Loon Choir, Shred Kelly and Little Stella at Maverick’s
Class was in session when Loon Choir took to the stage at Maverick’s Wednesday night. Several of the bass player’s students came out and drank up some suds and the sweet sounds of their professor’s band.
Eight people on stage having a blast is how I would describe these locals. Musically though, they play folk dance music with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. The song ”Think About You” has flashes of Airborne Toxic Event.
Life advice was sprinkled into their great set. ”Memory is all we have as humans, this so called consciousness,” said lead singer Derek Atkinson. ”If you can remember one thing, remember to feel.”
The song ”Dry Wall,” which started in spoken word style, absolutely took my breath away. They also tested out some new material on us, and let me tell you gang, we need a new album ASAP. The new stuff sounded great, especially the song with the line ”The ground is the colour of steel.”
Being the sweet people they are, Loon Choir are raising money as they cross the country and will personally deliver it to Red cross in Calgary to help with the flood relief. They just keep making Ottawa proud. They were also recently featured in Mixtape Magazine as a Bluesfest Mix Pick.
Fernie’s amazing Shred Kelly were just what a mid-week concert needed. They play with a lot of energy, have vocals from both genders and an amazing banjo player (who was celebrating his birthday). They absolutely killed it. I could not stop dancing. I loved the tracks ”Sit Around” and ”Tornado Alley.” This fine group is on tour with Loon Choir for twenty days, all the way to Vancouver. I was already a fan, but after seeing them live for the first time, they just became a must-see. Bummed you missed them? They will be back for Ottawa Folk Festival in September.
Opening the night was Little Stella. These locals had a trick up their sleeve. For their second song a grey haired man dressed all in black with a fedora came on stage and wailed on a sax. This was an excellent addition, and gave depth to their cigar bar lounge music sound. And I say that as a complement, I love the chill laid back vibe of Little Stella. I also think it is always cool to see a drummer sing, and their drummer Ryan Tansley does on almost every song. Check them out at Ottawa Folk Festival too, as they play September 5th.