June 22 / 2010
June 22 / 2010
Hey guys - the first Penny Blacks EP, "Regret, Regret" is now available on bandcamp. You can grab it at pennyblacks.bandcamp.com. I figure it's better hosted on their servers than mine. It's still a free download, and will likely remain so until we get our album out, at which point the EP will no longer be available.
Read a review of Regret, Regret from Herohill.com.
May 18 / 2010
Hey ! Penny Blacks won "Group of The Year" at the 2010 Best of Saint John Music Awards! On behalf of myself, Ali, Erin, Chuck, Dan, Clinton, and Chris, thanks to all of you who voted! We are truly honoured to be part of this musical community, and to have been in your thoughts when you pulled that lever in the virtual voting booth. We're doing our best to give you an album to consider for next year's poll!
Feb 23 / 2010
Jan 26 / 2010
We continue to work on the album, with full intention of completing it before Winter is through. We recorded the bed tracks in our rehearsal space, a big woody loft located in uptown Saint John. Take a peak as we lay down the drums for "Maybe You Should Get Out". Next, we'll be moving out to yet another cozy loft to add the other instruments; this time in Hampton at Chris Fudge's Primrose Studio.
Also, I am extremely proud to announce that we have recorded a version of one of Clinton Charlton's songs for an upcoming East Coast - themed covers album. It's just about ready to be mixed and sent off, and I have to say that I am really, really happy with it. It is my favorite song of Clinton's, and I was very nervous about not doing it justice. However, thanks to the awesome musicians and friends I have playing with me on it - it is actually the first official recording with the entire Penny Blacks band - I think we have done something quite special. And if Clinton has some sort of problem with it, well he can go pound sand, because I warned him several times over the past 4 years that if he did not record this song soon, I would. :)
Finally, get your dancing shoes on, and that suit and tie or sassy cocktail dress. Adam Mowery and I are bringing the swing and soul to Valentine's again with our third annual Valentine's Extravaganza. We're sending bus fare to The Hard Feelings so that they can be here to provide the glitz, twang and thump once more, and we're dusting off some of the old classics (and some more contemporary hits) for all you crazy kids to cut a rug to. It all goes down at Peppers in Saint John on February 13th. It only happens once a year, and you don't want to miss it.
Nov 9 / 2009
My friend Jordan Stewart's new book is being released this month, and I have been asked to play the book release show!
www.greetingsfromgumdropmountain.com
Join us at the Saint John Arts Centre on Saturday, November 21 at 2 PM for music, words, cheese and wine!
October 22 / 2009
"Take It In: A Tribute To Sloan" comes out on November 24, and features a track by Penny Blacks!
Details at Gooseberry Records!
No shows right now! We're recording!
June 17 / 2009
Another FREE summer OUTDOOR show added! Friday, June 26
on the Boardwalk stage @ Market Slip in Saint John!
April 22 / 2009
Physical copies have SOLD OUT! Thanks to all those who bought a copy!
Mar 18 / 2009
Feb 24 / 2009
Hey there. It's been awhile since I updated the news on this page. I've totally been doing that slacker "I'll just update MySpace" thing. I do have some exciting news, though.
We're recording the album in May!
Until then, we have a couple of unique shows coming up. The first is on March 20 at UNBSJ. We're performing at Colonel Tucker's in the Student Union Bldg, live over the air on CFMH-FM 107.3. So, either come on out to UNB to watch, or dial in CFMH to get a sneak peak of some of the songs that we'll be recording for the new album. Things get underway at 5 PM sharp. The second show is a house show at none other than Gordie Tufts, owner of the finest indie record emporium in the city. It's going to be a really cozy, warm little concert with lots of potluck goodies. It is open to the public, but it's first come, first serve, so be sure to drop by Backstreet to buy tickets!
The last bit of news for now?
Penny Blacks may be welcoming a new member in the next month or so! Stay tuned!
July 21 / 2008
Full band show this Wednesday at Melvins in Saint John! With a reunited Carousels (One night only!) AND this event is a FREE show hosted by the magnificent Wooden Wives!
In other news, we are now officially immersed in pre-production for the album!
