Patchwork Threads

Tim Crabtree is Paper Beat Scissors.  He relocated to Halifax after growing up in England and recorded a highly-acclaimed self-titled debut album with Michael Feuerstack producing and Arcade Fire drummer Jeremy Gara mixing.  Instrumentally, the palettes shift from hypnotic loops through full brass arrangements and screaming lap steel to stripped-back acoustic guitar and layered vocals. The album found its way onto BBC and CBC airwaves as well as best-of the year lists in Canada, Europe and as far afield as Mexico and Japan.  Paper Beat Scissors was billed as a ‘must-see’ act of the summer by the CBC in 2012. 

Tim is presently working with engineer Dean Nelson (Beck, Thurston Moore, Bat for Lashes) on a new album set for release in 2014.

So much praise for Paper Beat Scissors…..

“Absolutely stunning… wonderful… startling and beautiful” – ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2

“This isn’t merely indie folk music: Paper Beat Scissors is a genuine work of effortless art.” – Pop Matters (USA)

“A captivating sound…wonderful is not enough.” – Soundvat

Details:    SATURDAY, JANUARY 18th  8 PM start (there will be 2 sets with a break in between; cds will be available for sale)

Suggested donation $15 per person (all funds to the artist) Please RSVP to mleblanc.patchwork@gmail.com or call 434-8355. 

Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks will be offered.  You are invited to take along any wine/beer/etc. that you wish to enjoy.   Please feel free to forward this invitation on to other music lovers you know.

Best,

Monique & George – Patchwork House Concerts                                                                          

30 First Ave., Bedford

facebook.com/PatchworkHouseConcerts

twitter.com/PatchworkHConc

A Visit (to Patchwork) from St. Nicholas (2013)

 ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,                                               Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.                                                                         The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,                                                                     In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,                                                                     While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.                                                                   And Monique in her woollies, and George in his vest,                                                                 Had just settled down for a holiday rest.

When out of the blue there arose such a clatter,                                                                            I sprang from my chair knowing what was the matter.                                                           Our next show upon us I flew like a flash,                                                                                     To get ready for Patchwork’s next music bash.

I’d sent out my emails, posters and tweets.                                                                                   If we have 30 or 40 or more it’d be sweet….                                                                             For musicians need audiences to do their thing,                                                                             To come to our living room to play and to sing.

New artists this year?  Why there were a few!                                                                       With all the requests I get what to do? what to do?                                                                     Three Sheet were a blast!  Jeffery Straker – what a find!                                                       His song ‘Slings & Arrows’ is still stuck in my mind.

We’ve got more new artists set to appear.                                                                                  On George’s new stage where view lines stay clear.                                                                     Paper Beat Scissors.  Asif Ilyas. And Ian Janes.                                                                       The breadth of musical talent in Halifax is insane!

Case in point: Stephen Fearing, your muse tonight.                                                                 This alternative to shopping is a pure delight.                                                                             When, what to my wondering eyes did appear,                                                                            A series of cars for this last show of the year.                                             

With a stream of arrivals, so steady and slick,                                                                                 I knew in a moment: a gift from St Nick!                                                                                More rapid than eagles these listeners they came,                                                                        For good reason, for music, no two shows the same!

54 shows since we began in ’08,                                                                                                       All the new friends we have made have been great.                                                                 120 followers on twitter this year.                                                                                           That’s 100 more than George has, ya hear?

And Patchwork, you know, like a patchwork quilt,                                                               Describes our famille and the home that we’ve built:                                                                     Five persons, four surnames, two languages spoke,                                                                 Ties to four different countries, a multi-coloured cloak.

And we all love live music and the chaos and din,                                                                       With a house full of music, friends, neighbours and kin.                                                             With a toast to the evening having heard music so fine,                                                           We happily tidy and drink leftover wine.

As music lovers know, house concerts are best,                                                                         For enjoying live music, we beat all the rest.                                                                                   So join us at Patchwork for each show this year.                                                                       With a line up like ours it’s a gift for the ear.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,                                                          “Happy Christmas to all, great music tonight!“

Multiple JUNO-Award winner Stephen Fearing is between tours.  He has been touring a lot this year in support his solo project ‘Between Hurricanes’.  In January, ‘South’ – the next release from his trio Blackie and the Rodeo Kings makes it debut and another tour will start.  Catch him while you can – at Patchwork on Saturday, December 7.

Between Hurricanes is Stephen Fearing’s eighth solo album.  Over the course of his celebrated career he has collaborated with a long list of artists including Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlan, Tom Wilson & Colin Linden (the other two members of BARK), and Halifax’s Erin Costelo.

The consistent quality of work produced over Stephen Fearing’s two decades plus career has earned him a West Coast Music Award for Best Folk Music Recording and five Juno Award nominations as a solo artist and a faithful international fan base.  On top of that, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings have released several highly praised and award-winning albums including a Juno Award for their album “BARK”.

Round up some friends and turn this into a pre-Christmas outing (feel free to dress up!).  Beats shopping!  And cds are very easy to wrap….

Saturday, December 7 @ 8 pm ($25 per person)

RSVP to mleblanc.patchwork@gmail.com

BYOB (there will be snacks)

Monique

@PatchworkHConc