Urban Preacher

These guys were born in the wrong place. Formed in Toronto, Urban Preacher is perfectly suited to smoky, dimly lit clubs nestled in the Deep South. The first two songs on their self-titled EP paint a wonderfully smooth, laid back picture of getting through life with a grin and a shot. But then the tempo gears up, and the sax-driven grooves begin to wander into garishness.

Sounds Like: Comforting, down home Southern blues-rock

Key Tracks: “On the Rooftop” - Plug In Music

This past Saturday, the Mod Club went from mod era to swing era as Toronto’s own Urban Preacher had the club goers dancing to a very different beat.

Artist and band residencies are not a foreign concept here in Toronto, but for Little Italy’s Mod Club, this is a new venture. The venue has chosen Urban Preacher as the first band to work with on a series of shows, their very own style of residency. The Mod Club is generally known as somewhat of a dance party on Saturday night, but Urban Preacher’s blast from the past style infused a new life into the regular scene.

With one EP under their belts and a full length record on the way, it is their live performances that have fans clamouring to join Urban Preacher’s flock. Full of energy, exuberance and plain old fun, an Urban Preacher show is a great way to spend a Saturday night. Myrrhine Faller, the little girl with the big voice, puts equal parts passion and sweetness in every note she sings, especially while belting out fan favourite “All of your Devils.” Jazzy number “A lot to lose” featured a killer drum opening courtesy of drummer Kyron Newbury, and showcased Jordan Safer’s skills on the keyboard, clearly a man born to play in the best jazz bars New Orleans has to offer. The brass section, led by Anthony Rinaldi on the baritone sax, shone as brightly as their instruments during “Don’t lose your good thing”. Nearly every song featured a stellar solo by guitarist Matt Mosionier, his fingers a blur against the strings. And nothing could keep bassist Jeff Sceviour still, the pure joy and enjoyment he got from playing evident on his face. Their set was a combination of music spanning decades, from big band, to swing, to disco to rock. Their closing track “Quidi Vidi Village” was straight out of the seventies with a rhythm that wouldn’t let you stand still. It was the perfect way to end a great set of live music and transition into the DJ driven dance party the Mod Club is known for.

It’s one thing to listen to the music of Urban Preacher, but this band is definitely one you have to see live. Be sure to check them out in the second installment of their Mod Club Residency on Saturday March 3rd.

-Nadia Elkharady - Examiner

First real post of the new year folks!!! This weekend I was able to experience more big band goodness at the Mod Club in Toronto. Urban Preacher wreaked havoc on my senses both with their music and performance.

The band was tight, really tight. Front woman Myrrhine Faller owned the stage with her powerful vocals, unique style and diva-like presence. What I really liked about this band is how much fun they had playing. I mean, they looked like they were playing for the love of playing (which is sometimes a necessity with Toronto audiences). The horns at one point burst into a James Brown/Rumble in the Jungle synchronized dance. I was informed at the after party that this was totally unrehearsed. Love. It. Naturally, all this made it quite easy for me to shoot the 12(?) person band. Back-up singers, horn section, keys, a fatty-boom-batty rhythm section, blistering guitar solos and a voice that would make any atheist believe in God = wall of sound. Sweet, sweet, loin shaking sound. - Captured Passion

Such a fitting name for a band which sounds like a jazzy, gospel-esque rock band clearly running on soul power. Each Urban Preacher member is a powerful soloist in their own right and they found a sweet combination among the musical elements, most notably the Aretha-Franklin-incarnate vocalist and the smooth, deep-baritone saxophone. - Torontoist

After having successful appearances at both the JUNOFest and CMW, the timing for the band Urban Preacher could not be any better. With an upcoming album release slated for the month of July, Urban Preacher is definitely on the mission to satisfy and gratify our ears. It is definitely all about timing for this band which was created back in 2007. The band which is now a sixtet will be bringing you some downright sexy vibes from their forthcoming album which will show a new renaissance of the sound of Urban Preacher. FERNTV had an exclusive interview with Jordan Safer to talk about how Urban Preacher all got started…

FERNTV: Can you tell us here at FERNTV when and how the band got together and formed Urban Preacher?

