Like Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Page and Owen Pallett before him, Jurvanon cut his teeth as a sideman before setting out on his own at the comparatively late age of 27. His work included collaborations and concerts with the likes of Jack Johnson and the Weather Station before finding his feet with his most frequent collaborator Feist.
However, come 2008 he ensconced himself in a cabin in rural Ontario with a bunch of his friends and set about recording his own material. The songs came out sounding very much like their recording sessions; they’re relaxed, low key jams with friends, but always with a keen sense of melodic nous and a shared musical ability.
The subsequent album, “Pink Strat”, made an almost immediate impact when it was released the year after. Culminating in a Juno Awards nomination for the year’s best Roots and Traditional album and a Polaris Music prize nomination the year after, in 2010. For those not in the know, the former is essentially the Canadian Grammys and the latter is the Canadian Mercury Prize.
Though the music and the circumstances surrounding its creation may be on the fly, just the way that Jurvanon likes it, this is not to say that everyone involved isn’t taking it seriously. His second album, 2012’s “Barchords” garnered him not only a nomination for Adult Alternative Album of the Year but also a nod for Songwriter of the Year.
These are not the kind of accolades you get if you haven’t paid your dues and worked for every scrap of success you’ve got. With his third album released in 2014, and concerts starting to sell out the world over, the only way is up for this most unique talent. One to watch like a hawk!
Bahamas is one of those musicians who has found his musical niche, and yet still manages to have a very broad appeal - and that is even more true of his performances. I saw Bahamas at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, where he performed with a simple backing band of a drummer and some backup singers. His stage presence and banter draws you in, creating an intimate yet casual atmosphere, and the music wins you over with cheeky hooks and soulful arrangements. His Folk Festival set also included a few well-placed covers - and a great Tom Petty sing-along at the end - which made for a fun, accessible show. Both his music and performance style make him a great show to go to even if you're not familiar with his material - it's catchy and easy to listen to, without being overtly pop or really any other genre. It's a winning blend of blues, pop, folk, alternative, soul and more that may not change your life, but can win over just about anyone. Plus, it becomes obvious after just a few songs - and even more so if you get the chance to meet him - that it's a reflection of his personality: warm, genuine, soulful and a little quirky. If you're already a fan of Bahamas, as I was before seeing him perform, his show is essentially a reflection of his albums - relaxed, unassuming and a little cheeky, yet still soulful, polished and professional.
luke-jacob-thiessen
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