Holly Go Lightly 
Who: Holly Go Lightly
What: Solid, smart, modern folk rock
Where: Toronto
To Contact: Brenda Biseau/Richard Flohil, (416) 351-1323, FAX (416) 351-1095,

Holly go Lightly has been building a steady following over the past two years on the Toronto club circuit. Bliss Machine is the band's first full-length album, following on the heels of a favourably received 6-song EP. Led by talented singer-songwriter Linda M., the band has been garnering rave reviews for its energetic live set, headlining showcases at NxNE and Canadian Music Week, and opening for artists such as Ani DiFranco, Natalie Merchant, Martha Wainwright and, more recently, Don Henley. Ever-steady bass player Rhonda Bruce holds down the bottom end with drummer Brad Hart, while guitarist Scott Carroll provides the sonic textures that keep things flavourful (Hart and Carroll have recently been replaced by J. Pergolessi and Jeremy Bellaviti, respectively). "The songs are meant to reach people on some level," says Linda M. "I tend to write songs that are not really super-happy and up -- they're a little bit more on the pensive side, and that's kind of where I come from when I write. I like to make people think and feel." Apparently it's working -- the CD spent five weeks at #1 on the indie charts at HMV's Toronto flagship store. Small wonder, boasting solid songs like the single "Running Out Of Time", with Linda M.'s caramel-smooth voice quavering and cracking at just the right moments, the Mid-Eastern flavour of "Infrared" and "Silver Moon Motel", a Triple-A radio-hit-in-waiting. Catch Holly Go Lightly on their first cross-Canada tour this September, playing clubs and showcases at selected Chapters bookstores.

Nathan's Flat 
Who: Nathan's Flat
What: Fresh alternative rock
Where: Toronto via Halifax
To Contact: 179 Riverdale Avenue, #2, Toronto, ON M4K 1C4 (416) 406-4498,

Nathan's Flat is that most elusive of creatures: a fresh-sounding alternative rock band. Formed in Halifax four years ago by Nova Scotians Bill Dean (guitar), Kevin MacDonald (guitar) and Jeff Kinsman (bass), along with Newfoundlander Art House (drums) and singer Rob Stewart from Ottawa, they released their self-produced eight-song debut CD, Ninety-Nine, in February of last year, eventually scoring a nomination for Alternative Artist/Group Of The Year at the 2000 East Coast Music Awards. Relocating to Toronto, they've continued on the road to success with a showcase at the NxNE festival this past June. "We're working in the standard rock/pop/alternative format, or whatever you want to call it," explains guitarist Bill Dean, "but we just try to do as much unique and interesting stuff as we can." Whatever you want to call it, it works. "Fly On The Wall" leaps out of the speakers with the kind of bristling energy reminiscent of mid-'80s R.E.M., while the bouncy "Down By The Shore" switches things up by adding some smart ska horns to spar with Rob Stewart's wonderfully unhinged vocals, and "Release" slows the train long enough to deliver a winsome acoustic ballad that'll have you reaching for the replay button. The band hopes to release a follow-up CD later this year. If they continue the way they're going, Nathan's Flat could be the place to be in 2000-2001.

Martin Posen 
Who: Martin Posen
What: Acoustic guitar wizard
Where: Toronto
Website: www.drog.com
To Contact: 2000 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5P 3L1 (416) 782-5992,

Triple Heater is Martin Posen's debut CD, a remarkable collection of fretboard gems composed and performed by this incredibly gifted Toronto-based acoustic guitarist. Posen began his journey 20 years ago, when he placed in the top 10 at the National Flatpicking Championships in Winfield, Kansas. He spent the ensuing years developing his unique style utilizing fingerpicking and flatpicking, and playing in a diverse assortment of bands playing rock, folk, country, bluegrass and jazz. "The main thing is to translate the feeling into music -- transducing one type of energy into another kind of energy," says Posen of his approach to his instrument. Sending his CD to Folk and New Age radio stations, he was pleasantly surprised by the response to the album. "I decided I'll just put it out to the Universe and see what happens, with no expectations at all. And it was beyond my dreams that people were that interested in it." Considering he counts among his influences Michael Hedges, Doc Watson, David Bromberg, Django Reinhardt, Clarence White and mandolin/fiddle player Sam Bush, it should come as no surprise to hear the eclectic mix of styles represented on Triple Heater. From the title track's dizzying display of dexterity and harmonics, to the Celtic-tinged "Son Of Finlay", and encompassing the beautifully lilting "Jewelled Lights" and the dreamy tranquillity of "Spinal Chords" -- the only cut featuring Posen on electric guitar -- the CD invites you into the sonic world of this original and compelling instrumentalist. A uniquely talented musician to keep an eye on.

Credit: Jim Kelly is a Toronto-based freelance writer.

| Contents | Showcase | Music On-Line | Studio Guide | Canadian Artists |