2007
2005

Sonor Canada welcomes two new artists: Emmanuelle Caplette & Chad Melchert For anyone who has attended the Montreal Drumfest within the last four years, the name Emmanuelle Caplette would be a common name in drumming. She has been making a name for herself in the music scene in Quebec since a very young age. With her roots in drum and bugle corps, and a hectic schedule of continued drum studies, she holds a diploma from Cegep of Drummondville in Pop/Jazz Drums, and is currently studying with Paul Brochu in the Jazz Interpretation program at University of Montreal, a program that admits only two drummers per year! In April 2005, her childhood dreams became reality, when she was selected to become the full-time drummer in the North American tour of the spectacle: CAVALIA. The show combines artistic elements of dance and acrobatics, and the use of live horses, choreographed to original music by Michel Cusson. Emmanuelle's playing credit's also include drumming for "Les Legendes Fantastiques of Drummondville, performing in the drum duet: "Drummologues", as well as teaching privately at numerous locations. She has appeared twice at the Montreal Drumfest, and has won numerous awards from provincial and national festivals. At the young age of 23, she has set many goals for her future career in drumming! She has her eyes set on television opportunities, and playing with international artists, but in the meantime, she is excited with the opportunity to travel across North America with Cavalia and continues to push her limits as a drummer. Hailing from Morinville, Alberta, Chad Melchert is a called upon studio drummer, and currently holds the full-time position recording and touring with rising country star: Adam Gregory. Chad was featured on Much Music at the young age of 15, and has enjoyed many accomplishments over the years, including winning the Alberta Drum Wars competition, being nominated as the "Drummer of the Year" by the SCMA in Saskatchewan, as well as "Drummer of the Year" by the CCMA's, and has opened for many Nashville recording acts and toured alongside many top country artists such as "Terri Clark" and "Lonestar" After completing a two-year program in performance at Red Deer College, Chad went on to play and do freelance work for several artists including: Jamie Warren, Jett Williams, Gil Grand, Gene Sheppard, before landing a full-time position with Sony Recording Artist: Adam Gregory. He is currently preparing for a very busy year ahead with Adam Gregory, and in the meantime, he holds down a house gig three nights a week, as well as playing every weekend in the Edmonton Area. His upcoming schedule also includes the Gil Grand, Jake Mathews cross Canada tour benefiting Ronald McDonald House. The tour is sponsored by CMT and Encana and runs coast to coast for 37 shows from March 1st through April 23rd. Chad also has a desire to get involved in the education system, working with community schools, and kids in grades K-6. He looks forward to promoting the Sonor Force 3005 series of drums throughout the many towns and cities across Canada! [top]

Denton Whited w/ the Philosopher Kings T.O. outfit set to release first new disc in 8 years Wednesday, December 7th, 2005 With so many solo projects and outside interests occupying band members' interests for the past several years, it certainly appeared that the Philosopher Kings were all but finished as a group. Sony BMG Canada photo Top row (from left): James Bryan, Jon Levine. Bottom row (from left): Brian West, Gerald Eaton and Denton Whited. Frontman Gerald Eaton and cohort Brian West developed the production team Track and Field, who were instrumental in the successes of Nelly Furtado and K'Naan. James Bryan (aka James McCollum) and Jason Levine developed a production team, too, in Lefthook Entertainment which worked with Fefe Dobson as well as created animated groovemeisters Prozzak. Eaton also morphed into solo artist Jarvis Church, and Bryan and Jon Levine each released solo albums. "Our band is, and has always been, very democratic," Eaton says. "But there are also a lot of cooks in the group, so to speak, and these people had the desire to do their own things. As artists, we needed that time. That's why you've seen so many projects come out of this group of six guys." At the same time Bryan was plugging his solo album Beautiful World, he first let slip to Metro he was on his way to record with Eaton, West, Jon Levine and Denton Whited. Months later comes Castles In The Sand, the leadoff single from the Philosopher Kings' first new studio album in eight years called Castles. Originally slated for release today to coincide with the Toronto-based quintet's show tonight at the Mod Club, the disc has been pushed back to Feb. 14. "It all came down to timing," Eaton says. "Everybody had gotten their fill of