Category Archives: Robson Recommends

Lynn Miles @ Sunset Saloon, Aug. 7!

1 Reply

new lynn pic press LGLynn Miles w/special guest Scott Nolan
Thursday, Aug. 9, 2014
Live at The Sunset Saloon (House Concert, Westwood, Winnipeg)
7:30 pm
Suggested donation $25 (all money goes directly to this talented artist!)

If you wish, bring a drink for yourself, and/or a snack to share, but we’ve always got plenty of all of those on hand!
All are welcome (bring the kids, friends, family, people off the street, whatever)

Questions? RSVP? Fill out the contact form below!
Forward this to a friend!

Canada is renowned for its great songwriters and musicians; that much is undeniable. But among the crowd, there always stand a few who loom large and who impress and inspire all of the others. Lynn Miles is one such artist, and she’s in a rare class of songwriters. Throughout her career, from her acclaimed 1996 debut, Slightly Haunted, to the most recent, universally praised album, Downpour, Lynn’s albums have had a rare, consistent beauty – there aren’t any duds anywhere in the catalogue, and everything she’s done has stood above so many others. She writes some of the most powerful, personal, moving songs in the world. The only people who can say that they haven’t been moved by a Lynn Miles song are those unfortunate folks who haven’t heard them.

3womentruthAnd it’s true, her name does not loom as large in the public consciousness as some of her contemporaries, but so many great artists can be counted among her many, many devoted fans. She recently completed a co-headlining tour with two outstanding songwriters, Eliza Gilkyson and Mary Gauthier, called 3 Women and the Truth.

And Lynn Miles brings that truth with her wherever she goes. Her songs tend to lean toward the sad, lonely, desperate part of the human condition. She’s lived it all and isn’t afraid to write about it. Consider her duet with Jim Bryson on her 2010 album, Fall for Beauty (easily one of the most moving songs I’ve ever heard. If this doesn’t put a lump in your throat, you’ve never loved.) (listen here: www.sonicbids.com/band/lynnmiles2/audio/#Goodbye)

But Lynn Miles shows are far from a downer. In concert, she’s hilarious, charming, and really engaging. You’ll laugh as much as you cry, and you’ll fall in love with this wonderful woman and her legendary songs.

As if seeing Lynn wasn’t amazing enough, she often hires a hotshot guitar player to back her up (Keith Glass, Ian Lefeuvre, Jim Bryson, and more) and this time is no different. She’s tapped into the deep pool of talent in Winnipeg and come up with a pretty great choice, Scott Nolan! We’ve been wanting to have Scott visit the saloon for a long time, so we might not let him leave!

Lynn doesn’t come around here very often. She performed on a multi-artist bill in 2009, as part of a Bluebird North event in 2004, and at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in 1991, 1993, 1995, and 2000. All of this is to say that you might not be getting another chance any time soon! We do hope that she has such a great time that we can convince her to make it a little more regular. Here’s hoping.

It needs to be said that this amazing opportunity is entirely thanks to our pal Devin Latimer at The Trout Forest Music Festival! Lynn is part of another great lineup at the festival, Aug. 8-10 in Ear Falls, ON. This truly is the best little festival in Canada, with a stunning drive to the site, a gorgeous site, and the most relaxed, laid back atmosphere anywhere, this one is an annual highlight for me. If you’ve never been, consider checking it out this year for more Lynn Miles, and many more! www.troutfest.com

Leave a public comment below:

Shannon Lyon @ Sunset Saloon, April 26, 2014!

Leave a Reply
Catch Shannon at The Sunset Saloon, April 26, 2014!

Catch Shannon at The Sunset Saloon, April 26, 2014!

Shannon Lyon
House Concert
Saturday, April 26, 2014
8:00 Suggested donation $15-20 (price flexible, all proceeds to a talented musician making his way across this vast country)
If you wish, bring a drink for yourself, and/or a snack to share, but we’ve always got plenty of all of those on hand!
All are welcome (bring the kids, friends, family, people off the street, whatever)
Questions? RSVP? Fill out the contact form below!
Forward this to a friend!

Shannon Lyon website

Download Shannon Lyon music (pay what you want, but we highly encourage you to pay!)

Twice before, I’ve been lucky enough to welcome one of my all-time favourite singer/songwriters to my house, as Shannon Lyon made stops in some joker’s back yard in 2012 and 2013! Hearing some of my all time favourite songs in my own backyard was a dream come true, and everyone who attended raved about the show afterward.

Well, we’re excited to welcome Shannon back again this year, and this time, it’ll probably be indoors, and shouldn’t compete with any vacation plans!

For those unfamiliar (you poor souls), Shannon Lyon is a Canadian producer, musician and singer-songwriter. Born in Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada, Lyon began his musical career in Kitchener, Ontario in the early 90’s forming his first band Strange Days (1990-1993) recording one album entitled ‘Life Aint Easy’ produced by Nelson McCrossan. During this time Lyon also started his low-key solo career and released his first solo studio album entitled ‘Buffalo White’ in 1994 which was recorded by friend Bill Braun.

