The toe tappin’, finger pickin’ style of the Pernell Reichert Band will hit centre stage for a concert at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion May 19.
The three-piece alternative country band from Vancouver is embarking on a summer tour across Western Canada to perform some new singles off its upcoming album, expected to be released later this summer.
The band is also expected to play some of its crowd pleasers, such as “Lonely Old Roughneck” and “Highway of Tears.”
“I’m looking forward to playing at a new place for the first time,” said Reichert, who has played twice in Jasper.
“I’ve heard it’s a pretty rocking crowd so hopefully we get some people out.”
Reichert describes his music as something similar to outlaw country, which Johnny Cash made famous, but faster and with more energy.
“We’re going to play a few songs from our new album, but people probably won’t recognize the songs yet, it’s a work in progress,” he said.
“When the new album comes out it should be a lot more electrified.”
He said the new album will incorporate a lot more electric guitar, including a lead guitarist, who isn’t currently touring with the band.
He credits his experience working on oil rigs and as a tree planter for helping him write songs that connect with people.
“Those jobs are extremely hard work and so being around that element of society, that side of life, I recommend that to anybody to see.”
Together since 2004, the band released its debut album in the spring of 2008 and spent 39 days touring Western Canada from Vancouver to Winnipeg.
After touring with the band, Reichert decided to keep touring as a solo artist and spent most of the summer playing shows from British Columbia to southern Ontario.
Things kept rolling for the band and in late 2008 it flew to South Africa for a 10-day tour, which resulted in a live recording included on their 2011 EP.
Upon their return to B.C., the band spent most of 2009 and 2010 in the studio recording its second album called Highway of Tears, which was released in 2011.
The band has since played dozens of other shows and festivals across Western Canada including, Edge of the World Festival in Haida Gwaii, Calgary’s Lilac Festival, and Vancouver’s Khatsahlano Street Party.
The show starts at 8 p.m. at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Paul Clarke
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