Hold Your Fiddles; There is Another Music Scene in Cape Breton.

Growing up in Ontario I have had the pleasure of being exposed to all kinds on new start-up music. Playing music from a very young age I have had the pleasure of surrounding myself with great musicians and music enthusiasts (yes you Barry King and you Mike Kelly) that were willing to share. Cutting edge bands, rich lyrics, melodic catchiness.

My honest ignorant stereotype of Cape Breton music was either traditional Celtic music or contemporary renditions done by the likes of Ashley MacIsaac and his many followers, or cultural work songs in the spirit of Rita MacNeil that had a presence of polished honesty and purity to them. There are many great artists in this genre, and I promise to cover them in the near future. Every now and then I would hear something a little and different that would peak my interest through the rare coverage of the East Coast Music Awards that turned my head. What the heck was going on out there anyway?

I have to say that this other music scene has been one of the most enlightening and refreshing parts of my experience living in Cape Breton. The music is hardly Celtic or pure in nature. It has deep cultural overtones of the hardship of living here, coupled with major musical talent (everyone seems to play an instrument!) mixed with an artistic liberal flair. It is truly a breeding ground for all sorts of fresh sounds, in a time where everything on the radio has been sounding the same for an awful long time.

One of the most important elements of music is how easy it is to share. It is a way of bringing people together, defining one as an individual, conjuring memories or pushing people apart. It would be a real shame if I couldn’t share what I have experienced with friends in Ontario and celebrate with friends in Cape Breton. I am highlighting my top 5 acts that I have had the pleasure of listening to since I’ve been on the island. Here we go!


5. Crowdis Bridge

Crowdis Bridge put a unique spin on traditional bluegrass and folk music. In a cruel and complex world their music reminds me of simpler times but with very clever lyrics and music breaks.

This Cape Breton trio of multi-instrumentalists has been entertaining across the Maritimes since 2008. Their latest album “The Seasons & The Rhymes” explores universal themes of heartache, happiness and everything in between.

The three piece band is incredibly tight and really drive their passion through their music.

Here is a sample:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYoS7DIHz4I&noredirect=1

4. Black Tooth Grin


Black Tooth Grin have a clever, creepy and rich sound. Like what you would here if the monsters from Where the Wild Things Are showed up at your local tavern.

They have an interesting blues/ hard rock mix that is pretty unique.

Black Tooth Grinn has just released their debut album “Self Titled” in January 2014. The eight song album is a perfect introduction to the band, folk tales at heart that feel dangerous to your ears.

Check them out here:

https://www.reverbnation.com/blacktoothgrinncb

3. Jonathan Kanary

Jonathan Kanary is a local solo artist that has been a fixture of Governer’s Pub. I guess I was most taken by his unique song arrangements, voice and great lyrics. We really need to jam sometime!

https://www.reverbnation.com/jonathankanary

3. Colette Deveaux

Another fixture at Governors (where you go to find original music and up and coming talent in Cape Breton!) Colette blew me away with her acoustic rhythms and powerful voice. She is certainly someone who deserves much more exposure because she is ultra super talented!

She also needs to post more music, or at least tell me where I can find more!

https://www.reverbnation.com/colettemdeveaux

2. Pretty Archie

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I first went to see Pretty Archie. I kept hearing stories of some poor kindred spirit that would entertain people in Glace Bay. The name is a tribute to this fella. What I ended up experiencing was magic.

A deep and genuine folk (yes real folk!) sound. Brian Cathcart has one of the best voices I have heard in a long time. I could honestly listen to these guys all night, every night. Rich lyrics. Makes you want to put on your dancing shoes. They really know how to warm up the room.

Listen!

http://prettyarchie.com/

1. Carmen Townsend


Where do I start. Carmen is perhaps better known than the other acts on here. Anyone who listens to her performances can clearly tell she puts everything she has into her music. She treats every performance like it is her last, and brings you along for the journey. I have heard her with her full band and in a solo set a number of times. You get lost in her music. She has one of the most magical and powerful voices. This is pure rock, in the purest form. There is no heartache. Just satisfaction and goodness.

Rock and roll is alive and well and I feel alive!

https://www.youtube.com/user/carmentownsendvids

______________________________________________________________

This is by no means an exhaustive list. It is a start. I have had the pleasure of listening to so many bands in the last year. Cape Breton really promotes and showcases what it has to offer, and it has a lot. These folks deserve as much exposure as we can give them!

Chris Bellemore is a blogger from Ontario that moved to Cape Breton Island and is logging his experiences in this strange and wonderful place.

https://www.facebook.com/chris.bellemore

https://soundcloud.com/crispbellemono

Posted by
Receive news by email and share your news and events for free on goCapeBreton.com
SHOW ME HOW


5,383 12
https://capebreton.lokol.me/hold-your-fiddles-there-is-another-music-scene-in-cape-breton-w
A&E Music Directory Performers, Entertainers Musicians People Blogs & Opinions

12

Log In or Sign Up to add a comment.
Depth
Richard Lorway Follow Me
Thanks, Chris. I haven't heard of some of these acts and will check them out. Yes, Carmen is a force of nature, I agree.
Mathew Georghiou Follow Me
Nice post ... we have Featured it on the home page and shared on Facebook too.
Chris Bellemore My Post Follow Me
Thanks so much.
Steven Rolls Follow Me
Hey Chris. The coolest thing about the Cape Breton music scene is that everyone plays in at least 2 bands (and their band's sound is rarely the same). The scene really got started in the 90s with acts like Rock Ranger and Slow Coaster thanks to great support from the House of Rock (and I mean the actual house, not the management company). I was in the Northend and was an open door to musicians, local or touring. They would jam together, and intermingle styles, influences, and even band members creating an open and engaging atmosphere. If you really want to get lost for a few hours, check out the Cape Radio youtube channel. ww.youtube.com/user/caperradio/videos
Chris Bellemore My Post Follow Me
That is a great story Steven. Someone should write some history on it. I have really enjoyed immersing myself in the scene over the last 6 months. Some great sounds that often don't reach to other parts of the country.
What's Goin On Team Follow Me
What's Goin On magazine started in 1995 and has chronicled some of this history. Since that was 20 years ago now, we will be posting articles from the archives through the Summer. In the meantime, you can go to whatsgoinon.ca and search through the articles that have already been posted.
Chris Bellemore My Post Follow Me
Wow. Great. Definitely going to check it out
David Rae Follow Me
Black Tooth Grinn...Neil Young & Crazy Horse influenced? Where do these guys play?
Chris Bellemore My Post Follow Me
All over. Keep an eye out for them!
James MacKinnon Follow Me
There's also some great up and coming talent on the electronic music scene. Jake Florian, Mecca, Khris O'Neil to name a few. Tends to attract the younger demographic, but the energy and skill that comes through in some of their shows gets the body moving. Wouldn't be surprised to see these guys playing at Evolve or bigger venues in the future.
Chris Bellemore My Post Follow Me
There is a good scene playing heavier stuff too. And country if you are into that. This is more of the type of music I can appreciate and what I write and play.
Kel donovan Follow Me
Fiddle is king here in the Cape!the fiddle sound alone can be found no where else.These bands are great too,but with a different feel.The bluegrass sound is sweet and u can't beat folk,but come on........you can search any where u want,but the sound of the scot and the Irish fiddle over Cape Breton will never be beat!

Facebook Comments

View all the LATEST
and HOTTEST posts
View

Share this comment by copying the direct link.

  • Our Sponsors

Using this website is subject to the Terms of Use that contain binding contractual terms.