MP3: Steamboat rides a wave of nostalgia
What happens when you take a group of seasoned Toronto indie musicians and set them loose in a grassroots Kensington Market recording studio? Judging by “Don’t Be Mine,” the first track off Steamboat’s soon-to-be-released Live In Nassau EP, it’s likely to sound a hell of a lot like The Band.
Adopting the spirit of blues-R&B-funk forebears like Van Morrison and Booker T & the MGs, the band (lowercase ‘b’) manages to capture the cheerfully blithe Americana vibe of past greats while maintaining their contemporary Toronto indie cred (it helps to know that they’ve played backup for Andre Ethier, Sandro Perri and Mantler, among others).
If Steamboat brings nothing new to the table, they make up for it in superb instrumental chops. “Don’t Be Mine” should definitely attest to that.The upbeat organ-driven tune is a taste of five-song Live In Nassau, to be feted this Friday, November 27 at The Garrison.
Judging by their past stints at the Tranzac and the Dakota, it’s sure to be a good old-fashioned love-in, complete with dancing, drinking and, if we’re lucky, a few high-profile guest spots. – Richard Trapunski
It’s a nice little ditty..pass the fondu!
[...] talent of fellow musician Sandro Perri and backup instrumentals by members of Ohbijou and Steamboat, but Lisa is most powerful when stripped to her soulful, expressive voice and her piano. It’s [...]