Music
Press
http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=342688&sc=84 - The Telegram - St John's NL
"(Cody) is poised to be the next buzz band out of Vancouver. Watch out for this guy"
-Todd Hancock - 99.3 THE FOX
No sooner had Cody Westman released his first CD, Just Like That, than he was planning to get back in the studio. In September 2005, the Smithers native told The Interior News he was satisfied with the recording as an initial effort but felt he could do much better. He was right. Westman’s new CD, Lean In-EP, with his new band High Society, shows a marked advancement in terms of craft, musicianship, production values and tightness in just a few short months.
But, most importantly, right from the opening guitar riff of the first track, The Truth, through the edited and re-mixed fourth and final time, Fall Around You, the band lays down an infectious groove that triggers spontaneous toe-tapping.
It has garnered him some commercial radio attention in Vancouver. Todd Hancock, co-host of a popular afternoon show on The Fox, said he is constantly blown away by Westman’s progression. “He is poised to be the next buzz band out of Vancouver,” Hancock said. “Watch out for this guy.”
Westman attributes a good part of the success of Lean In-EP to working with a steady band. The group comprises Westman on guitar and vocals; long-time bassist and Selkirk College classmate Scott Archibald; vocalist Jeff Scharf; guitarist Neil Cruickshank; and drummer Glenn Kruger.
Westman also credits co-producer John Webster- who has worked with industry stalwarts Tom Cochrane and Aerosmith- with helping him turn solid raw material into a well-crafted final product. “He knows what he’s doing,” Westman said.
If there is a weakness in Westman’s music, it continues to be lyrics-writing. Inconsistent and sometimes cliché, Westman’s word-smithing tends to be innocuous, not necessarily detracting from the songs, but typically not inspiring, either.
Then again, neither were the lyrics of one of his major influences, The Beatles, in their early days. And it is unlikely to be an issue for the pop-rock audiences he appears to be targeting.
“I like to play songs that are fun, that trigger some kind of emotion in people,” he said. “Or at least just make them dance.” It does do that, manager of Vancouver’s The Media Club Jeff Laurin said. “It’s always a pleasure to have these guys in the house.”
Westman plans to support the new CD with gigs in the Lower Mainland, on Vancouver Island and a special hometown show with Scharf and local percussionist Richard Jenne at The Old Church on July 2. Both Lean In-EP and Just Like That are available at Mountain Eagle Books.
- Smithers/Interior News
"People are looking for something different. Cody Has it!" - Paddy Daly - Host 'Out of the Fog'
"These guys have just touched on something world-class. I can't wait to see what's next!"
Bill Buckingham - Producer - Producer
Discography
I Am Cody Westman - (2010)
'Mile High Echo' - (2007)
Lean In - EP - (2006)
Just Like That - (2005)
Photos
Bio
Current lineup: Cody Westman (vocals/guitar/percussion) and a revolving door of great musicians including Phil Maloney (Hey Rosetta!), Josh Ward (Hey Rosetta!), Paul Brace, Neal Ryan, Scott Archibald, David Popoff, Coco Love Alcorn, Ali Siadat (Mother Mother)
**Recent live video including MUSIC VIDEO SHOT AS 5 MIN SHORT FILM at: www.youtube.com/codywestman**
**Most of these songs are LIVE to showcase that I am a LIVE act**
**myspace.com/codywestman**
(Think Dave Matthews meets Neil young, and they share a bottle of wine on the way to Jack White's house!)
Cody Westman has spent the last five years writing and crafting his unique sound. His characteristic voice and on-stage energy have been noticed by many and with the release of 2010’s I AM CODY WESTMAN, doors are beginning to open. Using loop pedals and effects on the acoustic guitar, Cody transitions effortlessly from a traditional unplugged sound to a raging delay-filled solo and back again, fascinating his listeners. Cody’s efforts have allowed him to play over 500 shows in five years, including festivals in British Columbia and Edmonton, a solo tour of Western Europe and opening slots for Leon Russell (Joe Cocker, The Rolling Stones and others) and Steven Page and Blue Rodeo at the 2009 George Street Festival in St John's, Newfoundland.
I AM CODY WESTMAN (2010 Cats Eye Productions/Records) encompasses many of the styles that showcase Cody as a musician; Blues, Rock, Percussion and classic songwriting. His unique voice and concise, dynamic songs hold the guitar-driven album together from the powerful opening blues-rock number “I had a Lover” to the heartfelt closer “Moving On.” Cody recently commented: “I think my new CD, I Am Cody Westman is a good representation of what I’m all about, and I look forward to getting out and touring behind it! I live to play live!”
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"Cody Rocks! Period." - Candice Udle - 97.5 K-ROCK
"People are looking for something different. Cody has it!" - Paddy Daly - Host 'Out of the Fog' Cable TV, St John's NL
“(These guys) have just touched on something world class. I can’t wait to see what’s next!” – Bill Buckingham, Producer
"Watch out for this guy!" - Todd Hancock 99.3 The Fox, Vancouver
"Take a listen to I AM CODY WESTMAN. You won't be disappointed!" - The Interior News
“I can’t wait to have him back in Belgium!” Luc Wagemann, Kinky Star Club – Gent, Belgium
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