Martin Worthy, Dan Hill perform Quarrington`s ARE YOU READY
In this performance, singer-song-writers Dan Hill and Martin Worthy perform the song together for the very first time, in honour of their friend and colleague Paul Quarrington at the tribute to him presented by the Kingston WritersFest.
Here is the backstory … in May 2009, shortly after a diagnosis that would end his life, Paul Quarrington decided he would finish what he started. A book, which inspired a film, which commissioned a song. That song, and the incredible insights that came with the making of it, became the heart of the film Paul Quarrington Life in Music. Are You Ready became the song.
ARE YOU READY was co-written by Paul Quarrington, Martin Worthy and Dan Hill. Commissioned by BookShorts Inc. for the documentary film PAUL QUARRINGTON LIFE IN MUSIC, broadcast by Bravo Canada.
ARE YOU READY performed by Paul Quarrington is also available on iTunes.
For more film and music inspired by the written word, visit MovingStories.TV
James Reaney reviews Porkbelly Futures, London Music Club
Porkbelly Futures’ return to the London Music Club on Saturday night was an event with the emotions & musical excellence admirably captured by good friend to JBNB (James’ Brand New Blog) A Face in The Crowd.
I, too, nearly wept during All The Stars, the song that (for me) came to represent the late Paul Quarrington’s cheerful, courageous passionate & poetic battle with cancer. His last gig with the Futures was on Dec. 5, 2009 at the LMC.
- JAMES REANEY
Yes, it has been almost a year since the late Paul Quarrington played his final show with Porkbelly Futures, and it was at the London Music Club. As he was then the principal writer and vocalist of the group, one wondered how the survivors would carry on without him. Thankfully, there has been no attempt to replace Paul but rather to rely upon their many musical strengths (5 members X 15 changes in instruments last night!).
… The band does sound different, with more flavours, from country, to blues, to reggae and even a little zydeco. There were special, quiet moments too. Paul`s song All the Stars, sung almost acapella had both Rebecca onstage and this writer holding back tears. There are studio versions of this song on both the new Porkbelly album `Crooked Road` and Paul Quarrington`s `The Songs. Seek out and buy both CDs – you`ll thank me. They’re the next thing to being there.
- A FACE IN THE CROWD
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THIS IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE FULL REVIEW – FOR THE COMPLETE ARTICLE, PLEASE VISIT JAMES’ BRAND NEW BLOG on the London Free Press website.
Music Journalist James Reaney
Nicholas Jennings on Porkbelly Futures
It would be easy to call the Porkbelly Futures a roots-rock band, seeing as how the five-piece band draws from rock’s deep well of folk, blues and country music. But the Porkbellys defy simple categorization. There’s nothing straightforward about a band that sings about subjects as varied as heartbreak, hotels, fishing, trains, wrestling heroes and literary icons, or one whose members come from a variety of diverse backgrounds. This is a group with as much intelligence and wit as soulfulness and fun.
The Porkbellys are an engaging live act, with strong original material, exceptional musicianship (including an award-winning blues guitarist and two highly esteemed classical players) and a natural on-stage chemistry that comes from years of touring across Canada together, playing countless bars and summer festivals. The Porkbellys possess an enviable versatility, with two lead vocalists and several multi-instrumentalists in the group. It’s a powerful package that connects with audiences wherever they play.
Nicholas Jennings
- music critic and author of Before the Gold Rush
Music Critic / Author Nicholas Jennings
The Crooked Road CD Launch-Hugh’s Room Nov.16
Porkbelly Futures will be celebrating the release of their 3rd. CD “The Crooked Road” at Hugh’s Room on Tues. Nov.16. After 3 weeks on the road in the western provinces we’re back and ready to party. Please join us!
For tickets and reservations call Hugh’s Room 416 531 6604 or www.hughsroom.com
The Crooked Road
Banff Wordfest PQ Tribute
Last night friends and colleagues of our dear pal and bandmate Paul Quarrington gathered to remember and sing Paul’s praises. PBF was joined on stage by Dave Bidini, Jane Urquhart, Peter Oliva, Rob Sanders, Catherine Govier and other literary luminaries. It was a beautiful night capped off with a terrific rendition of PQ’s “All The Stars”
Bragg Creek Friday Might
Friday night in Bragg Creek Alberta has to be one of the wildest affairs! The dance floor was packed and the good times rolled. We’ll be back!
Twin Beauty!!
What a great night in Twin Butte Alberta. These folks know how to host and have fun. We love it here! Tonight, Bragg Creek.
Porkbellys Rock Regina!
Tuesday night we rocked Regina on our first stop on The Crooked Road Tour. We got a standing “O” at the end of the night and everyone there bought a CD. Great fun and a great start!
