The Pearl Company

Scott Merritt with Jeff Bird: Friday, December 11, 8:00pm. $20 door/$15 un(der)waged. Canadian singer-songwriter-producer Scott Merritt is on tour in support of his first album in twelve years, ‘Of’, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Jeff Bird (Cowboy Junkies). Considering that he has made records for major labels both in Canada and the U.S., and that he has often been cited critically as one of the great unsung singer-songwriters of Canada, Scott Merritt has toured rarely and has released his music sparingly since making his first record in the late 70’s.  He is perhaps better known these days as a producer and engineer, working out of his studio, in Guelph, host to countless other songwriters. And though he is regarded as an innovative guitarist – most often in the company of a venturous rock outfit – in his new record Merritt has taken an entirely different approach. ‘Of’ has an overarching spacious and ethereal quality that is grounded by the earthy voice and imagistic lyrics at the centre of it all. Almost hymn-like, it is a fresh outlook and an all too rare offering from this ever-adventurous artist. http://www.scottmerritt.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83GJrBktZ1Q

Shari Vandermolen & David Brideau: Saturday May 5.  Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00. Tickets: $20. Shari Vandermolen is a renowned vocalist and award-winning performer in Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area who has been entertaining audiences for 15 years with her Quartet, Trio or 5-piece band Quarter to Nine.  She is also the lead vocalist for the 10-piece jazz combo SwingLine.  On May 5th Shari brings her powerful and impressive vocal stylings back to the Pearl Company for a more intimate evening of song with jazz guitarist David Brideau, James Gannett on bass and Vince Waters on drums.  “…hear Vandermolen make jelly of your emotions with her voice and her art… one example is Stormy Weather… I barely weathered that storm intact.”  – View Magazine
David Brideau is a Canadian jazz guitarist, composer, and teacher who has been an active musician for over 15 years. A Hamilton native, and honours graduate from the Mohawk Jazz program, David has played all around the GTA with his own group, the David Brideau Trio and Quartet, as well as being prominently featured in groups with Michael Morobito, Amber-Leigh Palka, and Lauren Perreira among others. He studied under jazz greats Bob Shields, Pat Collins, Kim Ratcliffe, and Mark Ucci and is currently continuing his studies at McMaster University. David often composes his own standards, and released the sold-out EP “Addicted To You” in 2016. He is a recipient of the Dave McMurdo Music Bursary, the Antony Roberts Music Bursary, and the Richard Newell Memorial Scholarship.
Ticets: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/21098/