At Sound Check Entertainment, We Love Live! And right now in Toronto, there is no shortage of live music available in all genres as we continued our coverage of Canadian Music Week. This is like the music lover’s all you can eat buffet. Today’s review comes from the performances at one of our favourite venues, Boots and Bourbon.
Eli Young Band not a Gamble at Casino Rama….
A little bit of Texas came to Canada! The Eli Young Band took a right turn into southern Ontario for a couple of shows this week. So glad they did.
Riki Knox – CD Release Party
The Latcham Centre in Port Perry was shakin’ and a rattlin’ on Nov 14 when Riki Knox hosted her CD release party, showcasing her first CD entitled That’s Country Y’all. The new music is available now on her website at www.rikiknox.com and you can also pre-order on iTunes with the CD scheduled to be released on Nov 22, however, the sold out crowd this past Saturday night got an early preview.
Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images
Riki Knox has been hard at work to create this full length new release. Teaming up with award winning producer Willie Mack, and writing with the likes of Jason McCoy and Troy Kokol, Knox travelled from Ontario, to Canada’s west coast, and then back and forth from Nashville until she had the music just right. Stints in Texas to film supporting video for her songs also rounded out her travels.
Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images
She is no stranger to hard work, and it looks like that work ethic is about to pay off. The 2014 CMAO Rising Star nominee is a consummate performer. She has a very strong presence on stage, a powerful voice, and style all her own. Riki lives the country life in small town Ontario farming community. So when she sings about the country life, she knows what it’s all about.
Introduced by Pete Walker of KX96 country radio, the party got started off on the right foot with a performance from Ben Hudson. The tall Uxbridge area singer/songwriter performed a solid set which included his original song Wear and Tear and certainly got the crowd hopping. Watch for more from this guy!
Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images
Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images
Knox then took over and delivered her signature energy-driven show. She was supported by a super tight group of musicians that included: Randy Vautour (guitar/vocals), Clayton Mark (guitar), Mike Vautour (drums), Dan McGrath (fiddle), Ron Vautour (bass) and Michelle Vautour (backing vocals).
Working through her set lists, Riki had the Port Perry crowd up dancing and singing and it was very obvious that everyone enjoyed the show. Each person attending received an advance copy of That’s Country Y’all (which is also one of my favourite tracks). One lucky attendee also won a free pair of Lane boots, courtesy of Knox’s sponsor Lane Boots of Texas.
This show marked the third time in 2015 that I was lucky enough to have Riki in front of my camera lens. Absolutely watch out for this lady! Big things are coming. Country radio needs to get fully behind her music and get it out for the masses to enjoy.
Scott Burns
Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images
Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images
Riki Knox CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images
Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images
Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images
Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images
Riki Knox performs at her CD Release Party – Photo: Scott Burns Images
Maddie & Tae – Start Here Release Date Set
If your headed to Boots and Hearts this year you will be lucky enought to catch one of Country Music’s hottests acts Maddie & Tae make thier Canadian debut. Here is a bit more info on thier upcoming album.
RaeLynn brings a little Texas to Toronto…
So Last night we were invited to an exclusive event held by Big Machine Label Group Canada for an intimate performance with Baytown Texas native Raelynn. For those of you who watch The Voice Raelynn competed on season two on Blake Sheltons team. Blake took Raelynn under his wing after the voice and to be honest this spunky little blonde with a heart of gold is just gettin’ started. Last night the room was filled with about 50 or 60 lucky contest winners from KX94.7 & KX96 who were eager to see RaeLynn for her 1st EVER Canadian performance. I was speaking with one lucky winner and she and a friend drove 3 hrs to get a chance to take a selfie with RaeLynn (thats the kind dedicated fans this girl has)
This was an acoustic set with a stripped down set. Matt Nelson on Guitar and Mike Smith on drums & suitcase (WTF?) but hey it sounded great! Paired with the unique but angelic voice of RaeLynn it truly was something special. Now, I had been listening to RaeLynn for a while now so I had an idea what songs she was going to perform from the EP. But was more curious on what covers she might do. Well it was the amazing cover of her dear friend Meghan Trainors All about The Base that had the crowd boppin’ in their seats you could see from the smile on Raelynns face that she loved covering the song and how highly she spoke of Meghan was sweet to see.
RaeLynn @ Rockin’ Horse Photo: Corey Kelly
She also covered one of her idols Dolly Parton, with her own little spin on the classic Jolene and I can tell you she hit it out of the park. My personal favorite was one she sang early in the set. Before singing Kissin’ Frogs, she tells a great story about how the song came about and why she wrote it but won’t spoil it. I know she loves telling that story before she performs it so gives you more reason to make it out to her August 27th performance happening at Molson amphitheatre as she opens for Rascal Flatts alongside Scotty McCreary tickets can be purchased here for that show.
Her new single For A Boy shows a more mature side oh her music writing abilities and truly believe that she has an old soul that just brings new light to today’s country music.
I had the chance to sit down with RaeLynn before the performance so watch for that Interview early next week. But I can one thing I can tell you is RaeLynn is nominated for 2 CMT Awards head over here to vote.
Couple other great videos of RaeLynn below…
