Wednesday, December 12, 2012

MY FRIEND MARTY





Meet Marty Bernard.


He's the nicest guy in the world and a crazy good guitar player. He writes his own music and can really play anything in any style. I love his country licks that come from years on the road with 'Diezel.' Marty also has an inner headbanger probably from playing with the heavy metal band 'Catfish' for years and opening for the likes of Iggy Pop. I'd like to say his playing is inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Hendrix but really what's so special about Marty's style to me is that it is completely unique and his own. He can play whatever you need him to play and will, but when he's given the freedom to express himself, his sound is entirely his own and that's why I love working with him and respect him so. 


He's got his own band called 'The Bloo Zebras' and freelances when he's available. He's really quiet and shy so this blog will embarrass the crap out of him but I don't care because the world should know more of Marty Bernard. I'm looking forward to hearing his upcoming album which is in the works and ready to be completed. 

This is a song from his last album.. he wrote it about his wife.. she's got a beautiful head of red hair. 





Marty plays the Kingfisher in Maple Ridge every third friday of the month with The Bloo Zebras.. and has other gigs around town too. He's a Dirty Swing Band member, and I'm proud to share the stage with him, and call him a friend. It took him over a year to say more than two words to me :)  

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

DIVERSITY AND FREEDOM!!


There is only one way I can describe this past weekend.. well maybe a few ways actually.. It was exhilarating, rewarding, but mostly musically DIVERSE. My Weekend started off with a two hour solo stint at the Christmas Farmers Market. I love being a part of my local community and want to share the best I can offer in entertainment. They asked for Christmas carols, SO I grabbed a fake book from the local music store and spent a good solid week brushing up on the infinite charts of current to ancient songs. Loved it. Got to be background music and noodle away on guitar and even sing classical again. Pleased to report that a few private solo Christmas party jobs came from the gig. Community involvement is a blessing! 

The night went on to include a last minute call at Falconetti's .. called out the Dirty Swing Band to my favourite little sausage factory and vibrant nightlife spot on Commercial Drive. Apparently there was a 75 person reso for the night + regular clientele and the  room was on fire.. haha! they had been on a pub crawl since noon.. so imagine THAT! 

The next morning involved waking up early to perform the brunch show at The Heritage Grill. This is a new time spot for me.. and a very pleasant way to share a different side of my repertoire with again, a community involved venue that cares for and nurtures the art of live performance (not to mention their delicious breakfasts- my mother is a poached egg connoisseur and APPROVED). I am able to pull out Jazz standards as well as my newer and some older original ballads.. contemplative songs inspired by Paul Simon about love and heartbreak and moving on and growing stronger.. strange but true.. yes my songwriting is evolving.. I am greatly inspired by this direction and thankful for having a platform to share and express this.

Then a last minute gig at Guilt. Where do I start? None of my usual Dirty Swing Banders were available for this except the drummer.. so I really needed to pull something out of my hat. I will never turn a gig down at this venue I love it so much!! I felt like the luckiest gal in Vancouver when Mr. Paul Pigat agreed to come down and fart around for an unrehearsed.. mostly original show of my old dirty cowpunk songs and low down filthy blues. I can't speak highly enough about Paul. I have known him for years and have always been a big fan. He's a gentleman of the highest standard and a musician through and through. I was humbled to play guitar with him and in awe of his ability to play original music that he's never heard without a chart.. and for those of you who know my cowpunk repertoire.. IT AIN'T STANDARD if ya know what I'm saying... Regardless.. last night was pretty magical and that line-up will DEFINITELY happen again.





So! from solo, classical, dirty swing, jazz, folk, roots to badass cowpunk slide This weekend has been a whirlwind of last minute gigs and beautiful people. Playing my original music with folks I look up to and respect is my true musical calling.  I love this life and Life is a Gift.