Random Music in Unfamiliar Cities

This weekend I found myself in Calgary for a convention which is completely unrelated to this post except that it brought me to Broken City for a show on Friday night. I needed something to do and figured supporting live music was a good bet. I dined alone huddled under a heater upstairs until the folks from The Dojo Workhorse came upstairs. It is interesting how drawing someone can force you to remember them because I picked every one of them out immediately. Some polite hellos and the show began downstairs. We thought it best to join since that is what we were all here for.

Eamon McGrath was the opening act. I recognized the album art immediately and couldn’t help but pick it up. In my precariously placing myself where the sound is the best I found myself beside the merch table. The gent standing behind it at one point asked me if I might watch the table while he took a leak. No prob. Done deal. Turns out that he was the base player for the next act up Mohawk Lodge. A conversation goes on about who is going to stand at said merch table while they are playing and the job oddly enough falls to yours truly. Turns out the sound was better when you are actually behind the merch table. Works for me.

Now I strongly suggest that you check out Mohawk Lodge if you have not heard of them (I hadn’t). Ryder Havdale is a sincere and genuine artist who brings folk, acoustic and rock alternative together into an album that will be sure to stay near the top of your bedroom shelf. His is a powerful voice that reaches out and speaks the truth of what’s in his heart. The music is bare and honest (unlike the live show but much like the artist). It reminds me a little of emergent rock of the late 80s and early 90s.

In the process of selling their merchandise I got to learn a lot about the band and it’s progression. After listening to their albums I have to declare my favorite their first titled ‘Rare Birds’. The cover is adorned with a haunting and beautiful photo taken by Rob Josephson (percussion). The photo is a view from the cabin where the album was recorded. Ryder was kind enough to tell me a little story about how it all came to be. “The whole thing was recorded with me on that couch.” he says to me pointing to the back of the album where Ryder can be seen sitting on a long old couch. He had injured his back and was trying to recover. “Me and Rob took turns playing and taping, he would play short sections at a time and we’d just loop it over and over.” They recorded the whole thing themselves a real ‘homemade’ record. It is a beautiful piece of work that speaks to the groups beginnings and one I will treasure for sure.

The evening closed off with a great set from The Dojo Workhorse, a local Calgary favorite. These guys somehow combine 7 instruments and manage to not make it sound like noise. The group is full of talent. Lead singer Dan Vacon from The Dude’s (another Calgary favorite) is joined by several other Dudes members, Brent Gough (keys) and Clea Foofat (cello). The sound is soft, complex, fun and melodic. If you have opportunity check out their first album because you can expect to hear from them in the future.

And on a final side note I rock at selling merchandise. You can just ask Ryder and Paul.

Tags: broken city, calgary, mohawk lodge, music, the dojo workhorse, venue