John Cohen embodies a sizeable piece of the Montreal scene, being a key member of The Dears, The Social Register, JF Robitaille and other notables for a good couple decades. After paying his musical dues in other bands, he channelled his own creativity into The Jon Cohen Experimental in 2006. Since then, has put thousands of kilometres of Canadian highway behind him while touring, been featured in numerous radio shows including CBC’s Brave New Waves, and made key festival appearances at Pop Montreal and NXNE. The John Cohen Experimental’s self-titled debut album was nominated by l’Initiative Indépendante de Musique du Québec (Gamiq) for best pop album in 2008.
Cohen’s fall 2010 tour comes as he introduces his sophomore album Behold. He is joined on the recording by fellow workers in song Angel Desveaux, Evan Cranley of the Start, Liam O’Neil of the Stills, and Murray Lightburn of the Dears, all contributing to a moody, thoughtful, and occasionally spiritually ambient take on experimental pop-rock. The Montreal Mirror hinted at a comparison to an early Brian Eno type of sound.
The current touring lineup includes Cohen’s fronting with vocals, guitar, piano, and keys; Ken Martin on bass and backing vocals; and Sebastian Côté on drums, percussion, electronics, and backing vocals.
The Jon Cohen Experimental’s Sydney show will take place at The Upstairs Club on Saturday, September 11. Doors open at 8:00pm, with $5 cover. Check them out at myspace.com/thejoncohenexperience.
