Gravy Jones
Milton, Ontario, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | SELF
Music
Press
The Country bluegrass Hoedown side of The Retrievers (original) - The Retrievers
The Country bluegrass Hoedown side of The Retrievers (original) - The Retrievers
A cut from their show at the 'Shoe. Scratchin the Itch, an original rock n roll tune - Horseshoe Tavern/The Retrievers
A couple of months ago, we introduced you to a new band on the scene, The Retrievers. At the time, they had managed to get a Tuesday night slot at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern, a gig they considered to be an important benchmark in pursuing their dreams. The band put on such a good show back in March that the iconic venue invited them back. The boys took advantage of the invite and used the prime Friday night slot to release their first album.
From the first funky riffs of "Generation", folks in the audience were turning to each other with smiles and getting to their feet. By the third song, there was rampant dancing taking place and by the fifth song, the checkerboard floor was full. The Retrievers aim to pick up on the energy of the crowd and serve it right back; apparently they succeeded since the guys in the band were visibly having a blast.
The band played most tracks from the album so that their set list reflected the range of musical styles they've put together as their first CD. Flowing between funk, rock, country, reggae and back to rock, The Retrievers cannot easily be pin-holed and that is part of what makes this band so much fun to see live. They even managed to throw in a Dick Dale cover, the surf rock instrumental "Miserlou". You never know what you're going to get.
About mid-set, drummer Jarred McCall made his way front and centre to point out to folks that the album art was done by Viv Fleisher after she listened to all the tracks on the album the first time. Providing that extra bit of information to appreciate is just one example of how a small-town band connects with their fans on a more personal level.
The Retrievers ended their set with the first track on the album, "Molly Made" a catchy, fun track. Not surprisingly, the crowd was begging for one more song. As the sound guy came on stage to start setting up for the next band Alex Frank had to turn to the crowd apologetically and wave good night. But that’s okay. The band made it from Nu Music Nite Tuesday to opening slot on Friday; it won’t be long before they’re headlining and getting to do the requested encores. - Sticky Magazine
March 25, 2013 @ 6 PM The Retrievers were featured on the local radio programme, Underpaid and Underplayed, which features local acts on the scene. They discussed their upcoming album, an upcoming show in Guelph, the history of the band, and stories behind the songs.
To listen to the interview, please follow the URL and then select the 6pm show from Mar 25, 2013 - CFRU Radio -Underpaid and Underplayed
Sticky Magazine recently had the opportunity to chat with a new band on the scene, The Retrievers.
The Retrievers
Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, ON
March 5, 2013
11:30 pm, 19+, no cover
This is the story of a young band from Guelph, on the precipice of moving from humble beginnings to notable benchmarks. At its core is a bunch of childhood friends. A brother and a jamming buddy came along and now the band has evolved into the real deal. While playing gigs at book stores and restaurants may not be what everyone dreams of doing one day, it’s an essential step in the learning curve about sound guys, audience energy and preparing impactful set lists. With a keen focus on the quality of their sound and the energy of the show, this is a band that has developed sound judgment and is determined to make a go of it.
The Retrievers have a remarkably large portfolio of original material for a band that has only been together for a few years. The material they’ve released so far (see links below for streaming music) gives you a good impression of the broad range of styles they’ve tackled. While one song may have a reggae tinge to it, another may sound like a Newfoundland kitchen party. There’s medieval story-telling, a song about getting stoned in the garage, and my personal favourite, a song about a lonely duckbill platypus. While “Platypus” has the instantly catchy vibe that will stay with you for the rest of your life, plenty of their material has a Grateful Dead influence, with bright and cheery guitar jams and soulful choruses.
Couple the large repertoire with the fact that they are five talented musicians with great senses of humour, The Retrievers put on a strong performance. With the goal of giving folks in the audience the opportunity to get together and have a great time, the guys in the band channel their high energy to showcase the variety of their music. Even seeing the band for the first time, you will walk away with a gigantic smile and a strong desire to see them again.
If you fit into the category of never having had the pleasure of seeing this band live, March 5th is your chance in Toronto. Scoring one of those important benchmarks of a young band, The Retrievers will be playing The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern that night at 11:30 pm. Their only concern is that they just might blow the roof off and the roof has just been redone on the place. A new full-length record is in the works and is set to be released in April. With all the right pieces of the puzzle coming together, this is a band to keep on your radar. - Sticky Magazine
Sticky Magazine recently had the opportunity to chat with a new band on the scene, The Retrievers.
The Retrievers
Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, ON
March 5, 2013
11:30 pm, 19+, no cover
This is the story of a young band from Guelph, on the precipice of moving from humble beginnings to notable benchmarks. At its core is a bunch of childhood friends. A brother and a jamming buddy came along and now the band has evolved into the real deal. While playing gigs at book stores and restaurants may not be what everyone dreams of doing one day, it’s an essential step in the learning curve about sound guys, audience energy and preparing impactful set lists. With a keen focus on the quality of their sound and the energy of the show, this is a band that has developed sound judgment and is determined to make a go of it.
The Retrievers have a remarkably large portfolio of original material for a band that has only been together for a few years. The material they’ve released so far (see links below for streaming music) gives you a good impression of the broad range of styles they’ve tackled. While one song may have a reggae tinge to it, another may sound like a Newfoundland kitchen party. There’s medieval story-telling, a song about getting stoned in the garage, and my personal favourite, a song about a lonely duckbill platypus. While “Platypus” has the instantly catchy vibe that will stay with you for the rest of your life, plenty of their material has a Grateful Dead influence, with bright and cheery guitar jams and soulful choruses.
Couple the large repertoire with the fact that they are five talented musicians with great senses of humour, The Retrievers put on a strong performance. With the goal of giving folks in the audience the opportunity to get together and have a great time, the guys in the band channel their high energy to showcase the variety of their music. Even seeing the band for the first time, you will walk away with a gigantic smile and a strong desire to see them again.
If you fit into the category of never having had the pleasure of seeing this band live, March 5th is your chance in Toronto. Scoring one of those important benchmarks of a young band, The Retrievers will be playing The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern that night at 11:30 pm. Their only concern is that they just might blow the roof off and the roof has just been redone on the place. A new full-length record is in the works and is set to be released in April. With all the right pieces of the puzzle coming together, this is a band to keep on your radar. - Sticky Magazine
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Gravy Jones is a powerful four piece that blends hooky and melodic rock songs with soulful and head nodding grooves, often amplified by live climactic performances reminiscent of the worlds best jam bands. Their sound is defined by riff laden guitar leads and a locked rhythm section, but characterized by the vocal melodies and harmonies in almost all of their extensive catalogue. Based out of Guelph, Ontario, the band has performed all across the GTA, had multiple appearances at quintessential Toronto venues, and have taken their unique sound as far as California where they were favourites among the many lingering supporters of The Grateful Dead.
Their third official release, set to be released in January, asserts itself early as a catchy indie record, but as the tracks roll on the bands dual identity as a groove rock powerhouse really begins to shine. Completely self written and produced, the group shows discipline in creating radio friendly tracks out of songs that can potentially surpass the ten minute mark live.
Gravy Jones has often been described by fellow musicians and fans alike as a “true festival band” with a sound and energy that goes hand in hand with a sunny day and a big stage. The consistent compliment that the band has a “great vibe” never gets old and is a testament to their love for the music and sincere appreciation the band has for sharing it with their fans.
Band Members
Links