what we wanted to do individually. Plus, I feel that there's people out there who still want to hear what we're doing musically." Much of Castles takes on contemporary pop blended with rock, R&B, reggae and soul, all of which has been elemental to the Philosopher Kings' sound since their self-titled 1994 debut release. Of course, it was their '97 sophomore Famous, Rich and Beautiful — the latter spawning hits in Hurts To Love You and a cover of Godley and Creme's Cry — that helped move the Kings to a wider audience. One would assume that in working with the likes of Furtado, K'Naan and Prozzak, the group would want to bring some of those outside influences into making Castles. Not so, Eaton says. "Actually, we wanted to do the opposite," Eaton says. "With Brian and I, for instance, our production team gets involved with a lot more programming and using samples. But when we started making this third record, we were just so amazed by how definitive our own sound has become, because musically we've never been limited to one genre. So we just wanted to have the band play on Castles — musicianship and the way the songs are crafted is paramount to us." Metronews, November 15th, 2005. [top] Benny Greb's Canadian Tour a Huge Success! A Tour Diary By Scott Atkins: Sonor Artist Relations Canada, Coast Music. Sunday, November 13th, 2005 Benny Greb's Sonor Drum Tour 2005 [quicktime video] (mov: 12MB) It didn't take long for the audience at the Centre Pierre Peladeau in Montreal to figure out that once again Sonor had delivered something special to Drum Fest 2005! In keeping up the annual tradition of introducing cutting edge, international, rising drum stars, Benny Greb was no exception to this years star-studded line-up. Working with Benny behind the scenes, one would have to wonder if he was really there to perform, as his calm, warm personality kept him occupied in conversation and discussions about technique and musicality amongst the other performers. He even managed to keep cool during soundcheck, after realizing that none of his tracks were going to operate from his laptop, and he would have to play the performance from his iPOD without a click track! When it came time to deliver, the crowd was not aware what they were about to witness. Into a few minutes of his performance, he was overcome by the crowd's appreciation for his amazing talent, and quick sense of humour. The end of his performance brought the audience to their feet for what would be the longest standing ovation of the weekend, leaving an emotional Benny with an incredible sense of welcome to Montreal! [Keep Reading] [top] SONOR DRUMS CANADA PRESENTS BENNY GREB AT THE MONTREAL DRUMFEST AND IN CLINIC ACROSS ONTARIO Download PDF www.bennygreb.com   Sponsored by SONOR, Remo, ProMark and Meinl Host: MONTREAL: The Montreal Drumfest 2005 Time: Sunday, November 13th, 1:00 PM Location: Centre Pierre Peladeau 300 Boul. De. Maisonneuve Est. Montreal, QC Host: CORNWALL: Melody Music Time: Monday, November 14th, 8:00 PM Location: Jazz Magnolia’s 1541 Vincent Massey Drive Cornwall, ON 613-933-0250 Host: KINGSTON: Kingston Soundworks Time: Tuesday, November 15th, 7:00 PM Location: Time To Laugh Comedy Club 394 Princess Street Kingston, ON 613-546-9999 Host: BARRIE: Music Pro Time: Wednesday, November 16th, 7:00 PM Location: Music Pro 74 Dunlop St. E Barrie, ON 705-726-5051 Host: CAMBRIDGE: Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Time: Thursday, November 17th, 7:00 PM Location: United Kingdom Club 35 International Village Drive Cambridge, ON 519-622-1970 [top] Sonor Canada Profiles Canadian Drummers in latest Ad Campaigns Ad Campaigns in PDF Ray Garraway Davide DiRenzo You may have noticed several Canadian Drummers turning featured recently in Sonor ads placed in Drums etc. and Canadian Musician Magazine. It’s all part of the latest efforts to recognize the talents that have helped to elevate the awareness of Sonor drums, and show appreciation for their dedication to the Sonor brand, and good relations with Coast Music / Sonor Drums. According to Coast’s Artist Rep for Sonor: Scott Atkins, “We have an artist roster that is second to none, not only because we have great talents showcasing our drums, but also because we have genuine, hard-working drummers that are playing Sonor for all the right reasons. For an endorser relationship to work best, it is paramount that they are playing the drums because they believe in the product, and the people that stand behind it.” Here are some sample ads featuring K-OS drummer: Ray Garraway, and the groove guru behind Jacksoul and Holly Cole: Davide DiRenzo. [top] Ray Garraway - a break in sight? Photo by T. Bruce Wittet   Sonor Endorser, Ray Garraway has been on the road for what seems an eternity, providing the stylistic backbeats for one of Canada's hottest musical acts: "K-OS". The