ArtistInfo

The Spades

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Musician of Rock

The Spades Biography Relying on craft, not gimmick, The Spades are a high-energy band who draw musical inspiration from early rock ‘n roll and infuse it with a vibrancy which is all their own. The trio of James McKenty (vox/guitar), Winchester Street (drums, vox), and Chachi Robichaud (bass, mandolin, vox) deliver a solid, vigorous live show which excites audiences and critics across the country. Blending infectious rhythms, vocal harmonies, and a skillful soaring guitar, The Spades create a seamless sound which belies their age. Hailing from the artistic community of Peterborough, Ontario, the band has played hundreds of shows across Canada and shared the stage with some of Canada’s leading musicians, including Sam Roberts Band, Blue Rodeo, The Trews, Pascale Picard and The Tragically Hip. With producer Gord Sinclair (The Tragically Hip) at the helm again, The Spades released their follow up to Burning On Fumes with Let It Grow in 2007 and have supported the release with almost a hundred shows throughout Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Here’s what the press has said: “…simply the best garage outfit in Ontario” – Hamilton Spectator “...The Spades are a band you’ll want to catch on the way up” – Ottawa Citizen “All lame critics’ puns aside, this group really does have talent in spades…” – Chartattack “The disc benefits from Sinclair’s decision to record most of the tracks live off-the-floor, a move that imparts fluid energy and warmth to these well arranged songs and, in the process, showcases the band’s noted live performance acumen” – Exclaim! The Spades are eagerly awaiting a return back to the studio with the goal of having some new tunes ready for release in the Fall. James McKenty, has dedicated his life to music since he was 15. Influenced by the great songwriters of rock n’ roll from Chuck Berry to Bob Dylan and Neil Young to Tom Petty, James is a powerhouse guitarist and a truly unique song-writer with a sound of his own. Onstage his energy and dedication to performance are unrivalled. Winchester Street, has played and lived on both ends of our fair country, in Victoria and Halifax. On the East Coast he shared music and adventures with Spades’ bassist Chachi, coming back with great stories and no visible scars. As a member of The Spades from the beginning, he and guitarist James share an understanding which is immediately clear and with a quiet nature off stage, he’s a contradiction on stage with his ferocious nature behind the kit. Chachi Robichaud, is an absolute must see live, he’s as engaging and expressive as one gets on stage. A true believer in live music and the need to give it all you’ve got! With any luck, you’ll be at a show to see “The Chachi Song”, a one of a kind performance.