bop ensemble

GrassRoots Regina presents Canadian super group bop ensemble in concert, featuring folk legends Bill Bourne and Wyckham Porteous, along with up-and-coming singer-bassist Jasmine "Jas" Ohlhauser. Combining Bourne’s grit, Porteous’ warmth, and Jas’ energetic devilry, the three manage to catch lightning in a bottle. All are great on their own ... together they’re something truly special!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

The Exchange, 2431 8th Avenue, Regina

Show starts at 8:00 p.m.

Admission: $15 advance $20 at the door

Tickets available at Bach & Beyond, Cobb Swanson Music and X-Ray Records

Bill Bourne is known for his work with the Tannahill Weavers, Bourne & MacLeod and Tri-Continental, as well as his solo recordings. He is an activist for social justice and a gifted and creative musician who has been an important part of roots music for the past 30 years. His ravaged poetry, powerful rhythms and soulful melodies are steeped in world beat, folk, funk, blues and more. A multiple Canadian Juno Award winner, Bill has received international acclaim for his recordings and live performances.

Wyckham Porteous matches Bourne’s nearly legendary status and has emerged as a storyteller whose personal experience gives his songs a unified philosophical perspective. His latest album 3AM has gone back to the roots format of his breakout 1995 album, Looking for Ground. He invests the insight he has garnered through being exposed to the downtrodden people of Vancouver’s east side realizing what real suffering is about.

Jasmine “Jas” Ohlhauser is the wild card of the bunch. She is an exuberant 25-year old who also plays with the Edmonton band Lilys on Mars. Known both for her wild hats, and her penchant for throwing on a hula hoop to accentuate a song with a different kind of solo, the athletic young bassist is always there, holding down the centre with her solid bass lines and sweet harmonies.

“... he (Bourne) is a shining light in the North American folk foots scene.” - Tom Russell

“Bourne flows with this almost indescribable soul, infused with a lonesome strain of blues. This man was put on earth to play music” - Crossroads Magazine

“... a warm, warm performer (Porteous) whose voice is like a bottle of wine who has matured into a friend.” - Andrew Oldham

Flash Around the Globe clip:

California Dreamin' clip:

Husbands and Wives clip:

Web site: www.myspace.com/bopensemble