A marriage of yesteryear jazz albums and ’70s analog warmth, the songs performed by Terra and Ben are souvenirs of real and imagined people and places. Their upcoming joint album ‘Old News’ is being introduced first to live audiences in the UK before its full release in October 2022.
BEN CAPLAN
Combining timeless melodies with a contemporary folk-rock twist, singer-songwriter Ben Caplan explores the immigrant experience with profound understanding and wry humour on his latest album, Old Stock.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Caplan moved to Halifax for college but stayed when he discovered the city’s rich and interwoven music scene. With his band The Casual Smokers, Caplan released two acclaimed albums, In the Time of the Great Remembering (2011) and Birds with Broken Wings (2015). The sound is rooted in Caplan’s resonant baritone voice, at times sounding like lamb’s wool, and in another moment like steel wool, supported by a wide-ranging tapestry of piano, accordion, organ, clarinet, saxophone, violin, drums, and the occasional acoustic guitar.
With his enormous beard, unruly mane, intimately booming voice and beguiling charm, Caplan brings a striking presence to the stage.
“From Satanic hoedowns to swaying country heartbreakers, this evening with the larger-than-life Caplan makes for rollicking fun” The Guardian.
TERRA SPENCER
Raised on the mud banks of the Avon River, Nova Scotian funeral director-turned-songwriter Terra Spencer weaves intimate stories with deft fingerstyle guitar, gospel piano, and her butterscotch voice. Marrying sly insight with 70s wood-paneled warmth, Terra explores loss and longing through her lens as a songwriter and funeral director. In a room of 5 or 500, every show is a knee-to-knee conversation with a natural storyteller.
“The real deal.” – Ron Sexsmith
Live music from 8pm.
