Recording: The Imaginary Brass Band

Artist: The Imaginary Brass Band

Songs: Let It Roll + Saunter One

Recorded at The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), November 29, 2022.

The Imaginary Brass Band - Let It Roll

The Imaginary Brass Band - Saunter One

Rat-drifting meets marching band — although nominally a trio (Doug Tielli, Heather Saumer, Nick Fraser) on their just-released album, in the flesh the group expanded with Tania Gill, Charles Spearin, Emily Farrell and Colin Couch (and with Tom Richards sitting in for the bulk of the first set, to boot). A couple of Nick Fraser's sketches were essayed, but most of the material here is from Doug Tielli, showing off the most recent evidence of the contrasts and continuities with his "songwriter" work. There was some of the expected brass band brio at hand, but also, as the second piece here indicates, a willingness to explore melancholy beauty as well.

Recording: Polka Dogs

Artist: Polka Dogs

Songs: Beardy Boy + [unknown]^*

Recorded at The Tranzac's Southern Cross Lounge (Somewhere There Creative Music Festival – Show 3 afterparty), February 27, 2016.

Polka Dogs - Beardy Boy + [unknown]

Polka might not be the first genre one'd expect to see at a festival dedicated to improvisation and exploration, but members of this longstanding group (including Tina Kiik and Ambrose Pottie) have done lots of work in improvising circles. Rounded out by Colin Couch (tuba) and Tom Walsh (trombone), this band can add either oompah party propulsion or sensitive colouring as needed to back the songs of vocalist/banjo player John Millard, whose meditations on life's silly and sublime moments were punctuated by vivid stories. Founded at the end of the 80's, Polka Dogs had a busy run through the mid-90's before going their separate ways. Reforming a year or so ago, they played two sets of vital and entertaining music, ending with this one-two punch with an audience shout-along followed by a meditative closing statement. [While you keep an eye out for further shows, you can explore the band's recorded legacy over at their Bandcamp.]

^* Does anyone know the title to this one? Please leave a comment!