Toque plays what they like to call ‘hoser funk’ – improvised instrumental music made by Canadians, drawing inspiration from the soul jazz of the ‘60s and electronic musics of the 21st Century.
Organist Doug Organ, drummer Bill George and founding bassist Scott Wiber had been playing together around Alberta since meeting in college, but Toque got its official start as a recording project in Liverpool, England.
The resulting album, released in 2004, was intended as a one-off project, but was so well received in both the UK and Canada that Toque decided to recruit fellow Edmontonians Jay Cairns on bass and Cameron Sound on guitar and turntables. This configuration of Toque has enjoyed a very enthusiastic audience response across Alberta.
Toque’s sets are made up of (mostly original) jazz/funk tunes, with the occasional Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Meters, or John Scofield cover. They also frequently dip into dub territory, and are known for making wholly improvised music surprisingly listenable.
Toque is busy mixing their 2nd album, which was recorded live at kHz in Edmonton and will be released on the internet only.
Hi! With the release of 'Based On A True Story' on May 25th (GERMANY), 28th (UK), and JUNE 4th (FRANCE), I'm pleased to invite you to our launch parties in the UK and to check the album out on iTunes!
'Based On A True Story' AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON iTUNES AND WWW.PADDYMILNER.COM NOW! Click here for Paddy's music on iTunes
**LONDON ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY** May 31st, Pizza on the Park, Hyde Park Corner, London, 8pm. With the full 7 piece band. See www.pizzaexpresslive.com or call 020 7734 3220 for tickets and further information.
For those in the South West, come down to my home town of Dorchester
June 2nd, Dorchester Corn Exchange, Dorset, DT1. With the full 7 piece band + support from Tom Caulfield & The Root Doctors. Phone 01305 852773 for tickets (8/5quid student concessions).
Hoep to see you there! Paddy x
FIND THE 5 HIDDEN ITEMS AT WWW.PADDYMILNER.COM
Alright there? Sorry I haven't been in touch sooner. Yeah, Reptile Dysfunction and Heimlich Maneuver have me smiling wide! Bet it sounds ace live. All the best. Dave
Thought you might find this mildly amusing... It's the mini-movie of me & Queen Elizabeth II playing poker... It features my good mate Leo Sayer (yes, the 70's pop icon!) as the Queen and is now viewable on the web, courtesy of the folks at youtube.com (although whoever copied it to youtube unfortunately clipped off the punchline at the very end!)..
It also features a guest appearance from Little Britain's Steve Furst....
A nutty little performance, but it was a good laugh doing it!
You can see it on either my myspace page or at youtube:
George Martin studios! That's wicked! Must have been a cool trip.
The music sounds tight with a smooth vibe. Did they let you toque in the studio? I wonder how many people will just assume you mis-spelled the cap for cold weather.
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