The Crooked Road CD/Tour Official Press Release
NEW CD RELEASED ON CORDOVA BAY RECORDS OCTOBER 19th!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/porkbellyfutures/ (PHOTOS)
September 27, 2010 (Victoria, BC) – Cordova Bay Records is pleased to announce the release of Porkbelly Futures’ 3rd CD – The Crooked Road.
From folk to blues, country to rock, The Crooked Road once again gives listeners the music that is uniquely Porkbelly Futures. With a fall tour (whose routing mirrors the CD’s name) beginning October 12th in Regina, the group begins a new chapter.
Followers of Porkbelly Futures will know that this recording was not destined to fall into place like the two that had come before it. In January of this year the group lost their lead singer and founding member – author, musician, filmmaker and playwright – Paul Quarrington
Paul’s joie de vivre, silenced by lung cancer, can be found in corners and pockets of the recording, but at the core lives the heart and soul of each member. The Crooked Road is a CD that speaks to optimism and resilience and an acknowledgement that nothing was meant to stay the same.
With the vocal roles now taken on by Martin Worthy and Rebecca Campbell, many of the tracks were co-written by Paul, alongside his longtime friend Martin.
“I Ain’t Leavin (‘Til The Wine is Gone)” was Paul’s answer to his diagnosis, as he returned to the house on that fateful day with several bottles of fine wine – there would be, he said, “no more cheap wine”!
“Crazy Rain”, penned by Worthy is about a year of firsts – specifically the first time he imagined going fishing without Paul – a pastime they loved. Quarrington called fishing ‘an act of faith’ – you could not be a pessimist and be a fisherman – very much a metaphor for how Paul lived his life.
The title track, was the last song Worthy and Quarrington would work on together, but not in the usual way. As Paul was getting near the end, he and Martin talked about “The Crooked Road”. Martin felt he had the body of the song completed, but it needed Paul to come in with a fourth verse and tie it together, which had always been his special talent. When Paul heard the song however, he talked it through with Martin – he didn’t actually write the fourth verse but rather told him how to close it out. It was classic Quarrington – to stand back – take it in – and offer up an observation that once stated was seemingly so obvious you would wonder how you missed it.
And so “The Crooked Road” leads Porkbelly Futures into the next decade with their trademark sound, their love for playing live and their ever present muse quietly guiding the way.
TOUR DATES:
October 12 - Regina, SK - The Cultural Exchange www.culturalexchange.ca
October 13 – Lethbridge, AB – The Slice www.theslice.ca
October 14 – Twin Butte, AB – Twin Butte General Store and Mexican Restaurant www.twinbuttestore.ca
October 15 - Bragg Creek, AB - The PowderHorn Saloon www.powderhornsaloon.ca
October 16 - Banff, AB - Margaret Greenham Theatre – Celebrate Paul Quarrington (Banff Centre) www.wordfest.com
October 18 - Kelowna, BC - Minstrel Cafe and Bar www.minstrelcafe.com
October 20 - Denman Village, BC - The Back Hall www.artsdenman.com/venues/community-hall
October 21 - Duncan, BC - Duncan Garage Showroom www.duncangarageshowroom.ca
October 22 - Vancouver, BC - Granville Island/Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/porkbelly
October 23 - Victoria, BC - Hermann’s Jazz Club www.hermannsjazz.com
October 26 - Calgary, AB - The Ironwood Stage and Grill www.ironwoodstage.ca
October 27 - Edmonton, AB - The Blue Chair www.bluechair.ca
October 29 - Winnipeg, MB - Park Theatre & Movie Cafe www.parktheatervideo.com/cafe
October 30 - Brandon, MB - The Music Studio (204-728-7993)
November 16 - Toronto, ON - Hugh’s Room www.hughsroom.com
November 27 - London, ON - The London Music Club www.londonmusicclub.150com.com
FOR INTERVIEWS PLEASE CONTACT: Marlene Palmer/Palmer Publicity Ink, Ltd – 250-590-6261 marlenepalmer@shaw.ca
CORDOVA BAY ENTERTAINMENT CONTACT: Jocelyn Greenwood – 250-361-1444 jocelyn@cordovabay.com
Related show
PBF Celebrates PQ at Kingston Writers Fest
What a terrific outpouring of love and respect for our dear friend Paul in Kingston recently. His writing and songs were feted all evening at the gala opening of The Kingston Writers Festival. Throughout the night, readings and reminiscences from fellow authors (Nino Ricci, Dave Bidini, Kim Moritsugu, Stuart Ross, Dan Hill and many more) were interlaced with scenes from PQ’s plays along with music from us Porkbellys. Dave Bidini joined us for a version of his song “In The Rock Hall” inspired by Paul’s poem of the same name. The night also featured Dan Hill and myself performing in public for the first time, the song we co-wrote with Paul “Are You Ready?”
We’re all smiling in this photo because I had just averted a musical disaster by noting that I had put my capo on the wrong fret!
Marty
Whew that was close...