The Hearing Trumpet and Misanthropy 511
Little more can be said about these incredibly strange sounds...pictures (and playlists) are worth at least 20 words...
Calgary
"A couple of Fridays ago, we (my wife and I) stepped out on the town to take in some swingin' sounds. First stop was the lounge of a downtown restaurant. Here, they were holding one of the Copa lounge evenings hosted by local singer Tim "wiseass crooner" Tamashiro. These are a series of evenings dedicated to promoting the enjoyment of lounge culture. On the bill for the night was a jazz band featuring a bass player who sang in a style reminiscent of the great Louis Armstrong (moment of silence please). Top notch band, great singer, and reasonably priced cocktails. What more could a hip cat and chick (on a budget) want?"
"From the lounge we headed over to the local grunge/industrial club. For the evening, the place had been transformed into "X-mas in Vegas". We missed the first act, which was apparently Elvis (yes the king himself). The main act though was a Calgary-based group: The Dino Martinis. They hit the stage at a fashionable 11:30, and after one song had the crowd shakin' and jivin' in the mosh pit. Sporting red crushed velour tuxes, and black evening dresses (no, not on the same bandmembers) they invoked the spirit of their beloved Louis Prima, and belted out jump-blues, jazz, and torch numbers. All the while maintaining a stage presence dripping with sincerity and oozing with charm. Three words to describe their music: hot, hot, and hot! If you'd like more info about the band, drop by their website."
"Anyway, just thought you might want to know about the scene in Calgary. Swank is alive and well up here in the Great White North. If you get up this way, be sure to bring your gold lapelled tux (the one with the polypropylene cummerbund to keep warm). Calgary just might be the swingin'est cowtown north of the 49th parallel."
-- submitted by Johnny Royale
Montreal
The Single Eye
can be heard from 4-5 pm on CKUT 90.3 FM
Jello
Hipsters in Montreal should swing by lounge Jello, on the corner of Ontario and DeBullion streets. Live music about 5 out of 7 nights, and the DJ knows his stuff. The decor, definitely swank, contains lots of red velvet, vintage furniture to sit on, lava lamps and the like.
Toronto
fish~fry & Martini Club at the Shag
Every Thursday night fish~fry (with guest mixtresses the Martini Club) brings the finest in sound experiences to the Shag club (923 Dundas Street West [416-603-2702]) from 10pm. The scene grooves to sounds ranging from lounge and latin, to go-go and funk.
Every Friday night fish~fry packs the house at Lava (507 College Street [416-966-LAVA]), THE hottest new club on the College Street scene. Open for dining from the early evening, Lava welcomes fish~fry from 10pm and beyond.
For information on these and countless other fish~fry events, send email to fishfry@echo-on.net, or visit the fish~fry website.
Vancouver, B.C.
The Blue Lizard
These swinging cats and kittens from the north have been taking over the Waldorf and tranforming it into swankness deluxe. The schedule changes and the best way to know what's shaking (not stirred) would be to drop by The Blue Lizard.
A Vancouver report from hipster Brad Dolman
While traveling, it is every swingin' cat's responsibility to visit some of the finer establishments of the area. Take in the local scene, as it were, and Vancouver is no different. Although it is perhaps a little harder to locate the truly swinging pads in this town, I'll send you in the right direction.
A good start to the evening would be some sit-down appy's at The Urban Well. Great atmosphere, cool scene, comfy seats... not a bad start.
If you are one of the privileged, you could hope for a much-coveted invite to one of my swank affairs, certainly the finest martinis this side of the Atlantic. Unfortunately, seating is limited and invites are hard to get.
Fortunately, there are less challenging digs. Any night, any time of year, you can find me kicking back at Babalu's. This place is definately swinging... Live music, martinis, cigars... you get the picture. Get there early though, long lines are standard fare, especially on weekends.
Finally, I couldn't let you leave without telling you about the Purple Onion. Relax for a bit in the lounge, then down the hall to do some dancing... repeat as necessary. COAL
Those swinging Canadians known as COAL prove the Great White North can also be hot and swinging. If you find yourself in Vancouver, look for these hipsters and tell'em Vik sent ya! The music is smokey, cool, moody and fiery. Smokin' guitar player Jon Wood joins Nicole-vocals & guitar, Marcus-bass and Ian Tiles on drums.
Zulu Records & Mint Records have both put out releases by COAL."COAL" the s/t C.D. and cassette is available through Zulu Records (they are a record store as well) @ 1-604-738-3232 and Mint Records (1-604-669-MINT) carries "The Mint is Still A Terrible Thing to Taste" a 4-song CD EP featuring COAL's version of Motorhead's "Ace of Spades" plus songs by cub, Windwalker and Tankhog.
"Nightlines" previously un-released 5 song cassette (limited edition) is now out and available from COAL. Recorded "live" and mixed at C.B.C. Radio for David Wisdom's Night Lines,the tape features COAL's versions of the classics "Harlem Nocturne" and "Primitive",as well as the original tracks "Black as Coal" "El Gato" and "Sabotage." COAL recently finished shooting scenes in the upcoming independent feature film "The WIDOWER." Songs performed include "Alone,I Honeymoon" and "All that Glitters."
To contact COAL, email them at coal@istar.ca or mrogers@amproductions.com or visit the COAL website. Watch for their new video "Invisible Man" starring Mark Szabo of Good Horsey and enigmatic actor/knife thrower Bernie Morroco; and a split 7" with the Deadcats ASAP.
Cafe Mokka
at 1588 Granville Street has begun to present live jazz on Wednesday with a swinging flavour, and a cocktail lounge DJ on Saturday nights. One tiny step for lounge...
Martini Madness
6-8pm, AM 1040. Host: Jason Manning. Monthly co-host: Ralph Alfonso. Every week, two hours of new and old cocktail, lounge, Vegas, loud n brassy...Frank, Dean, Sammy, Peggy Lee, etc. plus Canadian up and comers.