Music
Press
On Monday, October 22, 2007,
I listened to “Think NDN”, a pro-
gram on CFRO Co-op Radio
102.7FM from 5pm to 9pm. This
program was a four-hour special
membership drive: usually the
program starts at 8pm and goes
on until 9pm every Monday. I was
impressed with the line-up
of first nations talent here
in Vancouver.
I was particularly inter-
ested in a young group
that provided an acoustic
set, that was soooooooooo
sweeeeeeeeeeeet! I
stopped everything I was
doing and took in the
sweet harmonies and mel-
odic overtones. I was very im-
pressed! I had to go to their show
last Saturday night. According to
the program, the band had a page
on MySpace. So I searched “Road
Indian Dreams” and only found
a message saying “this page has
been deleted.” But before I could
start preaching any conspiracy
theories, I double checked on
Bitterly Divine’s events on Face-
book. The band’s name was Road
Engine Dreams. I laughed at my-
self, but this doesn’t devalue
the existence of any conspiracy
theories.
My anticipation questioned
my attendance, but these guys
gave any of my apprehensions
meaning.
This country/classic rock girl
didn’t take too long to find her
childhood hard-rock roots. Their
CD, but collaboration is shared
by everyone in the band. During
the day Kaaju Gaaya is a self-em-
ployed native jeweller and carver.
Scumby (aka Gabe McCormick)
bassist, and back-up vocalist,
from Heiltsuk Nation (Bella Bella)
and Yukon, is an office furniture
installer. Scumby shares most
of the PR duties with Buddy,
(aka Buddogg) who spends his
spare time as
a carpenter.
Both Chris and
Buddy are Crees
from Saddle
Lake. During
the day Chris
(known as ACE)
is a cement fin-
isher foreman–
as well as the
band’s lead guitarist, lead vocal-
ist, main songwriter and artist for
the design for their first album.
Road Engine Dreams’ first al-
bum can be purchased at the
Cedar Root Gallery at the Vancou-
ver Aboriginal Friendship Centre
(1607 East Hastings Street, Van-
couver BC, 604-251-4844. Their
CD is also available at any of their
shows. They also have a segment
on APTN Beyond Words coming
up in January 2008. They plan to
continue showcasing their ori-
ginal material at fundraisers and
events.
Check out Road Engine
Dreams sound and keep up-to-
date on their definite rise to fame
at www.myspace.com/road-
enginedreams. Until then rock
on.
–Remona Charlie - The Gleaner
Discography
Self titled full length debut album " Road Engine Dreams"
Photos
Bio
Road Engine Dreams is not just another rock band. With their classic rock n’ roll style and heavy beat, they sound ready to tear a room apart. But behind the power chords there’s different kind of message: ambition. Music is the engine that propels this rugged band down a road where they can overcome adversity and realize their dreams.
Lead singer and guitarist Chris “Ace” Cardinal always felt a connection to the powerful sound of rock n’ roll. But he didn’t relate to the simple picture painted by the lyrics of the songs he heard on the radio. So he picked up a guitar and taught himself to play, then started writing songs that explored the life he experienced as a young man growing up in a tough neighborhood on Vancouver’s east side.
Soon Chris connected with Gabe “Scumby” McCormick – whose mad bass skills made him the perfect foundation for R.E.D’s developing sound. Buddy “Buddogg” Cardinal’s rhythm guitar and smooth backup vocals round out the front line of the band.
Solid in the back is the K’aajuu G’aaya – whose heavy beats radiate from the stage.
With a solid group of dedicated fans and regular appearances on local radio and the North American festival circuit, R.E.D. is poised to explode onto the mainstream music scene and take their message of strength and transcendence to the world at large.
Motivated by the crazy rush they get from a live show, R.E.D. plays every chance they get – so check out their web site at RoadEngineDreams.com for details on where and when to catch their next show.
Their self-titled debut CD- nominated for Best Rock Album in 2008 by the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards– recorded at Fortissimo Sound and engineered by Doug Fury – is available online at HMV.ca, indiepool.com, amazon.ca, mtracks.com, and iTunes.
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