Cory M. Coons

Artist Information

Biography

Hailing from the small town of South Mountain, Ontario (Near Ottawa), Canada, Cory M. Coons has been writing, recording and performing music professionally for over a decade and a half. After a successful 12 year stint with his former "Tycoons" (70's/80's Retro-Rock Party Band), Cory now continues to branch out and perform as a multi-talented, "Solo" Recording Artist with his "CMC" Backing Band. In 2010' a newly compiled Cd titled "Retrospective" was released independently, and more recently in February of 2011', four brand new songs Co-Produced with Robert "Bob" Windsor at Soundbox Studios near Kemptville, Ontario have also been added to his credit, (along with more brand new material currently in production). Cory's sound and many influences have been a collective of various genres like Southern-Rock, to Crossover/Modern Country & Melodic Pop-Rock. He has opened and performed alongside such treasured National Canadian Artists like April Wine, Kim Mitchell, Glass Tiger, David Wilcox & Prairie Oyster. So whether it's with original and contemporary "acoustic" melodies, blended with "tasty", driving rock rhythms and well rounded musicianship in his current backing band, Cory M. Coons is a uniquely talented Recording Artist!

Instrumentation

Cory M. Coons - Lead Vocals/Guitars/Session Bass & Harmonica.
Bob Windsor - Guitars & Backing Vocals.
Francis Thibodeau - Bass & Backing Vocals.
Barry Billingham - "Live" Drums & Backing Vocals.
Mike McNeil - Session Drums
Kevin Eamon - Session Drums

Discography

1999'- "Tycoons" (Debut Indie Rock L.p)
2004'- Cory Mervin Coons "Limited Edition" (6 Song Promo E.p)
2004'- "From The Ground Up" (Debut Southern/Country-Rock Solo L.p)
2007'- "Tycoons II" (Promotional E.p)
2007'- "Acoustified" (Acoustic Collection)
2010'- "Retrospective" (Compilation L.p: 1999'- 2010')
2011'- "Roses Need The Rain" (*New Promotional E.p )

Links

• MySpace
• Facebook
• TYCOONS on Facebook
• TYCOONS on MySpace

Audio

• When A Dream Was All We Had
  Listen  
• The First Of July
  Listen  
• Walk Away And Smile
  Listen  
• Seven Year Itch
  Listen  
• Summertime Friend
  Listen  
• Every Time I Think About You (Ac.)
  Listen  
• Roses Need The Rain
  Listen  
• Nowhere But Here
  Listen  
• Unanswered
  Listen  
• Crumbs
  Listen  

Lyrics

• When A Dream Was All We Had
• The First Of July
• Walk Away & Smile
• Seven Year Itch
• Summertime Friend
• Every Time I Think About You
• Roses Need The Rain
• Nowhere But Here
• Unanswered
• Crumbs

Video

Cory M. Coons on Rogers Daytime Ottawa

Roses Need The Rain - Video - By Cory M Coons

Photo Gallery

Press

• Cory M. Coons Every Time I Think About You Released To Radio [+ Show ]
  

  Cory M. Coons Every Time I Think About You Released To Radio Wednesday, April 14, 2010 For Imm...Cory M. Coons
  Every Time I Think About You
  Released To Radio
  Wednesday, April 14, 2010
  
  For Immediate Release
  
  Ottawa – Cory M. Coons has been writing, recording and performing music professionally for more than 15 years. Today, the South Mountain, Ontario native added to that musical legacy with the release to radio of the single, Every Time I Think About You.
  
  The popular musician is a respected solo artist as well as popular performer in the region with his Tycoons Band. Every Time I Think About You is a solo piece co-produced with acclaimed New York/Toronto record producer Gary LaBarr.
  
  Cory's sound and influences range from Bon Jovi, Styx, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, The Eagles, Keith Urban, Bryan Adams, Geddy Lee and Rik Emmett among many. He has also opened and shared the stage with Canadian greats April Wine, Kim Mitchell, Glass Tiger, David Wilcox & Prairie Oyster.
  