tour supports the latest offering "Joyful Rebellion", and has kept the band playing steady, from College and University venues, to clubs, large halls, festivals and a host of international shows. Born in Toronto, Ray began playing drums at 11, and by the age of 17 after relocating to Calgary, he had landed gigs in blues and R&B clubs through his father's musical connections. After Graduating from Grant McEwan College, and beating out 70 drummers to win the Calgary Drum Wars, Ray went on to further his percussion studies at The Percussion Institute of Technology. It was upon graduation from P.I.T. that he was awarded "All-around stylist of the year". After returning to Canada, Ray connected with Russ Klyne (guitar - K-OS / Nelly Furtado…) and Toby Peter (bass player with K-OS) to form the hard-rock band: "Salvador Dream". They were signed to Warner Records, and produced 2 records, and 3 videos for MuchMusic. Today, the trio has taken on a new direction that highlights influences of jazz-fusion incorporated with Indian music, Drum n' Bass, and Break-beat, under the name of: "Namedropper". Ray is looking forward to a few days off from the K-OS tour for some rest, but you can be assured one thing - his drums won't be getting any! Watch for the feature article on Ray Garraway in the upcoming November / December issue of Drums Etc. Magazine. Ray plays Sonor S-Class Pro Maple Series Drums, Giant Step Series Pedals, Sabian Cymbals and Vic Firth Sticks. [top] Kingston Grenadier Drumline Enjoys Rewarding Season Canada's sole competitive open class Senior Drum and Bugle Corps, the Grenadiers based out of Kingston, Ontario recently returned from the World Championships in Scranton, Pennsylvania, bringing to close another season tour, and a rewarding summer. Last year, the Grenadiers were crowned champions of the A-Class Division at the DCA (Drum Corps Associates) World Championships. In the fall of 2004, a decision was made to have the corps return to the World Open Class level in DCA, a division they had competed in several seasons since 1995, finishing as finalists 8 times. The 2005 Grenadiers Field Percussion Section. Download PDF of Story The Grenadiers' 2005 Production was based around the music of film score composer, Danny Elfman. Selections included musical exerpts from Batman, Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, a percussion feature based on Mission: Impossible, Back to School, the Simpsons and Scrooged. The membership and staff for the 2005 corps included musicians from not only the Kingston area, but several other cities in Ontario, Quebec, New York State, and Ohio. The 2005 Show Designers included Brass Arranger: Paul McGarr from Hamilton, ON, Percussion Arranger: Scott Atkins from Montreal, QC, Choregrapher: Brian Callard from NY State and Visual Drill Designer: Carl Diefenbach from Ohio. 2005 marked the most successful and best-attended DCA World Championships in recent history, with 26 competing drum corps at the preliminary competition. At the end of the night, the Grenadiers had achieved 11th place in the World Open Class, with the Drumline finishing 8th in the Field Percussion performance caption. And although the corps missed hitting the coveted "Top Ten" by one spot, they had managed to edge out two competing units that had been beating them going into the finals, one of which they had never beaten yet all season. "This year, the Grenadiers began a building program that saw many new faces come into the corps. In fact, the percussion section alone, had 10 brand new members performing with the ensemble that had never performed with drum corps instrumentation before, so when you consider an 8th place finish in the percussion caption, it marks a huge achievement for the work ethic of the percussion section, and speaks volumes for the consistency of the instructional program and staff I have had the privilege of working with over the last several years" - Scott Atkins, Percussion Coordinator and Music Arranger. The Grenadiers Drumline is sponsored by: YAMAHA, VIC FIRTH, SABIAN, REMO and LP. [top] Anthony Michelli tours South America with Steve Koven Trio Anthony will be performing with the Steve Koven Trio in South America On September 16th and 20th, at the Teatro Libre Festival in Bogota, The Barranqui Jazz Festival on September 17th, as well as performing a workshop on September 19th at the Universidad. Here is a review from Steve Koven’s fifth Album: "All the Time in The World" STEVE KOVEN TRIO - CD REVIEW ALLTHE TIME IN THE WORLD (KATATTACK) A Sustained mood piece that mines a langorous, reflective and sometimes exotic feelings over six originals and two standards. Koven lets notes breath, taking his time and making the space work for him. Bassist Rob Clutton and drummer Anthony Michelli pace it like they've got all day, lending just the