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Event
John Reischman and the Jaybirds
The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present John Reischman and the Jaybirds in Concert Saturday March 23rd 2019
Like the powerful mandolinist and composer at its helm, John Reischman and the Jaybirds fashion a stylish take on bluegrass that seamlessly blends original songs and instrumentals with Appalachian old-time music for a truly unique band sound. Now in their 20th year, with seven acclaimed albums and two Juno nominations, the Jaybirds are simultaneously innovative and unadorned, sophisticated and stripped-down, happily old-fashioned and 21st-century contemporary.
Bluegrass Unlimited calls John Reischman one of the worlds undisputed masters of the mandolin, famed for outstanding tone and taste. Many of his dozens of original instrumentals have become popular favourites for sessions and covers, such as the jam standard Saltspring. He has three critically-acclaimed solo instrumental albums and has recorded on many other projects, including the Grammy-winning True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe. John also plays Latin-based jazz and choro music with highly regarded finger-style acoustic guitarist/composer John Miller; the duo has released three superb albums.
John began his career in the San Francisco Bay area in the early 80s with the eclectic Good Ol Persons bluegrass band. He was an original member of the legendary new acoustic quartet, the jazz-influenced Tony Rice Unit, renowned for highly skilled instrumentals. John moved to Vancouver in the early 90s and in 1999 formed the Jaybirds. Of their latest album, Folk Radio UK said On That Other Green Shore showcases an accomplished, experienced band at the peak of their powers, with musicianship of the very highest order. Peghead Nation called it one of the most beguiling bluegrass-rooted recordings of 2017.
Los Angeles, CA-based guitarist Patrick Sauber joined the Jaybirds in 2017. The veteran performer has played with, among others, Doc Watson, Richard Greene, John Jorgensen, Peter Rowan, Tim OBrien and John Fogerty. He played on the 2016 Grammy-nominated album The Hazel and Alice Sessions by Laurie Lewis, and appeared in the film A Mighty Wind with Christopher Guest. Bluegrass Unlimited describes Patricks playing on Johns tune Daylighting the Creek as a glorious flatpicking solo that hews back to the glory days of early bluegrass guitar.
Chilliwack, BC-based Trisha Gagnon is portrayed by Sing Out! as one of the most versatile and irresistible lead vocalists in bluegrass, her strong and distinctive style ranging from mournful and plaintive to hopeful and yearning. Trisha anchors what Dirty Linen magazine calls gorgeous three-part harmonies. Shes also known for songwriting, dating back to her early days with the award-winning B.C. bluegrass band Tumbleweed. Her solo album includes guests Vince Gill and Peter Rowan.
Nanaimo, BC-based Nick Hornbuckle has developed his own voice on the five-string banjo a two-finger roll unlike other contemporary banjo players. Nick Hornbuckles banjo can be downright spine-tingling, said the L.A Daily News. His solo album 12×2 (+/-1), was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award in 2015, and Nick is a composer who also digs for rare old-time gems. His sprightly instrumental Wellesley Station on the new Jaybird album showcases Nicks sharp picking and sense of melody, said Green Man Review.
Spokane, WA-based Greg Spatz is hailed as a world-class bluegrass fiddler by Fiddler Magazine. Audiophile Audition says Gregs virtuosic playing is flawlessly delivered time after time, while Bluegrass Unlimited says he lays down some seriously fine bluegrass fiddle on the latest Jaybirds release. His strong chops have made him a popular fixture down through the years on the West Coast, where hes played with iconic mandolinist Frank Wakefield, resophonic guitar master Rob Ickes, and many others including Laurie Lewis, Bryan Bowers, and Eli West and Cahalen Morrison. Greg also plays and records with Mighty Squirrel, has a solo album called Fiddlers Dream and a duo recording with his wife called All Along the Sea, and is an award-winning novelist
What Critics are saying about On That Other Green Shore
Melding hard-won bluegrass chops, great songwriting, superb ensemble playing, and a tight-knit sound many bands never achieve, John Reischman and the Jaybirds have forged a unique and utterly engaging style that should appeal to fans of first-generation bluegrass to those seeking more modern tones.
On That Other Green Shore is another classic album from John Reischman and the Jaybirds, filled with clever arrangements, class-leading singing and playing, wonderful originals, and fine interpretations of traditional tunes. The mountains that they call home may be along the Pacific Coast instead of Eastern Kentucky, but the music they play rings clear and true from sea to shining sea.
Bluegrass Unlimited
On That Other Green Shore showcases an accomplished, experienced band at the peak of their powers, with musicianship of the very highest order. The Jaybirds put their own particular stamp on bluegrass, old time and acoustic roots music, with a satisfying blend of traditional and modern styles, and they also give the impression that they really enjoy playing together. Theres plenty here to please both bluegrass traditionalists and lovers of modern American folk music, especially for those with an appreciation of great harmony singing as well as masterful instrumental playing.
Folk Radio U.K.
Reischman and his predominately British Columbia-and-Washington state-based Jaybirds..make effortless-sounding music that strikes its own balance of technical virtuosity and emotional honesty, and finds its own relaxed voice in a repertoire that comfortably embraces bluegrass and old-time classics, blues, gospel, original instrumentals and songs, and the Beatles.
.. one of the most beguiling bluegrass-rooted recordings of 2017, opens with the Nick Hornbuckle composition Wellesley Station taken at a medium clip, with banjo, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle rotating through the melody and investigating various permutations. Nothing feels rushed. That sense of ease comes through on the other instrumentalswhether the pace is slow or brisk. And it shapes the lead vocals and the tight-knit harmonies, as well. The elastic space between instruments allows your ears to swing from to another and delight in each.
The musical vision that propels the Jaybirds may be Reischmans, but there is no singular star here that outshines the other.
Derks Discoveries, Peghead Nation
Mandolinist John Reischman has largely kept his music-making within the broad outlines of the old-time and bluegrass tradition..One of his defining qualities as a bandleader is his willingness to let others shine, and on his latest album he does that very effectively.Theres a Beatles tune here along with some traditional and original fiddle tunes and vocal numbers, and all of it is excellent.
CD Hotlist
If you want solid, no-nonsense bluegrass music these days, you wont go wrong with any release by John Reischman and The Jaybirds. Their latest release On That Other Green Shore is no exception. Bluegrass, oldtime, gospel, multi-part harmonies, danceable instrumentals, even a Beatles cover as usual, The Jaybirds do it all just right.
The Green Man Review
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LocationCalgary Irish Culture Centre (View)
6452 35 Ave NW
Calgary, AB T3B 1S6
Canada
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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