Grant Simpson, Musician, Stride Pianist, Songwriter, Vaudevillian

Welcome to grantsimpson.net - the website for promoting the music of Grant Simpson, Musician/Songwriter/Vaudevillian.

NEWS:

August 2010
Well I figured it was time to step out of the Yukon summer for a moment and update my website. The summer has slipped by so fast, but it's been full of interesting and wonderful things. The Vaudeville show (Frantic Follies Vaudeville Revue) is in it's 10th week of it's 41st season. I enjoy being on stage with the Follies as much as I enjoy just about anything else in life. For me it's the perfect mix of entertainment and music and I am always honored to perform with the old and young pros that share the Follies stage with me.

Aside from performing, I have been able to take a lot of time to hike, bike, stroll and enjoy every second of the Yukon that I can. I was able to take a little time away from the Follies to hike some of the Tombstone Park. A challenging hike (9 hours in to the base camp) over mountains and through valleys. But worth every strain and pain this 51 year old musician felt. It was a breath-taking experience in every way.

The sled dogs I work with have been panting it out in the hot summer heat. There's a part of me that can't wait for the cold to return - and the snow so we can all get going again. Dog mushing is one of the most wonderful things I've been involved with. There is nothing quite like it.

I will be returning to China to perform at the Nanjing Jazz and World Music Festival in October with a little group I formed called Five Finger Rapids. I am so looking forward to my return to Nanjing and to play music with and for the people there.

I finally got writing again thanks to a little probe from Steve Slade, one of the Yukon's many fine musicians, writers, performers and creators. Steve is the main force behind Whitehorse's "Arts in the Park" which is a daily lunch-hour concert series. Steve came up with idea to have photographers submit a picture and to have songwriters write songs inspired from them. It was a wonderful experience and the creative talent of the Yukon was in fine form. The concert was a wonderful partnership between visual and musical creativity. Thanks Steve for your drive and creative thinking!

I understand there was some video taken during the performance, so there may be something to share with you all in the near future.

Well, back to the summer. It's been truly beautiful here in the Yukon this year.

Cheers,
-Grant

April 2010
Wow - it's been a while! Not because I haven't been playing - that's for sure. It's been a wonderful winter of music with a good dose of dog mushing and a lot of great potlucks and gatherings. I truly do live in a glorious place.

So, I'm about to launch into the 41st Season of the Frantic Follies. The job of my dreams and one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Last weekend I played in a small group I created with Duncan Sinclair on Bari-Sax, Scott Pearce on Concertina, Steve Gedrose on Double Bass and BJ McLean on harmony and me on Guitar and Vocals. Thanks SO much to these talented and open musicians who helped to create a sound that was such a delight to be a part of. I truly appreciate your talents and time. For me - it was wonderful.

So.............................Vaudeville Time! Nice life.

Cheers for now,

G

January 2010

Well, I'm getting up for a week of wonderful jazz with my friend and musical colleague Don Ogilvie. Don is a Gypsy Jazz Guitar Virtuoso, an inspiring teacher and wonderful guy.

It'll be a week made possible by volunteers like myself and Erica Heyligers and Pete and Mary and many others. The project is a MusicYukon Initiative and is one of many things MusicYukon is doing to inject inspiring opportunities for Yukon musicians and the community at large.

The week Don will be here is also the week that Django would have turned 100 and so is great timing to do all this (which ended up being a bit of a fluke).

Monday to Thursday are Gypsy Jazz Workshops with Don. He'll be doing several private lessons on top of it and the two of us will team up for two gigs at the end of the week. The posters below tell the story and I hope that any of you who want to hear Gypsy Jazz and Swing will join us at one of the gigs. Click on a poster to see the full size.

December 2009

Pianorama! Now THAT was FUN!
You can view some of the photos here

It sure was fun. Marg Tatam, Andrea McColeman and Annie Avery
gave us all a taste of what they're up on the piano these days. The evening
ended in an all out jam with Andrea on Accordian, Marg on Violin, Annie and I on pianos
and Peter Upton on Washtub Bass. Thanks everyone for their hard work and great playing.

