Category Archives: Tracks on Tracks

documentary clips and teasers for a 5 day rock n’ roll train journey from Vancouver to Toronto to perform at NxNE with 11 bands and me as Svengali-like mentor

Tracks on Tracks

Fellowship of the Beards “The Matinée” – Tracks 10 years, part 5

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ain’t nothing but a good time, all the time

Dealio: (Almost) cross Canada Rock n Roll Train / Flashback and Preview

Note: can you spot me in on the fun?

Anyhow,… 10 years ago, I was on a train going from Vancouver to Toronto with 10-ish rock ‘n’ roll bands, CBC Radio 3, mixed media documentary film crew and other free radicals + I was on board as Svengali-like guru ;) / advisor.  And finally, the documentary is coming out in chapter/band parts…, ergo:

The Matinée at the Gladstone end of the tracks blow out (i think this is my photo but if its not, just let me know)

Blurb:

“I know that wasn’t the question, but this is the answer”

The friendship and camaraderie of The Matinée is as evident as the affable gents provide cabin tours and compare Canadian landscapes to Lord of the Rings geography while wondering “what life feels like there” as places whisk past VIA Rail Canadian train’s window.

Beyond the witty banter, they play *so much* that Matt Layzell’s voice is almost tossed into the baggage car with the empty bottles ~ from 3 AM group sing-alongs, to Lightfoot/Dylan-esque poetics in the view car (including Kiana Brassett chiming in on violin), and breaking out songs sounding like summer FM radio in a convertible turned up to 11 as the throngs cheers their beers to slinging Matt Rose & raconteur Geoff Petrie on guitars, Pete Lemon switching between brushes, tables, shakers & sticks, and Mike Young swapping bass for mandolin. 

Indeed, The Matinee collectively brought the chops and the charm reminiscent of The Band on the 1970 Festival Express with easy-going sincerity, swagger & style and surprises for everyone – especially for CBC host and singer of The Smugglers, Grant Lawrence who was temporary speechless for the first time in his life.

So continues the Track on Tracks rock ‘n’ roll train adventure from Vancouver to Toronto with 10+ bands, dozens of music enthusiasts, and a documentary crew who were literally climbing the walls to capture it all. Hop on board for part 5 of 10 and see you in the bar car ready to sing-a-long.

by daveo for Green Couch
me auditioning to be “The Matinée’s honorary uncle with Matt Layzell

All the goodness at: Green Couch Films Tracks on Tracks
/ Track on Tracks playlist at YT

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Tracks on Tracks

We’ll always have Melville “Shred Kelly” – Tracks 10 years, part 4

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From the roadside to the box car in 36 hours (or so)

Dealio: (Almost) cross Canada Rock n Roll Train / Flashback and Preview

10 years ago, I was on a train going from Vancouver to Toronto with 10-ish rock ‘n’ roll bands, CBC Radio 3, mixed media documentary film crew and other free radicals + I was on board as Svengali-like guru ;) / advisor.  And finally, the documentary is coming out in chapter/band parts…, ergo:

2 snaps of Shred Kelly, one in the train and one playing to Melville (i guess also on the train but ya know, not moving, the train that is…)

Blurb:

In a rapid flash, Shred Kelly went from a broken-down van on the side of a mountain highway, to a tow truck then a rental racing the clock to Edmonton to hop aboard the train. Making it just in time to stumble into an epic dance party already in overdrive. Whew.

The jovial quintet then brought relentlessly positive vibes to the town of Melville, Saskatchewan with an early morning luggage car performance, serenading what-must’ve-been-90% of the prairie town’s denizens – complete with lawn chairs, big coffees, and/or tall cans – sliding open the box car to belt out a rousing tune about disaffection for crappy jobs. The beaming mayor expressed his sincere thanks as the train coterie danced alongside the locals.

Once the shock of their unlikely transport triathlon wore off, they settled into their groove of jamming with everyone, pulling out banjos, melodicas, mandolins and rocking with a rapt, packed train car with smiles as bright as an indie-rock Osmond family.

