Spotlight: Gentleman Reg

It’s difficult to resist the charm of Gentleman Reg. He’s been crafting deliciously sweet catchy and dreamy tunes for almost a decade now. Reg is a former member of Toronto band The Hidden Camera’s and often performs with members of Broken Social Scene and violinist extraordinaire Owen Pallet of Final Fantasy. His most recent effort, Jet Black, was released earlier this year via Toronto indie label Arts & Crafts. The album is no doubt one of my favourites of 2009. It includes the ear pleasing tracks “You Can’t Get It Back” and “How You Exit”. You’ll have to go out and buy the record to really understand why I think Reg is awesome.

I can honestly admit that I can’t understand why Gentleman Reg has yet to dominate the planet. His perfect pop gems would please any audience, and his high-pitched and breathy voice is simply unique among other indie bands. I’ve had the good fortune of seeing Reg play live several times in Toronto this past year including an instore performance at Soundscapes, at the Horseshoe for Canadian Music Week, and a free show at the Harbourfront opening for Amy Milan. So next time another opportunity arises to see Reg perform free of charge, you better take it while you still can because Reg is well on his way towards nation-wide domination, at least I’m convinced he is.

For those yet to be introduced to Gentleman Reg there is no time like the present to start listening. Reg is releasing a new EP titled Heavy Head on December 1st on Arts & Crafts. The EP includes two cover songs, Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” and Stevie Nicks’ “Wild Heart”; two previously unreleased b-sides, “Justified” with Own Pallett and “Take It All Back”; and two remixes from tracks off Jet Black. I’d say this is possibly the best sampling of Reg’s music for Reg newbie’s, and for Reg aficionados it certainly makes a great Christmas gift...hint, hint mom.

Also very important to note, Gentleman Reg is not a one man show, his fabulous band usually includes Greg Millson or Dana Snell (The Bicycles), François Turenne (The Hylozoists), and Kelly McMichael.

Want to know more about Gentleman Reg, check out:
http://www.arts-crafts.ca/gentlemanreg/
http://www.myspace.com/gentlemanreg
http://twitter.com/Gentlemanreg
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=11830434807

Upcoming Canadian Tour Dates:
Nov. 29th - Saskatoon, Sk. at Amigo’s
Nov. 30th - Winnipeg, MB. At Royal Albert Arms
Dev. 5th - Toronto, ON. at the Opera House

Music videos to check out:
“How We Exit”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D74hAAgfBY
“Rewind”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i55IRhz8rN0
“We’re In A Thunderstorm”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i55IRhz8rN0

Rose Palmieri