When in Toronto this summer to see a couple of shows by Theo Tams, I also managed to see another Canadian act who opened for Theo, StereoGoesStellar. I went into the first show with nary a clue about the band, but left three shows later with a strong appreciation for their skills. I purchased their self-titled debut album, which I found to be chock-full of power Pop-Rock, great charm, and some fond memories a three great shows. I mentioned them not long after my return from Canada here.
Well, Sean McLeod, Erik Stenlund, Iain Kennedy, Keith Howlett, Mick Di Maio and Jeremy Coulter have released the official video for their latest single, Eighty Eight Keys. I have fond memories of the song live, and found it lost none of that charm on record. While maintaining a strong Pop/Rock sound, you can certainly pick up a Punk influence, with the tempo and attitude of the band. There is a cool feeling with the song of a vehicle picking up speed, nearing out-of-control but never quite crossing the line. The video, which features a Canadian cable access personality Greg Daker, adding to the underground feel. Enjoy!
For more about StereoGoesStellar, check out their official website here. If you like what you hear, you can purchase their album from iTunes here. You can also order the CD from Amazon.com here.
On my recent trip to Toronto, I not only got the chance to see Theo Tams 3 times performing live, but also the band StereoGoesStellar. Unfortunately, all three shows I caught had limited setup space, so I never got to see the five-piece band in full force, as the first and third shows were limited to three, and the second had four members attending. But according to their website, StereoGoesStellar are made up of Mick Di Maio on guitar, Keith Howlett on bass, Iain Kennedy on guitar, Erik Stenlund on drums and Jeremy Coulter playing piano and lead vocals.
Their sound is very Pop/Rock with a bit of an edge and an exuberance that is hard to match. While their sound might sound like it is all élan and youth, the lyrics belie this fact, as they are smart and touching, adding a surprising depth to the band. Coulter's vocals are spot on, with just enough quirk to keep it all an interesting combination. While I didn't take any video of them myself - I was fearful of killing the battery before Theo played - I did manage to find some videos on YouTube to share, and to remember a significant part of a great extended weekend. The following clip is their official video for the song Far Too Gone.
Another song I really enjoyed was Eighty-Eight Keys. Like the earlier song, it can be found on their self-titled album. I'll leave a link at the end of the post for those who might want to purchase the album.
One of my favorite songs of their is the fantastic Wish Upon A Plastic Star. The music alone on this song is beautiful, and the lyrics only add to the package. I just really enjoyed the total experience, and find it every bit as satisfying on the recording.
While there, one of the things I was meaning to mention to Theo [cause once I got over my nerves about meeting him that first night, I could be my pushy, know-it-all-self] was what would have been nice if they did a song together. I don't know, I like it when I see that at shows. Hey, I still cherish the memory of seeing Tom Goss and Eric Himan performing together at the World Cafe Live, singing Last Train To Clarksville by the Monkees. Well, I never got aroundto mentioning it, but the following week, I saw that one of the ladies I met in Toronto had posted a clip of Theo and Coulter singing Good Mother together.
For more about StereoGoesStellar, you can check out their official website here. You can listen to some of their music there, or find them on MySpace here. You can purchase their eponymous album on iTunes here. I'll be honest, I was so wrapped up in the Theo Tams experience, I didn't purchase their album there, but I did download it once I got home. Too bad, I wasn't clever enough to buy it and have them sign it while there. Maybe next time.
Top: Theo in Stouffville. Bottom: Me & Theo in Oshawa.
Well, I have been trying to make it to see Theo Tams performing live for some time now, and once I bought a ticket for the show on August 19th at the Lebovic Centre for Arts & Entertainment in Stouffville, Ontario, I knew it was finally on. As the time drew near, my excitement grew, despite the fact I had made the decision to drive up to Toronto by myself. So after working a partial day, I started up on the 18th, driving for 7.5 hours to Batavia, NY, where I stayed the night, just a few hours from Toronto. I woke up still excited, packed up the car and drove to Niagara Falls where I crossed the border with great ease. IT wasn't long before I was at the hotel in Markham, hoping to take a nap before heading to the show in Stouffville, about 35 minutes away. Well, I was just too excited, so there was no sleep to be had. instead I made sure I had all my cameras ready, fully charged and ready to go. I showered and put on my nicest clothing, and headed off, excited to finally be seeing Theo, and meeting some online friends as well.
Left to right: Sue, me, Theo, Melony & Cathy in Stouffville.
