There are few unfortunate aspects with spring, but one is that it is the end of another season for the Creston Concert Society; after a wonderful year of superlative performances, the season ends with a high energy, eclectic evening with the extra-talented Shane Philip on April 6.
An intrepid explorer, Philip has discovered a style of music without borders.
Multi-instrumentalist Philip (best live act at the 2012 Vancouver Island Music Awards) is known worldwide for his dynamic didgeridoo-infused music. Philip has been touring constantly for the past few years now. His rhythmic and intoxicating sounds are powerful enough to fill a room with dancing fans and soulful enough to quiet a packed house. Those songs have captured audiences for years in Canada, particularly along the west coast, but for the past five years, he’s captured listeners around the globe.
He released Earthshake in 2006, introducing his unique sound and creating a small following almost instantly. By 2008, he released In the Moment, which showed further that he could seamlessly blend folk, reggae and blues genres into his own creation. The title track of this album is one of his best works to date. The tracks include the occasional surf beats that made him stand out to me.
He followed this impressive project with Live at Baker Studios in 2009. Heavier on the blues side, this album had more of the grit that comes out during Philip’s live shows, which was essential for anyone who had never been to a performance.
Philip is a one-man force on stage. His feet wildly work his drum kit while he plays guitar, the aslatua, the djembe and, of course, his didgeridoos. His best work to date definitely came last year when he released Life Love Music. The album is rich with vocals and features much more of that mesmerizing sound that Philip is so well known for.
Philip hooked up once again with producer Joby Baker (Cowboy Junkies, Alex Cuba) and the two collaborated for what is another memorable product. Baker often plays bass and drums on the tracks and the two took a total of eight days to record. Philip is known for completing his projects quickly. The Baker Studios album took two days, as an example. The result, though, of taking the extra time is a wonderfully polished recording that maintains the grit and integrity of Philip’s compositions.
This year, Philip is well on his way to releasing a new album and those who attend his show at the Prince Charles Theatre on April 6 can look forward to hearing some of the unreleased tracks.
The April 6 show show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults and $10 for students, available in advance at Black Bear Books, and $25/$12 at the door.
Additionally, the 2013-2014 lineup has been solidified, and season’s passes will be made available at the show at this season’s prices. Information will be available at the show, and on the Creston Concert Society’s Facebook page. Don’t forget, like the society on Facebook and get a chance to win a free ticket to a performance next season.
—CRESTON CONCERT SOCIETY