Canadian Bluegrass Ensemble John Reischman & the Jaybirds Perform in NB

John Reischman & the Jaybirds have three concerts scheduled for New Brunswick.

John Reischman & the Jaybirds will perform their old-time inspired bluegrass music at the Fredericton Playhouse on Sunday, March 25th at 7:30pm; on the Capitol Theatre stage in Moncton on Wednesday, March 28th at 8 pm; and at Saint John’s Imperial Theatre on Thursday, March 29th at 7:30pm. This concert is presented by the Groupe Murphy Group.

JOHN REISCHMAN AND THE JAYBIRDS
In a marketplace flooded with virtuosic bluegrass ensembles, Juno nominated John Reischman & The Jaybirds have found a recipe to stand out from the rest; they go back to the roots of bluegrass and old-time music for their inspiration, then spin these roots into a new sound. Hailing from the Canadian West Coast, John Reischman & The Jaybirds have an eclectic creativity that guides their refreshing excursions in acoustic roots music. Throughout, the bluegrass harmonies are spot-on, and each instrumental break crackles with energy.

As one of the acoustic world’s top-ranked mandolin players and composers, veteran artist John Reischman is renowned for his exquisite taste, tone and impeccable musicianship. As an original member of the legendary Tony Rice Unit, John helped to define the ‘new acoustic’ instrumental scene in the early 1980s with appearances on the band’s groundbreaking Rounder albums. He released a solo album on Rounder Records in the 1990s, before forming his own all-star bluegrass band. This band, The Jaybirds, is made up of master bluegrass pickers from the West Coast, and includes exceptional guitarist Jim Nunally, who also tours with David Grisman, bassist Trisha Gagnon, whose stunning vocals and songwriting are featured on her recent solo album, banjo picker Nick Hornbuckle, one of the most creative and original banjo players anywhere, and virtuosic fiddler Greg Spatz, who also plays in “world-time” band Mighty Squirrel. Each band member, in addition to being a solid traditional player, composes new material.

It’s clear that this isn’t your usual bluegrass band; John Reischman & The Jaybirds have a much bigger perspective on music than you might expect. Their playing is full, complex, designed to meld into a larger whole. This is a bluegrass band that respects the music first.

As FolkWax says, John Reischman and the Jaybirds offer “clarity, energy, good ensemble work, classy originals, and an adventurous approach” to the world of bluegrass and folk music — along with engaging stage humour in powerful live shows. They are what SingOut! calls “a thoroughly professional ensemble with a rare ability to produce music that is simultaneously traditional and contemporary . . . the Jaybirds are a band that continues to hit on all cylinders.”

For more information on John Reischman & the Jaybirds www.thejaybirds.com.

BOX-OFFICE

Ticket Prices for the Fredericton concert are:  Regular – $28,  Under 19 – $14,  Member – $23. They can be purchased online at www.theplayhouse.nb.ca.

Tickets for the Moncton concert at the Capitol Theatre are on sale at the Capitol Theatre Box Office, l’Escaouette, Frank’s Music, Monument Lefebvre and the Université de Moncton, at $18.50 to $22.50, plus service charges. Tickets are also available by phone at (506) 856-4379 or 1-800-567-1922, or online at www.capitol.nb.ca.

In Saint John tickets are regular $30 and the Insider price is $25. These tickets can also be purchased online at www.imperialtheatre.nb.ca.