Return of The Bills

Fresh from Victoria come The Bills, a quintet of epically accomplished musicians who have serenely followed their own path in the roots music scene for close to 20 years.

In March 2016, the acoustic roots band released Trail of Tales, its fifth full-length album since the 2000s as The Bill Hilly Band.

To roll out the red carpet, The Bills are settling in tonight at the Arden Theatre for a special musical showcase.

Trail of Tales is touted as the quintet’s most textured work to date, and there will be no shortage of tranquil instrumentals, driving stompers or rousing gospel harmonies of self-penned songs from all five members.

To focus on the 14-track effort, the fivesome removed themselves from distractions to Mayne Island, a 21-square kilometre island, situated at the half point between British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

“We hunkered down in an old house and spent three weeks working on songs. It (Trail of Tales) really represents us as a group,” said lead vocalist/guitarist Chris Frye.

The lineup has had minimal changes over the years and the current one features Marc Atkinson (mandolin-guitar-vocals), Richard Moody (violin-viola-vocals), Adrian Dolan (fiddle-piano-accordion-vocals) and Scott White (upright bass-vocals).

The album is essentially a collection of songs and instrumentals that sum up the musicians’ experiences and lengthy careers.

“Thematically it captures and reflects the state of the planet in 2017. There are messages and challenges we face with the natural environment as well as the social environment, politics and culture. When I read the lyrics, it captures where we are at and how we see the world,” Frye said.

There are sparkling gems sprinkled throughout such as the effervescent Kentucky bluegrass Hittin’ The Do, the pop-infused Jungle Book and the Beatle-esque inspired Lullaby for Elephants.

“As a global community, we try to hit that sweet spot where there is a balance between taking action and enjoying life.”

Frye wrote the title track, a song that explores historical themes, but focuses primarily on the here and now. Moody came up with Mando Coloured Glasses, a Spanish tavern type number while Atkinson, who lives on Hornby Island, uses the instrumental, Pebble Beach, to sketch layered impressions of the island.

Using his violin and accordion, Dolan weaves a Celtic vibe in West Bay Crossing, while White, who lives half the year in Germany, slides between classical gypsy and samba jazz in Wonder.

Taken all together, the record is diverse, and delivers rich vocal harmonies and complex musical patterns.

While The Bills have played regularly around the capital region, it’s been 10 years since their last concert at the Arden. Now is a good time to salute a band at the top of their game.