Telfer

"Telfer is one of the most exciting and entertaining live groups to come
out of the Maritimes in years. The band members simply love to play,
and that on-stage joy infects the entire audience. Singer Tommy Green Jr. comes out with a big smile plastered on his face, and it never
leaves. "I'm on stage with the best musicians, and my best friends, I
can't help it", he admits about his trademark grin. The band quickly
locks into a solid groove, and the energy takes over. It's exactly what
you want from a band: fun for everyone."

-- Bob Mersereau, writer "The Top 100 Canadian Albums", reporter CBC Television, Fredericton - n/a

Telfer's debut full-length album, Born This Morning, is full of swaggering guitar chords and strutting lyrics and should be the next big step in the band's career progression.

The band's commitment to fun, honest lyrics and funky chord progressions has been turning concert-goers into fans - especially during several high-energy performances at last year's Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.

The winners of the 2008 Harvest Galaxie Rising Stars showcase released Born This Morning in time for its current Maritime tour.

Telfer kicked off Canada Day in Fredericton with a CD-release show at The Capital Bar on Tuesday evening. Now they'll perform shows in Charlottetown, Sydney, New Glasgow and Moncton over the next week.

Singer and guitarist Tommy Green Jr., guitarist Bobby McIsaac, and drummer Matt Piper grew up in the beauty of Carleton County.

The band's sound is completed by Saint John native Jon Goud - who plays the bass, keys and provides backing vocals.

Green Jr. said the key to the band's success is making sure they leave room for creativity.

"We have fun onstage with our musicality - we like playing good music," he said.

"When we're writing songs and arranging songs and shows, we leave a lot of room for improvisation and to talk to each other musically. I think we've set up a pretty good blueprint for each song on the album, but we manage to leave a little room to flex during the live performances."

Goud took out a loan to start up the band's new record label CinderFunk Promotions and fund the new album.

He said that's forced the band to think seriously about its future.

"We said, 'Let's put our money where our mouth is and let's actually put the best music we can into this recording,'" he said.

"We holed ourselves up like monks for three or four months in a jam space, not really gigging a lot, and just spending hours and hours on music and conversations, tearing our hair out to make this music the best we can. And it's exciting to see the positivity coming back."

Telfer will return to Fredericton for a show at The Capital Bar on Aug. 8 and for a performance at this year's Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival. - The Daily Gleaner - Adam Bowie

Telfer, I'm down with this funky sound. You had me at "we're synching," the harmonious call-and-answer of track one, "Sync This Rock." These four local fellas have got a fresh ska-blues sound that will have beds bouncing as far away as Bedford. The debut album's highlight is anthem "Claws in Deep," an intense and sexy song as rich in heavy chords as in raunchy lyrics: "Dig your claws in deep and I'll put up a fight, keep you up all night." Telfer's Born This Morning takes listeners on a sinusoidal ride from fast instrumental jams to slow songs full of cheeky lyrics. Ten arbitrary points for Telfer's ability to follow through on cocky claims. - The Coast - Hilary Beaumont

The group was last year's winners of the CBC Galaxie Rising Stars Showcase at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton and recently released their debut full-length record Born This Morning.

The group is performing in Saint John at A Khord on August 7 and in Fredericton at The Capital on August 8.

The members of Telfer started casually playing together in 2002 with the current lineup of the band having been together since 2007. Even with their relatively young tenure in the business, it has been a whirlwind experience for the band thus far; something that Telfer guitarist and vocalist Tommy Green Jr. is quick to admit:

"I find it crazy to think about what we've been through as a band already," Green starts. "Before we had even played a show, we had recorded an EP and then spent a year promoting that.

"And now that our full-length album is done, we're super excited. We feel as though the songs on the record are miles above the quality of songs on the EP. We feel as though we have come so incredibly far in the past two and a half years."

The ball got rolling on the new Telfer record not long after their Rising Star Award win at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in 2008. Ironically, not all band members were initially on board with entering the group for the competition.

"We were on the fence about whether or not to enter Telfer for the Rising Star Award," Green states. "A couple of the guys in the band were hesitant as they didn't think we would be considered to be bluesy enough for the festival. But then to go from being on the fence to actually winning the Rising Star Award was unbelievable; it ended up really boosting our confidence."

The group spent the first three months of 2009 holed up in a practice space in Halifax solely for the purpose of writing new songs.

"We had never booked time off before, so to speak. We had a lot of songs that could have been album worthy but we ultimately wanted to have 10 great songs on the record," Green explains. "We had 15 songs written for the record and then went with what we felt was the strongest 10 for the final cut. We wanted each of the songs on the record to have their own character and shape."