I can't wait to do it again! Keep posted here for Pianorama II

Five Finger Rapids played at the CHON FM Radio Station here in Whitehorse.
Check out the Five Finger Rapids site here.

In early December I played a concert in Old Crow with Marg Tatam on violin and we were joined by Birch Cooke on clarinet. What a wonderful and magical place Old Crow is. Wonderful. The photos of Old Crow are here if you are interested.

Now...........................time to get some wood (-23 and fallin')

- G

Late November

A new Band? Yup, there's a new band in town. Five Finger Rapids!
Listen to one of our Demo Cuts - Beneath the Yukon Moon.

More about Five Finger Rapids Here

Gearing up for Old Crow and then Pianorama.

.....earlier this month

Lots happening in the Yukon Music World these days. There are some new gigs around here and there and bands are playing and rehearsing and there are jams and workshops and much more. It's a wonderful thing to be a part of.

I'm getting ready to head to Old Crow for a show. Old Crow is a facinating place and one that I've always wanted to go and experience. Have a look at their website here.

So I leave on Monday which will take me away for a few days - but not before I attend the birthday of my good friends Erika Heyliger and Selena. That'll be a good party!!!! -and I'm sure there'll be some fine music played as well.

Erika is a Luthier, musician, songwriter, outdoor gal, paddler, hiker................................ It's exhausting just to try and type it all........... :c) Happy Birthday Erika and Selena!

When I get back from Old Crow, I'll be jumping into "Pianorama"! The details are on the poster below (click it to view)

There are also workshops going on through MusicYukon which I am involved with. Monday nights at the MusicYukon Resource Centre is where it all happens.
Monday - November 30th at 7:00 p.m. is the next Yukon Songwriter's Circle
Monday - December 7th at 7:00 p.m. is the next "learning to solo" session.

For more information on these, you can contact Steve at MusicYukon 456-8742.

Things you can join to learn more:

Yukon Pianorama! Facebook Page

MusicYukon's Songwriter's Circle Facebook Page

Coming up in January - Don Ogilvie Gypsy Jazz Workshops and Private Lessons.

Click here to get the brochure and more information.

It's beautiful out - but cold! Having settled back in somewhat after the tour it feels good to be home. I've managed to attend two wonderful jams in the past couple of weeks where there was plenty of music being blown.

One of the jams was for Marg Tatam's birthday (I'm pretty sure it was her 30th again :c) and we had a blast and played some good music together with Pete and Mary and the Bergman clan.

The lovely Ms. Marg Tatam in her element.

Marg and I will be heading to Old Crow next weekend to do a concert in the Community Hall there. I've ALWAYS wanted to go to Old Crow, so there it is - I can't wait to see it and meet everyone. I'm sure we'll have some good photos from that gig.

There are photos up on Facebook from my last tour and you can view them by clicking here.

As soon as I got back I played with Manfred Jannsen and Jim Votour on their collaboration "Land of Gold" which has become a Yukon Anthem over the years. Manfred and Jim and I have been friends for a long time but have never really got to play together before so this was a special gig for me. The gig was the Olympic Ceremony in Whitehorse and we performed outdoors.

(click the picture to view)

More photos on Facebook from this gig - click here

I was lucky enough to be a part of the first MusicYukon Songwriting Circle last week and there was a good group of enthusiastic songwriters. It's happening again in a week (Monday November 30th). If you're interested in that - call MusicYukon at 456-8742 and Steve can give you more information on that.

Well, that's it for now!

- G

November
Back from my tour! It was a wonderful diversified tour where I got to do some solo shows, play with my band again and then do a tour as part of a duo with Kate Weekes.

Of course I'm still settling in again. My cabin took a while to heat up to a comfortable temperature and I realized I need to get more wood pretty soon. Picked up my dog Rosie who was living like the Queen of Sheba thanks to my good friends Ruth and John. When I got her home she sat outside and looked like she was just soaking up the view in all directions. She sat out there for an hour or so, then she came into the cabin and sat by the wood stove with a hurried look on her face until I got it burning to her satisfaction -then she retired to the bedroom.

