Both artists are signed to Cameron House Records and have separate careers, but have also played together at the legendary Cameron House since 2011. The pair released their debut albums in late 2012. Cuddy’s style is New Orleans blues and country, while Rose’s sound is a throwback to 1950s and 60s countryThe two artists will perform separate sets at the Legion on March 22. Tickets are $10.
East Coast country charm
In 2011, Whitney Rose left P.E.I. and pointed her cowboy boots toward Toronto with ambitions of enchanting the big city with her honey voice and classic country charm.
Transitioning from the Maritimes to the concrete jungle was a natural progression for the artist, who recalls singing country tunes as a youngster at her grandparents’ kitchen parties.
“The East Coast will always be my home, but I’ve received a warm welcome here in Toronto,” she said.
“The music community here is so strong and supportive of one another.”
On Rose’s self-titled debut album, her voice is reminiscent of old fashioned country music from the 1950s and 60s. Think Patsy Cline and Tom T. Hall. Rose’s witty and playful song, “Chivalry is Dead” is a prime example.
For Rose, it’s gratifying that her time and effort has manifested in a tangible product. “It’s such a proud feeling to not only release the record, but to have done it with so many other talented people.”
Another benefit of living in Toronto is the city’s constant availability of live music, she said. Rose and Cuddy, who also plays in her band, are staple acts at the Cameron House, a popular venue in the city’s downtown.
The habitual Cameron House performer is eager to embark on a Western Canada tour, especially since she’s coming to Jasper for the first time with her own music.
“It’s exiting. It’s an experiment seeing what people like at the Cameron House and seeing if that feeling is shared in the west.”
Master of his own style
It only takes listening to the first song on The Devin Cuddy Band Vol. 1 to hear how Devin Cuddy effortlessly combines New Orleans blues and country into his own style.
This different blend is no doubt a result of his musical palette being exposed to many genres growing up. One genre Cuddy felt a “natural pull” to was Dixieland jazz.
“It had a great rhythm, I really liked the horns, there was a certain imagery attached to the era,” he said.
The pianist and singer further explored this intrigue in university, where he also realized that Toronto is a “tough scene” for jazz musicians.
“I remember being at jazz school at York University, looking at the teachers and them looking at you being like ‘if I teach you too much, you’re going to take gigs from me,’” he laughs. “There’s not a lot of places to play.”
As Cuddy delved deeper into New Orleans music, he developed an ear for the blues and began experimenting with rhythms on his piano. He was also bitten by the “country bug,” which he credits to his dad, Blue Rodeo frontman Jim Cuddy.
While composing the album, “I had to blend my abilities on the instrument with the way that the songs came out of me creatively,” he said. The result is a mixture of toe-tapping, danceable tunes, like the clever, tongue-in-cheek “My Son’s a Queer.”
Like Rose, Cuddy is eager to venture west.
“I think it’s very important as a musician to travel, especially to smaller places across the country ... it’s fun to take your show on the road,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to playing different rooms, different crowds.”