The group spent four weeks at Sonic Temple studios in Halifax making Born This Morning, a record that "delights listeners with funk inspired rhythms and gripping vocals that are cleverly guided by a dazzling blues-rock guitar lead."

And while future touring plans for the group are still being flushed out, Telfer is planning to return to Ontario this fall to help capitalize on a round of shows the group did there last October.

"The Ontario tour dates we did last fall were a blast. We did one round of dates and then had returned in October 2008 for three weeks' worth of shows. And during those most recent shows, we could see the result of the first bunch of shows we had done. We could see that we had carved a nice little path for ourselves and can't wait to get back there this coming October."

Telfer on the web:

www.telfermusic.com

www.facebook.com/telfermusic - Here Magazine - Ken Kelley - Thurs., Aug 6th, 2009

They're a diverse, hard-working group that knows how to work a crowd, and if you missed their show on Saturday you are a sucker. - Here Magazine

A four-piece act from Carleton County won this year's Harvest Galaxie Rising Stars Showcase, presented by the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival and Galaxie, the CBC's continuous music network. Telfer impressed a panel of music industry judges and the live crowd at Dolan's Pub in Fredericton Wednesday night with "their musicality and funky originals," according to a press release. The band wins $1,500 in cash, as well as an opening slot Sept. 10 at a free show at the festival, which runs Sept. 9-14. They will also perform at the Aliant Mojo Tent, alongside former Galaxie Rising Star winner Matt Andersen. The show is a fundraiser for high school bands in Fredericton.Along with the votes of the judges and live audience members, the winner was determined by online voting on the CBC website, a first for the contest. The Rising Stars Showcase was founded in 2002 to help New Brunswick artists gain exposure on the regional and national stages as well as catch the eye of industry heavy-weights attending the festival. The four other finalists were Andy Brown, Cathy Hutch and Mike Cadillac and The Rockin' 88s, as well as Jens Jeppesen and The Hands of Time. - Telegraph-Journal (Saint John, NB)

Carleton County-bred band Telfer took home top honours at the Harvest Galaxie Rising Stars Showcase at Dolan's Pub on Wednesday evening.

Telfer won $1,500 and an opening slot at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival's kickoff showcase Sept. 10. The band was also asked to join former Galaxie Rising Stars winner Matt Andersen for a morning radio performance Sept. 12.

The award, which is sponsored by the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival and CBC's Galaxie radio, is given annually to a promising musical talent.

The winning act was chosen by a panel of judges from the music industry, a live audience and with votes cast online.

Telfer, which is comprised of Tommy Green Jr., Matt Piper, Bobby McIsaac and Jon Goud, won the honours over Fredericton's Andy Brown, Cathy Hutch, and Mike Cadillac, and The Rockin' 88's, as well as New Denmark's Jens Jeppesen and The Hands of Time.

Green, who sings and plays guitar, said the band will remember the evening for a long time.

"It was really fantastic to see so many people from back home cheering us on," he said.

"It was a really special night."

He said he and his bandmates have always been confident in their music, but now they believe they're ready for everyone to take notice of the band's progression.

"If there's one thing we've learned, it's that you can't grow too quickly," he said.

"I guess right now that we're finally at a level of musicianship that we feel that we're ready for everyone to hear us, where six or seven months ago that wouldn't have been the case."

Brent Staeben, musical director for the Harvest festival, said the award will give the band a big publicity boost.

"The Harvest Galaxie Rising Stars Showcase can be a key launching pad for emerging New Brunswick artists, with national exposure through Galaxie and at the festival," he said in a news release.

"Telfer has the potential to turn some heads. It was a great night of music and a very talented band took home the prize."

Goud, the band's bass player, said he agrees the honours will raise Telfer's profile, but he's hoping it happens gradually.

"I hope that this ends up being an accelerant as opposed to a big step, because I wouldn't want to miss anything," he said.

"We're hoping this will be a feather in our cap that will help us get some good shows and play to a lot of people." - The Daily Gleaner (Fredericton, NB)

A local rock group, with strong Florenceville-Bristol ties, will be among the young acts entertaining the huge crowds at the 2008 Harvest Blues and Jazz Festival in Fredericton.

Halifax-based Telfer – a four-man rock band with three members hailing from Carleton County – has been named as one of the five finalists for the 2008 CBC Galaxie Rising Star showcase.

