Joel Kroeker and Clumsy Lovers May 10, 2008

"With the lyrical weight of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits coupled with the sonic landscape of Elvis Costello and Coldplay some have likened this troubadour's onslaught of reckless precision to John Mayer after five years of hard time in Alcatraz." Kroeker proves his range on his major-label debut by blending pop, jazz, folk and rock. The album, more fine-tuned than most rookie releases, is a product of Kroeker's master's in ethnomusicology and popular music. Cross the whimsical pop of The Barenaked Ladies, the raucous rootsiness of Great Big Sea, the lonesome alt-country of Blue Rodeo and the newgrass traditionalism of The Duhks, move the whole shooting match to Vancouver, and you've got The Clumsy Lovers. Without ever having courted or discouraged success, the happy-go-lucky Vancouver quintet has made an album that expertly walks the tightrope between tradition-minded raging bluegrass Celtic rock and sparkling modern pop. Info: www.whistlerartscouncil.com. Tickets available through www.ticketmaster.ca or Millennium Place at 604-935-8410

Official Website: http://www.whistlerartscouncil.com