  Every Time I Think About You, can be purchased online from Cory’s website as a single, or as part of the Retrospective Album.
  
  For additional information:
  Publicity
  
  Atlantic Multimedia
  14 Montebello Avenue
  Kanata, ON, K2L 1X6
  Toll Free: 866-781-3978
  www.atlanticmultimedia.ca
  for: Cory M. Coons
  www.corymervincoons.com

• Cory M. Coons Bringing Retrospective to Local Venue [+ Show ]
  

  Cory M. Coons bringing Retrospective to local venue Local News R. Comfort Friday, February 12th,...Cory M. Coons bringing Retrospective to local venue
  Local News
  R. Comfort
  Friday, February 12th, 2010
  MORRISBURG –
  
  Ten years of recording, seemed like a good time to celebrate the work of Cory M. Coons and The Tycoons Band.
  
  Well known locally, Coons is a writer, performer and recording artist, originally from South Mountain.
  
  The CD celebrating the recording efforts of Coons and The Tycoons Band, entitled Retrospective is available at various retail locations throughout the region.
  
  Coons will play a special lunchtime acoustic show at one of those retail locations, The Basket Case in Morrisburg, on Sat., Feb., 13 from about noon until 1 p.m.
  
  Retrospective, has 20 tracks, including one new release, Every Time I Think About You.
  
  Retrospective also includes crowd pleasing tracks like Crumbs and other popular tracks along with different, previously unreleased studio outtakes.
  
  In 10 years, five CDs have been released under the Cory M. Coons and The Tycoons Band titles.
  
  Coons sees Retrospective as a great opportunity for people to pick up his and the group’s best work in one package.
  
  “Each song has a different story to share,” said Coons. “I like to tell stories that touch people.”
  
  Since the work ranges from the intimate nature of acoustics to the showmanship of being part of a band, Coons has worked to showcase both aspects in this Retrospective package.
  
  “This CD is not an end, just a culmination of work,” said Coons.
  
  Looking to the future, He hopes that his work with Gary LaBarr, of Niagara Atlantic Entertainment Group, on his new track will help expand distribution and he said that he may even shoot a video for one of the tracks.
  
  Coons says their style of music is a mix of rock and pop. “I would say southern rock, with a little folk rock.”
  
  In addition to the Feb., 13 lunch hour show, Coons has a number of small events planned. He will be part of the Feb., 20 show at the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage and has a show planned in March at Boomers Sports Bar in Prescott.
  
  For more information visit www.corymervincoons.com

• Northeast In-Tune Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  August 15, 2006 Bent Music By: Kathryn Vercillo Northeast In-Tune Magazine http://www.northeasti...August 15, 2006
  Bent Music
  By: Kathryn Vercillo
  Northeast In-Tune Magazine
  http://www.northeastintune.com
  
  Every singer songwriter goes through phases of wondering whether the struggle and the sacrifice necessary to make a career out of music are worth the rewards of the work. For true singers, the struggle is insistent but not quite as insistent as the persistent internal need to make music. There is something within the heart of those singers which compels the music to keep coming despite any challenges the singer may face. Cory Mervin Coons is a shining example of a true singer.
  
  Coons began his singing life in his small Canadian hometown, branching out as he grew musically. His singing career spans fifteen years, during which time he has had numerous musical successes, but he has never strayed far from the simplicity of his roots. His lyrics exemplify this, as he sings with a simple nostalgia commemorating a time gone by, a time when simple ideals were enough to satisfy the desires of individual men.
  
  For example, in Crumbs, Coons sings about a father who works all day and into the night and a mother who puts the kids to bed in a town where there’s a morning dew out in the fields and you can smell the pancakes on the grill in a time when you won’t find a lock on my front door. This possibly idealized vision of life is matched with a similar idealized appreciation of love, which is exhibited in "Unanswered". This love song is a blend of country and rock melodies which says that Love’s the silent laughter that rings in your head And true love is still the answer, in your unanswered prayer.
  
