Looking Forward II

Continuing with looking in to 2015, as we did last week…the new year just seems to be brighter and a stronger start in the world of Hard Rock and Symphonic Rock.  Plus, something started by the President of Frontiers Records seems to be catching on with other Artists—the unlikely pairing of varied Talents creating some fresh and exciting music:

That unique singer, Russell Allen of Symphony X & Adrenaline Mob has teamed up with one of Europe’s most prolific musicians—the one and only Mat Sinner—creating a musical masterpiece that will kick off 2015 with fire!  “Level 10” is a true uniting of the masterful creative minds of these two monster Talents!  These two got to work on forging a sound that takes the aggression of Adrenaline Mob and melting it in to the more straight forward Sonics of Primal Fear.  The result?—a powerful, yet understated slice of traditional Hard Rock that will restore the faith that this style of music hasn’t gone by the wayside.  “Level 10” may have started as an experiment and an album project, however I predict that the impact of this effort will certainly have Allen and Mat thinking of a more permanent musical marriage! 

Another pairing, and another unlikely subject set to music is the very unique Rock Opera, “Swing Of Death”-the partial story of Dracula.  Jorn Lande, that legendary vocalist out of Norway has teamed with the fluid guitarist of Wig Wam-Mr. Trond Holter!  Both have created, written and arranged a new Rock Opera on the historic figure of Count Vlad the III, the Prince of Wallachia.  Not only have these two put a different twist on this historic tale, but Jorn acts as Dracula within this musical tale!  The music…again, not your typical operatic piece.  The songs are all self contained, yet stay connected and are presented without long instrumental passages.  More straight up, powerful Rock with melodic choruses and where the message of the songs come right to the point!  This may not be to everyone’s liking—however, with the amount of creative substance and the various Talents involved, “Swing Of Death” is yet another sign of high level collaboration from musicians that we normally don’t think would get together.

So, as we enter in to a new year, just a sneak peek in to what I’m working on:  The Okanagan area still has a rich and varied music scene, and one that is quite dynamic!  In future columns, we will talk with and profile some well known musicians of the area, and some not so well known!  I hope to have some news on past groups that I have written about, namely the Flu and Fields Of Green—what, if anything, are they up to—can we expect new material or new versions of the groups.  Hopefully, we will have some stories on the business side of the local music scene, what does it take to promote an event, going inside some of the recording facilities that are in the area, and find out if the rumour is true that a new independent label is about to be launched with its headquarters’ being in Kelowna!

So, with all of that I wish to leave you with a very big Happy New Year and a big thank-you in supporting this column…it has been an honour bringing this to you each and every week.

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Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

The Blue Gator:  Papa Wheely:    January 2^nd & 3^rd   Poppa Dawg-(Blues Night):  Jan. 7^th                          Hank Stallion:  Jan. 8^th    Zamboni Brothers:  Jan. 15^th   Jimmy LeGuilloux:  Jan. 16^th & 17^th

Fernando’s Pub:  Wild Son:  January 2^nd

Flashback’s Nite Club:  Elliott Brood:  Feb. 12^th

Minstrel Café:   Zamboni  Brothers:  Jan. 3^rd   Bruce Spencer:  Jan. 7^th

O’Flannigan’s Pub:    Rockaholicks:  Jan. 9^th & 10^th   Young’uns:  Jan. 16^th & 17^th

Notable Concerts:   

Prospera  Place:    Bryan Adams:  January 15^th  2015   The Tragically Hip:  Feb. 7^th 2015    Diana Krall:    May 12^th

Kelowna Community Theatre:    Jonny Lang:   March 13^th   Colin James:  March 28^th

South Okanagan Events Centre:   Celtic Thunder:  March 13^th-2015   Marilyn Manson:  March 28^th    Def Leppard:  April 15^th

 

   …if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  [email protected]  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.