It was a busy week. The day job of course made it even more so. However, on the music side of things, it could not have been more enjoyable.

On Thursday night, I went out to catch a set by Fraz Milne at the Tennessee. Fraz put on a great set of originals and not-often-performed covers (yes, King Crimson!), all solidly backed by Robin Latimer on bass and Chris Bender on drums. What stood out the most was the broad range of styles that Fraz and band could cover. No one song is like another in their repertoire. There was great energy in the band and a fun looseness (still tight musically, though) that came across. You could tell that the band was really grooving when Robin would kick off her sandals!

Yesterday, F&tC had their first ever show at the Amsterdam Bicycle Club. A few friends made it down (thanks again!), and we managed to entertain some new people already at the club, and some walk-ins. Given the rain and TIFF on, we are pretty happy with how things when. Although we had some issues with the house PA, as we could not get the  monitors to work, we aim to have that sorted out for our next show there on October 29.

News flash! A last minute cancelation has provided Félix and the Cats an opportunity for a short opening set for Angelica, featuring Kristen Anzelc, this Friday at the Refinery Public House in Etobicoke. I will also have big shoes to fill sitting in for Dave Bayley, currently touring, for Kirsten’s show.

The Refinery Public House is at 3039 Lakeshore Blvd West, in Etobicoke, about halfway between Islington and Kipling. We should be hitting the stage at 9 PM. Big thanks to Greg Anzelc for making this opportunity happen.

I look forward to letting you know next week how things turn out.

Be well!

Breaking news! The Angelica show mentioned above for Friday, September 16, 2016 is canceled as The Refinery has suspended live music indefinitely to deal with some noise complaints. Let’s hope things get sorted out soon!

For those whose French is rusty or non-existent, the title of this blog means Félix on a bike, as the band will performing for the first time ever west of the Don River.

Our venue is the Amsterdam Bicycle Club on Esplanade, this coming Saturday, September 10, 2016. If that name is not familiar to you, think the Old Spaghetti Factory (it’s the front part of the restaurant). We start later than usual (10:30 ish), which may be a challenge for some of our friends, but we hope a few die-hards can make it out so we can make a good impression on the club manager!

A have some new material, and with the club’s excellent sound system, there is a good chance you will even make out the lyrics!

The band (with NEMO and Greg for this gig) is prepping hard, so it will be a good one.

See you next weekend!

 

This week, another song exposed: The Tilley Song – yes, needing a better title.

This one can be grouped in my “novelty” song collection, and may have a limited shelf life, depending on how long Tilley Endurables stick around. For those who don’t know what Tilley is, the company is a Canadian manufacturer of travel clothing, kind of like MEC but aimed at a different demographic. They became famous first for the hat (still outlined in their logo), then for vests worn by pro photographers around the world.

Let’s be clear: there’s nothing wrong with the clothes. It’s superbly made and lasts forever. The song is more about the impression made on us when Mrs. Félix and I visited the store a few years ago to look for travel ear for an upcoming holiday. “This store is full of old people!” we thought… yup, pot calling the kettle black. And perhaps also the strong impression that despite the “going on a safari” look, it was likely that many wearers may not subject themselves to any severe discomfort. Myself included.

Still, inspiration “goes with anywhere” as Tilley’s slogan goes, and I set to writing this simple 12-bar rock ‘n’ roll song. The lyrics are below, with some minor changes from the demo, as I continue to tweak the song. Note the links in the verses, which explain their provenance.

 

Verse 3
Despite what you’ve been told I did not die, and I got old
I take my medication
Like my g-g-generation
I celebrate the fact
An elephant can eat my hat
And when it is ejected
It comes out unaffected

Chorus
I shop at Tilley’s
Yeah, I shop at Tilley’s
As far as I can see
My clothes will outlive me
I shop at Tilley’s
I shop at Tilley’s
I shop at Tilley’s
I shop at Tilley’s

Until next week, be well!

The next best thing to playing is to see other musicians play, particularly if they’re superbly talented like those I saw this past Thursday at the Junction City Music Hall in the west end.