Since 1994 Lyon has released ten studio albums and has received critical acclaim and commercial success in Europe, North America and Australia.

Lyon was the first Canadian signed to Richard Branson’s post Virgin Records label V2 in 2004(becoming label mates with The White Stripes and Paul Weller) with the release of the critically acclaimed album ‘Wandered’ which was recorded in a 17th century farmhouse in the south of Holland with Dutch producer Bj Baartmans. Wandered was released in Australia on Collision records and in Europe on Inbetweens Records.

In 2003 Lyon signed with Canadian Roots label Busted Flat Records (Matt Anderson, Jay Semko, Paul MacLeod), a roots music label founded in 2002 by Mark Logan and based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Busted Flat has released 5 of Lyon’s albums to date. (Bound, Safe Inside, Someday Mourning, El Sol, and Broken Things).

Lyon moved to Holland in 2000 and spent the better part of a decade living and touring in Spain, Germany, France and The Netherlands. Lyon is currently located in Canada.

Lyon has toured and shared the stage in Europe, Australia, USA and Canada with such artists as Lucinda Williams, Richard Buckner, Jay Farrar, Ray LaMontagne, Blue Rodeo and Bruce Cockburn.

“When I hear Shannon, I hear the rhythms of the Midnight Cowboy, the harmonies of an earth-bound angel, the acoustic guitar that knows the pain of a heart, the steel guitar that stirs the lonely and restless lovers. But most of all I hear the voice that echoes Earle, Farrar and Buckner, a voice that haunts you like a heavy fog on a barren field on a cool October morning.”
Bob Egan (Blue Rodeo, Wilco)

Some highlights from last year’s show:

Here’s a live clip, shot outdoors with lots of mosquitoes

Here’s a live performance of the title track to his most recent release, “Broken Things.”

Here’s a rockin’ live track featuring his great Berlin band:

The first time Shannon visited us, I blew it and interrupted before Shannon could play this as an encore. Believe me, I won’t do that again!

Here’s a beauty we did get to hear:

Tonight on Steel Belted Radio – Del Barber’s Prairieography!

Leave a Reply

delbarber_prairieography_72dpiTonight on Steel Belted Radio on 101.5 UMFM, Del Barber stops in between tour dates to discuss his upcoming album Prairieography, which will be released Feb. 4 on respected label True North Records! You can pre-order the album now for a great low price!

It’s an exciting time for this young troubadour, and we’re pleased as can be that he’s found the time to come and chat and debut new songs from the album!

I’m a big fan of this guy, it’s true, but I think this album should do HUGE things for Del, and I’m eager to show you why. Please make sure you catch this special event TONIGHT on UMFM at 6:30 pm central! Listen live online!

Check out the snazzy changes to his website!

 

Matt Epp @ Sunset Saloon, Jan. 19, 2014

Leave a Reply

music - 10Matt Epp

Sunday, January 19, 2014
2:00 pm matinée!
$15-20 suggested donation (all proceeds to the artists)
All are welcome (bring the kids, friends, family, or whoever might tag along!)
As usual, you can bring a beverage of your choice to enjoy or some food to share, but we’ll have plenty of both on hand, so it’s not necessary, so feel free to show up and enjoy whatever’s on hand!

Questions? RSVP? Fill out the contact form below!

music - 01Besides being a super talented musician, a true man of the world, and an undisputed rising star, Matt Epp is one of the most genuine, sweet people you’ll ever meet. If you’ve run across Matt, chances are he gave you his dazzling smile and a warm embrace.

After making a name for himself producing skateboarding videos, Matt Epp came to Winnipeg, started putting out music, and never looked back. He first came to our attention with his solo debut after parting with the group Hired Help, who put out an album under the name of Fired Help. His debut revealed a songwriter who was spiritual, personal, and passionate. His revealing, intimate songs found an audience quickly, and he rode his skateboard up to UMFM for the first of many visits. (He still proudly holds the title of “Only Singer/Songwriter to Show up on a Skateboard!”) His passion and determination were overwhelming and infectious. It was hard not to want to support someone with such a desire to travel around singing his songs.

The releases came steadily after that, and each one showed immense growth. His fourth album in as many years, “Safe or Free” featured duets with established stars Jesse DeNatale and Eliza Gilkyson (Emmylou Harris was a possibility, but timing didn’t work out!)

music - 02Then he hooked up with a powerful band, The Amorian Assembly, and his career grew by leaps and bounds. He spent a lot of time in Spain, France, and all over Europe and North America, and gained a following wherever he took his charming and captivating show.

