CMW 2013 – THE FELDMAN AGENCY SHOWCASE – THE RIVOLI
THE FELDMAN AGENCY SHOWCASE – CMW 2013
The Rivoli March 21, 2013
I was thrilled to finally catch Blackie Jackett Jr playing a full set during Canadian Music Week. They were the surprise guests, along with Treble Charger, during The Feldman Agency Showcase at the Rivoli.
When I arrived, new pop-rock act Eleven Past One were on stage – their name didn’t strike a familiar chord with me, then they broke into their radio hit “The World Is Ours” and the crowd started singing along like we were driving down the highway with the windows down and the car stereo blasting.
Every year I have a guilty pleasure, a band that would surprise me if they had staying power in this rough industry – but I still enjoy dancing along to; this year it’s Eleven Past One. They have common, up beat and poppy songs with a mature sound and catchy lyrics. I was immediately reminded of the famous Brit bad boys – The Wanted. They seemed to have a small loyal following at the club during this evening, which was refreshing to see.
While at the showcase, I stumbled upon another indie band, The Zola’s – this band has a solid cult following and I’ve had the pleasure of hearing before. Their songs resonate with being in your mid 20′s, standing on the cusp of the unknown – doused in a lively indie sound. Just a two-piece band, it’s hard to draw your eyes and ears away from their live sets, which to me give you a better feel of their music than their recordings.
The joy that rushed through my body when Blackie Jackett Jr hit the stage cannot be accurately described in words. Featuring Finger Eleven members, James Black and Rick Jackett, they’ve expanded to a full old school country band, Twangy banjo and all. It’s hard to stand still while they’re belting out tunes as catchy as Whiskey and Tears without clapping your hands, stomping your hands and singing along at the top of your lungs.
You find yourself with a goofy smile smacked across your face as all the problems you have sink to the bottom of a glass of whiskey, during their cover of Shel Silverstein’s “I Got Stoned and I Missed It”. With the beautiful Sandra Dee also on vocals that compliment James Black’s voice, Blackie Jackett Jr are much more than just a country side project of a rock band – they’re the perfect band to enjoy on a night out with your friends. They’re also, in my opinion, one of the best throwbacks to retro country around today.
The last band I caught during this showcase is an oldie. I’m talking your junior high angst filled pop punk phase old. Revived last year around the same time for the 2012 SIRIUSXM Indie Awards, Treble Charger took the small stage around midnight to a packed crowd. Taking the front were original members, Greig Nori and Bill Priddle, who were joined by Jason Pierce on drums (drummer for Paramore, Justin Bieber, Carly Rae Jepsen, Raine Maida, Dallas Green and more) – they tore through a well put together, but short nostalgic set.
It’s been a while since the NC17 days, first released back in 1994, however; there has been ‘talk’ of the band heading back into the studio in early spring. Will this be the start of their first full-length album in 11 years? I kinda hope so.
More Photos from the showcase can be found right here
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