One Night Band
Gig Seeker Pro

One Night Band

Band Pop Reggae

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"Way Back Home Review"

Thanks to a near-constant influx of Jamaican immigrants to Toronto, that city has boasted a vibrant reggae scene for many years. The same has been less true of Montreal, but the One Night Band had been trying to fix that for several years by the time its debut album was released on the venerable Stomp label in 2006. Boasting a sound that draws deeply on old-school ska and early reggae as well as the work of recent revivalists (most obviously the Slackers), the One Night Band plays a combination of old-fashioned originals and judiciously chosen covers, and generally avoids adding much in the way of modern musical elements or technological flourishes: horns, organ, and chunky guitar are the hallmarks of this band's sound, and the drums are strictly live. The groups' vocalists are obviously native French speakers and their English lyrics occasionally betray that fact by their reliance on cookie-cutter phrases that fill time without conveying much meaning; that they can do much better in French is demonstrated by two of the best tracks on the album, "Right On" and the brilliant "Le Monde à Nos Pieds." Also worth note is also a very fine rocksteady instrumental titled "Houdini," though their reggae version of the soul classic "Rescue Me" is curiously enervated. (Their take on the rocksteady evergreen "No No No" is similarly disappointing.) Overall, though, Way Back Home is an impressive debut. - All Music


"Funk, Soul and International Reviews"

It must be the longest night in history because Montreal’s One Night Band came together for one moonlight gig and it ain’t over yet. Good thing too because if it were we’d never have this gem just released by those purveyors of all things ska-tastic at Stomp Records. Produced by Mitch Guiro, quickly becoming Montreal’s answer to Clement Dodd, and Ms. Ska Canada herself, Lorraine Muller, Way Back Home has all the juicy “phatness” expected of a retro reggae-cum-ska release. The stylish and stately grooves do far more than recreate a lost era; with keen songwriting and a playful elegance One Night Band are old school visionaries delivering an original feel to rhythms minted decades ago. The lover’s dub “Crazy” is driven by a syncopated guitar/bass riff that you’ll be humming long after the record is finished and features a sultry, if a little jilted, Jacinthe Michaud on vocals. The title track is Treasure Isle-ish rocksteady sung by cool rudie Alex Giguère that only suffers from being about two minutes too short, while the instrumental “Houdini” stays as fascinating on the bottom end as it does on the horn charts to create a dark horse of a high point for the album. Way Back Home also features a spooky cover of Ken Booth’s “When I Fall in Love” and one of the best versions of Jackie Mittoo’s plodding Studio One classic “No, No, No” in existence. (Stomp) - Exclaim Magazine


"One very Long Night"

Montreal ska band One Night Band know how to stretch out a good time

This wasn't supposed to happen, you know. The One Night Band was only supposed to be a band for - yep, you guessed it - one night, a benefit concert in 2003. But a funny thing happened on the way to Nowheresville: People got off on their affable, soulful take on reggae and ska, and demanded more.

"After the first show, we had another show offer and then another one and then another one," says singer/guitarist Alex Giguère. "So we kept going and here we are today, playing reggae and ska music [because] that's what we're good at."

The facts seem to bear him out on that. Since that fateful night, the slick local septet have secured a record deal (with, surprisingly enough, Stomp Records), and released one full-length record, Way Back Home. They've toured hither and yon, and played on some high-falutin' bills with some high-falutin' names, but arguably no upcoming date is as high and/or falutin' as July 4, when the ONB make their Montreal Jazz Festival debut.

"We're not nervous," says Giguère, before reconsidering. "Maybe a bit actually!"

"I truly think that the ska and reggae scene is still relevant, and probably more these days than it was before," he continues. "Ska punk has become [a cliché], and bands like The Aggrolites, The Slackers and Westbound
Train have helped a lot in the revival of the genre. We've seen our audiences increase a lot in the past year, especially in Montreal, and I think that it has a lot to do with the fact that we're playing a genre that we truly feel, no matter if it's trendy or not." - Hour


"CD Review"


It's an exceptional feat for any batch of musicians to put your name on the map in an industry that's jam-packed with freshman striving for an opportunity to break out. But, it's a finer accomplishment if said entertainers are able to write a success story on their very first attempt. This is a triumph that any performer should cherish. In the case of Montreal, Quebec's self-proclaimed One Night Band, victory on first endeavor appears miniscule amongst the ever-increasing list of achievements that these six musicians have the capability to obtain. With their debut, full-length release, Way Back Home, the One Night Band establish their placement amongst the crowd, all the while formulating an innovative, exciting, and stimulating equation containing the potential to leave listeners in awe. From the albums opening lines to the closing scene, these six musicians shine miraculously at every opportunity, and take advantage of their near hour in the spotlight.

