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OKgiraffe

OKgiraffe Radio

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FEATURED SONG
Heaven Only Knows
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Heaven Only Knows
Released: Jul 6, 2008
Label:

General Info

  • Genre: Funk / Roots Music / Soul

    Location montreal, Quebec, CA

    Profile Views: 57287

    Last Login: 8/14/2011

    Member Since 4/26/2007

    Website www.okgiraffe.com

    Record Label For BOOKING info-contact Kevin: info@okgiraffe.com

    Type of Label Unsigned

  • Bio

    The BC transplants in OKgiraffe must feel much more at home in their adopted city of Montreal than they ever did on the west coast. With its heavy blend of cultures and high sense of drama, Montreal is a fitting backdrop for the band's unique brand of urban gypsy soul, a sound that's far more martini-and-cigarettes than soy-latte-and-weed. On their debut album, the hypnotic drone of the band's dual double basses is counterbalanced by the catchy shuffle of Latin-jazz-inspired drums. They combine equal measures of soul and funk, adding the occasional kick of hip-hop-style vocals for extra flavour. The ominously murmuring double bass of the opening track picks up speed and momentum as the album progresses, making way for guitar and sassy accordion on several tracks. Rosa Smedley's soulful vocals lift tracks like "Let Them Go" and make them fly. ........................ By Rachel Sanders (Exclaim Magazine) ___________________________________ OKgiraffe est difficilement définissable mais ne manque pas de nous charmer avec l'album OKgiraffe. La merveilleuse voix de Rosa Smedley nous laisse pantois sur des compositions très originales puisant dans le jazz et dans le funk tout en ayant un son tout à fait unique. Passant de l'anglais au français à l'espagnol, OKgiraffe nous propose un voyage dans leur univers qui n'est pas sans rappeler certaines sonorités d'Europe de l'est. L'album a été lancé au divan orange le 22 octobre dernier et le groupe était de passage dans les studios de CHOQ.FM quelques jours avant dans le cadre de l'émission Univers Folk pour une performance mémorable. Un groupe à découvrir et à voir sur scène absolument! ........................... CHOQ.FM By Simon Maltais Morand _____________________________________________________________ Standing in the middle of an ill-lit street, Brandon Goodwin stands behind a lone snare drum, beside him Rosa Smedley supports an upright bass and to her left Kevin Bertram cradles an accordion. I had to give this album a listen. Thankfully OKgiraffe don't just have a fantastic photographer in their arsenal - they've also got a clutch of great tunes that utilize their peculiar instrumentation to full effect. Consider "Heaven Only Knows," where the accordion line introduces the melody and then takes a backseat role with a rhythm-guitar-type line while Smedley RAPS IN FRENCH!! What with living in Montreal it's not totally surprising that they're bilingue but the way they back-and-forth within the song is still impressive. And the song is damned funky for something so folky. That strange juxtaposition of funk and folk is what makes this record so compelling - there's a tongue-in-cheek mention on the band's Sonicbids EPK that says OKgiraffe "leads the Urban gypsy surprise movement." I don't know if there is such a movement but after listening to OKgiraffe I'm hoping one develops so I can hear more of this type of music. Speaking of more, check out "Let Them Go" and then go check out the band's Myspace page. ....................... By Micheal Elves (Ear to the Sound) .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... The Okanagan–raised musicians in OKgiraffe have fittingly moved their scene of creative endeavour to Montreal, the closest you can get to European sensibility in Canada. This trio of jazz-based hypnotic adventurers (Rosa Smedley, Kevin Bertram and Brandon Goodwin) boasts a grooved-out hipster tone based on unconventional instrumentation and free-form presentation. The sound of OKG’s self-titled album is densely coloured by groaning, growling acoustic bass and a wheezing accordion. These clearly add to the trio’s “outside” vibe. There’s a smooth groove to these songs that’s part Dixieland and Parisian café flair – it’s down tempo with elements of swing. The band recorded live off the floor, and this decision clearly enhances the after-dark night club ambiance that the group generates. The continental edge of the recording is broken up by the high, clear vocals of Rosa Smedley. At times ethereal, and other times inflecting an au natural alternative jazz-rap vibe (BC Premier, Heaven Only Knows), she retains a languid calm and assurance. Some of the material suggests exotic locales (Solo Espera) or soundtracks (Jackson Said), but most of all, OKG has a wide-stretching atmospheric sound that’s wholly organic and unhurried, suggestive of other times and places. ................... By Dean Gordon-Smith (The Morning Star) ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

  • Members

    ROSA SMEDLEY: vocals, upright bass, guitar KEVIN BERTRAM: vocals, upright bass, accordion, guitar BRANDON GOODWIN: drums, trumpet .. ...... .. .. .. .. .. ........................

  • Influences

  • Sounds Like

    your mother singing in the shower--------------------------- ...... BUY OUR NEW ALBUM!!!! .. .. .. .. .. ..

Comments

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  • Sapo

    sapo kyra flyer

    2 years ago
  • The Beatdown

    Thanks for the add!
    Much love
    Alex

    Montreal Reggae

    2 years ago
  • Leelee

    Hey guys,
    I really want to come see you soon.
    I don't know if I will be able to drag Owne away from his work but Cath might make a trip out in June and we are planning on exploring Monreal together!

    2 years ago
  • rick

    Please come back to Newfoundland!

    2 years ago
  • Julie Fader

    you have a new fan club in ontario! i am the spokesperson for the toronto branch..
    hope to see you again soon.
    all the best!
    xoeiluj

    2 years ago
  • flying v productions pr…

    Nice to meet you guys!
    x
    V

    2 years ago
  • Felicity Hamer

    finally got to hear your album the other night...they were playing you at cbtg's in newfoundland!

    2 years ago
  • Serge Ananou

    I'am waiting for you in France!!!
    Thank you for the friendship!
    All the best
    Serge

    2 years ago
  • Felicity Hamer

    your sausage looks delicious

    3 years ago
  • Marie-Desneiges Stockla…

    I saw you at the Mustache party and I just wanted to say you guys are the most well-dressed band in Montreal right now ... so stylin'!

    And the funkiness is pretty great also

    Mary

    3 years ago
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