My People Sleeping Album Launch – La Sala Rossa – Friday, December 11th

The night started off at 9:30 sharp with Mountain Man Pat Jordache. I really have to give it to this guy – he is one of the most interesting performers I have ever encountered.  Even with some technical difficulties, as a one man show, he started off the show on the floor, with his unique and downright odd layout of sea shells, feathers, strobe light, plastic skull, and smoke machine, he gave the audience a performance I’m sure many will never forget. The atmosphere inside la Sala Rossa was cozy and warm on a very cold night. Alternating between a guitar and bass, while singing/howling at the same time, Mountain Man Pat filled the room with his trance-inducing tunes. Mountain man Pat’s opening act really set a strange vibe for the rest of the night.

After a brief pause and clearing of the floor of various artifacts, the next band up was Adam and the Amethysts. The up and coming Montreal band’s lead man Adam Waito owned the stage, cracking jokes with his fellow band mates and the audience about his hat-head (not hat hair), while all the while giving a stellar performance. Their songs were an awesome mix of soft romantic ballads, along with catchy, fun, and a little more upbeat songs, such as “Bumble Bee” and “Stupid Ocean” from their debut album, Amethyst Amulet. It was also the first time bassist Rory Seydel’s performed with the band’s latest addition, Pat the save-the-show-drummer. Without any practice, you could see just how talented these guys are- it really sounded like they’ve been jamming together for a long time. What really hit the spot were the lovely duets with Adam and cellist and back up singer Rebecca Lessard. This is what really got the hair on your arms standing, and it definitely left the crowd wanting more. At the end of the 8 song set, the crowd was sad to see them go, but eager for the next group.

Next to take the stage was North, My Love. This octet, graced by fellow performer Mountain Man Pat, is a group like no other. To say that this band is creative is a complete understatement. With instruments ranging from the traditional drums, flute and guitar, the performers had 3 accordions, a bass clarinet, an acoustic bass (played with a bow!), a bike wheel (also played with a bow), and a box of couscous. Not only was this a mini-indie-orchestra, but their methods of playing their instruments were creative and different as well- from using a bow on the acoustic bass to the drummer using his nails against the drum skin to make noise. They only played two songs and I think it’s safe to say that they were the most peculiar band of the night.

By 11:45, strictly according to the schedule, the featured group of the night took to stage. The first thing that the members of My People Sleeping did on stage was have all the lights switched off and simply leave a few lamps lit. Then, along with fellow fans in the audience, they cheered and took a shot of whiskey to celebrate the launch of Feye, their debut album. The songs performed by front man and guitarist James Irwin and vibrant leading lady and keyboardist Ruby Kato Attwood really matched the laid back and mellow ambiance of the venue. Their voices complimented each other really well, while being completely in sync with the rest of the band members, Pat Bastedo on percussion, and bassist/guitarist John Ancheta. Though, most of the songs performed weren’t from the album Feye itself, seeing that they were written after the record was made. As a grand finale, the many musicians from North, My Love dispersed themselves in the audience while playing along with My People Sleeping providing a interactive and sort of eerie finish to the show. – Sarah Touyz

Adam & The Amethysts

North My Love

My People Sleeping

(Photography by Leanne Craigmyle)

Tags: Adam and the Amethysts, Album Launch, December 11, Feye, indie, La Sala Rossa, Montreal, Mountain Man Pat Jordache, My People Sleeping