His latest album, Learning to Lose Control, was produced by Jamie Candiloro, a name that might not mean much to you until you find out that he previously worked with folks like R.E.M and Ryan Adams – not too shabby! The album also includes a co-write and duet with Serena Ryder, who provides the perfect partner for Matt’s voice. That song, “When You Know,” is one of the most infectious and amazing songs of last year. It spent a long time on the CBC 2 Top 20 Countdown, and was repeatedly acknowledged as the song with “Most Online Votes” from friends and fans. The guy’s got a lot of them.

Matt made a special guest appearance at The Sunset Saloon in 2013 when he dropped in to sing with Christina Martin & Dale Murray, so it’s a great pleasure to welcome Matt for his own show this year!

This is a special Sunday afternoon matinée, going head-to-head with Tell the Band to Go Home on UMFM (I’m going to bug Jared to see if it’s at all possible to do the show live on location…). This is something I wouldn’t normally do, but the last time Matt was scheduled to come into the station to perform on the show, I stood him up because I was negotiating to buy the Saloon! He was kind and gracious, and it’s thanks to him that The Sunset Saloon even exists (kind of.)

Folks, spend a Sunday afternoon with a guy who you’ll surely want to form a lasting friendship with. Be here for this great event!

Matt Epp – Use Your Head from HEAVYWEATHER on Vimeo.

Leave a public comment below:

New Del Barber! And you can have it for free?

Leave a Reply

Here’s a sneak peek at Del‘s new disc Prairiography, which comes out in the new year on True North Records! You can have it for free, but good hearted souls will leave the kid a tip. He works hard for it.

Penguin Eggs Best of 2013 Poll

Leave a Reply

Penguin Eggs is one of the last remaining great music print magazines. Every year editor Roddy Doyle assembles a panel of music industry folks, festival bookers, and media know-it-alls like me. It was tough this year because the list was due so early, but also because for a change there weren’t a whole lot of stellar standouts to choose from. There were a few other albums that were in the running, and the list may change before the final year-end list (once I’ve remembered a bunch of releases that weren’t considered for this list), but as of now, here’s what I submitted for the Penguin Eggs poll:

Albums of the Year, 2013:

Dustin Bentall & The Smøkes, You Are An Island (Aporia)
Express & Company, Ontario (Seventh Fire)
David Francey, So Say We All (Laker)
Jason Isbell, Southeastern (Thirty Tigers)
Lynn Miles, Downpour (Independant)
John Moreland, In The Throes (Last Chance)
David Myles, In The Nighttime (Turtlemusik)
Scott Nolan & Joanna Miller, North/South (Transistor 66)
Corin Raymond & The Sundowners, Paper Nickels (Local Rascal)
Leeroy Stagger, Truth Be Sold (Gold Lake)

Discoveries of the year:

Express & Company
July Talk
Sean Rowe

Roddy compiles all of the “Best Of” lists and assigns each album points to come up with the critics’ pick for album of the year. I can almost guarantee that Francey and Miles will be the top two on the list. I’m going to guess that Lynn comes out on top. I can also guarantee that none of my picks will turn out to be “Discovery of the Year.” Check back here later in the year to see whether I actually do know all or not.

Apologies to any friends/talented folks who didn’t make this particular dorky list. These things are kind of ridiculous by nature, so not making this list means absolutely nothing.

I’d love to know your favourites from the year! Please consider leaving a comment with your list/suggestions/comments/mockery below!

Benefit show featuring John K Samson & Nicky Mehta!?

Leave a Reply

Even though this show is on a Sunday afternoon (seriously, I need to talk to someone about that. The world should really shut down Sundays 2-4 so that everyone can listen to the radio…), it features two of my favourite local performers/songwriters/people, and it’s for a great cause. I’ll have to pre-record anyway, so you might as well catch the podcast and check this show out!

1265051_10153218301065440_441682613_oA Benefit Concert in Support of the Dave McGimpsey Campership Fund
Featuring performances by Nicky Mehta (of the Wailin’ Jennys)
and John K Samson (of the Weakerthans)
Tickets $20
Tickets available at www.ticketworkshop.com and the WECC
Doors 1:30pm | Show 2:30pm

Mary Gauthier w/Scott Nolan & Joanna Miller, July 22!

Leave a Reply

When news broke that local superstars, friends, and good people Scott Nolan and Joanna Miller were going on tour with one of the world’s great singer/songwriters, Mary Gauthier, the obvious question was, “When are they playing Winnipeg?” Well, unfortunately for the longest time, the answer was, “I don’t know.” As the reviews came in, all declaring this show, where Scott & Jo open and then back up Mary during her set, a real winner, things in Winnipeg got a whole lot more frustrating. How could a couple of locals do something so amazing and not want to show it off in their home town? Well, they did, but it took some effort to make a local date work and happen.

