People to see perform live in my lifetime:

To my faithful readers (aka a few friends who still check this blog after my return from NZ).  Here are the profiles of some of my favourite musicians - the ones that I have added to my "people to see perform live in my lifetime" list.  A lot of them never set foot near Saskatchewan, unfortunately, although I already have seen two of them in Saskatoon (and one I saw again in Winnipeg).  But, these are my all-time favourites, and so I'm sure that at some point I will travel to catch one of their shows.  Maybe I'll see Jack Johnson on the beach in Hawaii, or maybe I'll see some of them in Germany or London or Paris... but for now, they will make an appearance on my blog, including my own personal reviews of their music and some listening suggestions for those of you who may not be familiar with their tunes.

Jack Johnson

Singer, songwriter, guitarist

I love Jack Johnson for his catchy melodies and upbeat reflections on life and love.  His music is absolutely perfect for road trips, especially in summer.  I have listened to him nonstop for about 5 years now and have yet to see him perform live.  He is a very elusive man whose tour schedule takes him all around the world... but never anywhere close to me!

Favourite tunes by Jack Johnson: Better Together, Banana Pancakes, Bubble Toes, I Can Tell That We Are Gonna Be Friends, Cocoon, Do You Remember

Xavier Rudd

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, didgeridoo, percussion (one-man band)

Xavier Rudd is the master of thought-provoking lyrics and catchy tribal beats.  He is an activist in every sense of the word and communicates powerful messages about nature and humanity through his catchy melodies and groovin' beats.  LOVE him.  Saw him in Saskatoon in February 2008 and was never the same.  His voice is unique and can be recognized anywhere (by me, at least!).  His songs are full of spiritual awareness and reflection.

Favourite tunes by Xavier Rudd: Twist, Light the Shade, Let Me Be, White Moth, The Letter, Energy Song, Come Let Go, Journey Song

Denzal Sinclaire

Canadian singer, songwriter, pianist

My favourite living jazz artist.  His voice is smooth and lyrical, and sounds actually a lot like Nat King Cole.  When he sings the classics, he makes them sound brand new.  When he sings his new stuff, I fall in love all over again.  He has an impeccable ability to lay back on the beat just enough to give the line a relaxed, mellow feel without giving it a sense of dragging.  He makes everything he sing sound easy.  I first saw Denzal in Saskatoon in October 2005, then again in Winnipeg in summer 2006.  Loved him both times.  Will see him again, no questions asked.

Favourite tunes by Denzal Sinclaire: Happier Than the Morning Sun, Day In Day Out, The Art of Living, Follow You Follow Me, This Is My Lucky Day

Ani Difranco

Singer, songwriter, guitarist

Ani Difranco rocks out with powerful lyrics that have an air of feminism and an "I-don't-care-what-you-think - I'm- going-to-say-it-anyway" attitude.  She sings a lot about societal issues and life as a woman.  Her lyrics are the kind that you could read as poetry and never think that they were meant to be otherwise.  To say that she makes a statement is an understatement.  Her guitar playing is energetic and sometimes harsh, but it always fits with what she's singing.

Favourite tunes by Ani Difranco: Fuel, Little Plastic Castle, Glass House, 32 Flavours, Both Hands, Gravel, Not a Pretty Girl

Jason Mraz

Singer, songwriter

This guy's melodies are incredibly catchy, as are his lyrics that always rhyme like nothing I've ever heard before.  Listening to him puts me in a good mood 100% of the time.  Despite his sense of humour (seriously, check out his webpage at www.jasonmraz.com and have your speakers on, then tell me that this guy doesn't crack you up), he has a sensitive side that makes his music powerful and gut-wrenching and reflective and all of those wonderful things that music should be.  He is a bit more pop-ish than some others that I listen to, but truly can listen to him for hours on end, particularly on road trips in the summer.  Goes well with Donavon Frankenreiter and Jack Johnson on the playlist.  This guy also pulls out some really cool scat that make you wonder where he came from and where he's been all your life.

Favourite tunes by Jason Mraz: I'm Yours, Curbside Prophet, Halfway Home, Geek  in the Pink, Bella Luna, Common Pleasure, Sleeping to Dream, Song For a Friend, Who Needs Shelter, Wordplay

Donavon Frankenreiter

Singer, songwriter, guitarist

Despite his affinity for bad mustaches and silly hats, Donavon Frankenreiter is one hip cat.  While I admit that his melodies can be repetitive, it doesn't seem to bother me.  I can listen to him for hours on end, and I do, particularly when I'm cleaning my room with the windows open in the spring.  His music is fun and carefree, and perfectly simple.  His slower, more mellow stuff is fantastic as well, and is best served with a sunset and a lawn chair whilst wrapped up in a blanket on the beach at the lake.

Favourite tunes by Donavon Frankenreiter: Call Me Papa, Butterfly, Honour and Harmony, Free (with my main man, Jack Johnson!), Heading Home, It Don't Matter, Our Love, Rainbow Tree, Was It You, What Ya Know About

Rajaton

Finnish a capella vocal ensemble

These people pump out some of the tightest harmonies I have ever heard.  Their lyrical pieces are extremely beautiful and sometimes even haunting, and their upbeat tunes are incredibly catchy and somewhat silly.  Individually these people are all incredible singers, and together they form one kick-ass group.

Favourite tunes by Rajaton: Butterfly, Armahan Kulku, Dobbin's Flovery Vale, Karipaava, Poison Tree, Summer Song, We Walk In a Fog, Un-Wishing Well, You Can't Stop Me!

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

Musical group that defies explanation or any sort of genre categorization

These guys are incredible.  The group consists of Bela Fleck on banjo, Futureman on percussion (and his own invention, the "drumitar"), Jeff Coffin on saxophone, and the awe-inspiring Victor Wooten on bass.  I never thought I would like the banjo, but these guys have changed my mind.  Their work is admirable on a number of levels, as each member of this group is an accomplished and well-trained musician.  Their songs are funky, up-tempo, and are guaranteed to put you in a good mood.  I've heard they're also a blast to see perform live (hence them making the list).  Oh, and also, I practically pee my pants every time Victor Wooten plays a bass solo.  You have to hear this guy.  Incredible.  Also check out the DVD "Live at the Quick" if you ever get the chance.  Very cool video of their performance involving a Tuvan throat singer.  These guys push the boundaries all the time and do a damn good job of it too.

Favourite tunes by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones: Spain, Scuttlebutt, Stomping Grounds, Victor Wooten playing Norwegian Wood, Big Country, Let Me Be the One, Puffy, Dueling Banjos

So there you have it.  My favourites.  Also on the list, but not as high priority as the others: Kurt Elling, Regina Spektor, Missy Higgins, Ben Harper, John Butler Trio.

Who do you have on YOUR list?