The first act on was Chelsea Reed, a recent Australian immigrate starting to make a name for herself here in Toronto. I have seen her perform a few times, and am always struck but t
he great harmonic subtexture she provides on piano for her smooth singing. There is a engaging depth to her lyrics as well, a great pop sensibility and a candour that make it a joy to watch and listen to her. One of my new favourites!

Here is a snippet of one of the songs, I Want the World. I invite you to go to her Facebook page linked above  and check out some more. She should have a new album out soon as well, so look out for that. And see her live too!

Also on the bill were the Danger Bees, another solidly rocking band originally from Dartmouth, fronted by someone who I have mentioned before, the gifted David Macmichael — singer, songwriter, cyclist and cohost of Relish’s night Stir It Up Sunday.

I love these guys’ energy and humour. The guitarists work superbly together, Josh Gillard holding down rhythm while injecting just the right sharply phrased counterpoint to Matt Leitch‘s intense riffing, all the while dancing all over the pedalboard. Marky Beats, who also played with Chelsea had a chance to really cut loose, while Will Meadows kept the bottom melodically tight. I may do a special feature on Will another time: the kid has chops and range. Here they are playing Plenty of Fish from their first album Wyatt.

Finally, those who follow me on Facebook may have already read about the upcoming shows. For any who haven’t, they will take place at the Amsterdam Bicycle Club on Esplanade, Saturday September 10 and again Saturday October 29. Start time is a bit late for some (10:30-ish), but well worth it as the venue is fabulous. So I hope you will make it, maybe have dinner there (The Old Spaghetti Factory) or nearby if you prefer, and you could catch a set or two… or three for the die-hards?

Until next time,

 

Indulge me in this metaphor, the musical journey.

As much as it is a journey of self-discovery, there are are also many opportunities to meet and learn from fellow travellers. This week’s blog will talk of two, but there are more that I hope to get to later.

Tom Rich is a talented writer, singer and multi-instrumentalist who has been in Toronto for a few years, and a frequent player at the Relish open mic. He has worked with a number of artists including Sam Taylor and Jonathan Roy, as well as performing on his own and with band performing his terrific original material. His latest CD is available from iTunes here.

Sadly, Tom is returning to Halifax soon, but not without a farewell show, the details of which are below. Consider yourselves encouraged to attend.

My dear Toronto kinfolk. 
After two-and-a-half years of living part-time in The Big Smoke, I’ve made countless new friends and unforgettable musical memories, got to know your city and fell head-over-heels in love with it. I loved it so much, I made repeated plans to move there permanently but alas, after heavy consideration, my heart longs to reside by the ocean in Nova Scotia. I have a job to do at home that I cannot trade for anything – my duty to my brother Colin as his personal care assistant. Colin has a rare condition called metachromatic leukodystrophy, and I’ve been assisting in his care ever since his diagnosis in the early 1990’s. In my time away from him, I’ve realized that there’s nothing else to which I would rather devote myself.
I will remain active in the music scene at home in Halifax. I’m going to record a new album over the winter; of songs inspired by and written during my travels between Hali & The Tdot (which have also led me twice to Nashville). I am also involved in some exciting new projects from Matthew Pickup, Dark Lit Sky, and will release The Dang Danglers’ Self-Entitled Debut, a side-project album I recorded in my trailer home with M Pickup and my brother Luke.
I will never be able to stay away for too long, but I am going to say so long for now, by playing a two-hour solo acoustic show at Relish Bar & Grill in the east end of town, on Thursday August 25 at Relish On The Danforth. It’s an early show, with Karaoke to follow, so of course that means plenty of time afterward to delve into the vast selection of fine Ontario craft brews and let loose.
So come on out and let me thank you in person.
– Tom Rich

Another friend made along the way is Sal Borg aka, Johnny Blue, and other aliases as the mood suits him! Sal is not only a great performer, he is a living encyclopedia of the blues and vintage gear.

Below is a video of him performing a great cover of Johnny Winter‘s Mean Town Blues, recorded August 13, 2016 at The Amsterdam Bicycle Club.

 

Sal’s originals cover an interesting range of topics, including food, a subject that he can speak to with great authority as his family was in the wholesale produce business for a century. One of my favourites is Hot Sauce On Everything, a snippet of which is below.

