Even after our thorough spring clean of the GDW Video Vault just a couple of weeks ago, a cursory glance at the manifest shows that we have several new submissions for your viewing pleasures. We’re noticing an influx of clips from some of our favorite fellas, so we’ll focus on them today – given that our last installment swung slightly in favor of the ladies. And yes, given that we acknowledged “May the Fourth” this past weekend, we’re cribbing off those popular Hollywood sci-fi movies with our makeshift tag line here today (substitute ‘the force’ with ‘the twang’).
Jake Vaadeland, “More And More”
There’s some hot country music coming out of Saskatchewan right now, and Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys are at the forefront, mixing old-school country charm with bluegrass and rockabilly elements to deliver both nostalgia and toe-tapping delights. On many occasions I have considered the SK country scene to be the Nashville of the North, and with the continuance of this timeless music originating from this western province, I stand firmly behind that statement.
The Denim Daddies, “Livin’ On The Road”
Not to be outdone by their SK neighbors, Edmonton, AB alt-country band The Denim Daddies recently shared their latest “Northern Goods” album and demonstrate the incredible energy and authentic country-rock that this emerging band have quickly earned a solid reputation for delivering consistently. This mini movie for “Livin’ On the Road” may provide images of wintry weather, but the up-tempo beat and electrifying sounds here will warm up any space in no time – hot beverages not necessary.
Kyle McKearney ft Trey Hensley, “Lonesome”
We’re sticking around in Alberta for a little while longer to demonstrate further proof that this province is lighting up the country music scene right now, this time courtesy of Airdrie, AB (and Métis Canadian) alt-country artist Kyle McKearney. Teaming up here with legendary bluegrass musician Trey Hensley (Johnny Cash) on this latest single, “Lonesome,” this potent combination of Kyle’s strong vocal presence and Trey’s off-the-charts picking skills results in possibly the finest bluegrass tune this year to date.
Corb Lund, “Out On A Win (Cabin Session)”
Given this ad-hoc focus on Alberta and male country artists, it would be incredibly impolite to exclude a clip from popular Taber, AB singer-songwriter Corb Lund from this feature. Having enjoyed one of Corb’s live performances back in March as he toured his “El Viejo” album, a memorable moment from that show was the inclusion of “Out On A Win,” a tune Lund described as possibly the first country and western mixed martial arts song “about an old guy who wanted a local shot of glory.”
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