Jordan Safer: I started the band in Montreal as a studio project in 2007, bringing in all of my musician friends to work on material I had on the back burner. I met Myrrhine about 6 months later through various bands we both played in and she had the right vibe for the way the music had developed. In 2009 we brought the band to Toronto and hooked up with the best musicians we could find. The band consolidated after the release of the EP and now it truly is a six person band, with each member contributing equally. The new record really shows this.

FERNTV: There has always been quite the blues scene here in Toronto with Julian Fauth, David Rotundo and Michael Pickett who have been heading it up the past several years, what will Urban Preacher bring new to the scene?

Jordan: It’s funny that you mention Julian, David and Michael. I was introduced to Julian by a great drummer I met when I moved back to Toronto from Montreal. I ended up sitting in with Julian a couple times a week for about six months. I still see him from time to time. Brilliant performer and his songwriting plays a major influence on my own. I don’t think the guy ever repeated a song in the time I played with him! Michael taught me how to play the harmonica and even opened the show and sat in with us at our EP release in 2009. There’s a youtube clip floating around of the band backing him on his track “Blues Money”. You will hear Michael’s influence on a song off the new record titled “Real Bad Love”, which takes off on a theme he sings on one of his tunes.

FERNTV: What will Urban Preacher bring new to the scene?

Jordan: Well, for starters we are not a blues band. We certainly know our roots are in the blues and you will find classic motifs throughout our work, but they are raised in a modern way.

FERNTV: It’s been said that singers are the best storytellers…is Myrrhine a great storyteller in random conversations?

Jordan: She knows how to both tell a story and emote in song and conversation like few entertainers can. I would put her up against any lead singer in the world for honesty in her delivery.

FERNTV: What is it like to work with a great producer like George Massenberg?

Jordan: George is a part of our team that we are constantly building. He has been a guiding light once we decided to not go with a record label and to manage our own affairs. He continues to help us grow and is far too good to us.

FERNTV: Talk about this new album that is about to drop this year?

Jordan: Recorded live off the floor. You won’t believe your ears. Each song delivers a new experience and we can’t wait to play it live.

FERNTV: What else can we expect from Urban Preacher in the upcoming year?

Jordan: Lots of touring. We are going out to Newfoundland and are planning a US tour for the fall in support of the new album. Heck, you may even be able to play us on Rock Band soon…keep an eye on our website. We run it ourselves. - FernTV (Vancouver)

URBAN PREACHER – SHADOWS OF MONTREAL

Coming up with the album title “Shadows of Montreal” was not very hard for Urban Preacher. After all, the band was born in the city and recorded most of the new album there. Their producer, George Massenburg moved to Montreal from Nashville and the band has played Montreal on every tour so far.

This tour is no different, wrapping up with a Montreal date at local favourite brewpub Brutopia on Sat May 28. “We wanted to make sure that we played a venue that reflects the roots of the band. Brutopia has been very good to us and they serve some of the best beer in the city,” says Anthony Rinaldi (Sax).

The first leg of the tour is titled “Shadows of Eastern Canada” and will see the band performing in various venues from Toronto to Halifax, marking the band’s third return to the area. Two more legs will be announced soon including dates in Newfoundland behind lead track “Quidi Vidi Village” (named for the area of St. John’s), and the band’s first US tour.

The band will be previewing tracks from “Shadows of Montreal” leading up to a one week exclusive pre-release the first week of May through their website. Hear it first by following @urbanpreacher on Twitter and checking in frequently at www.urbanpreacher.ca.

