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