Acoustic Architects

Gillian Welch’s album, eight years in the making

Entertainment / Music Musician rewards patient fans with intimate collection of dark-edged folk tunes. HANDOUT PHOTO David Rawlings and Gillian Welch play Toronto’s Phoenix on Monday.  Nick Krewen  Special To The Star,  Published on Sun Jul 24 2011 The drought is over. The prayers of Gillian Welch disciples who have been pining for a new album since 2003’s Soul Journey were answered a few weeks back with the release of the New York City…


Sia, Australia’s famously reluctant star

Entertainment / Music Fans, be warned: singer coming to town has had enough of touring, TV’s The Voice and even her modest fame.     Nick Krewen  Special to the Star Published on Sat Jul 23 2011 Now you Sia: Now you don’t. After her upcoming month-long tour, which includes a July 24 date at the Phoenix with opener Oh Land, Australia singer and songwriter Sia Furler is retiring from the road….


Tea Party’s reunion steeped in worry

Tea Party’s reunion steeped in worry | Toronto Star Hugely popular ’90s rockers buried the hatchet … eventually … and now play the Sound Academy.        Nick Krewen  Special to the Star, Published on Wed Jul 20 2011 A year ago, the prospect of a Tea Party reunion seemed laughable. When the hugely popular Canadian heavy rock band — seller of a million albums in this country in…


Pink Martini tries substitute ingredients

Pink Martini tries substitute ingredients | Toronto Star Absent singer spurs eclectic Blackcreek performers to shake up lineup.   Pink Martini is still led by Thomas Lauderdale, centre blond, but singer China Forbes won’t be here. Nick Krewen Special To The Star,  Published on Tue Jul 19 2011 First of all, let’s get the disappointment out of the way, Pink Martini fans. When Portland, Oregon’s eclectic 13-piece “little orchestra” headlines…


Brian Wilson: Talking about ‘Plenty O’ Nuttin’

Entertainment / Music Pop visionary chats, just a bit, about Gershwin before Toronto show.     Pop legend Brian Wilson got a chance to complete two unfinished George Gershwin songs for his recent album. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Fri Jun 17 2011 Has pop music ever had a more tortured soul than visionary Brian Wilson? From the physical and psychological abuse inflicted by an intimidating father, to his…