This episode features Tim Newton’s impressive assortment of toques and hats, Sage McBride leading sing-alongs like the grooviest community choir leader, plus Ian Page-Shiner on traps, Steve Polit on guitar, and Jordan Vlasschaert’s scene-stealing ‘stasche rounding out the roster as he shared the band’s ski-town friendliness by thanking the producers/directors/filmers/everyone involved on making this ridiculously awesome journey happen.

And so the VIA Rail Canadian train rolls on, backed by a free-wheeling soundtrack with community coalescing by the kilometre from Vancouver to Toronto – with an important lesson learned, “Whatever it takes, just make it to the station.”

by daveo for Green Couch

All the goodness at: Green Couch Films Tracks on Tracks
/ Track on Tracks playlist at YT

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Tracks on Tracks

Time-shifting Train for “The Belle Game” – Tracks 10 years, part 3

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Behold: the enchanting “Belle Game”

Dealio: (Almost) cross Canada Rock n Roll Train / Flashback and Preview

10 years ago, I was on a train going from Vancouver to Toronto with 10-ish rock ‘n’ roll bands, CBC Radio 3, mixed media documentary film crew and other free radicals + I was on board as Svengali-like guru ;) / advisor.  And finally, the documentary is coming out in chapter/band parts…, ergo:

while i understand this is not a photo of The Belle Game, this is a lovely photo of being “on the tracks” rather than “on the road” regardless, dig the salad and cup of soup

Blurb:

An ensemble is solving puzzles: metaphorical about how to play in different circumstances, logistical about how to deal with power outages, and practical like this puzzle has 500 pieces and three waterfalls. Yet, The Belle Game solves all the problems with courage and grace while shifting styles and eras – is this 50 years ago or 50 in future?

Starting with trackside sparklers at a “water stop” at an undisclosed location then segueing into unabashed joy playing with balloons, streamers and shine in the packed “activity car”… as Canada rolls past in endless twilight, the band builds layers like an art school thesis submitted for professors Eno and Bowie.

The band candidly discusses their apprehensions and concerns yet all the trepidation evaporates once they pick up instruments and launch into song – you’ll feel the emotion of “yes i will wait up for you”. Later, they squeeze into the caboose car, along with oboe and bassoon from Sidney York, and a clapalong crowd for a intimate performance to bookend their transcendent offerings.

Together, vocalists Andrea Lo and Katrina Jones (also keys), guitarists Adam Nanji and Alex Andrew – plus Marcus Abramzik on bass and drummer Rob Chursinoff – find ways to solve the puzzles: sing differently, change instruments, and switch approaches to find the infinite possibilities in constraints.

So, c’mon and oll through the “S curves” on this train adventure from Vancouver to Toronto complete with a cadre of bands, fans, documenters, and other free radicals in part 3 of Tracks on Tracks, more to come, more is past.

by daveo for Green Couch

All the goodness at: Green Couch Films Tracks on Tracks
/ Track on Tracks playlist at YT

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Tracks on Tracks

Vancouver station to Winnipeg crossroad with “Portage and Main” – Tracks 10 years, part 2

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10 years distant, songs were sung – for children & mothers – beards were combed, tracks were rolled. You wanna come along?

Dealio: (Almost) cross Canada Rock n Roll Train / Flashback and Preview

Note: can you spot me in on the fun?

10 years ago, I was on a train going from Vancouver to Toronto with 10-ish rock ‘n’ roll bands, CBC Radio 3, mixed media documentary film crew and other free radicals + I was on board as Svengali-like guru ;) / advisor.  And finally, the documentary is coming out in chapter/band parts…, here’s part 2 with “Portage and Main” / I think you will really enjoy.

take a break Driver 8, on the way to Winnipeg (PS evidence i was there :) dvo)

Blurb:

“we’ll find him in the park with a kite.. . blowing bubbles” 

As the Canadian scenery flashes by in impressionistic hues for greens, box cars and rain, the affable fellas of twin acoustic guitar folk rockers ”Portage and Main” talk about their wonder, disbelief and excitement about being on this “Festival Express-esque” journey while sharing their heart felt Canadiana songs.

