Monday, 27 February 2012

Emma-Lee+Harlan Pepper+Motel Raphael @ Le Divan Orange February 21, 2012


Last Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of production managing the Emma-Lee + Harlan Pepper + Motel Raphael show at Le Divan Orange. This review will be a short one, but I felt like I couldn't not express a few words of praise for these acts.

Montreal's Motel Raphael opened up the show. Having missed their previous shows in Montreal, I was especially excited to alas see these three lovely ladies play. I was blown away. If managing the Oh My Darling show last September didn't already make me want to be in a country band, Motel Raphael sure does. These girls have perfected their harmonies to the T. Their songs are sung like country classics with the addition of an upbeat tambourine, making their melodies infectious. Clara's warm vocals are complimented by Emily and Maya's that carry a sweet country twang. This evening, Motel Raphael was happy to introduce new member, Robin, upright bass player, to their band. Motel Raphael's music makes me want to lay down in a long grass field for a while.

The young Toronto boys, Harlan Pepper, followed. Hearing their music, I almost couldn't believe these boys have only just turned 19. They have even landed themselves a record deal. It is easy to see why. Adorned in cowboy shirts, these boys play blusie-country/rock 'n' roll music as if they lived several decades ago themselves. I'm sure you'll be hearing much more from these boys in the future. They're going to make you want to start learning how to play that harmonica that's been sitting in your drawer for years.

I wish I could have seen more of headliner Emma-Lee's set! From what I did see, Emma-Lee comes with a bold voice and along with her band, has many catchy pop-ie folk songs. I would be sure to see any of these acts next time they're playing a show in your town.

2 comments:

  1. Get me out of the city to that sweet country air!

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  2. There's half a foot of snow outside, but listening to these tunes & reading this sunny review makes me want to put on my summer dress.

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