I drove to Stouffville, parked the car, and made my way to the theater. I was a bit early, and picked up my ticket and started wandering a bit. I noticed on the ticket it said no cameras or videos, so I certainly didn't want to drive 10+ hours to get myself tossed, and figured I would leave them in my bag. I soon ran into Sue, and chatted a bit, although I will admit I was so excited I was to the nervous/quiet stage. Soon we were joined by Melony & Cathy (with a 'C'), and we made our way into the theater. To our surprise, our seats were front-row-center, so close we could practically reach out and touch the instruments on the stage. As the audience filled in, my excitement only grew. I was quite the tight little ball of nerves by then. Soon, the lights dimmed and the opening act, the band StereoGoesStellar, came one. Well, not so much the band, as the lead singer/keyboardist, and he performed the first couple of songs solo before being joined by the rest of the band. Well, not so much the rest of the band as 3 outta 5 members for an acoustic set.
StereoGoesStellar: Left: Mick & Jeremy. Right: Mick, Jeremy & Iain.
Lead singer/keyboardist Jeremy kicked it off with a couple of songs before being joined by Mick and Iain on the stage, and continuing to deliver a very nice acoustic version of their Pop/Rock music. The talented young men seemed at ease with the audience, who appreciated their efforts. I was especially fond of their songs Twenty-Two and Wish Upon A Plastic Star. You can sample some of their music on their website here. Their self-titled album is also available on iTunes here.
But, to be honest, I was there to see Theo, and spent much of their set glancing at the grand piano on the stage, knowing Theo would be playing it soon. And after a brief intermission, I thought I was gonna explode when the lights came up, and Theo Tams walked on stage. Looking quite dapper in his crisp white shirt and jeans, with an immediately engaging smile. He chats a bit, then starts playing. I felt a bit of a chill run up my spine, and I took grip of my seat, preparing myself to hear his voice, his music, something I have been dying to do for over a year. When he started, I felt myself exhale, as his voice was every bit as rich, beautiful, and textured as I had hoped for. As the show went on, he freely mixed his original material with some beautiful covers, from Tracy Chapman to Britney Spears. When he sang Lazy Lovers, I felt a tear falling , quickly intercepted by my hand. I certainly felt them well up again for his original song Broken.
Video courtesy of Sue Jackson from an earlier tour stop.
I have to admit it took a few songs before I remembered other people were there, and they had cameras. By the middle of the show, I grew bold and took my still camera out of the bag, and took a few pictures of my own.
He also had an easy charm with the audience, talking about his music, as well as telling amusing stories. His smile and laugh lit up the room, just as easily as some he touched my heart with songs. He spoke with great affection for Canadian songwriter Jann Arden when he sang her Good Mother.
Video courtesy of Sue Jackson.
He also spoke of the Taking It All Back Tour, the title not only a play on his debut, Giving It All Away, but also how he was doing that in his own life at present, taking back the power. Was nice to see him talking from the heart so readily. He was also enjoying his time with the boys from StereoGoesStellar, and how he 'hearts' them.
But it does always come back to the music for me, and Theo did not disappoint me at all - in fact I was impressed. At the piano, he was excellent. He has a clean yet deeply emotional style, one that is engaging to watch. whether singing a cover or an original song, remained expressive of the song, tied to the emotion. During the show, there were times I sat there smiling, and others I found myself dabbing my eye. While this wasn't a video playing for the show in Stouffville, the song Doesn't Make It Easier fell the latter.
Video Courtesy of Sue Jackson.
After the show, Sue, Cathy, Melony and myself went out to the lobby, where the boys from StereoGoesStellar and Theo were going to meet the audience. We were chatting away, waiting for the line to go down a bit, when I saw Theo point in our direction, and say my name and wave! Well, that certainly surprised me, and warmed my heart even more. Soon he came over, and I found myself still being a bit shy, even after he gave me a big hug. We chatted a bit, and I don't know if I was able to convey how happy I was to finally see him live, and how his music touched me. The ladies I was with, however, did tell me the smile on my face said it all. Here is Theo singing a cover of the Serena Ryder song Weak In The Knees.
Video Courtesy of Sue Jackson from 2009 tour.
This was the first of three shows I attended on my trip. Luckily for me, I managed to calm down for them, and get my video camera out. So I will be talking about them a bit more very soon. Until then, I hope you can enjoy my Tams-manian experience, as well as the great music I had the chance to experience first hand. For more information about Theo Tams, check out his official website here.