The “Shadows of Eastern Canada” Tour:

Warm-up date: Sat April 23 – Mitzi’s Sister (Toronto, ON)

Thurs May 19 – CHSR Live Radio Recording (Fredericton, NB)
Fri May 20 – End of the Line Pub (Bridgetown, NS)
Sat May 21 – Vintage Bistro (Hampton, NB)
Sun May 22 – Plan B (Moncton, NB)
Wed May 25 – Tribeca (Halifax, NS)

Thurs May 26 – Baba’s Lounge (Charlottetown, PEI)
Sat May 28 – Brutopia (Montreal, QC)
Sat July 16 – “Shadows of Montreal” CD Release Party @ The Mod Club Theatre (Toronto, ON) - Noisography (Halifax)

URBAN PREACHER – SHADOWS OF MONTREAL

Coming up with the album title “Shadows of Montreal” was not very hard for Urban Preacher. After all, the band was born in the city and recorded most of the new album there. Their producer, George Massenburg moved to Montreal from Nashville and the band has played Montreal on every tour so far.

This tour is no different, wrapping up with a Montreal date at local favourite brewpub Brutopia on Sat May 28. “We wanted to make sure that we played a venue that reflects the roots of the band. Brutopia has been very good to us and they serve some of the best beer in the city,” says Anthony Rinaldi (Sax).

The first leg of the tour is titled “Shadows of Eastern Canada” and will see the band performing in various venues from Toronto to Halifax, marking the band’s third return to the area. Two more legs will be announced soon including dates in Newfoundland behind lead track “Quidi Vidi Village” (named for the area of St. John’s), and the band’s first US tour.

The band will be previewing tracks from “Shadows of Montreal” leading up to a one week exclusive pre-release the first week of May through their website. Hear it first by following @urbanpreacher on Twitter and checking in frequently at www.urbanpreacher.ca.

The “Shadows of Eastern Canada” Tour:

Warm-up date: Sat April 23 – Mitzi’s Sister (Toronto, ON)

Thurs May 19 – CHSR Live Radio Recording (Fredericton, NB)
Fri May 20 – End of the Line Pub (Bridgetown, NS)
Sat May 21 – Vintage Bistro (Hampton, NB)
Sun May 22 – Plan B (Moncton, NB)
Wed May 25 – Tribeca (Halifax, NS)

Thurs May 26 – Baba’s Lounge (Charlottetown, PEI)
Sat May 28 – Brutopia (Montreal, QC)
Sat July 16 – “Shadows of Montreal” CD Release Party @ The Mod Club Theatre (Toronto, ON) - Noisography (Halifax)

The first thing that strikes you about Urban Preacher’s Debut EP is that it sounds different than most unsigned bands’ EPs. The next thing that strikes you is the powerful vocal styles of former New Yorker Myrrhine Faller. Faller’s voice reminds me at times of Canadian singer Alannah Myles. Her beautiful voice helps shape the bluesy sound of Urban Preacher (Keys/guitar/harmonica player Jordan) Safer describes as “dirty southern soul-rock”. Since forming a year ago, Urban Preacher has been playing its songs in venues from the Maritimes to Toronto. (Safer) says that gigging is one way to stand out in the crowd. An Urban Preacher gig is high energy and in-your-face. The group’s EP, recorded in December, has been getting airplay on college radio stations and has charted on MySpace and CD Baby. The six songs on this EP are a good collection of strong, soulful, bluesy rock songs. - CJN

"I saw lots of toes tapping (at the open air pub in Montreal) so I assumed everyone was having a great time.. (The Guns n' Roses Tribute song) may be their ticket to getting a little more widely known, you heard it here first folks. This is Strange Obsession by Urban Preacher, its got a bit of soul, a bit of blues, bit of rock, bit of funk, a bit of everything! Thanks for coming in and we'll let the listeners listen..." - Jeremy Morris - Midnight Poutine

Hard. Rock. Soul.

Rock n' Roll Done Right.

Rock n' Soul.

Call Urban Preacher what you will, it will catch you off guard without
throwing you down confused. Urban Preacher balances on the ledge between harmonic monster riffs and memorable choruses, providing both entertainment and substance. 'Aint got no pulp here.