right amount of subtle forward propulsion. Hoagy Carmichael's "Lazy River" is as sultry as New Orleans on a hot day. Elsewhere we hear some eastern sounds and also a helping of the blues. "Because" departs slightly with its freer, angular lines. "Leaving" takes us out with a shimmering pulse. A wonderful recording that offers rich understated rewards. Toronto Downtown Jazz - Michael Clifton For more information on Anthony Michelli, visit: www.anthonymichelli.com [top] Alan Hetherington prepares for upcoming performances in Japan! After releasing their latest (third) album, Tasa is becoming more and more prominent worldwide in the ever growing World Music scene. This coming year they have plans for another Japan tour as well as a second European tour next summer, together with extensive exposure across Canada on the Folk and Jazz Festival circuit. There are also plans in the works to travel to Bangladesh, the home of one of the vocalists with Tasa, to record and perform, at the end of 2006, beginning 2007. This fall, after returning from Japan with Dhruba Gosh(one of the world’s most foremost Sarangi players), TASA will be performing in concert Oct 29 at The DuMaurier Theatre in Toronto, and will be featured at The University of Toronto’s Music Dept.’s Artists Series, Dec. 1. Tasa continues to receive very high artistic acclaim and their exposure is growing. Alan will also be traveling to Japan again in Oct to play a series of concerts with the renowned marimba performer, Mika Yoshida. He has performed with her in Japan on many occasions since 1996. [top] Damon Richardson Hit’s ’em Hard! In Sweden! Canada’s hard rockers: DANKO JONES, have had an extensive touring schedule this summer that has put them on stages all over North America and Europe. The band has been touring steadily since the release of their highly successful album: “We Sweat Blood” in October 2003, and has also been in the studio working on their next album. After I had the chance to catch up with Damon in May in between studio sessions in Toronto, Danko Jones hit the road again, touring the US playing the new Red Maple Force 3005 series All-Maple shell drums, and is currently in Sweeden, hitting the Birsdeye Cherry Delite Series Drums. For more information, go to: www.dankojones.com. [top] Davide DiRenzo rocks out for Canada’s largest television viewing audience! Davide DiRenzo on Canadian Idol. Sonor Rep Scott Atkins with Davide DiRenzo (left) If you have been following the Canadian Idol craze this summer, you may have noticed a set of Sonor drums on stage backing up the top six contestants, and an all-star band under the direction of Orin Isaacs. And the groove guru at the helm of the Sonor Delites, is none other than Toronto’s Davide DiRenzo! I had a chance to catch up with Davide during a recent rehearsal at the John Bassett Theatre in Toronto, the home of the highly successful Canadian Idol competition, which attracts over 2.3 million viewers weekly, and receives a whopping 3.4 million votes from across Canada in order to determine the fate of the remaining contestants. Where most shows using live bands often have them tucked into a pit or off to the side of the stage, the producers of Canadian Idol felt it would be more effective to give the contestants the opportunity to interact with the musicians, placing the band on the main stage with the singers. We’re very excited to see Davide bringing his talents and energy to the show! [top] Coast Music / Sonor Canada’s Artist Relation Dept. is pleased to announce the newest drummer to join the dynamic family of Canadian Sonor Artists Dave Langguth Sonor Rep Scott Atkins and Dave Langguth Known most recently for touring with Nelly Furtado, Dave currently resides in Toronto where he teaches and maintains a constant performance schedule locally. He attended the Berklee College of Music, studying with Victor Mendoza, John Ramsey, Skip Hadden and Ed Kaspick, and in 1993 following graduation, he moved to Halifax and broke into the scene with such artists as: Dutch Mason, Brett Ryan and Wayne Nicholson. 5 years Later, Dave found himself living in Toronto performing with the likes of: Sass Jordan, Alannah Myles, The Kings, Rik Emmett and most recently, Grammy award-winning pop star: Nelly Furtado. Dave has had numerous television appearances, including Jay Leno, David Letterman, Regis & Kelly, Much Music, The View, Carson Daly and Extra, and was featured at the Montreal Drum Festival 2004. He has also appeared in articles in Drums Etc. (Cover Story), Modern Drummer and DRUM! Magazine. He is an active player, educator and clinician, and is co-sponsored by Sabian Cymbals and Vic Firth Sticks. [top] Great Prize giveaways from Coast Music at MIAC 2005 Drop by our Booth 371 at the Toronto International Center, August 21-22 2005 for more details on this giveaway. 