Lead vocalist Tommy Green Jr. said he and bandmates – bass player Jon Goud, lead guitarist Bobby McIssac and drummer Matt Piper – greeted the news with excitement.

"A lot of our favourite artists have performed in the showcase," said Green, "including a couple from our area – Matt Anderson and Ross Neilsen."

Green said it will be exciting to see the other acts in the showcase as well as the many great acts playing at the festival, which he noted, is among the best music festivals in Atlantic Canada.

"We're absolutely thrilled to be included with the greats that play the festival," he said.

Green said the showcase will provide Telfer with great exposure.

"The music industry is a funny thing," he said. "We have been trying to get exposure, trying to get established."

While band members hold down part-time jobs in Halifax to help pay the bills, Green said, Telfer has been "kind of constantly touring." He added the band has a long list of gigs coming up.

Over the years, the Galaxie Rising Star showcase as developed into one of the region's most important musical competitions. It is an important career launching pad for developing New Brunswick performers.

The showcase – to be presented Aug. 13 at Dolan's Pub by the festival and Galaxie, CBC's continuous music network – offers regional and national exposure for the top five finalists.

Joining Telfer will be Cathy Hutch, Mike Cadillac and the Rockin' 88's, and Andy Brown from Fredericton and Jens Jeppesen from New Denmark.

New to the CBC Galaxie Rising Star program this year is an opportunity for fans to view band videos online at www.cbc.ca/nb and vote for their favourite performers. Finalists will then take the stage in front of a live audience and a panel of industry experts on Aug. 13.

Finalists will be judged by the industry panel, the live audience, and online voting. Online voting began July 28 at www.cbc.ca/nb/features/galaxie-risingstar-showcase/.

"The CBC Galaxie Rising Star Showcase is a springboard for New Brunswick artists, with the finalists receiving regional and even national exposure. That exposure is even wider this year with the new online voting with CBC," said Brent Staeben, music director for the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival. "Supporting the New Brunswick music scene is very important to the festival, as local musicians make up 35 per cent of our programming. Being chosen as a top five finalist is a valuable promotion for these talented artists."

CBC Radio's program manager Mary-Pat Schutta described the support for emerging young artists as an important role for CBC New Brunswick.

"CBC has been with the festival since the beginning, and we are thrilled that this year we'll be able to introduce young New Brunswick talent to an even wider audience through CBC.ca," she said.

The winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize, coveted Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival musician passes, a feature on the CBC Galaxie website and promotion through the Rising Stars Showcase.

The grand prize for the winner is a main stage gig in the Aliant Mojo Tent on the Wednesday night of Harvest, and will be invited to perform on stage at CBC Radio's Information Morning Jazz and Blues Breakfast show on Friday, Sept 12, from 6 to 8 a.m., also at the Aliant Mojo Tent, alongside the first CBC Galaxie Rising Star – Matt Andersen. The show is a fundraiser for high school bands in Fredericton.

Galaxie champions Canadian talent by supporting the development and promotion of our musicians. Launched in 1998, this program recognizes and contributes cash awards to Canada's up-and-coming stars. Working with more than 50 partners of the music industry across the country, the Galaxie Rising Stars Program of the CBC encourages our up-and-coming stars.

"We share a deep sense of passion for music with our partners and embrace the bright talent of Canadian artists on the rise. For the recipients, a Rising Stars Award is a mark of respect and recognition," said Jean-Richard Lefebvre, director of development, partnerships and French programming. "For Galaxie, it is our way of showing how proud we are of our new artists."

All five finalists are locally known for their high-quality musicianship and are set to put on a crowd-pleasing show at Dolan's.

In announcing the final five, Galaxie Showcase organizers noted Telfer's unique style of music.

"Telfer's funky pop-infused sound is garnering attention as the four-piece band makes all the Maritime stops to promote their debut EP," organizers stated in the showcase news release. "Combining inspiration from different genres of music, Telfer creates a sound uniquely their own, with a smooth songwriting style that mirrors the band's chill yet upbeat vibe. These high energy performers know how to get a crowd moving with their funky groove-worthy tunes."

Other artists as described as follows: ]

Cathy Hutch:

"An artist through sound, words and pictures, an accomplished musician, Hutch has been involved in the Fredericton-area music scene for many years. Aside from her solo career, Hutch plays with local bands The George Street Blues Project, Tore Down, and ERA. Cathy's first single off her debut solo album, "Not Goin' Back" has had over 32,000 hits on YouTube."