 

Sal’s lifelong fascination (his kids confirm that) for  music and musical instruments have led him to own one of the most impressive personal collections of guitars and amps I have ever seen, short of rock stars’ warehouse-full accumulations. Every item has a story behind it, which he gladly shares. Time passes pleasantly and quickly in his company.

Sal kindly showed up for my gig this past Friday at Relish. He had the chance to hear this number, Looking for the In-Between. The vocals are a bit under-mixed, but listen to Nemo and Greg tear it up on bass and drums! I had a hard time staying focused when either would do something downright awesome. Here it is below.

©2015 – R. Pelletier/Félix and the Cats

Until next week!

I am currently out of Toronto to visit my Papa in Québec and catch up with long ignored relatives, but will be back to prep for my return to Relish Bar and Grill this coming Friday, August 12 at 9:30. I hope to see lots of friendly faces out for this show as the venue is awesome (excellent food and drink)!

All this francophonie made me reflect that, despite a French upbringing, my répertoire includes only one song in my native tongue. Dommage.

So, until another one comes along, here is the story behind Hé! Que la vie est dûre! (Isn’t life hard, heh! — roughly translated). There will not be naming of names in this one, but it is based on a real person, but I hope the situation is sufficiently univeral to appeal to all.

It is about the kind of person that comes back into life, seeminly helpless and needing support. The caring and concern ends up rewarded by lies and betrayal, leaving the benefactor empty-handed. Of course, this is not the first time such a letdown has occured. The song is a cathartic response to that; it is not an endorsement for lack of sympathy.

The issue that complicates theproblem and can often make one feel guilty for having the feelings of resentment expressed in the song is mental illness. Anyone who has had to deal with an afflicted person will understand.

So, I would like my next French song to have a more upbeat message. Maybe family reunions or pretty French girls, if Mrs. Félix is okay with that.

Less than week to go before the Cats play at the Black Swan (July 30, 2016 — 9:30 PM in case you missed earlier notices). Due to last minutes changes in tour and local show commitments, both Paul Brennan AND Jace Traz are unavailable to drum for the Cats this weekend, or the next show in August.

“Well, what can a poor boy do?” to quote Mick Jagger.

Enter connections, the lifeline of all musicians. Thanks to NEMO, we have the awesome Greg Anzelc subbing in for the next two shows. Greg and NEMO have worked together with Carlos Morgan and the Flow. If you want to check them out, they have a residency at Alley Kats (coincidence?) at Yonge and Erskine, just north of Eglinton.

Greg is a highly in-demand sideman in Toronto music scene due to his versatility and skill, and I feel lucky to have him for these gigs. You can catch some videos of him on Youtube and appreciate his versatility (soul, funk, pop, blues, and more) but the best way to judge is to see for yourself by making it down to the show this coming Saturday. I think you’ll be in for a treat!

Being off during the summer has afforded me the chance to not only go to shows and connect with musicians, but in some cases reconnect, as was the case last night at the Linsmore Tavern.

Headlining there to a small but enthusiastic crowd was the Gary Kendall Band. This top-notch band — Gary on bass and vocals, Teddy Leonard on guitar, Shakey Dagenais on keyboards and Tyler Burgess on drums, pumped out the blues like it’s supposed to be done, tight and gritty. Just google their pedigree, starting with the legendary Downchild Blues Band.

Gary, Teddy and I all worked at Yorkville Sound in the mid-eighties, so it was great to catch up on what happened since we left. The thing that struck a chord (ha!) was Gary telling me about when he started feeling the pressure on his day job at Yorkville following the success of the Kendall Wall Band during its residency at the Black Swan.

And so we have come full circle. It’s a small world!

But I wouldn’t want to paint it.

This weekend, I did a non-Félix activity and enjoyed subbing in on lead guitar with a local band called the Boogaloo at a private party near Omemee, Ontario. The site was a beautiful cottage by the lake, complete with amazing vista, a large deck on which the band could set up and friendly hosts and guests. We were extremely well fed too! The only drawback was that I did not have $300,000 handy to buy Neil Young’s childhood home.

Most of the songs were covers, but a few were originals by the singer/frontman Glenn Reid which were especially fun for me to play. I hope I did them justice. Glenn comes from a strong musical family and is keeping the legacy alive. He has enjoyed hits on the country music charts, including a #1 in Sweden (tack så mycket), and is currently working on his fourth record. Check out his website for a video of his latest. Boogaloo (with regular guitarist Ken O’ Gorman) is viewable in this one.

