The Celebration Army

Ever wonder where the groove went? It enlisted in The Celebration Army. All of it. Led by Oliver Pigott of The Pigott Brothers, The Celebration Army's music strongly harkens to the golden ages of classic rock and R n B (and even to a raw, dirty sort of funk that people tend to keep a naughty secret). Listen to songs like "Black Blue Jeans" and you'll experience a stylistic breadth that takes listeners all the way from frenetic rock to ingenious hooks to driving funk and back again. The Celebration Army grooves in a way that justifies excessive sweating, oddly moist lips, and ugly grimaces of musical hypnosis. Better yet, they give reviewers a chance to write things that would normally be too vague for publication: Troy Larabie lays it down with insanely tight drum work that is also delicious and crispy; Leandro Motta's bass playing is a massive, slippery eel of funk that somehow sounds right at home in a band that is not really a funk band. But it's always better to be specific: Pigott's powerful and technically stunning voice comes as a great sonic relief in a rock epoch typified by indie singers whose style is best described as vocal ennui; Nelson Sobral's guitar work is a masterclass not only in playing with artful restraint, but also in tone craft (he is never pretentious but pulls out every sweet, warm overdrive tone that has ever existed). Check out thecelebrationarmy.com for more about this incredible band. Go to aBabemusic.com for complete aBabe Music concert information, including upcoming shows featuring The Celebration Army. - Matt James from eBabe Music

Toronto’s The Celebration Army, continues to dish out their version of funkafied classic rock ‘n’ roll with the release of their new single and accompanying lyric video, “In the Henhouse”. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics and riff-driven, vintage-sounding melody are enough to encourage you to get your groove on. The Celebration Army has a few shows coming up in the GTA including March 5 at Doogies in Guelph and March 12 (Junction City Music Hall) and April 2 (The Horseshoe Tavern) in Toronto. Check out the video and make a plan to see this fun band! - Canadian Beats

The Celebration Army took over the Junction City Music Hall last week to play a standout show with the authentic flare and passion of classic rock. Bringing it back to the roots of the 70s, the group performs the type of music that gets you on your feet and moving in no time. Devoted fans piled in to the cozy venue and instantly started a party. Emerging on stage to the cheers and shouts of the crowd, The Celebration Army began their set with a bang as they started to play their song “Burning.”

It’s rare to see a band nowadays that can capture the essence of classic groove rock styles, yet remain undeniably original. Armed with a number of original tunes, the group once again proved that they are talented songwriters as well as performers. Throughout the set, The Celebration Army kept the energy up with extended instrumental interludes between songs, including impressive guitar solos and funky bass performances. Frontman Oliver Pigott effortlessly commanded the stage with his booming vocals and wild character.
The good vibes continued throughout the night as the band got everyone grooving on the dance floor. The show turned into a true party in the middle of the set as they surprised a member of the audience for her birthday with a cake and a “Happy Birthday” sing along.
As The Celebration Army finished their set, the crowd instantly erupted into cheers and shouts demanding “one more song” as they eagerly awaited an encore. The band came back on stage to play three more songs, ending their show with the funky “Black Blue Jeans”. Featuring flawless falsetto, an infectious chorus, and driving instrumental lines the song was a perfect end to an amazing set.
For more photos from the show, head to our Facebook page! - Canadian Beats