  Though he sings about such simple country ideals, Coons does not come across as naive. In fact, he uses the strength of his ideals to support actual change in the world. His most recent success in this venture was to have Crumbs used to help market the Alesse birth control pill, showing that he is not going to shy away from harsh truths despite his hopeful ideals. Similarly, he speaks simply in Faded Glory about the uneasy truth that With war and hate among us / There’s a cry for love and peace. This Canadian may be singing about modern American political issues, but it is almost as if he is speaking simple truths about the state of any society at any rough time in their history. It is almost as though he is timeless.
  
  This sense of timelessness extends to the sound of the music as well. Coons says that his musical influences include the older songs of Elvis Presley and the newer songs of bands like Bon Jovi. In Crumbs, there is a hint of old Aerosmith in the sound of his voice. What rings through all of this music is the sense that these are merely influences affecting his style and not bands that he actually sounds like or makes any attempt to imitate. It seems that he is a singer who knows the solid core of his own sound but isn’t afraid to experiment a little bit here and there to see if another style might augment his own.
  
  
  

• Canadian Musician Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  Tycoons - July/Aug 2008 July 17th, 2008 There is more than a hint of nostalgia in the music of ...Tycoons - July/Aug 2008
  July 17th, 2008
  
  There is more than a hint of nostalgia in the music of four-piece rock act TYCOONS.
  
  Fronted by lead vocalist/guitarist Cory M. Coons, TYCOONS has existed in one form or another since 1999 when Coons cut his first record.
  
  Coons’ current bandmates include bass player Francis Thibodeau and drummer Barry Billingham, both of whom have played with him for a number of years, and guitarist/songwriter Sean Page, who’s a relatively recent addition.
  
  Together they crank out a brand of gritty guitar rock that owes a great deal to the inspiration of classic rock stalwarts like Bon Jovi, Rush, and April Wine and draws as well on proponents of southern rock like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Grinderswitch.
  
  The sound is big and full with soaring vocals, tight harmonies, and plenty of slick licks.
  
  Coons and company have the kind of honest, straight-ahead rock sound that a large chunk of the population over 30 is still looking for.
  
  TYCOONS has been regular at venues throughout the St. Lawrence Seaway Valley circuit since 2000, but could likely hunker down in most parts of the country and find an audience with tracks like “Crumbs,” “Rhythm Train,” and “Too Many Nights.”
  
  Although touring has been limited to Ontario, western Quebec, and northern New York state, bits and pieces of the music has found its way elsewhere. A number of songs have been used in corporate advertising campaigns – electronics giant Philips has utilized three of songs to promote its consumer media products. The band has also opened for a score of artists like David Wilcox, April Wine, Prairie Oyster, and Glass Tiger.
  
  TYCOONS is gearing up for another CD due for release later this year or early in 2009. On deck is noted producer Gary LaBarr.

• South Mountain Musician Goes Solo [+ Show ]
  

  South Mountain recording artist Cory M Coons has just released his first solo CD, entitled From The ...South Mountain recording artist Cory M Coons has just released his first solo CD, entitled From The Ground Up. It's an 11 track CD, of which 10 of the compositions are his own.
  
  The 11th selection was written by his friend, lead guitarist, Mike Kelly, an Iroquois native. Music for the CD was recorded at Little Chicago Studios in Smith Falls.
  
  Coons is branding himself and his original music as CMC, to reflect his full name Cory Mervin Coons. When Coons and his band give a performance featuring only his songs, the group is billed as CMC. The group plays as CMC at festivals and other special occasions.
  
  CMC members include Mike Kelly on lead and rhythm guitar and vocals, Bryan Deruchie on drums and percussion, and Francis Thibodeau on bass and vocals. Other artists included in the recording of From The Ground Up were Mike Anderson, Michelle Arthurs, John Locey and David Moquin.
  
  Some of the band members have also performed as "Tycoons" with Cory when playing more established tunes that others have recorded, mostly from the1970's and 1980's. Even during group performances the band mixes in some original music by Coons. Both CMC, and Tycoons can be found playing at local clubs and fairs.
  
