The Urbanite – Jon Liedtke – Sept. 24, 2014
Windsor soul brothers release new wax with a concert in an aircraft hanger
As Windsor Motown revivalists The Walkervilles’ success takes flight, their latest album is landing at a release concert Oct. 11.
“Windsor’s the best place for us to do it [an album release] because it’s our hometown,” explained Pat Robitaille, lead singer of The Walkervilles. “The really cool thing about it is the location. We’ve done a lot of shows in the city over the past couple of years, at all kinds of venues and festivals, but the [Canadian Historical Aircraft Association] is certainly a unique spot to throw a show so we just felt good about it.”
“The place is loaded with really cool vintage planes, and there’s never been a concert at the airport before, so it’s the first of its kind,” he added.
The new album, Rebirth of the Cool, was recorded in Austin Texas at Willie Nelson’s Studio and was a “Windsor effort through and through” with Gordie Johnson of Big Sugar producing and Kelly Hoppe travelling south to lay down saxophone.
Rebirth of the Cool is the first studio album for the trio. Their debut LP, Live at Mackenzie Hall, recorded live off the floor, was released in 2012.
“When I sit back and throw the record on, man I’m so excited about it,” said Robitaille. “It’s a true representation of us and what we’re doing, there is a rawness to it … there’s something that’s a little bit less than perfect, I like that, it gives it a real feeling.”
Robitaille describes the Windsor music scene as Americanized. “Travelling [and] playing in the rest of Canada, there’s this Canadian rock thing going on … I don’t get that vibe in Windsor because we’re sort of off the path … we’re isolated and next to Detroit, and we got all these radio waves coming over … rooted in soul and country.”
The Walkervilles have an east and west coast tour planned within the next six months and are eager to get back on the road.
The Walkervilles’ Thanksgiving weekend show takes place Oct. 11 at The Canadian Historical Aircraft Association (2600 Airport Rd.), featuring local openers Funk Junkies, Better Weather and DJ Double A. Doors open at 7 p.m. for this 19+ show. Tickets are available online and at Dr. Disc Records for $10 (general admission) and $20 (VIP).
The Urbanite – Jon Liedtke – Sept 24. 2014
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The Walkervilles drop the needle on new LP (archive.org)
Jonathon Liedtke is the managing editor of The Urbanite, Windsor’s alternative newspaper. He is also a member of Windsor’s “Punk with Horns” band The Nefidovs, and as such, is committed to enhancing and sustaining the arts community.
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