| THE
TOWN CRYERS SITE |
| We
have recveived quite a few emails asking for pictures
and info on The Town Cryers. So
we've ressurected some old posters, pictures and
info from the old official site.
This site will open in a new window.
The
Town Cryers (1985-1992)
|
|
JOHN
ALLAIRE
"...The
12-song collection [Ghosts of the Royal Motel] is perfect
barroom cool. He’s got one of those rough ‘n’ tumble
voices that lures you in right with the opener, “Angels,” a
lyric about everyday angels that features a verse by
prominent guest vocalist Amanda Rheaume. A great storyteller,
Allaire has some standout lines in “Bourbon.” ..."
-
Canadian Musician Magazine
"If he goes on like this for a few more years, no shit, he's on his way to being the next Canadian music legend"
"You
can punch any track at random on this disc and end
up with a gem."
-
Barry Hammond - Penguin Eggs "...
reminds me of the classic Neil Young albums and Buffalo Tom.
Varying from pure country to rockers, from pleasant good feeling
folk to the adventures of Wilco ... We knew that John Allaire
is a great talent, but to prove that in such a convincing and
and mindblowing way, no…….. we never saw this coming."
- Rootstime
Radio, Belgium
"... add one part Strummer, one part Westerberg,
sprinkle with rootsy guitars and a Canadian accent, eh ... infectious
North Americana" - CBC Radio |
John
Allaire is an experienced, award-winning singer/songwriter. His
lyrical depth, sprinkled with real life stories about people that
everyone can relate to, and his ability to connect with an audience
makes both his recorded material and live shows an intimate, edgy
and eclectic experience. John is no stranger to performing and recording
his own brand of guitar-driven alt-country/roots/folk. Whether playing
solo, as he is more apt to do these days, or with the Campistas,
John delivers a unique musical experience that does not easily fit
into one genre. His well-arranged work is driven by sincerity and
humour.
John’s
vocals have been compared to Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), Bill
Janovitz (Buffalo Tom), Joe Strummer (The Clash), Bob Mould (Husker
Du), Paul Westerberg (Replacements) and many others of this ilk.
His songwriting echoes that of Neil Young, Paul Westerberg, Jeff
Tweedy (Wilco) and Elvis Costello.
For
the most part, John’s songs are traditional folk-influenced
stories and the solo show incorporates quick wit, banter and a direct
connection with the audience. His straightforward guitar and harmonica
styles are reminiscent of early coffeehouse troubadours like Dylan
and Donovan. Each show is different from the last, with changing
arrangements (acoustic and electric accompaniment), material choices
and the stories he relates.
John
has shared the stage with: Alanis Morrisette, Blue Rodeo, Tragically
Hip, Donovan, Lynn Miles, Hoodoo Gurus, BoDeans, Dr. and the Medics,
The Church, VSpyVspy, Nada Surf, Econoline Crush, Weddings Parties
Anything, Tom Cochrane, Grapes of Wrath, Nils, and many more...
AWARDS
CBC
Telefest top independent music video in Ontario
Top
independent video in Canada 1989 as selected by MuchMusic
PROCAN
(now SOCAN) independent songwriter award for "Cry at Night"
Canadian
College and University Radio Assoc. top album of the month - "All's
Well"
That was then...
Starting his professional music career in 1984, John has been in
a number of bands, including the award-winning "The
Town Cryers", a band that reached the number one spot
on seven radio stations in Canada with their first release in 1987
called "All's Well".
Allaire toured the country with the Cryers all the while releasing
their 1989 CD, "Surprise Surprise", which included a supporting
video for Allaire's song "Never Bin Hurt B-4". The video
won honours as top independent video in Canada in 1989. The CD also
had the dubious pleasure of being the first release in Canada by
an independent band on the emerging CD format.
The Town Cryers parted ways in 1992, but not before recording a
whopping 18-track CD called "Stanley's Cup".
In 1995, John founded the alt/punk band The Mercy Miners,
playing with such signed recording artists as Econoline Crush and
Nada Surf. The Mercy Miners released a 10-song CD called Knuckle
Sandwich in 1997.
In 2003, John released his first solo effort called Crime and Punishment.
The album was a 12-song collection and, while not doing much in
the way of charting on radio stations, the CD sold more than 1,000
copies (admirable for an independent release), including copies
numbering in the hundreds on the east coast of Canada and the
USA. 2005 saw the release of his best-selling CD to date, "Thank
You Waitress!".
John's latest release "Ghosts of the Royal Motel " is
out now and is garnering rave reviews as his best career work.
Who are the Campistas? John's band of studio and
live musicians include: Jeff Tanguay, guitars, Breeze Smith - drums,
Dave Wong - Bass, Tony Dunn - keyboards,
sax.
|
