Music lovers in the Cowichan Valley are in for a treat in early January, when John Reischman will perform in Chemainus with his new band, the Pine Siskins.
The group will be at the Chemainus Legion Hall Saturday, Jan. 4 at 7:30 p.m. The doors will open at 7 p.m., and tickets are $15.
As one of the acoustic music world’s top-ranked mandolin players and composers, veteran artist John Reischman is renowned for his exquisite taste, tone and impeccable musicianship.
As an original member of the legendary Tony Rice Unit, Reischman helped to define the new acoustic instrumental scene in the early 1980s, with appearances on the band’s groundbreaking Rounder albums Still Inside and Backwaters. He cemented his reputation touring and recording for many years with the Bay Area’s eclectic Good Ol’ Persons.
Reischman has just released a new solo CD titled Walk Along, John. He has recruited some very special musicians to showcase the new music.
It will be a wonderful experience, enjoying an artist of the stature of John Reischman, accompanied by this group of award-winning performers.
Seattle’s Eli West is one half of the highly acclaimed Northwest duo Cahalen Morrison & Eli West. He is an adventurous soloist equally adept at playing fiddle tunes and slow ballads. His rhythm playing features unusual and sophisticated chord voicings that strongly support the melody. Also adept at bouzouki, mandolin, and clawhammer banjo, he finds his musical identity in collaboration, and has created music in the Northwest with Reischman, Tony Furtado, and many others.
Trent Freeman can play everything from groove-based, old-time tunes to melodically intricate modern jazz. He excels at playing backup to the other soloists, incorporating lush double stops and a propulsive rhythmic chop.
The recipient of numerous awards, Freeman has a broad range of experience and is a well-respected and sought-after session musician. His Rock Paper Scissors album, an all-original endeavour, won him the 2012 Canadian Folk Music Award. Freeman has toured and recorded with many bands and artists such as the Wailin Jennys, Jessie Farrell, The Griffins, Wyclef Jean, The Fretless and many others.
Patrick Metzger’s bass playing exhibits a robust tone and solid groove coupled with a fine melodic sense. A fixture of the Vancouver roots music scene, he is at home playing a wide range of styles from jazz and rock to folk, bluegrass and old time. Metzger performs regularly with a wide range of artists, from the Western Swing of Petunia and the Vipers and jazz pianist Bruno Hubert to the haunting folk-noir group The Abramson Singers.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Jan. 4 in Chemainus. You can buy tickets online. For more information, call 250-246-1389 or e-mail showtickets@sherpress.com.
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