UNISON JAM II
W/ I MOTHER EARTH, RAINE MAIDA, THE TREWS, JAMES BLACK, TOMI SWICK & MORE
FEATURE EDITORIAL REVIEW
WORDS & VISUALS BY: JOANNA GLEZAKOS
Presented by Slaight Music, Unison Jam II was held at The Phoenix Concert Theatre on June 16th. Tom Wilson hosted the night, the concert featured a variety of Canadian Musicians including; I Mother Earth, The Trews, Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace, Tim Hicks, James Black of Finger Eleven, Tom Wilson, Tomi Swick and Ascott Royals and a few special performances by Chantal Kreviazuk and John Cody. It was a night of non-stop music and something for everyone. This was the first time I've ever seen an extended stage at The Phoenix which allowed for acoustic and special performances while stage crews set-up behind the curtain before the next act. Ascot Royals kicked off the night with an excellent performance. They have a great energy on stage and had everyone in the crowd moving, they were a great way to kick off the show. James Black of Finger Eleven was up next with an acoustic set, followed by a performance by Hamilton's own Tomi Swick. It was great to see such a variety of musical styles for everyone to enjoy. There was a silent auction and raffle where you could win anything from musical equipment to tickets to upcoming concerts. Tim Hick's acoustic set was very enjoyable; he has a great stage presence and knows how to get a crowd singing along. His performance of “Stronger Beer”, a song that compares Canada to the United States had everyone singing and waving their glasses in the air to the chorus.
"We say, "Eh?" You say, "Y'all."
Ya we both got pro football, 'cept we got bigger balls and a longer field (and one less down)
We say "zed", you say "zee"
Sure we watch all your TV
You got stronger army down there but man up here
We got stronger beer"
Veteran of the Canadian music scene, Tom Wilson hit the stage next with a guest performer. Doubling as the emcee after his performance he hoped everyone was having a good time and reminded them why we were there, 60% of people working in the music industry have no safety net and only 45% of industry professionals have health insurance and that's what the Unison Benevolent fund is all about. Canadian record producer, Frank Davies came out to do a very heartfelt introduction for the next performer, John Cody. We were sad to hear that night was the legendary singer/songwriter's last performance as he will be having a laryngectomy on July 15th. He had a friend accompany him while he performed Prince's 'Little Red Corvette'. It was a very emotional performance as John stood for his last song. Cody is currently raising money to record his final album, if you'd like to contribute you can do so here.
Nova Scotia natives, The Trews were up next and killed it. Concert goers were surprised when Chantal Kreviazuk hit the stage as a surprise guest. She performed a piano/cello acoustic Radiohead cover from their new album and a few of her own. She was then joined by Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace; they write and perform together as Moon vs. Sun. They performed acoustic versions of Our Lady Peace's 'Innocent' and after an audience member's suggestion, Moon vs. Sun's 'I Love It When You Make Me Beg', It's great to watch their chemistry on stage.
Finally it was time for the headliners to hit the stage, I Mother Earth featuring Edwin! It was a very different feel to when we saw them last year with Brian Byrne but altogether a great performance and a pleasure to watch. Tim Hicks joined the band for a song along with The Trews and sang the Eagle's 'Take It Easy'. Raine Maida joined the band on stage to perform a song and announce the upcoming tour between Our Lady Peace and I Mother Earth this fall. The Trews and John Cody joined them on stage and did an excellent cover of Queen's 'Fat Bottomed Girls'. The performances were genuine and resembled long time friends just jamming, It was truly a great night of Canadian music.
All proceeds from the Unison Jam II went to the Unison Benevolent Fund, a non-profit organization that provides counseling, emergency relief and benefit programs for those in the Canadian music community who face personal or professional challenges due to hardship, illness, or economic difficulties.
All proceeds from the Unison Jam II went to the Unison Benevolent Fund, a non-profit organization that provides counseling, emergency relief and benefit programs for those in the Canadian music community who face personal or professional challenges due to hardship, illness, or economic difficulties.