April 18 / 2008
Check out the review of "Regret, Regret" on Herohill.com!
Check out some new photographs from our show with the Tom Fun Orchestra!
Check out Penny Blacks on CBC Radio 3!
What are you doing for National Record Store Day? I'll be playing with Joel Plaskett, Adam Mowery, and White Rabbit at Backstreet Records here in Saint John!
March 19 / 2008
We have started pre-production for the full-length CD. Can't wait to get the actual tracking started.
Come see the band play with the Tom Fun Orchestra at Elwood's in Saint John on April 12....
February 14 / 2008
"Regret, Regret" EP Available now. 4 Songs.
Come to a show to get one, or contact me.
December 10 / 2007
I will be releasing an EP in January. It will be called "Regret, Regret" and will feature 4 songs. two of them, you haven't heard yet. The other two I have been playing live for awhile.
October 31/ 2007
Happy Halloween!
pennyblacks.flightrisk.org is back up and running, thanks to my pal, Brett Whitaker. I think it's been down since... July? Myspace has been filling the void nicely, but it is great to have your own little piece of cyberspace to customize.
A lot has happened since June 15. So let me just give you a little recap:
My little summer tour with Clinton Charlton and Edge on Spiral went really well. It was a great way to kind of get my songs up and running with a band. Clinton played with just guitar accompaniment from Adam Kierstead, while Edge on Spiral and Penny Blacks played as a four-piece. I think my favorite show was at Brennan's in PEI. Really great set.
August saw the first ever Penny Blacks show as a full band. We debuted the lineup at an outdoor show at the Quispamsis Arts and Culture Park:
Clinton Charlton - drums
Erin Sharpe - Cello
Dan Chamberlain - Keys
Adam Kierstead - Bass
Chris Braydon - Guitar
Jason Ogden - Guitar, Vocals.
Our second show saw the lineup expand to 8 members for the Fundy Fog Festival with the addition of:
Chris Stephens - Violin
Jason Vautour - Guitar
You can see pictures of these events on our MySpace, or on our Facebook Group. Thanks to Erin for taking the reins on the Facebook one!
The Fog Fest also saw Penny Blacks featured in the Telegraph Journal. I'll try and get the article up here for anyone interested in reading it.
Finally (for now), The first official Penny Blacks release has come to see the light of day!
BBQ Records' Saint John 3: The Revenge was released this week, and it contains the song "Dying At Home" by Penny Blacks. This song was recorded in my spare bedroom and features purr-cussion by my cat. But don't get the CD just for Penny Blacks. Get it for the 16 other artists; trust me, they are all good. My favorites so far are Adam Mowery, Mr. Distant, Something French and The Carousels.
More news to come...
June 15 / 2007
Check out the Summer Tour Dates! More to be added!
January 19 / 2007
Penny Blacks is expanding to serve you better. Check out this lineup, which you will be seeing at future shows: Clinton Charlton on drums, Dan Chamberlain on keys, Erin Sharpe on cello, Adam Kierstead on bass, and Brett Whitaker on guitar. If you think this looks good on paper, wait until you see it in action.
In case you haven't made it over there, you should be aware that the Penny Blacks MySpace is constantly being updated with new demo tracks. Most recently, I have added "This Winding Comet Tail", which features Erin and Dan.
Dec 4 / 2006
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Here are a couple of photos from a recent recording session out at Primrose Hill. That's my pal Clinton grinnin' above the skins.
I am working on a special set for the next couple of Penny Blacks shows featuring Erin Sharpe on cello and Dan Chamberlain on keys. It is sounding really, really good. I can't wait.
Nov 6 / 2006
i'm still here.
July 27 / 2006
I am now playing at Elwood's in Saint John on August 10 instead of the 11th. Amy Millan cancelled on the show on the 10th, so I have been asked to replace her.
I had the pleasure of being joined onstage by several of my favorite local musicians and friends at my last show at The Capitol, namely Adam, Clinton and Marc from the Carousels, and Nick from All of Green / The Fussy Part! If you missed it, you can check out a photo on the Penny Blacks MySpace page, or go directly to the source, at the photography site of Mr. Dan Culberson.