On bass, the man responsible for getting me this gig, was Norman Hartshorne. He and I have known each other for a few years, jamming at annual conventions related to our day jobs. Norm is a solid and skilled bassist having worked with legends Bob Segarini, Terry Draper of Klaatu and many others), and a thoughtful and generous man.

Finally, on drums, was Max Styles. He and his lovely wife (and dedicated knitter) Ellen gave me a lift up to and back from the show. We had a good opportunity to chat about a common (former) employer and the state of the music business. Max can speak of it with a lot of authority having played in highly notable bands in Toronto, including Road Apple Red, Bamboo and The Kings.

All three have also collaborated with David Henman, co-founder of Canadian rock royalty April Wine. Here is a video of all four together playing one of Glenn’s songs, Workin’ Man, in Alliston, Ontario back in August 2011.

I would like to publicly thank these gentlemen for the chance to play with them, and hope we can do it again, should the need arise.

 

 

I guy walks into a bar, then writes a song. This, in a nutshell, is what happened.

None of what follows should be perceived as critical, I hope, but it is factual.

Dancing With the Dinosaurs was written last summer after a bewildering visit to The Fox at Scarborough Junction following a promising review in Toronto Moon by man-about-town Gary 17 (more on him on some other post perhaps). At the time, although very satisfied with Stir It Up Sundays at Relish, I wanted try a few other places for shameless self-promotion.

Things got off to a less than auspicious start as the jam, promoted as 8-12, did not get under way to well past 9. At least the time passed pleasantly eavesdropping in on a loud and animated debate between patrons regarding faster-than-light travel, and soaking up the trouble-could-happen-here-any-minute vibe. In fact, a stabbing occurred there just a few months later.

Timing is everything.

Once the jam started, hosted by the flamboyant Tommy Rocker (mentioned just last month again in Toronto Moon) it became obvious from the jammers that preceded me that Classic Rock covers were de rigueur—yes, including Smoke On the Water, and many more of that ilk and era—so I knew I might be in for a rough ride doing FATC’ material. Too late to change… except my guitar tuning which, as I was informed by a taciturn bassist, had to drop a semitone to “match him”.

Between sets, the bar set out food for all, following which, the house band were back up for an extended set, whilst entertaining the audience in mock German between songs. Never fully explained.

One of the second-set jammers was a young bassist remarkable for wearing a luchador mask with a skull pattern, and playing an extended bass solo. Not as To the Limit as Strong Bad, but entertaining and different.

I finally did my 3 tunes, and the band did a nice job reading the charts. Tommy said some encouraging things too, but at least one audience member may have been disappointed that she did not recognize anything. Oh well, every song is new to someone at one point.

All in all, it was a surreal experience, and I felt compelled to document it in a song. Every fact mentioned in it is real. As far as opinions are concerned, I invoke poetic licence.

Dancing With the Dinosaurs ©  2015 Félix and the Cats/R. Pelletier

Intro
There is a bar in Scarborough (somewhere I know – on demo)
And if you go, you’ll want to know
It feels like being in a David Lynch movie
Like something weird and slightly creepy

Verse 1
So there I was, not fitting in
A has-been ‘mongst the never been
Tuned down a half-step to conform
Where hoary chestnuts are the norm
Singing my ditties of self-deprecation
Deep in Ford Nation

Chorus
Turn back the clock, it’s time to rock
Turn up that amp balls to the wall
Take one step back, then take one more
Dancing with the dinosaurs

Verse 2
The band after their buffet dish
Speaking in German gibberish
Black Skeletor guesting on bass
After his set he shows his face
The biker dude, knows he’s the man
His jacket reads: Burn the Quran

Chorus

Bridge

What drew me there, I cannot say
Perchance to try another way
Perhaps I had too much to drink
Or I did not take the time to think

Solo

Verse 3
Beer guts, tattoos and brewery T-shirts
The aging demoiselle who likes to flirt
She argues that space aliens might
Some day exceed the speed of light
These people are stuck in my brain
But I will not be back again

Chorus