FFWD Weekly
Copyright © 1997. All Rights Reserved.
SPLICE
by FFWD staffSigns of the Apocalypse
Anything yet???
Rock, Rhythm and Reels
Rock, Rhythm and Reels: Canada's East Coast Musicians on Stage (Ragweed Press) includes profiles and photographs of 47 artists representing the diverse influences of the Maritimes - from individuals to groups, from up-and-coming to internationally-acclaimed, from leading-edge to traditional.
The book features a wide variety of musicians, such as jazz artists Charles "Bucky" Adams and Holly Cole, folk artists Stompin' Tom Connors and Damhnait Doyle, a capella vocal group Four the Moment, Celtic quartet Great Big Sea, fiddlers Ashley MacIsaac and Natalie MacMaster, the well-known Rita McNeil, singer / songwriter Sarah McLachlan, Anne Murray, multiracial gospel Nova Scotia Mass Choir, The Rankin Family, Celtic rock artists Rawlins Cross, Sloan and others.
Editor Lee Fleming says the musicians were chosen from a list of more than 100 and are a wonderful combination that truly represents what is so exciting about East Coast music. The artists discuss their background and influences, how they came to be professional musicians and what their take was on the seemingly sudden success of East Coast musicians, as well as providing a funny or unusual anecdote from their careers. "This book chronicles a specific time and specific players in this region's musical development. It captures the thoughts and stories of some of the most important musicians at work right now," Fleming says.
Tales of the Mans
The first full-size self-published comic Tales of the Mans is now complete with three stories - Don't I'm Not Dead Yet, Lesson 117 and Evolution of Highbrow. Highbrow, the main character, lives in a home for the elderly located in a small building nestled downtown between a chemical plant and a candy factory. The story begins when Highbrow forgets to flick the switch indicating he is alive, so the clean-up crew prepares for death clean-up duty, or D-CUD. The comic also includes the evolution of the character, from the beginning sketches to the finished product.
Tales of the Mans is published by Skit Productions, P.O. Box 41445, Phoenix, Arizona, 85080. Cost is $2.95. Creator Denny Riccelli says the comic is a hobby and he is aiming for a quarterly schedule, so expect the next issue mid-summer.
Web watch
If you're looking for new releases or want to catch up on a favorite artist, check out the Nettwerk Productions home page on the Web. The site includes musicians recorded on the Vancouver company's independent label and / or under its management, such as Sarah McLachlan, Delirium, Skinny Puppy, Rose Chronicles and The Barenaked Ladies.
Each artist has a biography, photos, soundbytes and discography as well as up-to-date news and tour date information. The site also features new releases and catalogues of items available through mail order. For example, find out about the inspiration for some of Sarah McLachlan's songs, the development of her career from Touch to Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, her latest release B-Sides, Rarities and Other Stuff, the latest plans and confirmed artists for this year's Lilith Festival touring this summer in Canada and the US (McLachlan has confirmed her participation for the entire tour), and more.
NettWeb also has links to artist Web sites, such as the home page for The Barenaked Ladies, Moist and others, as well as other music sites.
Free stuff
Fast Forward has passes for the run of the film Kolya, nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and winner of a Golden Globe Award in the same category. The film, directed by Jan Sverak, the foremost member of Czech cinema's new wave, starts March 21 exclusively at the Globe. To win, see the ad in this issue for details.
We also have 10 double passes for the film Citizen Ruth directed by Alexander Payne, a black comedy starring Laura Dern that satirizes the fanaticism on both sides of the abortion debate. The film runs from March 21 to 27, see listings for show times. To win a pass, drop by FFWD with a donation for the food bank (cake frosting is not acceptable).
Fast Forward is holding a Ground Zero Contest - you could win a trip for two to Lake Louise, a White Elephant snowboard or one of the great Ground Zero prize packs. See the ad in this issue to find out about the contest and how to enter.
Also, Fast Forward is holding a Contact 3 Contest offering a chance to win two season tickets to the Calgary Hitmen, Easton hockey equipment and Contact 1, 2 and 3 CDs. See the ad in this issue for contest details.
We have a limited number of The University of Calgary Jazz Program's The Red Band CDs with SaxoFFonee and Naima. The band has also scheduled a performance - see listings for details. To win a free CD, drop by the FFWD office with a donation for the food bank.
This is the last week to win a pair of tickets to see one of the world's premiere acoustic guitarists, Martin Simpson. See the ad in this issue for details.
Back To Main Contents
Back To This Issue Table of Contents