Gentlemen of the Woods. Photo credit: Laura Collins
The Bluesfest locals series will introduce you to the talented music makers from the Ottawa area performing at this year’s RBC Bluesfest. Come on out early to Bluesfest and discover some great new music!
Gentlemen of the Woods
Thursday, July 14
6:30pm to 7:30pm
Barney Danson Theatre
Bio
Gentlemen of the Woods are a five-piece folk and Americana band from Ottawa, Ontario. At the core, they create music inspired by the hinterlands, where Americana sounds cross with Canadian folk tales. They write catchy songs with an old-timey feel and play them with heart, wit, and a deep sense of history.
The band often reflects on themes of middle-age regret and optimism. They sing about bad choices and better days ahead, performing with all the band’s trademarks: memorable melodies, banjo clatter, rootsy rhythms, swaggering lead guitar, and soaring harmonies.
The Talent
Geoff Cass – Guitar and lead vocals
Doug Taylor – Banjo and lead vocals
Ryan Davies _ Bass and backing vocals
Mario Carlucci _ Drums and backing vocals
Chris DaSilva – Lead guitar, mandolin and backing vocals
Ethan Mitchell – Cello
Q&A
What was your reaction to the news you’d be a part of Bluesfest and who was the first person you told?
The original invitation came out during the early stages of the pandemic. It felt like we had kind of arrived, as it coincided with big shows scheduled for Toronto, radio play and plans for a third recording. So we told our families and friends and weeks later, all of those things were cancelled. So, now, two years later, we’re eager to pick up where we left off and so grateful that Bluesfest invited us back!
Please describe your sound.
Stand up bass. Banjo. Mandolin. Acoustic guitar. Cello. Electric guitar and drums. They all combine to make a folksy, Americana, alt-country sound.
How did you get started on your musical journey?
The beginning was different for each of us. But family commitments meant we dropped music for some time before getting back at it, finding each other, and starting Gentlemen of The Woods several years ago.
What can music fans expect from your show? Will you be playing any new music at Bluesfest and/or releasing new music ahead of your performance?
Our music is energetic, toe-tappy, and really catchy. We have a lot of unreleased new music which we’ll play at Bluesfest, and with any luck, we’ll get to record by the fall.
What artists are you hoping to catch during this year’s Bluesfest?
There are so many! Nathaniel Rateliff, The New Pornographers, Lyle Odjik and the Northern Steam, Josephine Leone, as well as Rise Ashen, Braden Foulkes, and Vicki Brittle who are local favourites of ours!