Season 1 Pass Holder!

By: BD Maria Hughes

On Wednesday, May 20, 2009, the TIMAs hosted its first showcase of 2009/2010 inaugurating its 5th season! The lineup at The Central, in Toronto, packed to capacity including the front patio, was nothing short of spectacular! Performing:

Alistair Blaik Bundale
Dave Borins (TIMA 2008 nominee for “Best Live” – Acoustic)
Mike Celia (TIMA 2008 Winner of “Best Blues”)
Jamesking
Isles of Thieves – and –
The Sound Foundation.

I had an opportunity to speak with the musicians and bands to find out more about them and what’s currently on their radar.

Singer/songwriter Alistair Blaik Bundale’s performance was mesmerizing. The rise and fall of his voice is full of unexpected moments – from quiet passion to, at points, sheer abandon (“Routine Things”, “Lonely”). Clearly he has fans – what seemed to be the entire bar joined him on “Under the Window”. Alistair credits these 2 monumental moments in his life as drivers of his music – being overwhelmed by music from a very young age singing in various choirs in Nova Scotia where he was raised, including the well-known and prestigious Nova Scotia Provincial Choir – and – major surgery while a high school student which instilled the sense of keeping things in life in perspective. His full-length album “Homestead” is now available. You can find Alistair’s music and more about him at: myspace.com/alistairblaikbundale.

Dave Borins and his exceptionally talented band gave an energetic performance in which more than 110% was left on the stage. The lyrics in “To Know You are Loved” are simply beautiful. His violinist, Blaise Alleyne, summed up in one word: exquisite. Self-described “wild and crazy cover” the song “Whiskey Women”, a quirky, anti-drinking song (explains Dave), is on his cd, “The Lucky Ones”, now available. Dave recently celebrated his 100th show performed at Hugh’s Room. He is dedicated to AllisJourney.ca, which fundraises and raises awareness of young adult cancer and research, an often overlooked demographic. You can find Dave at: myspace.com/daveborins and daveborins.com.

Singer/songwriter Mike Celia gave a professional and polished performance. He was joined by his singer/songerwriter brother, David Celia, “on the strings of steel”. Mike’s wealth of experience is evident in his polite command of the stage and comfortable way of bridging the songs with well-spoken chat. He has a pure and clean singing voice, void of messy runs or irritating affect. Mike’s fourth song “Dry Out” is full of thoughtful and sensitive lyrics. He dedicated his last song “Baby’s Gone” to Daniela Olvia, founder and producer of the TIMAs, explaining she once shared with him it’s her favourite song of his. Mike is at: myspace.com/mikecelia.

Jamesking, a pop/rock/soul band, is a great mix of attitude with deep-rooted soul. Their lead singer, Gyles, is a warm and friendly, charming and down-to-earth soul (there’s that word again). She seamlessly transforms into her element on stage. While this is not my language, per se, listening to her just into the first number evokes the 2-word descriptor: diva delicious! She exudes pure confidence without that bitchy edge. Very refreshing in a scene fraught with feigned (and nauseating) air-of-entitlement and arrogance. The stage is small and hot. Jamesking is lined up 3-deep on stage. Yet they are able to punch out a dynamic, captivating performance. The band presents a polished sound, are very relaxed on stage, and skillfully
seem to anticipate each other. When I asked Gyles about one of the band’s best performances she immediately recalls recently opening for Divine Brown at the MOD Club. “We had serious, I mean serious technical problems before our set. I got really hot under-the-collar. It was one of our best nights! I perform well under stress”, she says, laughing. Gyles also reinforces the band’s focus on diversity and the band being a true mix of Toronto. “Ran our bassist is Israeli, Serbia is represented with our Band leader Duff our guitarist and Vlada our drummer, our pianist Ian is from Bulgaria”, she explains. Lisa Michelle, a solo artist with her own cd, backs up Gyles’ vocals – her voice is a perfect accompaniment. Less than a year ago, Jamesking put out its first video, “Gold”. You can find it on YouTube. Their new cd “Lied to Me” was released 2 months ago. Only recently they placed 2nd of 1,500 submissions in a lyrics competition with “Reminisce”. Having performed for 2 or 3 years (headlining in 2008) at Montreal’s Funk Festival, they look forward to participating again in the summer of 2009. You can find them at
jameskingcrew.com and myspace.com/jameskingcrew

Isle of Thieves, a punk, alt-rock, brit-pop, new wave band, hit the stage with phenomenal energy from the very first note. Their “look” is hip and cohesive, their on-stage performance dramatic and urgent, avoiding the theatrical and kitschy. Very cool. Their pre-set sound check was a bit lengthy but their sound was worth the audience’s patience. The lead singer, Japeth, is a natural on stage. I talked with the band’s drummer, Matt Coatsworth, who I’ve given the new nickname “Big Guns”, and keyboardist and vocalist, Justin Kwan, at the end of the evening. When asked how did their demo recorded at The Pocket Studios with Mike Langford (Evans Blue, Vaeda, Rains, Rex Goudie) prepare them for their debut album “Only Human”, Big Guns reflects. “You know, once we got into the process, we realized we could do the whole thing, a whole album. We had a clarity of the process from Mike and we definitely had enough material. So, after the demo, we just went ahead and did the album.” Their album was mastered by Joao Carvalho who’s worked with Billy Talent, Sam Roberts, Alexisonfire and Nickelback. Justin spoke to the band’s ongoing involvement in charity work. “We feel that we’re in a position to give back. Our music has wide range appeal. We’re enthusiastic about giving our time and talent to commit to fundraising efforts. In the grand scheme of things, it’s the least we can do.” Isle of Thieves is booked solid for the next 2 months. Their next Toronto show is at The Bovine on June 10. You can find this incredibly talented band at: myspace.com/isleofthieves and isleofthieves.com.

The Sound Foundation. WTF?? No, really. W. T. F. I heard one of the band members tell someone while setting up, “We’re SKA. We’re reggae”. To me, it seemed like Alexisonfire meets Bob Marley meets a rag tag bunch of wild guys who crashed a button-down “Meet the Parents Night”, demure “wine and cheese” soiree. Completely out of control. And I loved it! Just like the lead singer of Fancy Girls Market skateboarding off the stage right into the audience (!!) in the middle of a song at the TIMA Awards show back in 2008. The band – Adrian Schmidt, Matt Kittell, Devin Crossman, German Ocampo, and Nate Payne – routinely play at The Boathouse in Kitchener. Just recently they’ve been landing gigs in Toronto. Their most recent claim to fame is a 1st place win at Wilfred Laurier’s “Last Band Standing” competition. I could not find rhyme nor reason in their performance. The lead singer left the stage to go kiss a girl two tables over. Back on stage, he crouched down and started screaming his lyrics. Followed by a Q&A with the sax player – all during the same song! Maybe I’m having an acid flashback?? No mistaking, though, each band member’s musicianship. No mistaking how fantastic they sound all meshed together. Uniquely strange and strangely unique. A big thumbs up from me! You can find them at: myspace.com/thexsoundxfoundation and thesoundfoundation.ca or on America’s Most Wanted…..