Review

There are 18 tracks on “Revue: The Best of Paul Reddick,” culled from Paul’s recordings with The Sidemen; from “Villanelle” and from outside projects, including with The Rhythm & Truth Brass Band. It is clear that Paul with a strong lyrical prowess—and whether co-writing with Linden, jazz pianist Paul Neufeld or The Sidemen’s Kyle Ferguson – has partially used structures of pre-war and post war urban blues to forge his own image-driven, and expressive sound.

It is an imaginary blues world teeming with romance, solitude, travel, and nocturnal mystery. And it gets you right away.

No wonder that Paul’s songs have been used in such feature films as “Two if By Sea,” Triggermen,” “Niagara Motel,” and “The Evil Knievel Story”; and the television series’ “Due South,” “Dawson’s Creek,” “15 Love,” and “Madison.” In 2006, Coca Cola Classic, of course, used the lead-off track “I’m A Criminal” for a U.S. commercial.

“Revue: The Best of Paul Reddick” vividly shows that over two decades Paul has been making some of the most consistent, daring and express-ive music by any artist in any genre. A rugged individualist, he works in a sacred high atmosphere where honest music lives and breathes, and where the less talented have to gasp for air.

Lerry Leblanc, Canadian Bureau Chief, Billboard Brief 

Bio

Acclaimed producer/blues musician Colin Linden has said that Paul Reddick is one the most original and inventive singer-songwriters in blues today. His work has been influenced by such poets as William Blake, Kenneth Rexroth, William Carlos Williams as well as the music of Sleepy John Estes, Fred McDowell and the Alan Lomax field recordings. His lyrics have a close-up, whisper in your ear. He is a strong, soulful vocalist whose focus and intensity connect him to the listener with genuine intimacy. His harmonica playing is a blend of complex rhythmic patterns, soaring solo lines, and great dynamic range.

Paul’s career has followed two paths: first his groundbreaking work with his group, The Sidemen. They recorded 4 CDs together and were nominated for multiple awards including a W.C. Handy Award nomination in the US for “Rattlebag”. Then, Paul’s second path with Villanelle, a groundbreaking acoustic-based album released in 2004.

Material that is currently unavailable is now out for the first time in many years, on Revue: The Best of Paul Reddick. Paul’s last CD, Villanelle, was nominated for JUNO Award in Canada and a Maple Blues Award for Blues Album of the Year in 2006. Paul’s first NorthernBlues CD, Rattlebag, was nominated for a W.C. Handy Award in 2002, and received universal acclaim. 

Other award nominations for Rattlebag include:

• 2002 JUNO Award nomination.
• 2002 Canadian Independent Music Award nomination.
• WINNER: Blues Album of the Year by the Toronto Blues Society.

Great Blues Music in Skalica, Slovakia once again. On the 5th of May, the 15th Jubilee concert cycle of Hudba v Meste took place on the stage of the Culture house. Our guest from Canada -- Paul Reddick, singer and harmonica player, was invited to Skalica by Lubos Bena for this fine performance. Paul Reddick was accompanied by guitarist Teddy Leopard - Canada as well as drummer Mirek Pyschny - Germany.

http://www.paulreddick.ca/

http://www.myspace.com/paulreddick1