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FYI

David Ward: Looking Glass

This neo-soul singer/songwriter from Vancouver has already made a mark in the UK, and this lead track from a new album shows why. His vocals are subtly persuasive and the production values are high.

David Ward: Looking Glass

By Kerry Doole

David Ward - “Looking Glass” (Indie):  This singer/songwriter from Vancouver had not crossed our radar until very recently, but his previous indie recordings, Golden Future Time and Transitioning, had reportedly made a splash across the pond. The Guardian wrote that "he's assured of a golden future," while Q noted, “the emergence of a very special artist indeed”. 


Ward released a new album, Violet, Gold + Rose, on Friday, and this focus track leaves us impressed too.

It has a classic neo-soul feel, without sounding dated, while the fresh imagery of the video clip is a fitting accompaniment. The video is directed by award-winning director and cinematographer, Michelle Ouellet and Lindsay George (Tempest Storm) and choreographed by Monte-Carlo born dancer/ choreographer, Becky Izad.

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In a press release, Ward explains that “I grew up dancing, a gift from my mother who still tap dances to this day. I studied tap for a brief stint and then hip-hop became all that I did. Becky actually came recommended from one of my first dance teachers. I’d never ventured in the waters of contemporary nor any of its related forms or styles.” 

He certainly does not lack in ambition with this new album, a richly orchestrated work featuring 33 musicians and a special guest appearance from Patrice Quinn (Kamasi Washington). Violet, Gold + Rose was mixed and mastered by Grammy-winning Russell Elevado (D’Angelo, Alicia Keys, The Roots, Erykah Badu). Ward describes its theme as “an exploration of different ideas of spirituality and romantic love."

Ward has upcoming shows at Burdock in Toronto (Oct. 21) and Le Balcon in Montreal (Oct. 26). A name to watch for indeed.

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Publicity: Take Aim Media - kim@takeaimmedia.com | susan@takeaimmedia.com

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Not By Choice on MuchOnDemand on MuchMusic in 2002.
Courtesy Photo

Not By Choice on MuchOnDemand on MuchMusic in 2002.

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Obituary: Mike Bilcox of Ajax, Ontario Pop-Punk Band Not By Choice

Former drummer and now head of Round One Sports & Entertainment Liam Killeen pens this tribute to his former bandmate, with words from The Feldman Agency's Jeff Craib, Sum 41's Dave Baksh, Simple Plan's Chuck Comeau and more.

Mike Bilcox, lead singer and guitarist of Ajax, Ontario’s second most famous pop-punk band, Not By Choice, passed away on June 21, at age 48.

Mike started Not By Choice with his Ajax High School friend Glenn ‘Chico’ Dunning back in 1997. They had initially played a few shows under different names that may or may not be suitable for print, but our moniker came from Mike bothering his younger sister Chrissy at the dinner table. When she couldn’t take any more of his taunting, she promptly told her Mom, Pat, that he was annoying her – Pat yelled ‘Well, he’s your brother!’ to which Chrissy quickly replied ‘Yeah, not by choice!’. With that, a real band was born.

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