Flow by Nua: The Great Sound Of The Outdoors

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Flow is a follow-up to their highly acclaimed debut album Bold. And they satisfy music fans once again!

I have the habit of bringing my huge speakers outside while chilling in my hammock. This happens every morning because I work at night.On most days the music consist of Spotify playlist-the current stuff, whither its chilled or lively tunes. There are days when I like playing Celtic music because it is good to listen to when it rains.

So I pumped up the copy of Flow which is the newest album by Canadian trio Nua. I got a positive reaction from people who happened to be nearby when they heard the tracks off the album. My cousin who was in the kitchen remarked that the music makes her want to dance, without being intrusive or noisy. She has a point. The trio have always maintained a minimal approach in their sound while maintaining that positive and uplifting style. Flow is not an exception. The tracks all go together and they have this fresh, clean and golden feeling in them.

Why golden? The music reminds me of the outdoors. It’s like sunrise against your face when you wake up in the morning. James M Law has really established his  emotional style of fiddling underneath the controlled delivery. Graeme McGillivray has a kind of playing style where his guitar sounds whispy, almost transparent. Jacob McCauley(who is my bodhran hero) has maintained that expressive mastery of the instrument that talks to you. If percussion can speak, then that has got to be the way he plays.

Flow promises to satisfy traditional music fans. The album has twelve tracks. The range of styles explored are Jazz, folk and world. There is something here for everyone. Even if you are not  hard core trad/instrumental fan , you will like Flow as proven by the reaction I got from bystanders. It is hard to choose a favourite as all tracks are beautiful in their own way. But Wide Open is a good introduction to the mood of the whole album. Like I said, Flow is the sound of the outdoors, the sound singing streams and the dance of sunlight against your face. Smuggler Cove is also a favourite due to the interesting arrangement. I don’t know if Ghostrider was inspired by the film but hey, whatever floats their boat right? Law, McGillivray and McCauley have created another masterpiece that will stand the test of time. Time to grab the album and share it with everyone.

Visit: http://www.trionua.com for more info about the trio.

www.tristanlegg.com getting a makeover

 

http://www.tristanlegg.com/

That’s it. Bigger Man was an an indication for bigger and better things to come from  Canadian singer songwriter Tristan Legg. His gig calendar is also full for the month of April. More shows are coming up next month.

Tristan Legg

Tristan Legg

He is known for his strong voice and passionate live performances. His influences range from bluegrass, Celtic, folk and rock. Apart from his amiable stage presence and excellent charisma, he also represents the beautiful thriving music of Eastern Canada. His favorite quote is “you know how to read music right? u know what a rest is…? trying using it every now and then” by John Ferguson.

When asked about his musical influences, this is what he has to say:

“My influences range from blues great’s such as B.B. king. Stevie Ray, Garrett Mason,Eric Clapton but also great celtic artist as the Pogues, Gerry O’conner, Planxty, Christy Moore.
Some local artists that have also influenced me not just musically but personally are Darren McMullen, Roger Stone, John Ferguson, Anthony Rissesco, Bruce Timmins, my father and the Gig Dogs. There are also many other great local artist’s that have had a great influence on me which i’am very thankfull for.”

We just have to wait and see for more musical goodies from Tristan Legg. In the meantime, enjoy the two videos below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pluwa5zHgL8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S0m45HV3qg

 

Canadian Violinist Exposed!

You gotta love them in any form and style. What’s our community without the violin? James Marks is making a name for himself as a musician who makes progressive contemporary music by taking influences from everywhere. At a young age, he performed onstage with his hero Ashley MacIsaac and also recorded an album with The Irish Rovers.

Audio samples here

http://www.myspace.com/jamesppk

http://www.jamesmarkmusic.com

Upcoming Performances

Vancouver Island Symphony
Date : Oct 23, 2010
Location : Port Theatre
Notes : Saturday, October 23, 2010 7:30PM Pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. Port Concert Q & A following the performance Guest Artist: Angela Cheng, piano

Vancouver Island Symphony
Date : Nov 20-Nov 21, 2010
Location : Port Theatre
Notes : A Tribute to Boston Pops Saturday November 20, 2010 7:30 p.m. AND Sunday November 21, 2010 2:00 p.m. Tickets $18-$48

Ashley MacIsaac (on the pic) proved to be one of his heroes