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A Barrie band marks its first CD release with a sold-out event this weekend.
While ColdJack started awhile ago, the current configuration of seven musicians wasn't finalized until six months ago. Yet they're already making waves in the industry with festival gigs booked across the country this summer (including Mariposa) and a tour of Australia in the works for 2011.
ColdJack is fronted by John Fraser on vocals. Originally from England, the singer/songwriter moved here in 2002. The owner of Soccer Elite and Rugby Plus started the band along with Michael Kernen, a music teacher in Essa, plays sax and flute.
Rounding out the horn section is trumpet player Daryl Yaeger, from Anten Mills. Brad Ryder, percussionist for the band, lives in Barrie and works at Music Pro.
Two are from Orillia -- Andre Blais, a bass and guitar instructor, and Dan Harrington, a chef who also plays the drums. Last, but by no means least is Jesse Richard on guitar. The new album was recorded at his Barrie studio, Jester's.
- The Barrie Examiner
BARRIE – After only six months together, local band Cold Jack is already getting attention from record labels.
The funk-pop alternative band has been busy recording their debut album with the hopes of landing a record deal in the year ahead.
“We had a few numbers we wanted to record so we went to Jester’s recording studio, owned by Jesse Richards, a well-known guitarist who has done work with Amanda Marshall,” said lead singer John Fraser. “He told us we were pretty good. He contacted Epic and Warner, and told them about us, and they said they’d like to listen our album.”
Not only the did the band get on the label’s radar, they also gained a new guitarist.
“Our guitarist decided he couldn’t give the commitment if this was the direction we were going, so Jesse joined in on guitar.”
Fraser first formed the band while still living in England. When he moved to Canada 10 years ago, he brought his music dream with him. After meeting up with a few friends, including Daryl Yaeger who brought together a horn section, on this side of the pond, Cold Jack was reborn.
“In the beginning, we got together and we were just jamming, doing cover songs,” Fraser said. “But it grew. The album is original. We just finished it up before Christmas.”
Cold Jack has seven members, including a horn section.
Fraser describes the band’s sound as a cross between British band Level 42 and Jamiroquai.
Cold Jack will celebrate the release of the album on Jan. 23 in Barrie.
The cost to attend the release party is $20. The price includes a buffet, a copy of the CD, entertainment from an opening band and a performance by Cold Jack.
Things get started at 8 p.m. in the Starlight Room at the ANAF Club, 7 George St. There are a limited number of tickets available at Music Pro.
- Barrie Advance
Discography
Coldjack released their first LP "State of Mind" on January 23, 2010 to a sold out crowd of nearly 200 people. 80% of the material is original and they have already received radio airplay with "Changing" and "Autumn Whisper". They are currently working on their new EP.
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Bio
This highly energetic and fun band formed in 2009. Although each member of the band draws from his personal influences, it could be said that one can hear influences of Jameroquai, Level 42, Tower of Power and Brian Colbertson. Tight horn lines, funky drum and bass grooves and smooth vocals are all trademarks of coldjack's sound.
Although a completely Canadian band, the lead singer, John Fraser, is originally from London, England where he was front man for the original "Cold Jack" band that dismantled in the 90s. While in London he played the musical circuit including a gig at the famous London Rock Garden and the Mean Fiddler. His previous band had extensive airplay on U.K. radio stations.
The other members of the band are all professional musicians who have played in a large array of Central Ontario bands. It wasn't until they came together to form coldjack that they knew they truly had something special.
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