The great and good of progressive music give us a glimpse into their prog worlds. As told to Grant Moon.
Where’s home? Uxbridge, Ontario: the Trail Capital of Canada.
Your earliest memory of prog? I uploaded my uncle’s Rush albums onto my iPod Nano when I was 14. The first album I listened to was A Farewell To Kings. Xanadu was the first time I heard Taurus pedals, tubular bells, odd time signatures, Minimoogs. It blasted the prog doors open for me.
What was the first prog album you bought?
As a kid, the only spot I could find records was a flea market in my hometown. I’d go every Sunday with my dad. The first album I bought was Animals by Pink Floyd. And then I bought a first pressing of Hemispheres on red vinyl.
And the latest? Brass Camel’s debut album, Brass [left]. They’re a very cool prog band from British Columbia, Canada with hints of fusion and funk.
Your first prog gig? The first concert I ever saw was The Smashing Pumpkins at Massey Hall [in Toronto] in 2008. I always felt the Pumpkins pulled from the prog greats in all the right ways. Jimmy Chamberlin is one of my favourite drummers, it was incredible to see him do his thing live.
And the most recent? I had the pleasure of seeing Rick Wakeman perform solo in Albany, NY this past March. He’s incredible. He will always be my favourite keyboard player.
What’s the best prog show you ever saw?
Rush’s final show in Toronto in 2015. I caught both nights but the second night they played Losing It [from Signals] for the first time. The energy in the room was incredible! It was a poignant moment and one I’m glad I caught.
Your latest prog discovery? The Chronicles Of Father Robin have captured my imagination lately. Really cool Norwegian supergroup with members from Wobbler –a Jethro Tull-esque mystical folkprog vibe with something else I can’t quite put into words. Highly recommended.
Guilty musical pleasure? I love Shania Twain’s [monsterhit 1997 album] Come On Over. Nineties country was filled with incredible guitar playing and tones by Brent Mason and Dann Huff. I love Mutt Lange’s production, too.
Outside of music, what are you into?
I’m obsessed with coffee. Whenever we’re on tour I try to find the most interesting locally roasted beans. I love a good natural Ethiopian coffee. I like to do pour overs with my V60 [coffee dripper] at home and on the road I use my Aeropress.
Got a book recommendation for us?
Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance [right] by Robert MPirsig. It’s