So continues the Tracks on Tracks journey, a 2012 Vancouver to Toronto train adventure with 10 bands and dozens of music enthusiasts exploring the Canadian landscape aboard the classic VIA Rail Canadian. Fortified with a spirit of camaraderie and pure creative expression, the bands head towards NxNE festival with the mantra of “Every night! Every night!”

Named for the fabled Winnipeg intersection, their songs evoke themes of searching, growing up, being away and coming home. John, Harold, and George move from upper deck dome car with spontaneous collaboration with chanteuse Adaline, to activity car with wide-eyed audience noting the serendipity of the experience paired with the song, to a jam packed sleeping berth with late-night improvs including a sizzling fiddle solo from Kiana Brassett.

Yup, it’s all happening, all at once. Produced by Green Couch Films and now available to spark your dreams of adventure. Get aboard, there’s more to come.

daveo for Green Couch

Epilogue: I mostly really glad that George gets a lot of screen time, he’s a really top-notch dude (check out his digital recording demonstration videos, often out in nature in his VW bus) … In other news, John as “Johnny 99” has a new album out shipping *today* on vinyl, and Harold has done some wonderful online sing-along/a cappella/piano lessons on IG.

All the goodness at: Green Couch Films Tracks on Tracks
/ Track on Tracks playlist at YT

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Tracks on Tracks

Dance party on the train “Topless” – Tracks 10 years, part 1

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Splash! It’s all happening (as the train risks going off the tracks like a glitter piñata into InterGalactic space)

Dealio: (Almost) cross Canada Rock n Roll Train / Flashback and Preview

Anyhow,… 10 years ago, I was on a train going from Vancouver to Toronto with 10-ish rock ‘n’ roll bands, CBC Radio 3, mixed media documentary film crew and other free radicals + I was on board as Svengali-like guru ;) / advisor.  And finally, the documentary is coming out in a series of 10 – here’s part 1 with “Topless Gay Love Tekno Party” (AKA Topless AKA TGLTP) / I think you will really enjoy.

squeeze in where ya can, in this case, basically hanging on Ian Bevis’ back

Blurb: “I like the place the music creates” 

A train car packed with sweaty shirtless dancers, streamers and balloons, and a dance groove sextet called “Topless Gaylove Tekno Party” bursting like a glitter explosion compelling the effervescent passengers dance so hard there was *a legitimate concern* the mighty VIA train could launch into an intergalactic stratosphere as they sing full-throated along with the band – all of them in utility-grey onesies, “I’m not a diamond, I am not cold to the touch” dancing to the sway of the rails. 

So begins Part 1 of 10 of the long-awaited Tracks on Tracks video series, a 2012 Vancouver to Toronto VIA Rail journey with 10 bands onboard, exploring the Canadian landscape and creating culture through performances and collaborations from dome cars to sleeping berths to whistle-stop shows. 

Along the way, the “Topless” members discuss their song-making process, the importance of naps, the logistics of wearing onesie uniforms, sleep-over steam-rollers, Ulysses as a bedtime story, and the joy they find when making something magic together.

Produced/directed by Green Couch Films, you’ll see unique points of view including verdant greens in the ever-changing scenery, freight trains whisking by, and views of the spectacular art-deco rolling stock and so many amazed and enthusiastic faces chanting  “everynight! Everynight!” in joyous disbelief this is actually happening. Get on board, quickly, there’s more to come.

daveo for Green Couch

All the goodness at: Green Couch Films Tracks on Tracks
/ Track on Tracks playlist at YT

Consider Perusing:

Tracks on Tracks

(Almost) cross Canada Rock n Roll Train / Flashback and Preview

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Such goodness out now

10 years ago, I was on a train going from Vancouver to Toronto with 11-ish rock ‘n’ roll bands, CBC Radio 3, mixed media documentary film crew and other free radicals + I was on board as Svengali-like guru ;) / advisor.

