In celebration of Janis Joplin’s birthday, Cosmic Gold (A tribute to Janis Joplin) is doing just that, throwing a birthday party in tribute and memoriam.
Cosmic Gold fronted by Biz Oliver as Janis, and joined by fellow musicians Joel Sacks, Ian Hanchet and Joe Rosito.
I held an interview with Biz surrounding the event and to get an insight into the tribute, and the “Biz” of Janis.
Open and forthcoming, Biz was sincere in her responses and quite excited for the event this coming Thursday PM at Café Armatta in Montreal.
When and why did you start playing?
I started when I was 5 or so. My older sister taught me some chords, and then I realized that I could play songs I heard on the radio with them!
What was the first tune(s) you learned?
Well, it was probably This Old Man, but eventually my Mum noticed that I was learning how to play everything I heard.
Is your family musical?
Yes and no, but that’s a long story because there are 9 kids to speak about. My youngest brother would set up his drums and we somehow got a hold of a Fender Rhodes Mark 1 and cranked out great tunes like Steve Winwood’s Low Spark of the High Heeled Boys, Santana tunes, not to mention the Doors
Which famous musicians do you admire? Why? And, which famous musicians have you learned from?
I am inspired and influenced by somewhat new and old schools such as the great neo- soul music of Janiva Magness, Shamekia Copeland, and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, as well as the keyboard/ organ music of Booker T and the MGs, Ray Charles, and Art Neville (Meters).
Who was your first teacher?
I had a cello teacher initially, but later took classical piano lessons from age 7-17. My parents wouldn’t pay for any other type of music besides classical, but I was able to figure the popular stuff out by ear.
Describe your first instrument(s).
My first instrument is piano. I also play guitar (my laptop) and percussion, and of course, I sing.
What are your fondest musical memories?
I guess singing and playing with some of my siblings. Playing in a band at a high school dance was really a dream come true for me, where all my friends could hear me play “Colour my world”.
Who are your favorite musicians?
I love the sound and groove of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. I got to see them live at The Metropolis last spring here in Montreal.
Have you been in competitions? Any prizes?
I won a scholarship to study classical music from The Royal Conservatory of Toronto
And...any last comments?
A bit of background about my career and about the Janis Tribute; I had been performing soul and R and B covers in bands before, but it wasn’t until I recorded songs I wrote for my CD ‘Soul Secrets” that I really felt like a true soul singer. People had always enjoyed hearing me sing Janis Joplin songs, and I started the tribute act in 2011, because it seemed like I was finally at a stage where I felt like I could do her justice.
Joining Biz Oliver in Cosmic Gold are:
JOEL SACKS, worked as a sideman, playing bass for many years touring with bands in Morocco, Club Meds, and in Western Canada, where he played with members of KD Lang’s band at The Sidetrack and Hobo’s Comedy Nightclub in Edmonton. He continues to work in many cover bands, and alongside jazz pianist Bert Bolden, presenting jazz workshops to children in different schools in Montreal.
IAN HANCHET, is bothjazz androck guitarist working in clubs, and hotels, with appearances in the Montreal Jazz Festival. He is also a music teacher in The English Montreal School Board, and founder of the critically acclaimed McGill Explorations summer camp program ‘School of Rock’ where he helps produce amazing rock shows with young, budding rock stars.
JOE ROSITO, is a luthier by profession, working as a drummer (and bassist) for corporate bands such as Class Act and other groups since the 1970’s.
Feel free to join the event this Thursday the 19th, and celebrate Janis Joplin’s Birthday with the Cosmic Gold, at 8pm :
Café Armatta, 3255 St Jacques, Montreal, QC
Buy tickets/acheter vos billets, $8 (magasin) Niche Decor et Mode (store), 3289 St Jacques(corner Greene)
Reserve tickets $10 at the door or online at bizoliver@bell.net
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