The Twisters
- For the Chilean group, see Los Twisters.
| The Twisters | |
|---|---|
| Origin | North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Genres | Blues |
| Instruments | Harmonica, Guitar, Bass, Drum |
| Labels | NorthernBlues Music |
| Associated acts | Back Alley John |
| Website |
twisters |
| Members |
David Hoerl Brandon Isaak Chip Hart Keith Picot |
| Past members |
Sandy Smith James "JW" Taylor (d. 2005) Kenny Wayne Matt Pease Greg "Junior" Demchuk Pete Turland |
The Twisters are a Canadian blues band formed in 1994 in North Vancouver.[1] They are signed to Toronto's NorthernBlues Music.
History
The original band was formed by harmonica player David "Hurricane" Hoerl and drummer Sandy Smith[2] in 1994,[1][3] and included Pete Turland on bass and Greg "Junior" Demchuk on guitar, both as recommended by Smith.[3] Smith had previously co-founded the Back Alley John Revue in Ottawa, and later joined Back Alley John in Calgary, where the two continued to play and record. Smith had known Demchuk from Smith's time playing in Calgary, and persuaded Demchuk to move to Vancouver to join the band.[3] Brandon Isaak joined the band on guitar in 1999,[4] while James "JW" Taylor joined the band on bass in 2001.[5] In 2004, Smith left the band, suffering from tendonitis to a degree that rendered him incapable of continuing to play drums,[6]and was replaced by Matt Pease. In 2005, the band was in a car accident, in which Taylor was killed and Pease seriously injured.[5] Chip Hart and Keith Picot later joined the band on drums and bass, respectively.
The Twisters were nominated for a 2003 Juno Award, and winner of 'Best Blues Album of the Year' at the Canadian Independent Music Awards for their Long Hard Road album. Their album Come Out Swingin' was nominated for 'Blues Album Of The Year' by The Western Canadian Music Awards in 2009, and was nominated for five Maple Blues Awards the same year. These included Best Recording of the year, Song Writer Of The Year, Electric Act Of The Year, Bass Player Of The Year and Harmonica Player Of The Year.
Come Out Swingin' was subject to critical acclaim,[7] and included as special guest former band member and Juno Award winner Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne on piano.
In mid-2014, shortly before the release of his first solo album, Un-Twisted, David Hoerl suffered a massive, life-threatening stroke.[8] Prior to Hoerl's stroke, the Twisters had been scheduled to perform at the Nanjing International Jazz and World Music Festival.[9][10]
Discography
- 2009 Come Out Swingin': The Masters of Hot Jump (Northern Blues)
- 2006 After The Storm (Northern Blues)
- 2004 Live at Harvest Fest (Festival Distribution)
- 2002 Long Hard Road (Full Swing)
- 1999 Fulla Hot Air (Full Swing)
References
- 1 2 Uncredited, Profile of The Twisters; CBC Radio. Retrieved 2014-08-08.
- ↑ Also known under the stage name "Sandy Bone".
- 1 2 3 Glynis Burke, Q and A with David "Hurricane" Hoerl, The G Zine, January 24, 2013. Retrieved 2014-08-13.
- ↑ Profile of Brandon Isaak; www.twisters.ca. Retrieved 2014-08-14.
- 1 2 Uncredited, Vancouver bluesman killed. CBC News, October 31, 2005. Retrieved 2014-08-08.
- ↑ Glynis Burke, Q and A with Sandy Bone, The G-Zine, January 29, 2013 Retrieved 2014-08-16.
- ↑ “This is what modern Blues is all about. Tight arrangements, great vocal harmonies, and spot on yet understated instrumental performances. All with a firm foothold into the roots and tradition of the Blues. With one exception, a Sonny Boy Williamson tune, the CD is packed with all original tunes that bring freshness and spontaneity to the sometimes over worked playbook of the Blues. A fantastic musical statement." - Barrelhouse Blues e-news, Boston
- ↑ Profile of David Hoerl; www.davehoerl.com. Retrieved 2014-08-14.
- ↑ Twisters Tour Dates; www.twisters.ca. Retrieved 2014-08-14.
- ↑ Performer Profiles - Nanjing International Jazz and World Music Festival; www.nanjingjazz.com. Retrieved 2014-08-14