I'll write a blog about the tour soon and put up some pictures. It was a lot of fun and of course I owe a lot of people my thanks, which I will do soon too.

But for now...............it's good to be home. And on day one of being home - I'm off to do one of my favorite things, a jam at Pete and Mary's to celebrate the birthday of Marg Tatum - one of the Yukon's wonderful musicians. If things go as planned, Marg and I will be heading to Old Crow at the end of the month to play a gig.

Cheers!

- Grant

Late - Sept

So, I had a wonderful week of music-making. Played a couple of gigs that really felt rewarding.

Played at the Capital this week and the place was packed and the crowd was appreciative and I'm really enjoying playing there from time to time. It's nice to be on a baby grand piano at a gig for a change and it's nice to play for people who want to hear the music.

I did a gig at the High Country Inn for a group of visitors to the Yukon. The featured entertainment came on and completely blew me away. The Yukon's own Golden Girls Dance Troupe are a group of young at heart women who really did a wonderful job of entertaining the crowd. I'm SO PROUD to be a part of the community. It really amazes me the talent and spirit and plain old good people who live up here. I can't wait to see them again. I'm sure they'll be around through Rendezvous! Which should really be a good stretch of fun. I'll be playing shows with a surprise performer all through Rendezvous. More on that later!

One gig I played at Caribou Crossing Trading Post, was a really wonderful evening. The food was amazing. The owners, Chuck and Maryln Buchanan have really done a wonderful job out there. It's a short drive from Whitehorse and really worth a visit. Check them out here.

Anyway, I played a couple of sets, then the highlight of the evening happened when we got to see the Dakká Kwáan Dancers. WOW! These artists are truly amazing and they've developed a wonderful way of presenting the songs and dances of the first peoples. Check them out here I can't wait to see them again.

So..........................

I'm all packed up and heading out the door for a month long tour of B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan. You can check out where and when here

I'm looking forward to doing all the shows I've got booked. They all look fun and interesting. I'm looking forward to playing with my band again, and seeing my sister and my Mom and brothers and children and everything I get to do in B.C.

Then heading off to Calgary where I get to meet up with Kate and we will be doing the Homeroutes tour together.

It's hard to get much better than that. Here's hoping for a safe journey and we'll be updating the news again upon my return. I may be able to update my facebook page along the way - but no promises.

Cheers

Grant

Mid-Sept

Well, I just walked in the door from a very wonderful musical experience. While attending a birthday bash for colleague in the tourism business, I was asked to perform a song or two. The band featured was none other than the Yukon's singing legend and Gentleman of the first degree Hank Karr. Hank and his boys are one of my favorite bands - performing a variety of material and they've penned many classic Yukon songs along the way.

Hank and his band backed me up on a couple of tunes and within the first bar were solid, singing harmonies and swinging away with me. It's really an honor and privilege for me to have those experiences with people like this. If anyone has any video of it - I'll try to find it and post it.

My hat goes off to these boys. They truly are the real deals. Catch one of Hank's videos on Youtube by clicking here.

On Sunday I attended and played at a fundraiser for young man who is in some serious trouble with his health. He's fighting the fight and musicians gathered at our old beloved KK here in Whitehorse.

What a WONDERFUL bunch of musicians and people we have here in the Yukon. In never ceases to amaze me.

Well, we all played together and separately and I had the honor of playing with Erica Heyligers, Marg Tatam and Rob Bergman. It's always so good to hear Erica sing her songs and have Marg cookin' away on everything we throw her way. What a fiddle player she's become! Rob Bergman on bass - like a rock - no rehearsal - just jump in and play. Lovely!

I also had the pleasure of sitting in with Dave Haddock - another one of the Yukon gems.

And of course hearing all the talented musicians, writers and entertainers gather in a room to hang out and play. Well - it's hard to get much better than that.

I really love the Yukon - for many many reasons. But it's musicians are a huge part of it all.