  The band was recently one of the big attractions at the South Mountain Fair. It tends to give high-energy performances, encouraging audience participation. This is actually the second CD Coons has recorded. His first, entitled Tycoons was released in 1999.
  
  Coons, who has been performing since his teen years, classifies his sound as light rock with an acoustic flavor, or southern rock. He said he was influenced greatly by Bon Jovi and John Mellencamp. It's clear that Coons is looking for more than just being part of a cover band that plays other people's music. He is determined to continue writing his own material and is looking forward to collaborating with lead guitarist Mike Kelly on his future compositions.

• Local musician and singer/songwriter introduces new CD [+ Show ]
  

  Dated: Wednesday, June 23, 2004. Cory Mervin Coons (CMC) has for some years been associated with...Dated: Wednesday, June 23, 2004.
  
  Cory Mervin Coons (CMC) has for some years been associated with the Tycoons, a group of local lads from the South Mountain area who enjoy playing music. In fact this young man has been the driving force behind the cover band. Now he has taken the big step to a solo career. "I am very excited to be releasing my first solo CD" smiles CMC as we begin our interview. Although not a stranger to studio work, he released the CD titled, "Tycoons" in late 1999, but a renewed excitement and enthusiasm are evident for this solo effort. "The Tycoons sort of moulded themselves into more of a cover outfit (playing other people's songs) playing all the local clubs with your classic rock standards. With the new CD I am certainly more excited because it will be the majority of original material for each show." He goes on to explain that recording began on the new solo CD in January of this year at Little Chicago Studios in Smith's Falls. Produced by Tim Greencorn, Cory hopes to have it ready for release independently in July of this year.
  Titled, "From the Ground Up," the official CD release party will be hosted later this summer at a venue in the local area. Keep your ears and eyes open for this announcement and be a part of it...
  Members of the CMC band include: Mike Kelly on lead guitar and vocals, Bryan Deruchie on drums and percussion and Francis Thibodeau on bass and vocals. Mike helped with the solo CD, and Cory adamently pays tribute to his song writing skills.
  As we speak about the music on the CD, Cory explains that a lot of the songs on disc get back to his roots as he was growing up near South Mountain listening to all kinds of music. He feels there is a bit of accoustic rock and a bit of folk as well as a little blues tossed into the mix. "My style is very melodic, but with an edge that Mike and I like to describe as a "Southern Ontario Sound"...I like to keep things as simple as I can. Sometimes though, I tend to experiment a little," says Cory with a hint of enthusiasm in his tone.
  He talks about his relationship with Mike, "I am very proud to have worked with Mike, an Iroquois native who did all the lead guitar work on the CD. He brings a wonderful dynamic to my sound. He did an awesome job helping create the CMC sound. "I hope we can collaborate more in the future, he is a great song writer in his own right and he plays a mean guitar to boot."
  The other band members are also featured on the tracks. An added bonus for Iroquois fans is the fact that Mike Anderson of Strings and Things in the Plaza is also featured as part of one of the songs as he plays banjo, a unique addition to the music. Cory tells us his sister-in-law, Michelle Arthurs from Johnstown does some great backup vocals on another song.
  Listening to the CD at Cory and his new wife's home on a hot summer evening, it is clear this one is good. The sound drifts across the lawn and it is evident this one could just be what Cory Mervin Coons needs to kick start a solo career in the music business. Writing all the songs for the CD except the one Mike Kelly provided, Cory had ideas he wanted to turn into songs and if "Crumbs," the first song on the CD is an indication of his ability, there is little doubt, about his talent.
  Most of his songs tell a story, usually drawing on previous experience and building on them, his work develops over time into what he wants to share. References to "A Strong Pair of Hands" would point to his dad whom he admires. "Faded Glory" has a line, "If you teach your children well, maybe we can live to tell.." gets quite philosophical, be he hastens to say "I am not preaching, just telling tales."
  Hints of Southern USA can be detected in lines of songs as can the influences of those he admired as he was growing up: Bon Jovi, John Mellencamp, Johnny Cash, etc.
  A song is included that is dedicated to his mother ("Violet") whom he lost to cancer two and a half years ago and "Unanswered" is dedicated to his wife Leighann, since she inspired him to finish this tune. He categorizes the choruses of some of the songs as melodic folksy and sees his music as hopeful. "I write with hope, not too depressing, trying to remain upbeat in my outlook." Keeping his music flavoured with Canada sounds, he works in bits and pieces from the local area and if you listen carefully you will recognize places and people familiar to you. CDs will be available on Canada Day at the Point as well as at Strings and Things in the Iroquois Plaza.
  His enthusiasm is contageous and I can hardly wait for Canada Day when Cory and the Tycoons will be on stage at the Point. Part of the celebration, CMC will debut the solo CD between 2 and 3pm and then later in the evening from 7:30 through 9pm, CMC and the Tycoons will entertain the expected crowd. Upcoming shows this year include the South Mountain Fair Show, on August 20 and the Chesterville fair on August 27. We wish this young man all the luck possible as he embarks on a solo music career.