1st 1 trip for 2 for 4 nights to Winter NAMM in Anaheim + a 2 day stay in Santa Barbara January 18 - 21 inclusive 2nd 1 Harman Kardon CP15 6.1 Channel Complete Home Theater Audio / Video System 3rd 1 of 6 pairs of Oakley Whisker Series Sunglasses [top] The hugely expanded La Guitar shop in Moncton givesaway a Samick Avion AV-3 Barbara White of Moncton, NB is the lucky winner of a Samick Avion AV-3 guitar This photo was taken at the grand re-opening of the hugely expanded La Guitar shop in Moncton. [top] Keilwerth artist James Moody visits the Toronto Jazz Festival During his recent visit to the Toronto Jazz Festival, saxophone legend and Keilwerth artist James Moody had lunch with some local saxophonists. Pictured left to right are Colin Murray, Keilwerth sales rep, Tim Ries (saxophonist with the Rolling Stones), Elena Kapeleris (Long & McQuade Music), Kelly Jefferson (Humber College), Alex Dean (Keilwerth artist, University of Toronto and Humber College), Dave Neill (University of Toronto), James Moody, Michael Ruby (Alex Dean's student and Downbeat High School award winner) and Tara Davidson (IAJE Sisters in Jazz). [top] Curtis Metcalf soloist with Weston Silver Band Besson euphonium artist Curtis Metcalf was the featured soloist with the Weston Silver Band in their "Polished Brass" concert on Saturday, April 23 at Central United Church in Weston. Curtis dazzled the crowd with his performances of the Edward Gregson "Symphonic Rhapsody for Euphonium and Brass Band", George Doughty's arrangement of "Grandfather's Clock" and finished with an encore of "Bugler's Holiday" featuring the band's other Besson euphonium players, Ron Williams and Larry Knight. Besson was the major sponsor of the concert, with full credit given by the master of ceremonies many times throughout the evening, as well as prominent displays of the Besson logo on the program and the poster for the concert. A lobby display of the Besson banner and a selection of Besson brochures (which were all taken) helped to ensure the name Besson was on everyone's mind by the end of the evening! The Weston Silver Band is directed by Larry Shields, who is also director of the Hannaford Youth Brass Band. One of the Toronto area's best community brass bands, the Weston Silver Band has been around since 1920. Curtis Metcalf will be a featured soloist and clinican at the Fredericton International Tuba and Euphonium Day on May 6 and 7 at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. The Musicstop, Besson dealer for New Brunswick,will have a display of Besson instruments and Denis Wick accessories. For more information, please contact Richard Riding at rriding@unb.ca. For more information on Besson brass instruments, Denis Wick mutes and mouthpieces or having Curtis Metcalf appear as a clinician or soloist, please contact Colin Murray at The Music Group Canada at tmgeast@sympatico.ca. Weston Silver Band [top] Nick Atkinson Tuba Masterclass at University of Toronto Besson tuba artist Nick Atkinson presented a master class at the University of Toronto's Walter Hall on November 15 that was enthusiastically received by participants and audience alike. (Most of the audience weren't tuba players). Nick is the solo tuba of The National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, a former member of the RCMP band and has taught at the University of Ottawa and Queen's University. His masterclass took six young tubists through the standard solo repertoire with his remarkable insights and clear instructions delivered in his trademark jocular, yet firm, delivery. There was a noticeable improvement in all of the particpants and following the masterclass all eagerly took turns trying Nick's new Besson BE983 EEb tuba. Nick has played a Besson BE981 EEb tuba for the last fifteen years and recently purchased the new BE983 which features four front-action compensating pistons. Nick is particurlarly enamored of the comfortable playing position the front action pistons gives him, and loves the sound, response and intonation of the new horn. Nick continues to play his BE981 in the orchestra, and has become a leading advocate for the Besson EEb tubas as great all-around instruments. He says they're particularly well-suited to a university level player in all playing situations, as he reminded his audience at the masterclass. Even the legendary Arnold Jacobs, Nick's teacher, once remarked to him about his Besson EEb, "If you could only have one tuba, this would be it." Nick is available for clinics and masterclasses across Canada, and his clinics aren't only for tubists - any brass or wind player will benefit from Nick's breathing exercises. For information about getting Nick as a soloist and/or clinician in your area, please contact your Music Group Canada District Sales Manager.

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