“…beautiful and intelligent ethereal twang.”

Paul Quarrington

“…and this is how his story goes“ is now out! Released October 30th, 2008, the thirteen track disc contains all original material.

Check our performance calendar for details.

Cinematic, playful and deeply resonant, the quartet’s contemporary sound is steeped in the traditions of folk, rock and jazz.

The thirteen tracks of …and this is how his story goes are woven with musical narratives. Each musical tale is accessible to the listener through the guitar-driven melodies, the originality of the composition, and the sincerity with which it is delivered.

The musicians unite diverse musical backgrounds to form the band’s unique sound: Joel Schwartz (guitar), and Bret Higgins (bass) contribute jazz, folk and rock sensibilities, while Joanna Borromeo (keyboards) brings classical and R&B influences and drummer Josh Van Tassel experiments with electronic music.

“The Outlanders play beautiful and intelligent ethereal twang. I love the way the guitar and piano interact with each other, supported with care and precision by the rhythm section. The melodies are, in every sense of the word, haunting.” Paul Quarrington, novelist, screenwriter, composer, April 2009

“Atmospheric, beautifully melodic with a bit of bite and a side of groove. Think country gentleman guitar-slinger hanging out in Chicago to mend a broken heart.” Rosemary Phelan, musician

“The Outlanders are a unique band on the Toronto music scene. Top notch playing and a well produced CD should ensure they become a well known entity here and abroad.” Jaymz Bee, Radio Host JazzFM, March 2009.

“The crowd seemed transfixed by their poetic riffs. Each song seems to represent a separate story that might take place in a New York Jazz bar or Louisiana club.” Maria Calleja, Annex Gleaner, October 2008

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntxTEzC3vPI

www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1ozlBQa0tc

SYNTHESIS, our annual gala fundraising event, embodies the spirit of the Queen West Art Crawl by celebrating collaboration, creativity, and diversity. We bring together 20 of the city’s most talented, adventurous artists and performers to create 10 original collaborations which will premiere at Pia Bouman School For Ballet and Creative Movement on Friday March 25th, 2011.

I was asked to compose a song in reaction to a visual artist’s painting and The Outlanders are going to perform it.  Tickets and more info at http://www.parkdaleliberty.com/synthesis/

UPDATE: A huge thank you to everyone who came to see us.  It was an amazing night of artistic collaborations and a great concert for The Outlanders.

http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html

UPDATE: We raised 105.50 CDN or 8 384 YEN.  Thank you!!

Track 1: Untitled #1
Track 2: Biggity Higgity
Track 3: Someone Sang
Track 4: Spat
Track 5: Until Dawn
Track 6: Inn where no man rests
Track 7: Untitled #2
Track 8: Sebastien’s Bells

www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6T916WV0tE

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzxJbXzVUXo

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cmc7hZN3upU

If you have ever been unable to make an Outlanders Orbit Room show, but wanted to hear what you missed, I will be posting live recordings of some of the highlights.

To start us off, here is Monday, January 24, 2011 at the Orbit Room in Toronto.

Set 1:

Set 1

Track 1: Only the Righteous
Track 2: Untitled #1
Track 3: Untitled #2
Track 4: Inn where no man rests (debut performance)
Track 5: Rainboots

Here’s some clips from August 30th at the Orbit

Rainboots

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW-YE_LdIE0

Until Dawn

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y6YNiG1xKo

Here Today Gone Tomorrow

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdnzDB0ojUs

The Monday night residency (every other Monday) will now be from 10PM – 1AM starting June 8, 2009. See performance schedule

The usual group, legendary super-group Kevin Breit and Sisters Euclid, who have held the Monday night post for almost thirteen years are taking the summer off (at least).  The Outlanders have been asked to take their place indefinitely.

We were surprised and truthfully a little saddened to hear the news of the Sisters’ departure. One of the great perks of playing the Orbit Room on a Monday is watching them perform after our gig and of course hanging out with them between sets.

That being said, The Outlanders are honored, excited and humbled to have been asked to perform for what has become a legendary gig in Toronto. We wish Kevin and the Sisters the best and encourage everyone to come out to their performance this Monday, June 1 for what will certainly be an awesome departure show.

“Luminato is an annual celebration of the arts where Toronto’s stages, streets, and public spaces are infused with theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music, film, literature, visual arts, and design. Now in its third year, Luminato brings a world of creativity to the city for ten days June 5-14, 2009…Luminato brings Toronto’s light to the world, and the world’s light to Toronto.” [Luminato website]

We’ll update with more details as they come up. For now, we’re just excited to take part.

…and this is how his story goes

If you’re able to help, email the programs mentioning you’d like to hear more from The Outlanders.  Send comments to Fresh Air and Saskatchewan Weekend or to your favourite CBC Radio show.

UPDATE April 01: The disc in being picked up in several more Canadian cities including Regina, Winnipeg and Ottawa!

Radio host Jaymz Bee will be interviewing me about The Outlanders and spinning some tracks from our album.  Airing between 6pm and 8pm on Saturday, March 14 online or 91.1FM in the Toronto area.