Bentroots

Artist Information

Biography

BENTROOTS have been performing and recording with each other in various configurations for a number of years. But it was only when the Chick ‘n Deli, a legendary Toronto night club known for its live entertainment, decided to try a Blue Monday revue that BENTROOTS began to take its present shape. As the Monday house band, BENTROOTS backed a variety of entertainers including Chuck Jackson of the Downchild Blues Band, Al Lerman from Fathead, Johnny Wright, Son Roberts and Errol Fisher to name a few.

Although their stay was cut short, BENTROOTS, led by guitarist/songwriter Nicholas T. Balkou, continued to get together on occasional Mondays to jam and try out some musical ideas. It’s out of these sessions, recorded at the Rhythm Ranch, over the past two years the recordings of “TALES OF A SWAMP KING” were born. The ten songs that are featured on this CD, represents a small percentage of what makes up BENTROOTS. Another 20 tracks have been recorded or are in the process of being recorded for a projected release later.

Instrumentation

Nicholas Balkou: Vocalist/Guitar
Robert Newman: Bass Guitar
Michael Fonfara: Piano/Keyboard/Organ
Duncan McBain: Drums
Ed Roth: Accordian/Keyboard

Discography

Debut album released 2009: Tales of a Swamp Thing. Listen to us on CBC radio (http://radio3.cbc.ca/bands/bentroots)

Audio

• Don't Wake It Up
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• N.O.L.A.
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• Can't Get Wit You
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• Good Man
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• How Ya Doin' Babe
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Lyrics

• Don't Wake It Up

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Regular Feature on my Show [+ Show ]
  

  Since the release of the Bent Roots’ CD, Tales of the Swamp King, it has become a regular feature on...Since the release of the Bent Roots’ CD, Tales of the Swamp King, it has become a regular feature on my show. The songs are distinctive with excellent structured, coloured with insightful and sometime humourous lyrics. The musicianship is strong, tight and professional, without fault. This album is guaranteed to get you and your partner out of your seats and shufflin’ across the dance floor.

• Endured the Hard Road [+ Show ]
  

  “Nicholas Balkou has clearly endured the hard road of a broken heart, and travelled over it to pull ...“Nicholas Balkou has clearly endured the hard road of a broken heart, and travelled over it to pull the pieces together again and again. His music finds a way to heal all wounds - and that is the essential heart of his blues.”

Setlist

All original material from debut album and future releases plus selection of covers.

Basic Requirements

Calendar