A familiar sight in jazz clubs and crowded bar rooms, the A.W. Cardinal Trio is on the road heading west and will be at Lorenzo’s Cafe in Ashton Creek on Jan. 21
Led by Alexander Wesley Cardinal, a Métis of Cree heritage who was born in Rocky Mountain House, Alta., the trio also features Jasmine Ohlhauser and Matt Durie.
Together the group has a sound largely influenced by old jazz swing, blues, delta, folk and ragtime and artists such as Lonnie Johnson, Eddie Lang, Blind Willie Mctell, Skip James and Django Reinhardt.
A songwriter and guitarist with an ability to perform a vast repertoire of original songs either solo or with a full band, Cardinal was introduced to blues and jazz first hand from professional live musicians in clubs in Montreal and New York City, where he has devoted a good part of his life.
His latest album, Stainless Steel Heart, features contemporary folk and indie artists such as Canadian Kevin Drew, while his first album, Cella Chest, was compared to early Tom Waits.
Cardinal has shared the stage and performed with many artists over the years, including Juno award winner D.J. Drace, Wyckham Porteous, guitarist Paul Pigat, B.W. Brandes and others.
He has charted in many cities across Canada on Earshot, college radio, and hit number one on CJSW Radio in Calgary.
Cardinal will be joined by bassist Ohlhauser, a multi–faceted artist and performer originally from the Badlands of Alberta.
Ohlhauser has toured extensively over the years with various bands. She collaborated, performed and recorded with Canadian music legends Bill Bourne and Wyckham Porteous in the Bop Ensemble as well as with Paul Pigat, Andrew Loog Oldham, Dave Rave, Tanya Tagaq, David GoGo, Simon Kendall, Madagascar Slim, Treasa Levasseur and Peter Yarrow.
She has been known to skateboard, hula hoop and play trombone at the same time, and says she loves Black Sabbath and Memphis Minnie.
The A.W. Cardinal Trio plays at Lorenzo’s, 901 Mabel Lake Rd. east of Enderby, Monday, Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. Cover is $10. Call 250-838-6700 for reservations.
