Guitar

Drumming up a career in garage rock

Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Mon Jun 11 2012 If you want something done right, do it yourself. John Barrett‘s realization of that credo resulted in the formation of combustive garage-rock combo Bass Drum Of Death. “In high school, I was always in bands, but I started doing (stuff) by myself because I was the one managing it and still wanting to do something,” explains Barrett, whose…


Ed Sheeran makes most of an opening

Entertainment / Music Supporting Snow Patrol a career stepping-stone for red-hot Brit singer. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Fri Apr 13 2012 Ed Sheeran, opening a pair of shows for Snow Patrol at Massey Hall next week in what’s destined to be a contemporary role as a warmup act, isn’t afraid to apply a little elbow grease in working his way to the top. In a seemingly short period…


Thomas Dolby, past, present and especially future

Entertainment / Music Eighties pop star, tech entrepreneur, now game designer — and through it all, a science obsessive.   Musician Thomas Dolby in his travelling “time capsule.” By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Sun Apr 01 2012 Ever the inventive sort, Thomas Dolby is bringing a special guest to Monday night’s gig at the Mod Club: his own time machine. “It’s a 1930s Teardrop trailer that looks like Jules Verne customized…


Pavlo strings the world along

Toronto guitar master’s expanded global sound gets special showcase at Roy Thomson Hall Self-made guitar star Pavlo Simtikidis relaxes in Toronto on the Danforth. Nick Krewen  Special to the Star Published on Wed Feb 22 2012 Pavlo Simtikidis is not a man who operates by convention. For example, the 42-year-old master guitarist, who specializes in Mediterranean-style instrumentals and will be performing selections from his ninth album Six String Blvd, at Roy…


Kathleen Edwards’ new sound shines at the Phoenix

Entertainment / Music Without ex-husband and ex-bandmate, rising star fills void with passionate performance.     Nick Krewen  Special to the Star Published on Sun Feb 12 2012 Heartbreak can be an inspiring catalyst. Since 2008’s Asking For Flowers, singer and songwriter Kathleen Edwards endured a divorce that not only provided fodder for her recently released Voyageur, but also placed her in a bit of a quandary. Whether on record or on stage, there…