Diamonds in the Rough : Headwater, Harlen Pepper, Tariq and more

CBC Radio 3 has recently launched a recurring playlist challenge, the "ehList," which switches themes every week. For the past week, the challenge was to create a "diamonds in the rough" playlist, which would recommend undiscovered or underplayed artists to the staff at Radio 3. Naturally, I compiled a list of a few artists who have piqued my interest. Some old, some new, some borrowed, some blue. Although I haven't been able to devote blog time to many of these artists, I hope to remedy that now... Take a listen and let me know what you think!

Here's one of those artists, Headwater, whom I had the pleasure of catching outside on the CBC Vancouver Plaza on a bright summer day. So pretty much the opposite of what the weather is likely to be at your part of the country. Hope this helps make your day a bit warmer!

Surrey Fusion Festival-- the little festival that could...

You can think of Surrey Fusion Festival as the suburbs' answer to Vancouver Folk Music Festival. This is the second year I've been aware of it happening, and the second year that it's fallen on the same weekend as the VFMF, this year on July 17-18. If you're not going to be able to make it to Jericho Beach for the Folk Fest, make sure you check out the free events and shows that are happening in Holland Park, which include different food displays and dance performances.

Musical artists that are performing at the Fusion Festival include some BC favourites like Brasstronaut, We Are The City and Headwater. Check out the full line-ups, including various cultural performances, on 4 different stages in Holland Park here.

REVIEW : Jonas Shandel - S/T

A little context is in order. How did I find out about Jonas Shandel and his brand of lush roots folk? I have BC Ferries to thank for that. Coming back home from a weekend spent in Victoria on the island, I was curled up with a book at the front end of the ferry when I heard guitars and banjos being plucked and the sound of 3-part harmonies coming from in front of me. A couple of songs in, a small crowd had gathered and were applauding earnestly after each song. The 4-man band's name was Headwater, and they were headed back to the mainland after playing the northern end of Vancouver Island. Their music so enthralled the passengers on the boat that they sold out the box of albums that they had with them, which leads me to think that BC Ferries should be so wise to have live music for every sailing... preferably with Headwater in tow.

However, after numerous listens, I was even more impressed with Headwater member Jonas Shandel's self-titled solo album. From the slowly accumulating introduction to the last, echoing chord, this 7-song album leaves you feeling deeply content and rejuvenated. Less country than the 4-piece project, it's a roots/folk album, true to every sense of the word. It'll be a great one for the cabin this summer.

My favourite tracks off of this much too short album include "Drinking the Water" with its light, ethereal harmonies. The album closer, a cover of Peter Gabriel's "Mercy Street," highlights the musicality of the song and fades out with a subtle kick drum. It's lovely.

If you like what you hear off of Jonas' myspace, you can get the album from CD Baby.
Below are a couple of upcoming dates in Vancouver:

21 Apr 2010 6:00	Vancouver Roundhouse	Vancouver, British Columbia
29 Apr 2010 20:00	Little Mountain Studios	Vancouver, British Columbia
14 May 2010 20:00	Wise Hall	East Vancouver, British Columbia