The Gertrudes - Kansas & River (live) @ The Music Gallery, Toronto, ON - November 28, 2009

http://zine.applecrisp.ca/the-gertrudes/
http://myspace.com/theothergertrudes

The Gertrudes opening for Bruce Peninsula with "Kansas" followed by the track "River". Both tracks can be found on their EP "Hard Water".

Thanks to Ed, Sandor, and Pete Bowers.
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Banjo picker, Annie Clifford, had a dream about The Gertrudes. She told guitar picker, Greg Tilson, about the dream and he picked up the phone and called up all The Gertrudes in her dream. The Gertrudes then assembled themselves in a practice room at the Kingston School of Music, and made beautiful music together. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Gertrudes sound like an ol time saloon party in deep space experimental noise beds with down home folk passengers, frolicking through original material, played by a veritable orchestra of instruments. Nerdgrass? Maybe

"What is perhaps most remarkable about The Gertrudes, and exhibited so perfectly on the new record, is their restraint. Despite having 12 members in the band, there is no jostling to be heard. Each instrument is used to its best effect, showing up when needed and retreating when not. This is so key, given the frequently gentle and delicate harmonies employed by the band. Which is not to say that they cant rock-the-heck-out when needed, but they use the power of their numbers to create solid foundations and intricate textures, without having ever a muddled or overwrought sound." - B(oot)log

"The large band references past eras in hushed tones and adds atmospheric textures that pull the music into the present." - Now Magazine

"The most exciting thing about the EP is how The Gertrudes contrast the old time feel of banjos, ukes and accordions with electronics, horns and theremin (sweet) to create modern, spooky tracks that are as thick and ominous, but also as breathtaking as a dense fog over the harbour." - Herohill

"This delightful six-song collection of symphonic folk weaves trumpet, banjo, mandolin, accordion, ukulele, violin and trombone together into a bright and richly textured rug. From the scruffy '70s pop vibe and brass eruptions of grandly sweeping "Seymour" to lazily meandering instrumental "Kansas," this is a mesmerizing nugget of ambitious modern folk." - Exclaim (Hard Water review)

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