I have seen Jeff play a few times now and he really has a unique sound. Certainly rhythm features prominent in his all original songs but it’s such an intense, strong, driving rhythm that nods back to his metal roots. Combined with his raspy, dreamlike vocals he gets you into a trance like state, like listening to good electronica played live on an acoustic guitar. Jeff bought a hammered dulcimer by Dusty Strings on this visit to Mtn Fruit and I can’t wait to hear how he incorporates it into his music!
Cara Luft
Cara is the first musician to be officially interviewed live ‘from the pew’ at Mtn Fruit by Randy Morse of Radio Free Kaslo. I don’t work as a travelling musician but I can safely say from meeting, watching and listening to Cara that she is the consummate professional. She works tirelessly on every aspect of her career as a singer/songwriter. It’s easy to tell she loves what she does and it’s humbling to see how much energy she devotes to her passion. She played a fantastic and lively rendition of ‘The Cockney and the Ploughboy’ for us and we look forward to having Cara back in Kaslo soon! You can purchase Cara’s latest CD, Darlingford, at the Mtn Fruit.
Daniel Bolshoy
Classical guitarist Daniel Bolshoy visited the shop briefly after playing a concert the night before with Jasper Woods at the Kaslo United Church. This unforgettable concert was intense, beautiful and humorous.
Their concert and several others per year of this calibre are arranged by the Kaslo Concert Society.
Rumour has it that Daniel will be visiting in the summer for a masterclass teaching workshop, stay tuned!
Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra
On January 30th,TMO played at the BlueBelle Bistro in Kaslo, BC. Fantastic show of the usual intimate nature.
Sweet natured set of fellas, including the accordion player, who, as you can see here, is a real leprauchan.
I took this photo during a visit to Mtn Fruit, in which the permanent glow of sharing their music is witnessed, as well as Ian, the accordion player, asking Kurt, the guitar player, why the rest of the band is out of focus. Leprauchan phenomena I reckon.
David Woodhead
Bass player and multi-instrumentalist David Woodhead visited Mtn Fruit after his show at the Langham Theatre with James Keelaghan on Nov 1st. If you visit his website you will find an amazing list of musicians that David has played with.
Turns out this was his first time back to Kaslo since 1978 when he played a benefit for saving the Langham in a band called ‘Island’. During his visit in 1978 he took several roles of black and white photos, some of which can be seen on Davids website. David very kindly donated a copy of all his photos to the Kootenay Lake Archives Society. Swell guy with some great stories. Helped enhance my limited understanding of an almost mythical time in Kaslo from my perspective. An influx of young families, Bruce Cockburn jamming at The Village Green cafe, saving the Langham and much more!
New Kootenays Music Shop opens during Kaslo Jazzfest!
MOUNTAIN FRUIT FOLKLORE CENTRE
On July 29th 2011, resident Luthier Jeremy (who builds instruments under the name Instruments of Change) Behn opened Canadas smallest music shop in the ‘Old Gov’t Building’ in Kaslo, BC.
The storefront is an expansion of his stringed instrument repair business that has been active for several months now. The Mtn Fruit repairs most stringed instruments including the violin family and is currently selling D’addario strings, new instruments from Goldtone and consignment instruments of all types.
Heartfelt thanks to my 9 yr old son, Jordan, for contributing his elf drawing for the Mtn Fruit logo. As well, to my 5 yr old son, Chase, for helping rip up the old carpet/linoleum floor to reveal some beautiful doug fir T&G, and to my wife, family and friends for supporting this venture. Come and visit!