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The Terry Whalen Band recently received a 2010 ECMA nomination for Blues Recording of the Year; their second in a row; for their 2009 release of A Wicked Driving Rain. This comes on the heels of their 2009 ECMA Nomination for Blues Recording of the Year for their 2008 release of The Devil's Fireplace. The East Coast Music Association will be hosting the 2010 conference and awards gala in Sydney, NS from March 4th to March 7th, 2010. The Terry Whalen Band has been described as the "hardest working band going", delivering gritty vocals with a passion evident via catchy originals and a collection of timeless covers.
With a music career spanning over 25 years Terry decided it was time to set about releasing a catalogue of material that in some cases goes back as many years. Terry’s eventual partnership with lyricist and subsequent bassist Stephen MacKnight over five years ago jumpstarted a collection of material that appeared on the debut release of Sleepwalker’s Blues in 2007. This was quickly followed by the release of The Devil’s Fireplace in 2008 and the recently released A Wicked Driving Rain in the fall of 2009.
With the addition of Colby Jardine on drums, Terry James Whalen on guitar and Abby Kierstead providing background vocals and percussion the band is focused on creating a blend of music that is one part tribute to the many great artists that have come before them but a bigger part that takes music in a whole new direction.
In five short years Terry and the band are quickly making a name for themselves and have seen a fan base develop that is boundless.
To date the boys have had the honor of sharing the stage with Charlie A'Court, Morgan Davis, Mike Trask, The Hupman Brothers, Sam Moon, Jep Jeppeson, Melanie Morgan, Blue Rodeo, Matt Minglewood, Comedien Gerry Dee, Rik Reese and Neon Highway, McGinty, Squid, The Divorcees, Dave Gunning, Christina Martin, David Myles, Mel Keith, Gary Sappier,, Ron Hynes, Battery Point, and Faded Blue.
The band will continue their journey into new markets and a whole new legion of fans, as evidenced by a recent trip to Newfoundland. Terry and the band can’t say enough about the great people they had the chance to meet along the way.
The future is looking good so with the tires hitting the road, they’ll be seeing you soon.
Terry Whalen
Terry is a singer/songwriter who has been playing guitar and developing his songwriting chops for over 25 years. His influences may surprise some but range from hard rock acts like Van Halen, AC/DC and Aerosmith to perhaps less mainstream artists and songwriters as Jeff Beck, Steve Morse, and John Haitt. Influencial artists also include Johnny Cash, Webb Wilder, John Mellencamp and Steve Earle. But throughout the years a common theme and interest has never been very far from the top of his list; the blues.
Artist/storytellers like John Lee Hooker, Muddy Watters, Willie Dixon, Albert Collins, Lonnie Johnson and Howlin' Wolf to name but a few, have left Terry with a deep appreciation for the history of the blues and the unique approach to storytelling and self-expression these blues legends left behind. Terry's love of the guitar and creating music, has led him on his current journey of combining the blues with a pounding roots, rock vibe; providing something new with a fresh edge but also a connection and "tip of the hat" to the past greats.
Terry is a devoted husband of 22 years to wife Donna and a supportive father to son Terry James and daughter Krista. Terry believes a person is nothing without family and values nothing more. Terry does admit that music has been a passion since the very beginning.
Through the years Terry has benefitted greatly from playing in a number of bands with some very talented people. With every encounter Terry has added experience but more importantly a growth that really can never be measured. Every experience a person gathers through life molds and changes them; hopefully for the better. But these interactions really have significantly contributed to who Terry is today as a person and as a musician. For many years, music tended to take a side burner especially after the birth of his son and daughter. So, for close to fifteen years, Terry's musical fix came in the form of jams and playing and writing music on the sofa or in a corner of the basement. There are no regrets, in fact, it was a great time to explore new fields of music and to plan his next course of action. The Terry Whalen Band is the fullfillment of this lifelong dream.
Stephen MacKnight
Stephen, 46, is a native of Saint John, N.B., and has been a resident of Miramichi for fifteen years. He has run record stores since he was nineteen with occasional detours to attend university, produce plays, and produce children. He lives with his wife, Theresa, an artist who did the cover for “The Devil’s Fireplace” and "A Wicked Driving Rain" and his two boys, Keith and William. Stephen never thought he’d be in a band at this stage in his life but it has been a fulfillment of a lifelong passion. After working with Terry on the songs for “Sleepwalker’s Blues”, Terry suggested Stephen join the band as a member and his patience while Stephen was fumbling with the bass guitar will, maybe, someday rewarded. The albums features collaborations that are all the better for this working relationship. A published music critic, Stephen is quick with his opinions, being very passionate about simple, organic, roots music and despising over-produced, over-slick artists. The term “no depression” which defines a nebulous genre is where Stephen hopes his music is placed; taking the best from the past and using it to comment on today’s world and it’s issues and making songs the focus, not the artist. Stephen lists the Drive By Truckers, Alejandro Escovedo, Wilco, and the old standby the Rolling Stones as his main influences. The future looks bright for a band willing to work hard at performing and songwriting and Stephen is here for the long haul.
Colby Jardine
Colby Jardine is the latest edition to The Terry Whalen Band. With the recent departure of drummer Jim Larsen, Colby is back with the boys.. yes, back. When Terry first started putting the band together, Colby was actually an original member of the band. First on drums and later on bass. Colby, however, was already committed to other projects and eventually moved on. Terry had always hoped he would return. Alas he's back. Colby doesn't have as many miles on the tires as the rest of the gang but he is an incredible multi-instrumentalist, and wise beyond his years. He has a greal love of music and brings a fresh perspective to the band. Colby was born to play music and in a short time has amassed an impressive resume. As a forming member of Posted, he and the rest of the gang developed a loyal following. Unfortuately things changed and the members of that band ended up heading off in different directions. Luckily he was available for a return when the opportunity presented itself. Despite his departure he can be heard on The Devil's Fireplace and A Wicked Driving Rain, where he chips in on drums and percussion. Welcome aboard.
Terry James Whalen
Rhythm guitarist with The Terry Whalen Band is Terry James Whalen, who while following in the ol' man's footsteps brings a modern vibe and relevance to the music. Terry has been hammering away on guitar for a lot of years and will be playing with the boys as much as possible, considering he is currently enrolled at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. He'll be laying down rhythm guitar tracks so big pappa has more room to wind it out on lead guitar. At 22, Terry is ready to lend a helping hand and it won't be too hard as he has had a guitar playing his ear since day one. Whether it is roots, rock or blues he has heard and fell in love with it all.
Abby Kierstead
Rounding out The Terry Whalen Band is Abby Kierstead. Providing background vocals for the past two years in addition to being heard on The Devil's Fireplace and A Wicked Driving Rain is our girl Abby, who has been an invaluable addition to the band. Abby brings a passion for singing that goes back to her youth. As a finalist in Maritime Idol in high school Abby came to the realization that in addition to continuing her education she also wanted to find an avenue to continue singing. It just so happened Terry and the boys were on the lookout for a talanted vocalist to add to the mix. A partnership that both parties hope will last and grow for years to come. Along with Terry James and Colby, these three bring a youthful energy that keep a couple of old dogs on their toes.
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