I hope 2009 is being kind to you or at least as kind as it can be in these turbulent times.
To help fight the winter blahs, the perfect antidote is music and friends. Why not call up your buddies and check out the local gigs I have coming up over the next two weekends. Firstly, next Saturday night, February 7th, I am playing at the Moonshine Café in Oakville, a really cool roots music venue. I'll be accompanied once again by the talented Justin Abedin (Nelly Furtado, Jacksoul, Canadian Idol) on guitars and mandolin. The show kicks off at 9 pm with an opening set by singer songwriter Patrick Ballantyne and I'll take the stage shortly thereafter. Cover charge is $10. I'll be enjoying the last day of this particular year of my life as my birthday is actually on the following day! Should be a great night.
The following Saturday 14th February, Valentine's Day, I am performing as part of the Winterfolk event in Toronto so check out the schedule . For those who are not in the area, you can always visit Vimeo.com and check out 4 songs live from the gig at the Rose last November.
Thanks again for supporting my music. Hope to see you soon.
David
"Music should go right through you, leave some of itself inside you, and take some of you with it when it leaves." - Henry Threadgill from Zen Guitar
November 27, 2008
LIVE ON VIDEO Thanks to the folks that came out to the gig at the Rose Theatre in Brampton and to those who tuned in online - I got emails from friends as far off as Australia! For those of you who never managed to tune in, I have posted some video from the concert and you can sample the song "Ready To Buy" by clicking on the video player below. Spreading the word is very helpful so if you know someone who might like to see the video, just click the share button on the screen and send it out to music lovers in your web world through the social network links or simply via email.
For those of you in the greater Toronto area this coming Monday December 1st, I'll be playing with Justin Abedin at the Moonshine Café in Oakville. It's a cozy little music venue with good food. I am part of their "Show and Grill" series and I'll be playing two sets from 8.30pm - 10pm. Check out the Moonshine Café
Also, just a quick reminder if you're in the Woodstock area on December 6th, I'm playing a house concert at Stonecroft Folk. If you can join us, call Allyson or Kevin at (519) 423-6797 for tickets.
During this holiday season, don't forget the simple gift of music. Visit the store page to purchase CD's from CD Baby.
Happy holidays to you and yours. As ever, thanks for listening!
Peace,
David
October 30, 2008
I have some news about an exciting live webcast, a free download and a wee video blog.
Freedom for Free
While I have no new CD in hand to tell you about, I have been working hard and written more than 80 new tunes since my last CD. I have been slowly recording the goodies, track by track. However, with the ongoing shifts in the music world, it gives me pause to think of the best way for an indie artist like me to sell my work. I wonder whether I should release singles on a regular basis or a few six-packs per year for downloads via the web instead of pressing more plastic. I'd be interested to hear if you have any opinions on this!
In the meantime, to give you a little taste of my latest musical activity, I have a wee gift - a free download of a new version of the song "Freedom By The Barrel" co- written with Alec Steinwall. You may recall the "Dylanesque" demo version of this song won us some songwriting awards last year. However, I felt the need to record a rock version to capture some of the political intensity of these crazy times we are living in at the moment. Click here for your download and feel free to pass it on
Upcoming Gigs...
I have a cool gig coming up this coming Monday November 3rd at the Rose Theatre in Brampton. The show starts at 8 PM and I'll have a couple of great musicians performing with me, Justin Abedin on guitar and Marc Rogers on upright bass. I will be doing the opening set followed by a great country swing band, the "Bebop Cowboys". Advance tickets can be purchased online or at the Theatre Box Office (905 874-2000) for only $10 or $17.50 at the door.
Naturally I would love to see your smiling faces at the gig but if you don't live in the area and can't make it out to the show, you'll still be able to catch the performance by logging on to the live webcast from the comfort of your own home . Just visit http://webcasts.myrosetheatre.ca on November 3rd at 8 PM EST. I did a Video Blog about the show. Check it out here
In addition to the gig at the Rose Theatre, I have some fun gigs in December. On Monday December 1st, I'll be playing again with Justin Abedin at the Moonshine Café in Oakville. It's a cozy little music venue with good food. I am part of their "Show and Grill" series where they offer a delectable BBQ'd dinner with a show, all for $10! Dinner is served from 7:30 - 9 PM and then the show. Reservations are appreciated but not mandatory. Click here to check out the Moonshine Café website.
On December 6th, I'm really looking forward to a house concert with the Stonecroft Folk in Woodstock, Ontario. I'll be performing with Fiona Coll so if you can join us, just call Allyson or Kevin at (519) 423-6797 for tickets. It should be a great night. Click here to check out the Stonecroft Folk.
For all upcoming gigs keep checking in at the Live Dates page.
It's beginning to feel a lot like...
As the leaves on the trees start their slow striptease and the autumn temperatures begin to drop it means we are moving closer and closer to the holidays. If you're planning your personal or business parties and are looking for some great music to liven up the occasion, I'd love to be part of your holiday festivities. I can easily put together an ensemble to fit with your event providing of course it is within a couple of hours drive of Toronto! Also don't forget that simple gift choice of music with a CD from my website davidleask.com. I'd love to bring musical meaning to the people you care about. Click here to visit my store at CD Baby.
That's it for now folks. Thanks for listening. In these strange times, it's the basics of life like love, family, friends and music that keep making sense as all the other facades start to fall. If we keep connecting with what's real we'll all be fine.
Peace,
David
August 15, 2008
The air has cooled and the light has changed. And so the transition begins into the next chapter of the year. It's been a good summer despite the rain – which has made me homesick for Scotland and my mum's soup – but I look forward to the fall and the adventures it will bring. The Celtic part of me will enjoy rocking out at the Owen Sound Celtic Festival and the rootsy country part is looking forward to a Gospel Showcase at the Canadian Country Music Conference this September in Winnipeg. This fall, I hope to bring my new record into its final stages. Check out the Live Dates to see where I'm making music and test driving some of the latest tunes. You'll often find a great session at my weekly Sunday gig at Mullins' Pub on Kingston Rd. in Toronto so bring your voice, instruments and ears for a good old time.
