July 16, 2014
8:30 PM
Cost: Pass The Hat
306-825-5885
Jazz clubs and crowded bar rooms. Low light and Blue smoke. Blue Moon Marquee has a sound largely influenced by old delta blues, swing, jazz and ragtime. Led by Alexander Wesley Cardinal, a Metis of Cree Heritage who was born in a small oil town – Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Cardinal was introduced to blues and jazz first hand from professional live musicians in jazz venues and crowded bar rooms in Montreal and New York City, where he has spent a good deal of time. His “Jass Band” is Jasmine Colette, a multi-faceted performer/ bassist & singer originally from the Alberta Badlands. She has toured and played all over North America for the last six years, sharing the stage with such artists as Paul Pigat, Bill Bourne, Andrew Loog Oldham, Tanya Tagaq, David Gogo, Simon Kendall, Madagascar Slim & Wyckam Porteous.
Together they share a kindred appreciation of antiquated music, deeply influenced by artists such as Lonnie Johnson, Eddie Lang, Blind Willie Mctell,Leroy Carr, Skip James. Memphis Minnie and Django Reinhardt. A.W.’s original compositions are rooted in this early style, with a modernistic approach of lyric & presentation. Cardinal and Colette predominately play as a duo, although have a distictive sound, like a four piece blues swing band. A.W plays rhythm and lead guitar, harmonica & vocals, whereas Jasmine sings, plays Upright Bass, and drums with her feet. Their smoldering chemistry & classic sound makes for an enthralling listen & captivating performance.
The duo frequently pick up & collaborate with various players along the way, performing with as many as four guests any given night. Blue Moon Marquee plays and writes songs that have the ability to connect to any surrounding and are enjoyed from young to old. The notes picked from their instruments dare you to move with the air particles they’ve manipulated, & the songs written and performed by the band beckon you to come closer, to tilt your head and listen to the seductive mysteries.