July 5 / 2006
3 shows added! This Friday will be my first time playing the Capital as Penny Blacks. It may also be my first time with multiple musicians accompanying me. Also, be sure to bring your lunch to the City Market on Tuesday, August 8, as Clinton Charlton and I will be playing out in the sun.
March 15 / 2006
I will be playing at Tapps in Saint John this Saturday night with my pals Clinton Charlton and Chris Fudge. Clinton is releasing a CD. It's very good.
February 14 / 2006
I haven't forgotten about you. I'm still working on it. I have ideas and plans in the back of my head. I've been busy with a few other things, but I am just about ready to get back to you.
I had my acoustic guitar doctored, so perhaps at future shows, it will stay in tune. It sounds really nice with new strings. Who'da thought? I have two new songs that I played for the first time at my last show, which was in Fredericton at the wonderful Underground Cafe. The new songs are currently titled "Maybe You Should Get Out" and "This Winding Comet Tail". I've been pretty busy with a few other projects (playing with Edge on Spiral, recording the new Hospital Grade CD, playing a vampire wanna-be in a local independent film) so I haven't gotten around to finishing up the final tracks for the Penny Blacks Demo CD. I think there is a bit of a lull ahead, though, so I am going to make it happen. Drop me a line if you want my newly-doctored guitar and I to play somewhere.
It's the antidote
behind the bite
kitten dander is on your fingertips
you groom me
and I get used to it
(-from "This Winding Comet Tail" )
Dec 9 / 2005
That's an e chord, right there.
November 30 / 2005
Merry Christmas, everyone! I'm still working on demos. I just finished tracking vocals for a new one called "Maybe You Should Get Out". The plan remains the same for a cheap 4 or 5 song CD of demo recordings, for those that are interested.
2 shows coming up in December; Penny Blacks' first out-of-town shows!
October 21 / 2005
Been awhile since an update, but I have been busy recording, working on both the new Hospital Grade CD and Penny Blacks demos. Pierre Cormier (Organizers, Stabby Dancers) layed some bass down on a track for me this week, and sometime in the next week, I hope to record "January In God-damn" with Clinton Charlton (Carousels, Butterfly Effect) helping me out. I plan to produce a short run of CD EP's with 4 or 5 of the Penny Blacks demo tracks when they are complete. I'll sell 'em cheap. Here is a tentative track listing:
And Then I Can Sleep Without Devices
Things Can't Stay The Same
None of Those Beautiful Plans
The Answer
L
I rotated a couple of new songs into the player: one of the demo recordings above, and an acoustic version of a Hospital Grade song.
You can also hear a few more Penny Blacks demo songs by visiting thetree.ca and listening to Treehouse Radio.
July 21 / 2005
One more Penny Blacks show this summer, and it's a good one! Penny Blacks will be opening for Julie Doiron on Aug. 12! Hope to see you there. A bit of site news,too: I'll be rotating a few new songs into the player up there soon.
June 21 / 2005
I'm going to be playing a set at Jordan Stewart's book release on June 30 at TAPPS. I am proud to be included in the evening's entertainment, and can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Jordan's book. Check out his site at : www.tiredeyes.net!
June 14 / 2005
Hey. I put together a Penny Blacks site. Check it out. Not that I've got much going on or anything, I just like to make music-related websites. There are a couple of shows there, on the right, though; i'll be playing tomorrow (tuesday) night at Studio 112 with Alex Keleher (The Organizers, Happy Medium, The Carousels). Alex and I have at least (2) things in common: 1) We are both nervous about playing alone, with no noisy band to cover our mistakes, and 2) We both try and avoid practicing and writing songs too late at night when we have to get up to work the next morning, because it tends to get us wired and keep us awake, twitching in bed. It's like caffeine that way. I'll also be playing a few songs this weekend at the Coastline Records Party. Other than that, I have been busy writing, rehearsing, and recording Penny Blacks stuff in the tiny intervals between Hospital Grade related tasks and my day job.
More news soon. I'd like to get some kind of a message board happening on here.