Take yourself a little more than five years back. The hotel elevator is crammed with people frolicking to their next destination. Conversations mingle and hang in the small interior. You’re in Sydney and it’s the East Coast Music Awards – 2005.The elevator drops to the next floor. The heavy door opens. In walks a tall, lean man. He’s wearing cowboy boots, tight jeans, and a medium-length tan leather jacket. He offers a quick nod. After you descend another few floors, the elevator door slides open. The man in the tan leather jacket walks off. The door closes. Someone shouts above the din of chatter, “We should post a sign, ‘WANTED: Al Tuck for the House of Rock’”.
Feel like you were just there? Even a little bit? The man in the tan leather jacket is coming to Sydney in less than a week.
An unassuming, talented artist, Al Tuck lulls you with his tunes and easy manner. From Summerside, PEI, Tuck began performing regularly in pubs when he moved to Halifax. In the early 1990s his trio – Al Tuck and No Action – recorded albums for the Sloan managed label, Murderecords. Those who have played with him over the years include Charles Austin, Dave Marsh, Paul Mandell and Phil Harmonica – just to name a few. He has five studio albums and a live collection recorded at the Rebecca Cohn in Halifax.
This year’s release, Food For the Moon continues to exhibit his exemplary, bluesy, call-to-action, songwriting. You’ll also hear his take on Snowbird, in homage to Gene MacLellan – the legendary PEI songwriter. Tuck’s tunes have been covered by Joel Plaskett, Matt Mays, Erin Costello, Buck 65 and Amelia Curran. He’s travelled the country back and forth, forth and back, with many, many tales to accompany his many penned songs. Ron Leary will join Al Tuck on stage. Based in Windsor, Ontario, Leary is one of Canada’s emerging roots artists. He has performed with David Myles, Royal Wood and appeared on Stewart MacLean’s, ‘Vinyl Café’.
Make yourself part of the fun on Sunday, October 4th, 8pm. Adventures await for those who seek.
