This past Saturday, the Mod Club went from mod era to swing era as Toronto’s own Urban Preacher had the club goers dancing to a very different beat.
Artist and band residencies are not a foreign concept here in Toronto, but for Little Italy’s Mod Club, this is a new venture. The venue has chosen Urban Preacher as the first band to work with on a series of shows, their very own style of residency. The Mod Club is generally known as somewhat of a dance party on Saturday night, but Urban Preacher’s blast from the past style infused a new life into the regular scene.
With one EP under their belts and a full length record on the way, it is their live performances that have fans clamouring to join Urban Preacher’s flock. Full of energy, exuberance and plain old fun, an Urban Preacher show is a great way to spend a Saturday night. Myrrhine Faller, the little girl with the big voice, puts equal parts passion and sweetness in every note she sings, especially while belting out fan favourite “All of your Devils.” Jazzy number “A lot to lose” featured a killer drum opening courtesy of drummer Kyron Newbury, and showcased Jordan Safer’s skills on the keyboard, clearly a man born to play in the best jazz bars New Orleans has to offer. The brass section, led by Anthony Rinaldi on the baritone sax, shone as brightly as their instruments during “Don’t lose your good thing”. Nearly every song featured a stellar solo by guitarist Matt Mosionier, his fingers a blur against the strings. And nothing could keep bassist Jeff Sceviour still, the pure joy and enjoyment he got from playing evident on his face. Their set was a combination of music spanning decades, from big band, to swing, to disco to rock. Their closing track “Quidi Vidi Village” was straight out of the seventies with a rhythm that wouldn’t let you stand still. It was the perfect way to end a great set of live music and transition into the DJ driven dance party the Mod Club is known for.
It’s one thing to listen to the music of Urban Preacher, but this band is definitely one you have to see live. Be sure to check them out in the second installment of their Mod Club Residency on Saturday March 3rd.
Comments