The songs of Leonard Cohen are perhaps some of the most covered around the world, demonstrating the love of the Canadian poet, singer/singerwriter’s music. Covering Cohen’s works is not an easy task due to his own unique style, but Victoria-based songwriters and musicians Oliver Swain and Glenna Garramone were up for the challenge, forming the duo Tower of Song. The two share a love of Cohen and possess an undeniable musical chemistry that compliments their impressive voices and multi-instrumental talents. The result of all this glorious meshing is a collection of music that will surprise and delight both music fans and Cohen fans especially.
Celebrating the release of their debut recording, In City And In Forest due for release April 22, 2014, Tower of Song are hitting the road across western Canada this spring, introducing their sound to the country. The road isn’t new for either of them, Swain has earned a name for himself through several successful folk bands and his acclaimed solo project, Garramone is no stranger to the road; having lived in everywhere from Nunavut to Hawaii, and crossed the continent several times on tour with her own solo project. The duo will perform their reimagined covers, such as Swain’s live show favorite “A Thousand Kisses”, and Garramone’s unique “Hey That’s No Way to Say Goodbye” as well as originals of their own that are Cohen-inspired. Joining the duo on tour will be cellist Corbin Keep, as well as a selection of local artists who will share their own Cohen covers with audiences at many of the Tower of Song shows.
From the woods of Clayoquot Sound to downtown Calgary, experience Tower of Song for yourself when they play In City and In Forest near you:
April 23: Clayoquot Sound Theatre, TOFINO, BC
April 24: Char’s Landing, PORT ALBERNI, BC
April 25: House Concert, QUALICUM BEACH, BC
April 27: Heritage Playhouse (early show: 2pm), GIBSONS, BC
April 30: Hope Bay Studios, PENDER ISLAND, BC
May 1: Orca Showroom, DUNCAN, BC
May 2: Little Red Church, COMOX, BC
May 3: Fairfield United Church, VICTORIA, BC w/ Sara Marreiros, Steph MacPherson, shayne avec i grec, West My Friend
May 4: Phoenix Auditorium, GABRIOLA ISLAND, BC
May 9: Rogue Folk Club, VANCOUVER, BC w/ Reid Jamieson, Hilary Grist, shayne avec i grec
May 10: Brackendale Art Gallery, SQUAMISH, BC
May 11: The Wicked Spoon, SALMON ARM, BC w/ Warren Hooley
May 15: The Ironwood Stage, CALGARY, AB w/ John Wort Hannam, Matt Masters
May 16: The Blue Chair Cafe, EDMONTON, AB w/ Ann Vriend, Ben Sures, Bill Bourne
May 17: The Legion, JASPER, AB
May 18: ArtSpace, PRINCE GEORGE, BC
May 19: The Occidental, QUESNEL, BC
May 28: Harvest Eatery, SHAUNAVON, SK
May 29: The Club, REGINA, SK
May 30: Village Guitar and Amp, SASKATOON, SK
June 5: West End Cultural Centre, WINNIPEG, MB w/ Nathan Rogers
June 6: Last Mountain Lake Cultural Centre, REGINA BEACH, SK
Find Tower of Song online or on Facebook.com/songtower for more info