Conceived in a recording studio at everyone's favorite hour of 4 am, Urban Preacher transcends the stagnant and stiff stereotype of a studio band and takes the tastiest slices from raw blues and studio worlds. Thanks to the many backgrounds of the members, Urban Preacher's got the natural feel of those who were born with groove in their soul and the sharpness of trained music students. Their live performances redefine what a band born from microphones and soundboards can do. They've got so many organic jams it'll give health nuts a run for their money, and their live show packs more energy than a Red Bull.

Oh, and Urban Preacher is LOUD. - Canadian Stage Review

Urban Preacher releases debut album

January 26, 2009

Urban Preacher, a blues band with North York ties, will launch its self-released debut album Jan. Thursday, 29 at The Silver Dollar Room, 486 Spadina Ave. at College Street.

The six-member band, which includes North York residents Jordan Safer and Dave Henriques, formed in November 2007 at McGill University in Montreal.

Urban Preacher's self-titled album, a mix of soul and rock-inspired songs, is produced by Grammy Award-winning producer George Massenburg.

The band has opened for jazz performer Sun Ra and has performed at the Fringe POP Montreal Festival.

After playing several upcoming shows in Toronto, Urban Preacher plans to tour Canada's East Coast in March. - North York Mirror

Urban Preacher's self-titled EP is filled with mid-tempo country/roots/blues songs about lost love and broken dreams and promises. While listening to this album you can almost picture the band playing an old nightclub in the Mississippi Delta, where stale cigarette smoke and the scent of whiskey fills the air.*** - TJ Liebgott

Somehow, I always manage to forget that there are still bands that play good ol’ fashioned blues, and do a good job of it. Toronto’s own Urban Preacher are such a band, slide guitar, saxophone, and all.

The first thing that sets Urban Preacher’s six-track self-titled EP apart from the brief encounters I have had with other nu-blues (did I just invent that?) artists is that they have a female vocalist. Also, despite this being the blues, these six tracks are all feel-good numbers (just check out opener “On the Rooftop”). The songs all follow familiar blues templates, but you can just feel the enjoyment the band has playing these tracks on the disc.

I am not a huge blues listener, but Urban Preacher definitely do right on this EP. Plus, I am always one for finding local talent to push. - Hearwax Media

Urban Preacher – Strange Obsession:

Got handed this CD at The Dakota Tavern while watching Lee Harvey Osmond last Wednesday night. This track, from an EP by Urban Preacher, is as eclectic as the rest of today’s A&R Online. The EP was recorded live off the floor and captures the band playing…live. Excellent. - FYI Music Canada

"Urban Preacher makes you wonder why more rock bands don't have a sax" - McGill Tribune

Urban Preacher are a Blues-flavoured Pop act from Toronto, which seems to be turning into the “It” place for indie music in Canada-a woeful situation for a loyal Montrealer such as myself. However, I take heart that Urban Preacher formed up in 2007, at McGill University, here in Montreal. Their eponymous 6-song EP is a fun little musical romp, a little bit Country, a little bit Blues and a whole lot of Pop. This is Bayou music, sultry, smooth, with just the right touch of Rockabilly to make it danceable and a fun listen. Particularly good are the tracks “Vintage Girl”, “Moanin’ The Blues”, though there’s nothing on this album that’s not worth listening to. All in all, Urban Preacher does not disappoint, and I am looking forward to seeing them live, in August, when they will be playing here in Montreal. I’m also looking forward to the release of their first full-length, whenever that will be. Independently Released 8/10 - Confront Magazine (Montreal)

The six tracks on the self-titled Urban Preacher EP are a showcase for the band's versatility. They play southern rock, blues, soul, funk and singer Myrrhine Faller even throws in some rap in the vein of Blondie's Rapture. The Toronto band feels most at ease when they can rock out in bluesy tracks like On The Rooftop and Moanin' The Blues. The new single Vintage Girl is a powerful ballad name checking Deep Purple's Smoke On The Water. With a sound that is firmly rooted in the Seventies the sextet thrives in a live setting. No wonder that they recorded the EP "from the floor". - Before the Flood (The Netherlands)