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Gypsy blues duo next in Live at Studio 64
The self-styled ‘screaming and hollering gypsy blues’ duo, Blue Moon Marquee, hot off the trail from the dusty hoodoos of the Alberta Badlands, arrives in Kimberley at Studio 64 on May 23.
Tagged as a duo that sounds like a full band, A. W. Cardinal and Jasmine Collette’s music has been described as containing “elements of jazz and traditional European folk music within their sound, (but) the blues is at the core.”
A.W. Cardinal made a name for himself as a blues musician and songwriter in Montreal and New York before returning to his hometown in Alberta where he met up with Jasmine Collette.
Their first CD, Stainless Steel Heart, released under Cardinal’s own label in 2013, was followed up by Lonesome Ghosts in 2014. Many numbers on this album have a distinctly retro feel using the 12 bar blues structure popularized in the 20s and 30s in the Mississippi Delta. Cardinal plays guitar and harmonica and sings raspy-voiced vocals that have had him likened to Long John Baldry and Tom Waits. In actual fact, his admitted influences are such greats as Lonnie Johnson, Charles Patton, Howlin’ Wolf, Big Bill Broonzy, and Django Reinhardt.
Jasmine Collette also hales from the hoodoo country. She has toured North America as a singer, bass player, and hoop dancer. Teamed up with Cardinal, Collette provides vocal backing and upright bass accompaniment to Cardinal’s lead guitar and vocals, while keeping the rhythm by playing the kick drum with one foot and the snare and hi-hat with the other.
West coast pianist David Vest, who has played with Blue Moon Marquee, says of the duo: “Their musicality is outstanding, their presentation is spellbinding, and their original songs are unforgettable.” Quite a recommendation!
This concert on Saturday, May 23, is the third in the spring series of concerts Live at Studio 64, presented by Kimberley Arts Council. The first two concerts by the Lovebullies and Guy Davis sold out quickly so blues lovers are advised to get their tickets early for this one.
Go online to snapd.eastkootenay.com or call Centre 64 at 250-427-4919 or [email protected] to purchase advance tickets, priced $22 for Kimberley Arts Council members, $24 non-members. Tickets at the door are $26 if there are any left.
Advance ticket holders can receive 10% off meals purchased on concert day at any one of five Kimberley restaurants. Doors open at 7.30 p.m. for bar service and seating. The concert starts at 8 p.m.