Sept 7th
Well, I finished the song about Stalingrad. If the definition of a "good song" is that
"it needs no introduction" then - this isn't a good song. But if you know a little bit about the history of the Eastern Front in WWII - then you'll get most of it. Ernesto Nazareth is one of my favorite composers and the "Father of the Tango". He is referenced in this song - as is "Lyuda" (Lyudmila Mikhailovna Pavlichenko) one of the greatest of the Russian Sniper Girls.

Anyway - this song was totally inspired and a big part of the research was from Dan Carlin's Harecore History - which is something you can subscribe to and listen to for free - and it's an awesome and wonderful way to hear about history - and Dan's shows are awesome. If you want more information about the shows - Dan Carlin click here.

So - with the preamble out of the way - here's the new song. Stalin's Tango

- Grant

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Early Sept. - Well, now's the time the Follies gets packed up for the winter. A little bit sad - it was a really good season from a performance perspective. What a great team of talented people I get to perform with.

One of the cast members - Jerome Stuart - is a wonderful illustrator amongst other things and he drew me this sketch to use for my new promo. Here it is - and new blank posters are on the promo page too.

Had some wonderful jams lately (musical ones) and have had the pleasure of playing with Nicole Edwards, Rob Bergman, BJ MacLean, Erica Heyligers, Anne Turner, Marg Tatum, Mandolin Kim Winnicky, Reme Rodden and I'm sure some others in there too. What a treat and honor to play with these musicians. And to watch and enjoy all the other wonderful musicians in this territory is something I will be forever grateful for.

No new songs right now - well I've got one in the oven about Stalingrad called "They'll Cry Uncle When We Hit 'Em With the Tango" (title needs a little refining :c) But it's about the siege of Stalingrad (now Volgograd) when Stalin finally gained the upper-hand. One of the things he did to "torture" them, was to broadcast Tango Music through large speakers. I could just see this horrible guy saying "let's hit 'em with the Tango" and thus - the song is being worked on about it.

It's absolutely beautiful here right now in the Yukon. The colours are awesome and vibrant and ....................well - it's hard to describe.

Cheers - Grant

___________________________________________________________________

Aug 18th - Well, I can feel the winter in the air and that makes me want to do a whole bunch of things so that this cabin living isn't quite so hard this winter. And that's where I've been focused this past weekend - although I did get time to work on a new song. A song about a little girl I adored in elementary school named Grace Ellen Sheba (I think). I'm going to go and look through some albums - I think I have a picture of our class in Pauline Harer School. Anyway I got to thinking about the fact that it's been about 45 years since I saw her last and I wonder what she's doing now and how her life went - and it came out in a bit of a song - which I don't know if it will be a song I perform or not. But here it is for those of you who are interested - it's called "The Girl From the Outskirts of Blue". If you're hypoglycemic you might want to be careful.

Mid - August:
Well, the Frantic Follies has only about 4 weeks left (until next year) which is a little sad. It really is one of my favorite things to do. I never seem to get bored or tired of doing the show in any way.

Last weekend (I had the absolute pleasure of taking part in a Jam with Buddy Tabor. Wow - what a beautiful songwriter and what a sound! I highly recommend checking him out if you get the chance. His myspace link is:
http://www.myspace.com/buddytabor. As usual, my friends Pete and Mary are to thank for this and for so many other musical experiences that happen in my life.

On Saturday night I went to another great jam at my friends BeeJay and Norm McClean's. Beejay is one of my favorite songwriters and performers and while we were there BeeJay asked if I would play a gig with her in September so I'm all pumped because of that. BeeJay is playing at the Haines Junction Bakery this weekend (August 14th) and if you can catch this you surely won't be sorry you did. I would go myself only I apparently have gigs myself.

Villiage Bakery (Haines Junction)
Po Box 5357
Haines Junction, YT Y0B 1L0

(867) 634-2867‎

This weekend (on my nights off from the Follies) I am going to play a wedding on Friday afternoon and then head over to the Capital in downtown Whitehorse to play 3 hours of stride piano. If you can't make it to Haines Junction and you want to hear some stride piano playing - drop on by. I'll be there from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

ARCHIVES:

June:
I'm in full out Vaudevillian mode these days as the Frantic Follies is in the middle of its 40th season. It's one of my favorite things to do.