Mike Cadillac and the Rockin' 88's:

A five-piece band, Mike Cadillac and the Rockin' 88's bring rock-a-billy and old time rock and roll to the stage with their contagious throw-back style. Band leader, Mike Bravener, is a nationally recognized Elvis impersonator and has even graced the stage with the King's original drummer, D.J. Fontana. Mike Cadillac and the Rockin' 88's are working on their first CD together.

Andy Brown:

"Singer/songwriter Andy Brown has earned a loyal and committed following over the past few years with his honest lyrics, unique voice, and gifted guitar playing. A Fredericton staple, he is striving towards nation-wide exposure and will be opening the stage at this summer's North Rocks the Bay Festival for the likes of David Wilcox and Colin James. Andy's second co-produced CD is set to be released this fall."

Jens Jeppesen:

"Calling himself a "bluesgrass hybrid", Jens is a unique storyteller who has no trouble captivating audiences with his lightening speed guitar playing and smooth vocals. Jens is making a name for himself all over the East coast with his energetic and intense stage presence and truthful song writing. With his latest CD now available nationwide, Jens is ready to make a name for himself on the national stage."

Past winners of the CBC Galaxie Rising Star showcase include Keith Hallett (2007), Matchstick Mike and the Chain Smokin' Alter Boys (2006), Ross Neilsen (2005), and Flat Top (with Matt Andersen) (2004). These musicians have now taken their music to national and even international levels with the help of the CBC Galaxie and the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival. - Bugle-Observer (Woodstock, NB)

Telfer Wins Harvest Galaxie Rising Stars Showcase

With an electric performance that captured a packed house at Dolan's Pub in Fredericton, Carleton County's Telfer won the Harvest Galaxie Rising Stars Showcase, presented by the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's continuous music network, Galaxie.

The four-piece New Brunswick band wowed voters with their musicality and funky originals.

"We didn't know what to expect. We're honored. We decided to enter for exposure and to get connected with other artists. It's been a very meaningful experience and we're proud to say the music comes first," said band leader Tommy Green Jr.

"The Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival is such a prestigious festival. And if there was any festival in Canada we'd want to be a part of, it would be Harvest. Some of our heroes are playing at the Festival this year," he said.

As winners of the showcase, the band won $1,500 in cash and an opening slot at the Wednesday night Free Kick Off show on September 10th.

Telfer won the Showcase competing against four other finalists that featured many of the brightest up and comers on the New Brunswick music scene. The winner was determined by a panel of music industry judges, the live audience Wednesday night at Dolan's and, for the first time, online voting on the CBC's own website.

Telfer consists of Tommy Green Jr., Matt Piper, Bobby McIssac and Jon Goud. The other four finalists included Fredericton's own Andy Brown, Cathy Hutch and Mike Cadillac and The Rockin' 88's, as well as Jens Jeppesen and The Hands of Time from New Denmark.

"The Harvest Galaxie Rising Stars Showcase can be a key launching pad for emerging New Brunswick artists, with national exposure through Galaxie and at the Festival. Telfer has the potential to turn some heads. It was a great night of music and a very talented band took home the prize," said Festival music director, Brent Staeben.

Previous winners of the showcase have leveraged their winning to achieve nationwide exposure and further their own successful careers as esteemed musicians.

By winning, Telfer also receives an invitation to perform on stage at CBC Radio's Information Morning Jazz and Blues Breakfast show (Friday, September 12th, 6-8:30 a.m.) also at the Aliant Mojo Tent, alongside former Galaxie Rising Star winner, Matt Andersen (Andersen was part of the band, Flat Top, that won in 2002). The show is a fundraiser for high school bands in Fredericton.

"For the first time, music fans were able to vote online at CBC.ca/nb for their favorite finalist in the CBC Galaxie Rising Stars competition. In just over two weeks, the site registered more than 1300 votes. We're thrilled with the number of people who voted online, and the additional exposure our site provided these talented emerging artists. Congratulations to Telfer and we look forward to having the band perform on our annual Information Morning Jazz and Blues Breakfast at the Aliant Mojo Tent on September 12th", says Mary-Pat Schutta, Program Manager CBC Radio.

The Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival introduced the Rising Stars Showcase in 2002 to help New Brunswick artists gain exposure on the regional and national stages as well as catch the eye of industry heavy-weights attending the Festival.

The Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival will run from September 9th-14th. Tickets can be purchased at Harvest Central (81 Regent Street), by phone at 1-888 NB BLUES, or online at www.harvestjazzandblues.com. - Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival (Fredericton, NB)