April 7, 2010: Roundhouse Theatre, McBride, AB
April 9, 2010: Norman Ritchie Community Centre, Kindersley, SK
April 10, 2010: Lydia’s Pub, Saskatoon, SK
April 11, 2010: Brooks Hall, Hudson Bay, SK
April 14, 2010: The Slice, Lethbridge, AB
April 15, 2010: The Ironwood Stage & Grill, Calgary, AB
April 16, 2010: Barley’s Pub, Carstairs, AB
April 17, 2010: Scalliwag’s Pub and Rum Bar, Camrose, AB
April 30, 2010: Cafe Deux Soleils, Vancouver, BC
May 1, 2010: Ambrosia Event Center, Victoria, BC
The Gruff’s Last Tour…
In the several years acclaimed group The Gruff have been making music, they’ve developed themselves as well regarded indie folk/country darlings, released three popular albums, won awards, toured extensively across the country, and remained only 25% boy through the whole thing. But now ‘Gruffians’ Jenny Ritter, Phaedra Kemp and Terri Upton, joined this time around by slide/dobro player Christopher Herbst, are hitting the road for a goodbye tour before going their own musical ways in 2010. Heading through BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan, band members are excited and saddened to play some of their favorite venues one last time under the Gruff moniker, but each are looking forward to new life ventures as well as enjoying their legacy. Contact ModMay Promotions to arrange for press opportunities with The Gruff to say goodbye to one of Canada’s most regarded folk/country bands!
The Gruff filter folk traditions through the sieve of modern experience to create a truly unique sound, aptly described as a ‘coastal country’ style. From old-time folk and country to bluegrass to classic rock ‘n roll, these young songwriters sing with astounding energy and passion. They are known for their beautiful harmonies, touching and whimsical lyrics, and entertaining stage presence which displays their obvious delight in performance. Every song has a story behind it, be it love, heartache, travel, or hard work, and the show is interspersed with traditional tunes picked up over their various journeys. The Gruff’s genuine chemistry is apparent and engaging.
Phaedra Kemp accompanies her edgy vocals on the standing snare drum and bass drum and plays a melancholy harmonica as well. Jenny Ritter hammers her guitar like John Henry himself, and sings with all her heart. On the double bass is Terri Upton; the big bull fiddle may rival her in size, but she is in charge of the behemoth, keeping the reliable beat and groove steady. The women’s three-part harmonies are rich and sweet, but The Gruff’s instrumental prowess is quite apparent as well. The three women are often joined on stage by well known fiddler and banjo player Adam Iredale-Gray, who shreds solos and adds lovely textures to an already complex sound. The Gruff have also allotted their 25% boy ratio to fantastic Canadian players Adrian Dolan (fiddle), Adam Dobres (Electric Guitar), Tim Tweedale (Weissenborn) and Christopher Herbst (Dobro/lap slide), many of which also played on their recent critically acclaimed album, A Trail of Missing Thoughts. The Gruff have also amazed audiences at the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, Ottawa Folk Festival, Hillside Festival in Guelph, Victoria’s (now defunct) Rootsfest and Ness Creek Music Festival in Big River, SK.
“You don’t have to have the blues in order to sing them, nor do you have to hail from Texas in order to play country music. That much is evident on A Trail of Missing Thoughts…It’s an impressive and thoughtful stroll through the bluegrass of Kentucky, the trad-country of Texas and the 1970s folk of California.” ~ Mike Devlin, Times Colonist, Victoria
The Gruff’s WEBSITE
The Gruff on MYSPACE
The Gruff on CBC RADIO 3
The Gruff on REVERBNATION
The Gruff in Edmonton’s VUE WEEKLY
