Perfecting his craft through extensive touring and live performances for a number of years now, Owen Steel has dedicated the past year to capturing his music in proper physical form, and the payoff is well worth the wait. The album was recorded by Fredericton based engineer Evan Hansen (The Olympic Symphonium, Weak Size Fish) at ‘Salty Towers’ in St. Andrews, N.B, and features appearances from some of the regions’ most prominent performers (A.G. Olmstead, Tom Easley, Kelly Waterhouse, etc.). Upon the albums release in early March, Owen Steel ‘et al’ will for the first time tour from coast to coast, in the most appropriate of ways; playing shows onboard VIA rail trains from Halifax to Vancouver, with stops along the way. Since the world around him inspires his music so much, it’s entirely fitting that Owen be playing his music as the gorgeous landscape and scenery of the Canadian wilderness rushes by.

It’s been a long but steady climb since FATHEAD’s debut CD in 1995, and the band has been tearing it up on the North American festival circuit ever since - winning over new fans every time they play - making FATHEAD one of the country’s top roots acts. Signed to the world renowned ELECTRO-FI RECORDS’ imprint, their latest release “BUILDING FULL OF BLUES” garnered them a second coveted JUNO AWARD (Canada’s “GRAMMY”) in 2008 for “Blues Recording Of The Year”.

That they have been described as a Blues Tour De Force comes as no surprise. Georgia-raised lead singer JOHN MAYS has had a storied career that began in the Southern gospel tradition, crossing over into Doo-Wop, R&B and Blues, not to mention a stint with the Godfather Of Soul JAMES BROWN. Hooking up with band leader AL LERMAN (harp and saxophone) in Toronto some years later, FATHEAD’s core has remained constant since 1992, offering ace musicianship, soul stirring harmonies and incendiary live performances. The writing tandem of Lerman and bassist OMAR TUNNOCH have produced an impressive body of work that has enjoyed time on the US, European and Canadian music charts. Guitar ace TEDDY LEONARD (who left the band in 2006) is back and better than ever, along with iconic drummer BUCKY BERGER. Elements of funk, soul, and R&B are fused into the group’s strong blues backbone, creating a fresh sound that is immediately recognizable as their own.

Tom Savage

Tom Savage writes songs that make people stand up and take notice. Tales of love and loss lay the groundwork for many of his compositions, but Savage is not afraid to tackle social and political issues in his writing as well.” What I try to do when I’m writing a song is to leave it open-ended enough for the audience to interpret in their own way, but at the same time, get my point across on some level.”

Musically, Savage draws from a diverse range of influences. His early days covering Neil Young songs in the band Too Far Gone, and twanging out the Rockabilly sounds of Elvis Presley and Gene Vincent in The Cronies, have left an undeniable imprint on Savage’s style. “As an artist, I believe that my style is the cumulative result of everything I’ve ever heard or played.”

Savage’s singing style has drawn comparisons to a wide variety of artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Fred Eaglesmith, Warren Zevon, Steve Earle, etc.

Tom Savage has recorded two albums, Day-To-Day Truths (1999) and Brand Of Sympathy (2001), and has just released his latest effort, Never Shed No Tears.

Show starts at 9pm - $3 cover

The Brothers Chaffey have been singing together for just over 2 years as a group, but these two Ottawa based musicians are, in fact, actual brothers. Matthew Chaffey sings lead vocal and plays rhythm guitar, while his brother Curtis Chaffey plays lead guitar and sings vocals as well. The two have been writing songs for years, but it was not until 2005 that they moved forward with recording and releasing these songs.

2007 finds them reorganizing their recordings for a new CD to showcase their folk, blues and roots influenced songwriting and their rock, country sound. This newest challenge will also allow them to tour Ontario and create a larger fan base.

Matthew Chaffey’s soulful vocal sound moves comfortably through many different styles and his well rooted guitar playing keeps the songs grounded and driving. Accompanied by his younger brother, Curtis’s cool-handed telecaster twang adds country textures to songs like “Baby, Ooh Baby” and “Come Back to Me” then changes gears with tasteful blues solos on “You’ve Got to Be Strong” and “The Phone”.

Their rock ‘n roll, country blues sound comes from an appreciation of traditional North American music styles and their experiences fronting acts on the road regionally and nationally. The Brothers had a chance to try out a few new songs, as well as previously recorded tracks at this year’s NXNE Festival when they played at the Dakota Tavern, to a warm crowd reaction.

Come and celebrate St Patty’s day with us at O’Reilly’s!