Freeman Dre & the Kitchen Party

“The band got its start in Dre’s Parkdale kitchen, a fact that finds its way into a debut album full of dark yet affectionate references to the place and its characters.
Dre’s gritty punk-inspired vocal approach is nothing new, but he has an inviting tone that makes it more compelling. The Kitchen Party play loose, sensitive folk rock with a European flair, adding touches of accordion, mandolin and dobro to standard guitar, bass, drums and piano. From country punk opener Oak Tree to end-of-the-world singalong Six Hundred Feet to Polish closer Do Widzenia, there’s variety here, suggesting that the neighbourhood boys are ready to take the show on the road.”
~ Sarah Greene, NOW magazine
- NOW magazine

"This debut album was written and recorded in the gritty, if gentrifying, Toronto, ON hood of Parkdale, and many of the songs reference life on the margins there. Much loved local watering hole the Cadillac Lounge is name-checked in the rousing "Saturday Night in Parkdale." The band have earned a rep as a highly entertaining outfit live, and this energy is well captured by co-producer/mixer John Critchley (Dan Mangan, the Warped 45s). The six-piece Party are augmented by such guests as Derek Downham (the Beauties) and Michael Louis Johnson. They describe themselves as "street folk punks" and some songs have a Pogues-like feel, while such touchstones as Dylan and Waits are also audible. Female backing vocals spice up a couple of tracks, including closing cut "Do Widzenia," which has an Eastern European, gypsy vibe and is the highlight of a disc with few lowlights. Dre also deserves credit for coming up with possibly the first song to reference the G20 summit fiasco, "Funny Situation." Cool stuff." - Exclaim Magazine

"Fantastic stuff! Great new music. Bob Harris Top Twenty tracks this year!" - - Bob Harris, BBC

"So loose and cool and in the pocket."


- Anjani Thomas - Singer/Songwriter (Leonard Cohen)

I saw Freeman Dre and the Kitchen Party for the first time at Toronto’s Bread and Circus not long ago. While the band was illuminated by stage lights, amplified by a sound system, and perched up on the stage, and the spectators seated around tables in the near darkness below, the groups sponatnaoeous approach and genuinely gracious manner seemed to remove that invisible wall between audience and performer.

Since then, I’ve caught the show many times, and each time Dre and his band seem intent to make each audience member feel like the guest of honour at an intimate kitchen party.

I’ve also been privy to a few of the band’s yet-to-be-released demo recordings. Closer inspection reveals that Dre is not only an engaging performer but an excellent yricist and songwriter. On record, the band's sound and is the perfect accomanamient for Dre’s honest, memorable, and profound take on Canadiana.

I believe that Freeman Dre and the Kitchen Party produce music that is both artistically rewarding and commercially viable. With the right development, the groups folk music with an urban flow is sure to make a an impact in the Canadian industry and markets beyond.

Sincerely,
Amanda VanDenBrok
Assistant Manager – Wonderboy Entertainment
Managegement for Lights - Amanda VanDenBrok - Wonderboy Entertainment