bells in for good measure. The Elmdale is one of my favorite venues in the city as a performer and observer. The acoustics and sound system are top notch, the staff is friendly and when I’m there, I feel like I’ve traveled back in time to a genuine 50′s tavern (except that they now allow women in, which I whole-heartedly approve of). I got a great reaction from the crowd when I performed an instrumental piece called Miss Maggie Sue Shuffle. As usual, they went pretty wild at my rendition of I Wanna be Like You, of Jungle Book fame. The crowd grew more and more excited, despite the fact that I didn’t take my clothes off this time around. I’m afraid my lack of undressing may have let some people down. I found out later that one of the nicknames for me floating around the city is “Naked Max”. Hmmm….maybe I’m getting older?
After my set, I was approached by a number of well-wishers with kind words. One gentleman asked about purchasing the rights so my songs can be used in movies that he works on. This opportunity could garner exposure for me and finance future recording projects. The music business has many intricate tenents. I look forward to exploring them all.
Finally came the main attraction.
The Sin Sisters have come a long way since their lewd dancing days with my psychobilly band the Sick Sick Sicks about a year and a half ago. Since then, the troupe has expanded to some seven or so members, performing all types of on-stage artistry. A large pile of presents was stacked on stage while a Betty Page look-alike in red pajamas carefully examined each package. The boxes were opened with joy, revealing lustful clothing. The girls went on to perform classic seduction, teasing and talent; Santa outfits, Hawaiian grass skirts and balloon popping were all captivating and enticing elements of this illicit pageant. A risqué holiday poem and some musical numbers offered variety to this mischievous and delightful evening.
Ladies, thanks for putting on such an awesome night and reminding everyone that getting naked in public can be, under the right circumstances, a class act.
- Maxim
John Allaire and his band The Campistas bring us ‘perfect barroom cool’
PRESS RELEASE: John Allaire is an award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter who pens songs and stories that incorporate a certain soulfulness, with melodies that stick in your head and lyrics that exhibit an edgy quick wit. Reviews from national magazines like Canadian Musician and Penguin Eggs have cited John as “a new Neil Young”, “the next Canadian music legend”, and “perfect barroom cool”.
He became first known to North American audiences with his alt-rock band in the ’80s and ’90s, The Town Cryers. After spending two decades touring North America and performing alongside other international acts with The Town Cryers and other bands, John put out his first solo recording in 2003, Crime and Punishment. In 2005, John teamed up with his backing band, the Campistas, and released Thank You Waitress!, an album that went to the top of many college and university radio stations across North America and garnered a particularly large audience in Europe. Summer 2007 brought the release of John’s third solo album, Ghosts of the Royal Motel, with the accompanying North American tour and video for the single “Bourbon“.
“Up Hill … Both Ways” is his 4th solo release, and is available on CD and special edition vinyl.
Allaire has been nominated for the Toronto Independent Music Awards “Best Live Acoustic Act” category. He will go to Toronto in January for a showcase performance and the awards ceremony.
Allaire and his band The Campistas will be playing their first full band show in Ottawa since this summer’s Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at the Elmdale House Tavern (1084 Wellington Street West).
Opening the show will be an Ottawa collective of songwriters called the Roundabout Singers.
Cover is $8.00 at the door.
