The Mason Rack Band, live from Queensland, returns once more to LB’s Pub on Saturday, July 16 as part of a Canadian tour for its latest release.
The Australian blues legend, known to local audiences for his no-holds barred showmanship, has released his second studio album Limits of Grip, a mix of blues, jazz and roots complemented by country punk, alternate rock and reggae funk.
While the 10 tracks are loaded with the melancholy nature of swamp blues, A Hard Day in particular reflects Rack’s bygone days of hazy drinking and drugs.
Singing with a raspy voice that suggests having smoked one-too-many Marlboros, Rack is a natural storyteller that never hesitates to show off his skills on the slide guitar.
Joining him from Oz is bassist Nathan Lee Archer and Edmonton transplant Joel Purkess on bass.
This 18-plus show starts at 9 p.m. LB’s is located at 23 Akins Dr. The cover charge is $10.
St. Albert’s Tupelo Honey has always sent fans road updates. But in the past couple of weeks, the rock band has added video blogging to their list of accomplishments.
“We’re trying to get more of the personality of the band across,” explains lead vocalist Dan Davidson.
Another St. Albert boy, Tim Francis formerly of Smoothride, has created Tupelo TV and is host and narrator to the first two episodes available on YouTube.
“This approach is not as blind as some marketing efforts. We’re trying to drive fans to the Tupelo Honey website where we provide constant updates and free music,” Davidson adds.
For instance, the fivesome usually likes to let fans know when they give away their current single. And they’d like to start more buzz on the upcoming CD/DVD planned for release within the next couple of months.
“This is more entertaining than just sending out a list. More people will be interested in watching this rather than reading a couple of paragraphs of text.”
So far the band has posted two episodes and are looking to post a new one every week. “It’s still pretty new, but so far we’ve gotten a really good response.”
Check out the video blogs at www.tupelohoney.ca
Singer/songwriter Robert Mulder has just returned from a year at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts where he is pursuing a degree in music.
He was the only Albertan in 2010 to be selected for Paul McCartney’s prestigious school of music.
Upon his return home, one of the first venues the folk/roots musician will be playing is LB’s Songwriters’ Acoustic Showcase on Thursday, July 14 at 8:30 p.m.
“With him being a St. Albert boy, it’s a perfect fit. It’s always good to promote home-grown talent,” says showcase host Kenny Skoreyko.
This week’s house band also includes Fred Larose and Charlie DeShane.
For more information check out www.myspace.com/robertmulder.
