The Little Brother Band
Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada | SELF
Music
Press
In the past when I heard the term 'little brother,' the first images that sprung to mind were those of noogies, forced Slurpee runs to the 7-Eleven, and hand-me-down Adidas shorts.
Now, thanks to the smooth country rock of The Little Brother Band, whenever I hear the term 'little brother,' I no longer think of my tortured adolescence. I think of great music.
Formed in 2002 and led by the songwriting talents of guitarists/vocalists Wes Reamsbottom and Dan Myers, The Little Brother Band also features the first rate musicianship of keyboardist/ saxophonist Kelly McQuillan, drummer Tyler Friesen, and bassist Davis Friesen.
Their debut release, Reflections, is a collection of heartfelt, catchy and extremely well-crafted ditties. And though the music of The Little Brother Band keeps getting labeled 'folk rock,' I think a more accurate moniker might actually be 'country rock' because there is something about this band that reminds me a helluva lot more of The Eagles than Bob Dylan. And there's nothing wrong with that because, hey, who can dance to Bob Dylan?
I would recommend the music of The Little Brother Band to nearly anyone.
-- R.C. Joseph (24 Hours Vancouver)
- 24 Hours Vancouver
“It’s apparent The Little Brother Band, which has been playing to good reception at such Vancouver venues as The Roxy, is in business for the long haul. They’re a bit folky, a bit jazz-funk, a bit rock n’roll, even a bit country. But all of the music is rooted in the truth -- genuine emotion and real instrumental chops, rather than any manufactured studio sound.”
- Alex Browne (The Peace Arch News)
August 2006
- Peace Arch News
Discography
"Thicker Than Water" Full-length album released May 2010. Available through I-Tunes and CD Baby.
Single, "Not a Love Song," released across Canada in summer 2009.
"Reflections" Full-length album released August 2006. Available through I-Tunes, CD Baby. Streaming tracks on Garageband.com and iLike.
Photos
Bio
When Wes was invited up to sing with older brother Greg Reamsbottom (The Hairfarmers, Whole Lotta Led) at Whistler many years ago, someone jokingly referred to him as "Little Brother." The name stuck, and, seven years ago when the band was looking for a name, "The Little Brother Band" seemed a natural choice. Although the band has been actively playing since 2002, the current lineup has been in place since 2005, when the brother connection was reinforced with the addition of Davis on bass, brother of drummer Tyler.
The members of The Little Brother Band bring together a diverse collection of musical influences: folk, blues, rock, pop, country, soul, and jazz. Wes provides the pure and sometimes emotively raw vocal sound, acoustic guitar, and a knack for writing heartfelt and catchy lyrics, while Dan brings a soulful voice and some powerhouse bluesy lead guitar. Kelly adds an element of class and R&B to the band with her elegant keys and soulful saxophone. Tyler brings a touch of jazz with subtle pocket drumming and intuitive dynamics. Davis (White Chocolate), is equally comfortable playing tasty melodic fills and rock-solid, funky grooves.
Lower-Mainland based, The Little Brother Band has played gigs throughout southern B.C. Past shows have included Vancouver clubs (The Railway Club, The Backstage Lounge, The ROXY), theaters (The ACT in Maple Ridge, The Abbotsford Art Centre, The Coast Capital Playhouse in White Rock), B.C. summer festivals (Kamloops' Music in the Park, Penticton Peachfest, White Rock Spirit of the Sea Fest, Tsawassen Sun Fest) and shows in Whistler and on Vancouver Island.
The Little Brother Band released their debut album, "Reflections," in late 2006. In summer of 2009, they achieved cross-Canada radio play with their single, "Not a Love Song." Their most recent effort, "Thicker Than Water," was released May 28th 2010 and the band is looking forward to a busy year of promoting their best work yet!
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