Alberta Sessions

the essence of Alberta

By Brendan Kane

“The essence of music.” Wow, what does it mean? What does it entail? Music is the background noise for our lives, the beat which we groove to on the dance floor, and the soft melodies in which some of us make sweet, sweet love to.

Alberta songwriters throw down at this year’s Alberta Sessions, running from March 21- 26. The Alberta Sessions combine the obviously worthy sounds of country and western and grassroots blues with worthy worldly talents.

Eight years ago, artists were pegged from international environments to play the Sessions, but the festival later evolved toward an expectable Canadian market. As an observer of the Alberta Sessions, you do not forfeit culture; instead, you uphold a province of immune identity.

John Rutherford, Director of Music for the Epcor Centre, says that Alberta has a diverse, interactive music industry.

“Songwriters from Alberta roots that have deep connections within the community are immersed in (this year’s) program,” he says. “This year’s lineup appeals to an audience with a sense of discovery.”

Alberta Sessions provides songwriters with the opportunity to network within the industry, as well as delve into an appreciation of music.

“I would argue that country and grassroots in Alberta’s real roots are not marginalized, but instead are very attuned to all sorts of different cultures of music,” he said. “Our series highlights that there is not a consistent, highlighted sound in Alberta; rather, a diverse lineup of a different mix of artists.”

This year’s catalogue of musicians achieved their festival placements via the strength of their work in the last year, thus capitalizing on Alberta’s distinctive reception.

“I get a kick out of young people; they tend to rise to the occasion when faced with the pressure of responding to people in the music industry.”

Featured this year is international recording artist James Keelaghan, who endears listeners with his ability to portray larger-than-life stories through an everyman’s mindset. Rutherford says that Keelaghan adds leadership and inspiration to this year’s Sessions to benefit younger talent.

Guitarist, mandolin player, and bluesman Tim Williams brings his welcome breed of friendly music to this year’s Sessions, while Shane Ghostkeeper presents a rare quality of songwriting native to Alberta’s Métis culture.

Heather Blush is one of this year’s series’ most provocative artists, as she demonstrates a repertoire of classical piano, folk roots and jazz fusion. Her youthful yet educated sound is unpredictable, and constructed to captivate listeners.

Tariq cut his teeth nearly a decade ago in Calgary’s music scene through his Juno-nominated single, Chevrolet Way, but has since advanced musically, recording in Nashville, TN. Now the host of CBC 3 in Vancouver, Tariq still calls Alberta home as he returns to his trademark Dylan-esque dusty folk complete with abstract acoustics and pedal steel.

The Alberta Sessions promote this province’s generally untapped wealth of songwriters, while offering up a fulfilling experience to both hipster and casual music fan.