The Bills – Trail of Tales
*PRESS RELEASE*
The Bills
Trail Of Tales
Track Listing: 1. Wonders I’ve Seen (Frye/White/Atkinson – SOCAN) 2. Trail Of Tales (Frye/Atkinson – SOCAN) 3. Happy Be
- Jungle Doctor 5. Wonder 6. Hittin’ The Do 7. Pebble Beach 8.She went Up 9. Forgotten Beach Grove 10. West Bay Crossing
- Lullaby For Elephants 12. What Trouble Is (Frye/Dolan/Atkinson – SOCAN) 13. When The Last Leaf Falls 14. Mando Coloured Glasses
Tracks 1, 2 & 12 are available to download.
YouTube Promotion Video for ‘TRAIL OF TALES’ (Borealis Records BCD239) + The Bills Video ‘What Trouble Is’
It’s been twenty years since Canadian quintet The Bills first formed, and the collective spirit of this wide-ranging, globally-inspired roots ensemble remains as vibrant as ever. Originating from a kitchen-jam exploration of traditional and modern styles, they’ve forged a sophisticated, down home blend of global rhythms that has been celebrated in dancehalls and festivals across the western world. If it’s not abundantly clear from the smiles of their devoted fans, take a look at the five beaming faces on stage when the full band joins force, and you can see how much love The Bills have for making music together.
With their new album, Trail of Tales, via Borealis Records, The Bills are poised to release their most compelling set of music yet. To make the album, the band gathered together in the picturesque wooded splendour of tiny Mayne Island, an artists’ enclave just off the coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. With the wind in the trees, a view of the Salish Sea, a wood fire for heat, and an old farm house wired up with vintage microphones, they set out to create a truly collaborative record. “There’s never been a Bills album with five songwriters, that’s a first in the history of the band” says singer/guitarist Chris Frye. “Hopefully it’s bringing out the best we have to offer because we’re truly together as a unit.”
Part of what makes the new album so cohesive comes from how well each of these musicians know each other. “The Bills have an almost chamber music vibe at times, especially instrumentally” says fiddler Richard Moody. “It’s caused me to really listen to the people I’m playing with.” You can hear this on the tracks — how they can turn on a dime as an ensemble, effortlessly weaving complex and beautiful melodies behind captivating vocal lines. Despite the closeness, it was still a healthy challenge for band member fiddler/accordionist Adrian Dolan to produce the album. A fixture in Ruth Moody’s touring band, and engineer for The Wailin’ Jennys, Dolan drew from years of experience recording contemporary roots music and an intimate knowledge of every band member’s strengths to shape the final product.
The new album highlights the band’s commitment to compelling lyrics and themes; often drawing inspiration from their regional geography and culture. A diversity of influences can be heard with each song — from Frye and mandolinist Marc Atkinson’s anthemic title track to the forward-motion funk of Moody’s “Jungle Doctor”. Bassist Scott White’s carefree vocal pop song “Happy Be” shows listeners a gentler side, while “Hittin’ the Do” uncorks a Western Swing dance party. Throughout Trail of Tales, the songs are tied together with remarkably detailed arrangements. It’s a testament to The Bills’ musicianship that the music always sounds so uplifting and effortless.
The Bills continue to hold court as one of Canada’s premiere roots acts. Two Juno award nominations (Canada’s Grammy) and countless tours haven’t changed The Bills’ basic formula: combine stunning vocal harmonies, poignant lyrics, sophisticated and captivating instrumental arrangements, and a healthy dose of good times, British Columbia style, and you have a band that proves there’s a surprising amount of power to be found in acoustic roots music today.
The Bills:
Marc Atkinson – mandolin, guitar, percussion, vocals
Adrian Dolan – fiddle, accordion, piano, vocals
Chris Frye – guitar, vocals
Richard Moody – violin, viola, mandolin, vocals
Scott White – upright bass, vocals
The Bills Catalogue:
Trail of Tales 2016 Borealis Records BCD239 on Aug 29th 2016 (UK)
Yes Please 2013
Let Em Run 2004
The Bill Hilly Band All Day Every Day 2002
The Bill Hilly Band 2000