It was our own 90 person indie rock Festival Express co-mingled with the usual passengers and doing ridiculous / ill-fated whistle stop shows along the way and ended up at NxNE festival for showcase and I presented a keynote talk about social media disasters…

Recursive/meta photo of a TV with Grant Lawrence of CBC showing a TV with a video of Grant, me and others on the train from Green Couch film YouTube

And finally, the documentary is coming out in chapter/band parts starting June 8th iirc. Consider yourself warned, amused and excited.

All the goodness at Green Couch Films Tracks on Tracks

Handy playlist at YT: https://www.youtube.com/greencouchfilms

Continue reading (Almost) cross Canada Rock n Roll Train / Flashback and Preview →

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Static Montages, Tracks on Tracks

“Rock Train” Cross-Canada, 2012 / mixed media collage

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paint-Static Montages-Rock Train Cross-Canada, 2012 mixed media collage
“Rock Train” Cross-Canada, 2012 / mixed media collage

June 2012, i boarded a VIA with 11 bands, a doc film crew, CBC radio 3, a bushel of photographers, a handful of fans and me as onboard community Svengali – complete a Bob Marley/Hunter Thompson inspired medical kit. Across the lands we bounded, each band performing acoustically in the glass act-deco caboose in car, they played a showcase in the “activity” car, then a rousing full rocking set at the Gladstone in Toronto for CBC Radio 3 NXNE showcase.

Along the way, we made 4 whistlestop performances which all featured lateness, weirdness and rampaging small towns before escaping back to the diplomatic immunity of the train. In those 4-1/2 days, we knew we were in a magic situation and no one wanted to miss a moment. “Every Night” we’d holler after another show where we packed in, climbing the train walls for a view of Adaline Sings, The Matinee, Top Less Gay Love Tekno Party, Jean-Paul Maurice, Bear Mountain, Sidney York, Portage and Main, Shred Kelly and more – always blown away by the variety and quality.

You probably know i made a 6or7 part podcast series  – tracking the trek and Green Couch are crafting a Tracks on Tracks documentary… which i think should be 10 hours long. I gathered all my paper-y bits and pieces and made another of my commemorative story boards AKA “static montage” with CDs, stickers, snaps, stubs, postcards and even a pic from my keynote address at NXNE Interactive about social media in crisis and revolutions. With John Biehler’s help, here is the static montage, hopefully in a size you can zoom in and catch each detail. Tag it up, wallpaper it, share it. Enjoy and let’s go again!

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Tracks on Tracks

Tracks on Tracks Rock Train: Field Notes, part 2

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As the Tracks on Tracks trip rolls on, Uncle Weed and pals eat lunch and discuss the learnings from the train procedures and how it coincides with lifestyle. Then, the charming Adaline stops by and discusses yesterday’s special acoustic show and plans for today.

Also recounts the importance of bringing silk pyjamas and beer stein and learn about a bottomless lake. Also thumbs up for the great showers and beds. Plus riffs including Portage and Main, Ian Bevis/Bear Mountain and time zone changes.

Also Adaline chats with CBC Radio3’s Grant Lawrence and JP Maurice with Lyndsey and other plays Fleetwood Mac.

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Tracks on Tracks

Tracks on Tracks Rock Train: Field Notes, part 3

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Meanwhile as the Tracks on Tracks train rolls across Canada, Uncle Weed checks in with Cody who is using his fine handwriting to send to send postcards to supporters. Then UW comes across the folks from UK Newspaper for some scrabble and style banter. Then a long walk through the train takes you to Topless Gaylove Teckno Party in full groove in a packed activity car singing their eponymous song to packed rail car.

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Tracks on Tracks

Tracks on Tracks Rock Train: Field Notes, part 1

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At 4AM on the Tracks on Tracks train, KempenRoad and Uncle Weed review early experiences on the trek so far and outline the manifest and mission of the trip.

Topics include; awkwardness, the train is long, jam sessions with need for lyric sheets. banter about Bear Mountain and Portage and Main, and other renegade artists, freelancers, photographer and logistics for sleeping and eating.

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