Roam
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2009 | SELF | AFM
Music
Press
LUMINA - ROAM
"Roam if you want to" is a line from a B-52s hit from 1989. Now you can ROAM the world musically with the striking new album, Lumina, by the Toronto electro-acoustic band of that name. Fronted by singer/songwriter Lisa Patterson, she's abetted by the prominent likes of Alex McMaster, Justin Abedin, George Koller and Jason Fowler. The ROAM sound is described as roots-meet-worldbeat, and instruments like duduk, tablas, cajon and bata drums help create intriguing sonic atmospheres wrapped round Patterson's pure voice. Michael Phillip Wojewoda (Barenaked Ladies) does the material justice with his crisp production. A cover of The Pretenders' "Hymn To Her" adds to the diversity, while the socially conscious "Can't Stand By" has a timely sound byte from Malala Yousafzai. ROAM's 2008 debut, Points of Departure, led to international touring. The new album had its official launch at Toronto's Lula Lounge on Oct. 23.
- Kerry Doole - NEW CANADIAN MUSIC, OCTOBER 2013 - Kerry Doole
PRESENTER QUOTES:
"A perfect balance of worldly sounds, musical finesse and passion”
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, EDGE OF THE WORLD FESTIVAL, B.C.
“Mysterious and interesting … a story behind each song”
Eric Vermeulen, M-ENT, CANADIAN CONNECTIONS FESTIVAL, HOLLAND
"Exceptional voice, energy and spontaneous rapport with audience"
DIRECTOR, ALLIANCE FRANCAISE, CHENNAI, INDIA
"Great music and voice, in English and French … lovely and evocative"
S. Hengen LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY, Sudbury
“A wonderful vocal and instrumental tapestry of sound a bit like a magic carpet ride”
J. Iredale, CONCERTS ON CAMBRIDGE, Victoria, B.C.
PRESS QUOTES:
“striking new album Lumina … intriguing sonic atmospheres wrapped round
Patterson’s pure voice”
Kerry Doole, NEW CANADIAN MUSIC, October 2013
“some use the elements of European and Indian Folk traditions as ornamentation, but Patterson brings them together to suggest a harmony that is all too lacking in this world”
INK 19 MAGAZINE, FLORIDA, USA
“strong songwriting evident of a personal vision … fascinating … a bold blend”
☆☆☆☆ stars, VANCOUVER PROVINCE
“poetic lyrics and a strong voice”
OTTAWA CITIZEN
"flamboyant and free-styled music … sensuous, philosophical”
DECCAN CHRONICLE, SOUTH INDIA
“a sound all of her own … wild creativity … songs fly high with emotional power”
PETERBOROUGH EXAMINER - VARIOUS NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL OUTLETS
Discography
LUMINA - album, release October 2013 (imaginit music)
Points of Departure - album, release 2009 (imaginit music)
leader Lisa Patterson - as solo artist 2000 - 2008
Need each Other - single, Top Ten AC playlist 12 weeks Holland
Roam - album, re-release 2005 Rough Trade Records (the Benelux)
Roam - album, released 2004 Festival Distribution (Canada)
This Is What It Sounds Like - album, released 2000 (Independent)
Photos
Bio
"A perfect balance of worldly sounds, musical finesse and passion"
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, EDGE OF THE WORLD FESTIVAL, B.C.
ROAM is an acoustic contemporary world artist based in Ontario, Canada. Members hail from B.C. coast, Ottawa, African and Indian continents and have toured and recorded with Maryem Hassan Tollar, Jacksoul, Jane Siberry, Cassius Khan, Toronto Tabla Ensemble, Alex Cuba, among many others.
At the crossroads of song, culture and philosophy ROAM weave haunting melodies and playful rhythms through adventurous songwriting, taking listeners on a sensual journey through territories without borders.
New sophomore disc LUMINA (October 2013) is produced and engineered by JUNO award-winning talent Michael Phillip Wojewoda (Lemon Bucket Orchestra, Great Big Sea, Barenaked Ladies, Rheostatics). Wojewoda describes ROAM's combination of warm wood, breath, skin and strings as "sumptuous". Comparisons have been drawn to Lhasa, Jane Siberry and Kate Bush.
ROAM's acoustic instrumentation, deep listening and organic approach to their craft resounds as close friends in intimate dialogue. Main songwriter, Lisa Patterson, significantly shapes the sound with her rich alto voice and contribution on duduk (a double-reeded woodwind instrument native to Armenia), alto sax and accordion. Lyrics are king - poetry transformed by heartfelt delivery into something a little more mystical. Duo, trio and quartet versions of ROAM are manifested with topnotch collaborators Justin Abedin (acoustic guitar), Alex McMaster (cello / voice) and Anita Katakkar (tabla, cajon).
ROAM began as a duo of Patterson and McMaster, releasing a well-received debut album Points of Departure (imaginit music / Phd Canada, 2009) which garnered invites to perform in Europe, India, Mexico and on Canadian festival stages. Four songs from this disc are featured in Nov 2013 adventure film satire Awaiting Atwood featuring cameo appearance by Ms Atwood (executive producer Genie award-winning Thom Fitzgerald - The Hanging Garden). Airplay includes CBC regional and national programs, Canadian Campus radio; internationally in The Benelux, South India, U.S. Campus. Tours and recordings have been supported by Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), FACTOR, Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts.
ROAM's cultural and social consciousness is exemplified by original songs in French and Spanish as does their work with women's shelters, youth arts programs Stephen Lewis Foundation and Amnesty International. All members are also music educators and actively promote musical diversity to young audiences.
In live performance ROAM aims to create an authentic exchange with audience; a gentle encouragement to hum a drone, clap a rhythm, or participate in improvising a song from audience suggestions.
Leader Lisa Patterson winner of York University achievement award for her work in world music ensembles is a classically trained pianist who grew up influenced by the music and dance of her Romanian and Scottish heritage.
I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to travel the globe with my pilot father from an early age it gave me insights and perspectives about culture and human nature; our common ground and our diversity" says Patterson. "I endeavour to share this through my music. I'm blessed to have found exactly the right combination of talent and personalities to share in the goal of a deep listening experience between musicians that in turn deepens the experience for the audience.
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
NATIONAL
- Invited artist for Margaret Atwood birthday tribute, Sudbury, Ontario
- Edge of World Festival, Hadai Gwaii, British Columbia
- Millenium Place, Whistler, British Columbia
- Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto, soiree in honour of Measha Brueggergosman
- Spring Residency Concert series, Gladstone Hotel, Toronto
- Regional tours in British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan
INTERNATIONAL
- MEXICO: Jazz Roots Club Cancun, Feb 2014, July 2013 & March 2012
- INDIA: Alliance Francaise Concert Halls, Bangalore & Chennai, South India
- THE NETHERLANDS: Canadian Connections Festival, Residence of Canadian Ambassador to The Netherlands
SHOWCASES: OCFF, CMW, CINARS Montreal, A2A Media & Music Amsterdam
Band Members
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