Having taken their name from an actual market in Australia, Mindil Beach Markets has endeavored, and succeeded, to become an “every man’s” band. Comprised of 5 gents who all grew up on the sunshine coast, MBM won 2009’s University of Victoria’s Battle of the Bands.  Quite a feat for a newly comprised band facing competition from other great local talent, and whose 2nd show ever was in the first round of competition.

Growing up on the coast attributes to their values and appreciation for simple beauty; something they aspire to in their musical endeavors. They have a laid back, summer sound. Some might say they fit into the same genre as “Sublime”, but they certainly have fostered their own sound mixing rock/reggae/folk and hip hop into a rich and organic sound.

They have just returned from a Western Canadian Tour and are preparing to record their debut album, in the midst of a busy fall and winter performing in the western provinces.

While you anxiously await tour dates in your area, and the release of their debut album, please visit them and take a listen here.

Two things compelled me to go see Jon Davidson perform at Dicken’s Pub in Calgary this past week. The first was Jon’s music. I purchased his album on iTunes after becoming “friends” with him on Myspace and it has been in my daily rotation ever since. The second was the way in which he approached me, as I am sure he approaches most potential fans. He personalized his correspondence to me and gave gentle reminders of his upcoming show. He made me feel special, much the way he made everyone in the room (Dicken’s Pub) feel special last Thursday night

Jon was recognizable because he was the guy walking around the bar, introducing himself, and his Portland: Stripped band mates, Russell Stafford and Chris Merrill. He spent time which each group of people who showed an interest in knowing who he was. And it wasn’t schmoozing; it was genuine.

We were pleasantly surprised all night. The opening act, Mindril Beach Markets, from Victoria was far from ordinary ( review to follow) and set the tone for a great night of music.

Billed as “Jon Davidson” on the posters walking into the venue, we were surprised, although pleasantly, when the main act was actually Jon’s acoustic project with Russell and Chris ; Portland: Stripped, a show that highlighted a song from each one of them, with the others accompanying on guitar and vocals, in rotation. It was unique and highly enjoyable.

Jon’s music is versatile alternative rock & is easy to relate to. His first full length, solo album “Perfect Cliché” released in 2008. Jon played all instruments and vocals for the recording, showcasing his diverse talent. He has shared the stage with such notable bands as Puddle of Mudd, Hurt and Fall from Grace, to name only a few.  He lends his talents to benefit shows for causes like the American Heart Association, Cancer Society and the March of Dimes. And, as if he isn’t busy enough, he is the front-man for the Portland based band Silversafe.

In addition to his obvious musical talent, Jon has a heart of gold. After learning about the death of a fan’s friend days before the show I attended, he played and dedicated  an impromptu cover of a Simple Plan song for her. Jon has achieved a lot of success in the U.S and the other 4 countries he has toured in, as well as being runner up for the Best Male Artist of the year at the 2009 Portland Music Awards. All of this talent and recognition would change some artists’ attitudes, but it hasn’t Jon. And that is why he is not the “perfect cliche”.

Please buy his album through iTunes, Rhapsody or Amazon. Check out a sample at here

Jon will be back in Vancouver Canada in short order to play around in the studio. We will chat with him while on Canadian soil and bring you more details on what he is up to next!