But, what sets the One Night Band apart from the overabundance of artists and accumulations alike? After only a single listen of Way Back Home, the answer becomes clear, and the evidence is astonishing. The bands sound is blessed with a spark that listeners crave, and Way Back Home holds thirteen numbers that sound like instant classics. Yet, with all stereotypical applause aside, exaggeration is not the case in stating that there are clear-cut factors that will certainly stimulate any listeners interest. The first, easily-recognizable factor is the incorporation of two, mixed-gender lead vocalists, Alex Giguere and Jacinthe Michaud, whom both front the bands exceptionally talented rhythm section in an astounding manner with ease. Michaud is the first to shine, as she opens the album with "Crazy", a soul-inspired ballad pulsating with contagious attributes. Although the track doesn't prove to showcase anything groundbreaking in terms of musicianship, Michaud's voice is smooth, beautiful, and enticing, and such a performance is often hard to pass up. The group follows up the opener with the albums title track, "Way Back Home", a bouncy, soulful ska gem that serves up the sort of relaxed energy that any successful, traditional-based ska offering should be able to muster.

However, the spotlights aren't switched on and the albums real focal points aren't discovered until the later portion of the release. On "Right On", Giguere grasps his opportunity to shine as he runs through a series of French lyrics (which can be found in more than a single expression on Way Back Home) with pure passion, pride, and delight. However, on "Rolling The Dice", the records ninth number, the One Night Band break free from the relaxed, light-hearted consistency we've experienced thus far, as Giguere leads us through a classy, swinging arrangement that is sure to get listeners moving. The bands horn section, which consists of saxophonists Christiane Charbonneau and the aforementioned Michaud, are unusually well-founded and exceedingly talented, all the while delivering a bright, cheerful performance that coincides beautifully with the bands natural ambience. Yet, as exhilarating as the One Night Band's performance has proven to be thus far, the albums immediate, paramount classic is tenth effort on the document, "Rescue Me", a sharp, upbeat ska song that is worthy of utmost praise. Michaud's voice is simply stunning, and the track itself holds the ability to force the airwaves to explode with integrity. As a matter of fact, "Rescue Me" is an arrangement that any listener would categorize as refreshing, restorative, and simply boisterous, no matter what sort of background one might hold in terms of musical preference.

Yet, one question always stands. Is this release worth the cost of purchase? At this point in the review, one would declare that this critics answer is definite, but personal feelings towards art should not be limited. It appears there isn't a single flaw to be found within the release, and that alone is an unprecedented feat for any act. The production is absolutely angelic, the rhythms are absorbing, and the words pouring from the dual vocalists are anything but uninspiring. But, where excellence shines through, there's always equal room for improvement. There's truth in the statement that the One Night Band are playing off of a successful, tested formula, and at times their aims emerge as somewhat redundant. Although each track is bewitching in its own right, the sounds boasting from each piece often run together. But, thankfully for the French-Canadian sextet, none of these mishaps are enough to dissociate the record from its unique, captivating, and most importantly, first-class qualities.

In the end, and when it all boils down, the One Night Band's aim is on target and their hands are steady. Way Back Home is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable, artistic, and stimulating releases Stomp Records has ever seen. It's a safe bet in predicting that these musicians will spend more than just One Night in the public eye, as these are six young performers who have earned the right to set their sights high. Way Back Home is a refreshing flashback to the earliest days of ska music, and the band willingly incorporates elements of roots, soul, and reggae into their already ravishing mixture. I hope the masses have been preparing for a takeover, because I assure you one is on its way. - Absolute Punk


"Best Albums of the Week"

Six piece from Montreal that shows a strong love for reggae and ska. A real mellow set of songs that are relaxing to have in the background while you chill. The songs that feature female vocalist Jacinthe really are the highlights and the ones that are the most vibrant. She does a cover of the Aretha Franklin classic “Rescue Me” which has been given the reggae touch. The opening track is also one of her numbers. It almost deceives you to believe that she is the main singer of the band. Not that the main male vocalist is bad, but she adds a tenderness that is striking. This gave me the same mellow vibe I got off the new Aggrolites CD. - Razorcake


Discography

2008 - Hit and Run (Stomp Records / Warner & Lumberjack)
2008 - Unity, A Tribute to Desmond Dekker (Bacteria Buffet / Fontana North)
2007 - Pork Pie Records Compilation (Pork Pie - GERMAN RELEASE)
2006 - Way Back Home (Stomp Records / WARNER & LUMBERJACK)
2005 - Session B (independant)
2004 - Session A (independant)

Photos

Bio

Started in 2003, the One Night Band is a hardworking group that has built its reputation by adding its own flavor to Jamaican classics (Toots and the Maytals, The Skatalites, Prince Buster, Ken Boothe, etc.), while yielding its own compositions. Highly accessible, the band’s music is sure to satisfy anyone seeking to unwind and escape the monotony of the daily grind.

Since the release of their debut record entitled “Way Back Home” (2006) on STOMP Records, the One Night Band has been touring relentlessly and has rapidly become one of the newest sensations in the North American ska-reggae scene. With three Canadian and three US tours, 350 concerts and more than 2000 albums sold, the One Night Band is not only attracting crowds from coast to coast but also sees itself being respected by media and peers alike.

The One Night Band has been featured in various festivals (Pop Montreal, Vans Warped Tour, Montreal International Jazz Fest, Victoria Ska Fest, Three Floors of Ska) and has had the chance to share the stage and tour with bands such as Chris Murray, The Aggrolites, Westbound Train, The Toasters, Mad Caddies, Me Mom and Morgentaler, Neville Staples, The Planet Smashers, Lynval Golding, The Flatliners, etc.

The band is already hard at work on their very anticipated sophomore record, which will be released next fall.