News

September 15, 2008

Art Napoleon CD release concert

Siskabush Tales, Art Napoleon’s third CD in as many years is more electrified than usual. With only one Cree song and an absence of indigenous chants and rhythms, Siskabush is a hook-laden recording for a performer who has never been considered a “commercial” artist. With Art’s distinct vocals ranging from jagged to mournful, the CD sounds like a jam with Fred Eaglesmith and Blue Rodeo (if they knew anything about Aboriginal world-views and realities). Lyrically there are the cross-cultural insights; humor, social commentary and intriguing tales of life on the “rez” that Napoleon is known for but musical arrangements are influenced by rock, blues, R&B, rockabilly and even Cajun, leaving songs that sound both old and new. Produced by the Cowichan Valley’s Zak Cohen with help from Marty Jones, Siskabush Tales is an eclectic mix for freethinking listeners who like their alt-country laced with a little meaning.

The Victoria release concert featuring Napoleon’s band The Traveling Suns and opener Ed Peekeekoot will take place on Saturday, October 18th at the Gibson Auditorium in Camosun’s Young Building, 3100 Foul Bay Road at 8 PM. (Parking is best at the staff parking lot on Lansdowne Rd). Tickets are $15 at the door or by donation with some proceeds going toward Aboriginal student fundraising.