Setlist

"Original Material"

1- CRUMBS
2- UNANSWERED
3- OLD MAN PLAYS ON
4- FOOTPRINTS
5- SPANISH DREAM IN PARADISE
6- ROSES NEED THE RAIN
7- NOWHERE BUT HERE
8- WALK AWAY & SMILE
9- THE FIRST OF JULY
10- WHEN A DREAM WAS ALL WE HAD
11- SEVEN YEAR ITCH
12- SUMMERTIME FRIEND
* - EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT YOU

"Southern Rock/Country-Rock" Covers:

1- SWEET HOME ALABAMA- LYNYRD SKYNYRD
2- PINK HOUSES- JC MELLENCAMP
3- SMALLTOWN- JC MELLENCAMP
4- WILD NIGHT- JC MELLENCAMP/VAN MORRISON
5- BROWN EYED GIRL- VAN MORRISON
6- FISHIN' IN THE DARK- NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND
7- COPPERHEAD ROAD- STEVE EARLE
8- TAKE IT EASY- EAGLES
9- BAD MOON RISING- CCR
10- GREEN RIVER- C.C.R.
11- MARGARITAVILLE- JIMMY BUFFET
12- HEART OF GOLD- NEIL YOUNG
13- KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR- BOB DYLAN
14- MUSTANG SALLY- WILSON PICKET
15- SUMMER OF 69'- BRYAN ADAMS
16- WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T GO HOME- BON JOVI
17- IT'S MY LIFE- BON JOVI
18- LONG COOL WOMAN IN A BLACK DRESS- THE HOLLIES
19- ROCK N' ME BABY - STEVE MILLER BAND
20- KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF- GEORGIA SATELLITES
21- HARD TO HANDLE- BLACK CROWES
22- MAMA LET HIM PLAY- DOUCETTE
23- PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC- WILD CHERRY
24- MARY JANE'S LAST DANCE- TOM PETTY
25- TICKET TO RIDE- BEATLES
26- WE CAN WORK IT OUT- BEATLES
27- LONG HOT SUMMER- KEITH URBAN
28- WHO WOULDN'T WANNA BE ME- KEITH URBAN
29- TUSH/MOVE IT ON OVER- ZZ TOP/G. THOROGOOD (MDLY)
30- LA GRANGE- ZZ TOP
31- SHOW ME THE WAY- PETER FRAMPTON
32- SUMMERTIME BLUES- BRIAN SETZER/EDDIE COCHRANE
33- HEARTBREAK HOTEL- ELVIS PRESLEY
34- DON'T BE CRUEL- ELVIS PRESLEY
35- HOUND DOG- ELVIS PRESLEY

*(60'S MEDLEY)
36- YOU REALLY GOT ME- KINKS
37- DAY TRIPPER- BEATLES
38- PRETTY WOMAN- ROY ORBISON
39- JUMPIN' JACK FLASH-ROLLING STONES
40- SATISFACTION- ROLLING STONES

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