You know, we have got to thank Portland, Oregon sometime.  Not only has it bestowed some great bands/artists on us like The Wipers, Gossip, M. Ward, Dandy Warhols and Courtney Love. But, Pierced Arrows were on the scene, long before we even had these artists on our radar.  And you know what, they are pretty freaking great.

With a balls-out sound between garage rock and punk, Toody and Fred Cole along with drummer Kelly Halliburton play rock they way it’s suppose to be done.  So with the upcoming North American tour, what’s it like for Toody Cole getting back on the road, especially with her husband and long-time band-mate? “Being in a band together and touring has never been a problem.  We’ve been together since we were 18 years old and it’s probably one of the greatest things.  We are never separated six months out of the year.  It’s like an extended vacation and we’re doing something we love.”

So while touring may have its ups and downs (as Toody puts in, “Being stuck in a van together freezing your ass off may suck. But hey, that’s life on the road.”), the tour also let’s them see different parts of the country and introduce them to different musical acts they might not have heard before in their “gypsy lifestyle of touring”. For this matchup of the tour, Pierced Arrows will be taking the stage with Lullabye Arkestra, one of Toronto’s own.  Toody told me that the matchup was made due to them both working with VICE Records.  “It’s always fun to meet up with new bands and tour with them.   It’s the energy and the electricity.  It feeds off everything.  That’s up side to touring – you never know what’s going to happen the next day.”

Just recently, Eddie Vedder publicly endorsed Pierced Arrows stating: “In a day and age when authenticity is harder to come by than an honest Republican, legends Fred and Toody Cole deliver on every record and at every show,” and claims that Pierced Arrows are among one of his favourite live acts.  Cole claims that while Eddie is a good friend, she had no idea he was going to do that.

Well, if Eddie Vedder hasn’t convinced you to see a Pierced Arrows live show – hopefully the music can.  Remember, Pierced Arrows were probably the ones influencing all our favourite Portland artists, at some point in time.

Tour Dates:

3/03/10            TORONTO, ON                        EL MOCAMBO
3/04/10            MONTREAL, QC                        GREEN ROOM

For more info:

http://www.piercedarrows.com
http://www.myspace.com/piercedarrowspdx

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!