This article was last updated on May 25, 2022
Canada: 
Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…
USA: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…
Even a band with a name like ROAM must eventually come to rest, providing Toronto audiences with an opportunity to experience their new disc, Lumina, Oct 23rd at music hotspot, the Lula Lounge.
Produced and engineered by JUNO award-winning engineer/producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda (Barenaked Ladies, Great Big Sea, Rheostatics), Lumina represents an enlightened leap forward, tripping the light fantastic with 10 adventurous compositions plus a cover of a Pretenders classic, as it revels in its shimmering amalgam of worldbeat and roots music.
ROAM's key composer, Lisa Patterson, gives birth to these exotic originals on piano – each song taking on an organic life of its own based on the chemistry resulting from working with crackerjack collaborators. Patterson might focus on key, compositional ingredients like piano and guitar but it is her contribution on duduk (a double-reeded woodwind instrument native to Armenia), sax and accordion which significantly shape ROAM's sound. Anita Katakkar's gifts on tabla and percussion join Alex McMaster's talents on cello and voice, providing further definition. Master instrumentalist Justin Abedin lends his magic on guitar.
New elements are at play here – chance accidents, heartbreak and life’s unflinching ability to reveal fresh means of coping. A freak fall on a sidewalk, en route to a practice, Patterson landed full-force on her arm, her precious sax lifted in the air, protected like a baby. The resulting shattered elbow turned her reliance for composing from piano to guitar. At the same time, a newfound connection with her voice showcases the band's combined vocal strengths.
From the gentle haunt of the duduk-driven "Dulce Dolor" to the infectious, Middle Eastern swing of "Whole World", ROAM sets the new standard high. The beautiful "Mon Frere" – its acoustic guitar and layered vocal approach lending it a lilting, lullaby-esque quality is contrasted by the comparatively dark "Anytime" with its "Man Who Sold The World" (Bowie) cello strain.
The stunning "Throw Fear" demonstrates Patterson's vocal power, reinforced by tabla and Cuban bata drums. “Can’t Stand By” uses sound bytes from Malala Yousafzai and Jack Layton in its heartfelt plea for social justice.
Their fearless cover of The Pretenders' familiar "Hymn To Her" lends the song fresh brilliance while providing the album with a sturdy, commercial focal point. The piano intro to the sensational "Silver Lining" provides listeners with a firm grasp on ROAM's distinctive roots-meets-worldbeat sound, with its optimistic reminder that love illuminates and all storms will pass.
This newfound sense of illumination pervades all of Lumina, adding undeniable radiance to the project. Don't miss the chance to experience ROAM – featuring special musical guests –as they light up the stage at Lula Lounge.
“Mysterious and interesting … a story behind each song”
Eric Vermeulen, M-ENT, The Netherlands
“As a filmmaker in search of music to enhance the emotional journey of my characters, in Roam’s music I have discovered a soundtrack so perfect, it was as if they had written the musical score just for my film.”
Beth Mairs, “Awaiting Atwood”
“Some use the elements of European and Indian Folk traditions as ornamentation, but Patterson brings them together to suggest a harmony that is all too lacking in this world”
Ink 19 Magazine, Florida
Special guest performance
Measha Brueggergosman @ Roy Thompson Hall
Canadian representatives
Holland’s Canadian Connections Fair
WHO ‘n’ WHAT: ROAM Leans Into the Light with the Launch of *LUMINA*
An Album & Video Celebration
WHERE: Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St W, Toronto
WHEN: Wed Oct 23, 2013
8–9pm Special Guests
— Lua Shayenne – award-winning Contemporary African dance
— The Amazing Bunni – nominated for 2013 Canadian Comedy Award
— Fontana Swing – Photography
9pm ROAM CONCERT & VIDEO LAUNCH
Be the first to comment