Strumbellas Picked Up Our Spirits

The Strumbellas rolled into The Midway in Edmonton for a Valentines date and the place was jumping. It was unseasonably warm outside and they delivered the heat inside.

Featuring many songs of their recent “Part Time Believer” album, released a few days before the show, The Strumbellas are showing no signs of slowing down. New(ish) front-man Jimmy Chauveau fits in quite nicely since founding member Simon Ward took a step down to focus on family and songwriting. Ward is still involved with the band behind the scenes. Chauveau is the perfect addition to this fun party band. I first saw Chauveau at the Bear Creek Folk Fest last summer and was as impressed then as I was this night.

From the opening notes of “Running Scared” we knew we were in for a great dance party. And Chauveau’s voice sounds eerily similar to Ward which makes the transition so smooth. Many bands have to struggle when a new frontperson joins having to adapt to their sound and antics. With the Strumbellas, its almost a seamless change. Many at the show may not have noticed at all. Ward’s energy is infectious and made me tired just watching him run around the stage.

Make no mistake the fan favourite is still Dave and he commands the room every time he steps up to the mic to chat with the crowd. He even had a moment where he channeled his telepathy to summon some familiar riffs before the band broke into “Young And Wild.” Dave Even noted that “This album is just a few days old and you guys are singing along with the new songs. That makes us feel very moved. Thank you.”

The harmonies are a huge component of the Strumbellas sound and they are just as sweet as they’ve always been. When it comes to the Strumbellas I’m equally impressed with the music the make as I am with how they make music. The well placed violin of Isabel Ritchie to the perfect keys accompaniment there sound is full and rich and every note is well thought out. Their stage show is the same as they make every moment special for those in attendance. From the glow on the faces and the constant sway from people dancing to every song, even the slower ones, it was a perfect Valentines Date for most couples at the show.

I’ve seen the Strumbellas a half a dozen times or so and this was my favourite performance by far. There are a few more dates left in Canada before the head down to the states for 24 shows. For more info check out https://thestrumbellas.ca/

Opening the show was one of my favourite singer songwriters, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald who hails from Calgary. He’s so chill and laidback and set the perfect tone for the night. I’ve watching his career over the years and his star is climbing. I’m sure he made a few hundred new fans this night. For more info check out https://www.michaelbernardfitzgerald.com/