On The Beat

Whiteman Apostle

APOSTLE OF HUSTLE: Acclaimed local collective BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE just keeps on spawning fascinating side projects. Apostle is the brainchild of BSS guitarist/singer ANDREW WHITEMAN, and they've just released a brilliant debut CD, Folkloric Feel (on Arts & Crafts). It was launched with two shows at Clinton's, and the vibrant material shone in performance. The AOH sound defies categorization, veering from instrumentals to Latin-accented tunes and fiery yet tuneful guitar rock. The presence of a Latin dancer added sizzle to some songs, while BSS' BRENDAN CANNING and KEVIN DREW and producer DAVE NEWFELD all guested with the core trio. Their ace drummer, JUSTIN PEROFF, told On The Beat that Apostle Of Hustle will soon open for FEIST (another guest on their CD) on a major French tour. They'll go down a treat.

CIRQUE DE SOLEIL: Their two-decade long transition from Montreal street performers to international mega-corporation (3,000 employees!) is a fascinating one. A new chapter in the Cirque saga is now being written with the formation of their own record label, Cirque de Soleil Musique. Music has always been a crucial part of their performances, and the label should flourish. It is off to a great start with its 20th anniversary compilation, Le Best Of, CD already going gold in Canada. A recent lavish media launch at Centro included a performance by some Cirque musicians.

MUSICWORKS: Congratulations to this local magazine on its 26th anniversary. Musicworks is dedicated to exploring the work of Canada's new music composers, and for this anniversary they have commissioned original postcards from 26 of those composers/artists. They include the illustrious likes of MICHAEL SNOW, JOHN OSWALD and PAUL DUTTON, and the result is a delightfully creative set. A limited edition of signed sets is available via www.musicworks.ca.

NOJO: Good to see a full house at the recent Rex appearance of this city's most adventurous and accomplished big band. NOJO were joined by special guest, New York City jazz legend SAM RIVERS. He is featured on the new NOJO disc, City Of Neighbourhoods, and the 81-year old was in spirited form on such tunes as "The Human Blockhead." Guitarist and co-leader MICHAEL OCCHIPINTI kept proceedings moving nicely.

NEW RELEASES: Great to hear new material from local power pop heroes LOWEST OF THE LOW. Sordid Fiction (out on Maple Music) confirms the strength of their melodies and the superior lyrics of RON HAWKINS ("You're saddled with that Cadillac heart. So beautiful, but is it so smart?"). You can always expect the unexpected from BJORK, as the Icelandic diva confirms with her new disc, Medulla (on Warner). It is primarily built around the human voice, with Bjork's distinctive vocals complemented by the likes of Anglo genius ROBERT WYATT, RAHZEL ("the human beatbox"), MIKE PATTON (FAITH NO MORE) and Inuit throat singer TAGAQ. The concept doesn't always work, but there are moments of stunning beauty, and her creative courage has to be applauded. Marital bliss with DIANA KRALL has not slowed the always-prolific ELVIS COSTELLO, who has just released two new albums simultaneously. Have yet to hear the classical disc, but am enjoying the rootsy The Delivery Man (on Lost Highway). He's joined by his band THE IMPOSTERS and the two best female voices in American country, LUCINDA WILLIAMS and EMMYLOU HARRIS. Always a man of impeccable taste, Elvis. The album is not quite up to the heights of When I Was Cruel, but is a worthy effort nevertheless. The Dubya-bashing "Bedlam" is a highlight.

UPCOMING: JAZZ FOR HERBIE is a very worthy benefit concert in support of the Herbie Fund, one that makes surgery at Sick Kids Hospital available to ill children from around the globe. It takes place at The REX (on Queen West) on Oct. 30, from 1:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. and features RON DAVIS and singer LEAH STATE (who are producing the event), PHIL NIMMONS, JOE SEALY and plenty of special guests. Local rockers ACEFACE launch their strong new Fading Ways CD, Threat Level: Redwhiteblue, with a gig at the Mod Club Theatre on Oct. 12. The always reliable ALFIE ZAPPACOSTA showcases his vocal virtuosity with an 'Unplugged' performance at The Living Arts Centre in Mississauga on Oct. 15th. Lovers of choral music will want to mark Oct. 16th on their calendars. That is when the acclaimed AMADEUS CHOIR celebrates its 30th anniversary with a concert at the George Weston Recital Hall (5040 Yonge St.). The NOVA AMADEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF ROME will be accompanying the choir in this opening concert of their 2004-05 season.

Publication Date: 2004-10-10
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=4493