Instruments

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…


Lawrence Hill’s The Book Of Negroes leaps from the page

Lawrence Hill’s The Book of Negroes leaps from the page | Toronto Star Lawrence Hill will read from his bestselling The Book of Negroes accompanied by live music in concert at Koerner Hall. By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Sun Feb 12 2012 Bestselling novel The Book of Negroes is going multimedia. On Valentine’s Day, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, led by founder and artistic director Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, is teaming up with author Lawrence…


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…


Folkie Ana Egge’s maple leaf with an asterisk

Singer coming to Dakota Tavern has Canadian pals and reflective songs aplenty.   Saskatchewan-born singer-songwriter Ana Egge plays the Dakota on Feb. 2-3. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Tue Jan 31 2012 When is a Canadian not quite Canadian? When she’s Americana songwriting folksinger Ana Egge (pronounced Eg-gy), born 35 years ago in Estevan, Saskatchewan, but raised in Ambrose, North Dakota and Silver City, New Mexico. “I…


David Bromberg: Gifted guitarist keeps ’em guessing

Entertainment / Music Spontaneity and fun keep the road vital for axeman at Hugh’s Room Sunday.   Respected guitarist and songwriter David Bromberg plays Hugh’s Room on Sunday. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Fri Dec 16 2011 David Bromberg, the journeyman multi-instrumentalist string wizard who returns to Hugh’s Room on Sunday, is certainly one of a kind. At 66, he’s done it all: as a session and sideman, he’s…