I'm getting ready to head out on tour in October and I've got some of the dates confirmed. For a complete list of dates - check out the calendar for October on my Performances Page.

I'll be performing a concert of my own tunes on October 1st in Prince George, B.C. at Artspace. More details to come soon - but it'll be October 1st at 7:30 p.m. This is one of my favorite places to perform. It's a truly "musician friendly" place to play.

I'll be performing in Union Bay, B.C. at the Community Centre on October 8th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the door. This is an especially exciting gig for me because my Mother was raised in Union Bay and lived her childhood in the Old Post Office because her mother was the Postmistress and before that her Grandfather had been the first Postmaster. My mother will be with me at this gig, so it will be a special time for sure.

I'll be performing with New Orleans North at the Vancouver Dixieland Jazz Festival on October 9th, 10th and 11th. Here is the brochure for that one: (VDJF Brochure)

After the Dixieland Festival I embark on a tour of Alberta and Saskatchewan for a 12 house concert tour. This is a part of the Homeroutes touring circuit and I will be accompanied by the wonderful and talented musician, singer and songwriter Kate Weeks. Check out my performance page for details on those dates and if you'd like to know more about Homeroutes, I encourage you to go to their website and contact them to find out more.

There are two cuts of my songs done in Old Crow Recording Studios with Bob Hamilton on Mandolin and Dobro. We'll be working on more tunes and in adding a few things to these tracks over the next while. But for now - here they are:

Beneath the Yukon Moon
A Bit Too Far From Home

and here's a cut we did with my band using Dave Haddock on vocals singing my tune "I'm Gonna Get Me Some Viagra" Check it out for some silliness.

I spent some time putting together all my new songs into a songbook. You can download the entire book by clicking here. Let me know if you work through any of them - I'd love to hear your version.

I'm not sure when I'll get into the studio to work on my new CD. We have some time booked in late August - so we'll see what we come up with. For now - there are very raw versions of my songs here: www.grantsimpson.net/new_songs/

Norm Hamilton, friend and photographer took a shot of me during my Arts in the Park gig in July. You can see it here.

- Grant

Archives:

In November 2008 I played in China as a duo with Don Ogilive in Shanghai for a week, and then was joined by the rest of my band and we performed a week at various Arts Centres, Universities and Clubs as part of the Nanjing Jazz and World Music Festival. It was a lot of fun and a wonderful experience being introduced to the life and culture of these two places in China. It certainly gave me the desire to travel and play more extensively in that beautiful country.

In early 2008 I played a wide variety of gigs across Canada and a couple in the U.S.A.

Of the highlights of 2008 was touring with the lovely Kate Weekes, a Yukon singer, songwriter and wonderfully unique talent. Kate toured with the Homeroutes Organization and I accompanied her on piano and banjo (for a couple of numbers) and we made our way around Saskatchewan from top to bottom.

Homeroutes is a wonderfully innovative organization that sets up tours of House Concerts in the provence then tours various musicians around. It is by far one of the most organized and fulfilling tours I've ever done - and my hat goes off to the innovative creative genius of it's founder Mitch Podolak. (www.homeroutes.ca)

I also toured Saskatchewan with my own band, New Orleans North this past year, so I got a LOT of time in Saskatchewan. What a wonderful Province and people we've got as part of this country! Beautiful!.

Other more personal stuff:

In June of last year I made a wonderful move to the country and now live 22 miles out of town (Whitehorse) in a small cabin with my two kids and a multitude of musical instruments.

This shot is of me in the Dog Yard at the "Cooldog Ranch". My son and I work with these sled dogs and mush them in the winter. It's one of our favorite things to do.

- Grant

If you want to do some great listening and thinking - check out these two sites:
www.dancarlin.com and go to "Common Sense". His History Program is stellar - but his Common Sense Program is really something that makes you think.

Also - check out the Zeitgeist. Two wonderful and free movies that you can view online anytime.