Country music is a curious commodity around these parts.
No shortage of rap, rock, folk and punk acts pass through the region, often on a regular basis. But for whatever reason, the kings and queens of country music — be it new country or the classic variety — are often relegated to the second tier. Some are kept off the radar entirely.
Despite this, a few acts do manage to maintain a healthy relationship with country music fans in this corner of the world. Tops among that small but dedicated list is Terri Clark.
The Montreal native, who was raised in Alberta and now lives in Nashville, has been a friend of Vancouver Island for some time. Clark owned a house in Sooke at one point, during a period in her career when her music took a backseat to her family life. Now that she’s back on course career-wise, it’s nice to see that she hasn’t forgotten about the fans in the area she used to call home.
Clark kicked off her massive national tour on Friday in Abbotsford, followed by a stop Saturday in Duncan at the Cowichan Theatre. There’s time left to catch Clark on the road: She wraps her second of two dates on Vancouver Island with a concert tonight at Nanaimo’s Port Theatre.
The show is nearly sold out, which shouldn’t be a surprise to those paying attention. The album Clark is on the road to promote, Classic, has earned the singer some of her best reviews.
Clark leads our list of the week’s must-see videos, otherwise known as Singles Going Steady.
1. Terri Clark, I’m Movin’ On.
The ninth album from Clark features a who’s-who of singers and songwriters. With help from the likes of Reba McEntire, Jann Arden, Dierks Bentley and Tanya Tucker, Clark spins through a sterling selection of country classics, including cuts by Neil Young, Loretta Lynn and Merle Haggard. Perhaps the best of the bunch is her take on I’m Movin’ On, a Hank Snow gem which features another Can-country favourite, Dean Brody. Those who like their twang with some zip should pay close attention. I’m Movin’ On is a rootin’ tootin’ gem.
2. Mason Jennings, Bitter Heart.
Mason Jennings penned Minnesota as a complicated love letter to his home state, and like vast areas of the U.S. Midwest, there is both beauty and the beats included therein. The track that kicks off the album, Bitter Heart, finds Jennings playing only dour notes on a piano and singing softly, evoking Mark Kozelek of Red House Painters in the process. He widens his scope on the remainder of the record, but never once drops the level of quality. If you’re smart, you’ll catch Jennings when he makes his local debut tonight at the Upstairs Cabaret.
3. Born Ruffians, With Her Shadow.
Indie poppers Born Ruffians abandon their sound somewhat on With Her Shadow, the bouncy first single from their forthcoming new recording, Birthmarks. There’s a decided Paul Simon influence to the song, the first bit of new music in more than two years from the Ontario group. Good news for local fans of the band: Born Ruffians are playing Victoria in advance of the record’s April 13 release, with a date scheduled for March 19 at Lucky Bar. The comfy Yates Street club may soon be too small for the group, so grab tickets while you still can.
4. BoneHoof, Ballerina.
Roots rockers BoneHoof celebrated the release of their debut EP with a concert Thursday at Logan’s Pub. Missed seeing the Victoria foursome in action? You get a second chance Wednesday as the group opens for Texas group Bright Light Social Hour. Didn’t purchase tickets to Wednesday’s sold-out show? Lest ye be discouraged, the quartet’s self-titled EP (produced by Arlen Thompson of Wolf Parade fame) can be purchased through bandcamp.com. Ballerina, shown here in a live clip from last year, kicks off the five-song outing in fine fashion.
5. Carlos del Junco, Some Sweet Day.
No matter how often harmonica king Carlos del Junco plays around the region — and it’s a lot, to be sure — we always write something glowing in advance of his performances. The native of Havana, Cuba, not only has a talent worth trumpeting, he consistently reinvents his music and manner of playing. The longtime Torontonian and his trio are embarking on a 14-date tour, beginning with gigs Wednesday on Mayne Island at the Agricultural Hall, and Thursday in Victoria at Hermann’s Jazz Club. See him.