Enter the unstoppable force known as Eugene Osudar. He’s the crazy dancin’ dude you see at EVERY local show. He’s also a passionate promoter, supporter, and he just happens to be friends with Erick from one of Winnipeg’s best live venues, The Park Theatre. After all of the whining that Old Pal Stu and I did about this show, all it took was dancin’ Eugene to make a request, and the offer was in. We’re all super thrilled that things worked out and all parties accepted.

A couple of whiners, a dancin’ fool, The Park Theatre, and good hearted music lovers at CKUW & UMFM proudly present:

Mary Gauthier
w/ Scott Nolan & Joanna Miller
Monday, July 22, 2013
Park Theatre
Winnipeg
8:00 pm
Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets are available now at Music Trader, The Park Theatre, and should be available online soon at http://www.parktheatervideo.com/ticket-break/. But cheap-hearted Winnipeggers will want to save on those pesky “convenience fees” by getting them directly from Eugene, Stu, or me! We’ll even deliver them to you or meet up with you at a location of your choice! Doesn’t get much more convenient than that, and there’s no fee involved! Find us, hit us up, or take your chances at the door, but don’t miss this show!

Tannis Slimmon @ Sunset Saloon, Aug. 14!

1 Reply

Tannis Slimmon w/Lewis Melville
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Live at Sunset Saloon (house concert, Westwood, Winnipeg)
8:00
Suggested donation $15-20
All are welcome (bring the kids, friends, family, people off the street, whatever) As usual, you can bring a beverage of your choice or food to share if you wish, but we’ll have plenty of both on hand, so feel free to save yourself the trouble and just enjoy whatever’s on hand!
RSVP & questions, see the comment box below!

When I first got the album “Oak Lake,” by Tannis Slimmon over a decade ago, I didn’t immediately recognize the name either. A quick glance at her bio showed me that I did, indeed, know her work. She has contributed to over 75 albums over the course of her distinguished career, including many of my all-time favourites, including Willie P Bennett‘s “Heartstrings” album, and Rheostatics “Whale Music,” (which I’ll go to my grave defending as one of the greatest Canadian albums of all time.) She was part of a renowned trio called The Bird Sisters for a long time, as well as Benji and other groups, but since then, has quietly carved out a remarkable career on her own ever since. She’s won awards, played the big festivals (including The Winnipeg Folk Festival,) travelled the world (including a memorable and inspiring trip to Africa in 2004, where she was part of a documentary called “Road To Baleya,” by Bay Waymen,) and connected with and inspired musicians all over.

And as if her experience and talents weren’t enough, she’s usually accompanied by her partner Lewis Melville. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, you must not spend as much time as I do reading Canadian album liner notes. Lewis is the heart and soul of a very fertile music community in Guelph, Ontario. He was a big part of DROG records in the 90s, a label which put out a LOT of great albums. He was also the mastermind behind some amazing compilations like “Truck Songs,” “Food Songs,” “Songs for Peace,” and my my personal favourite, “Sixty Second Songs,” which compiled 88 songs by 88 different artists/groups all doing songs that are less than a minute on 2 CDs. It’s as weird and wonderful as you might expect. Click here to read about his project The Williams, which put to music the writings of Shakespeare. There is also a great discography and bio at the site. He is a brilliant musician, an insightful songwriter, and one of the most creative and intelligent people I’ve ever met. I had the great fortune of staying at his house years ago, and it truly did feel like I was spending time at Yoda’s house.

Together, these two make for a powerful musical force. They’re also a couple of the most kind, generous, decent spirits I’ve ever run across. You won’t leave this show without a smile on your face, a song in your heart, and a lift to your spirit – guaranteed! I’ve been asking Tannis to do a house concert for years, and I’m really excited that the stars have finally aligned. Please join me in welcoming these two amazing musicians and people into our home and our community of music lovers.

Listen to Tannis here (click on “Albums” then there’s a player for each.)

Clearly, there isn’t nearly enough quality video online of these two. Let’s change that!

Leave a comment for the world to see below!:

Shannon Lyon Sunset Saloon Primer

Leave a Reply

We’re plenty excited about the return of the great Shannon Lyon to the Sunset Saloon back yard on July 6. If you saw him last year or know his amazing work, you know what a treat this is, so you’ll love the magic below. If you haven’t seen or heard Shannon, you should really watch the videos below and you should definitely make plans to join us on July 6!

Here’s a recent live clip, shot outdoors with lots of mosquitoes (so hopefully he will be prepared for a couple of outdoor shows!)

Here’s a recent live performance of the title track to last year’s fantastic album, “Broken Things.”

Here’s a rockin’ live track featuring his great Berlin band:

Last year, I blew it and interrupted before Shannon could play this as an encore. Believe me, I won’t do that again!

Here’s a beauty we did hear last year:

And, of course, Shannon’s music is available online, name your own price!

Make your plans to join us! You will NOT regret it!