Hamilton, ON’s Kyle Pacey’s New Road Songs EP Is A Soulful, Funky, Rollicking Rhythm & Blues Romp
The veteran singer/songwriter and virtuoso guitarist, Kyle Pacey, mixes together funky grooves, bluesy backbeats, and jazzy guitar licks with a classic pop sound for a unique R&B stew, on his EP, Road Songs. The mainstay of the Hamilton music scene has strung together five great original songs that will keep the fingers snapping and the dance floor hopping.
Front and centre is Pacey’s authoritative, smoky voice, a bluesy howl that only comes from years of experience on the road and in the studio. On this set, he leads a crack band of seasoned players, including bassist Howard Ayee (Moe Koffman, Eddie Schwartz, Rough Trade), drummer Michael Sloski (Ben E. King, Long John Baldry, Bruce Cockburn), and Rob Gusevs (The Arrows) on keyboards.
The title track opens things off, a “little story about what love can do”, as Pacey sings. This song sets the tempo for the rest of the collection, with blasts of trombone from Jay Burr giving the track a bit of a New Orleans feel. “Road Song” winds down with Burr bringing the song home for the final 40 seconds as the band plays on behind him.
A brief scat vocal run from Pacey opens the next song, “Once Again”. Pacey says this number laments the state of our environment as governments push economic boundaries to their limit during an ongoing struggle for power and control of the land and its resources.
“There’s a method to my madness,” he sings, “now you might say, let’s end it now, let’s seize the day, anytime now no one knows, truth or dare now, this horror show”.
For Pacey, who came of age in the 1960s and 1970s, it harkens back to the protest movements of that time, when ecological worries first hit his generation.
Pacey’s career goes back that far, from being the first local musician to play Hamilton Place, where he was featured as the opening act for the Duke Ellington Orchestra, to opening shows for legendary Canadian rock band Crowbar. Later, he worked with Jacqui and Lindsay Morgan and guested with the likes of Robbie Lane and the Sugar Shoppe and was offered a chance to join the Buddy Rich Band and to audition for the band Chicago.
The EP continues with another love song, “This Minute”. It’s a celebration of a love that is eternal and true, one that brings pure joy and inspiration. “I’m so glad that I met you, makes my mind sky clear blue,” sings Pacey, “this minute turns to a lifetime, I’m so in love with you”.
Another message song, featuring Burr’s trombone once again, “Sad Days” takes on the economic situation and the hopelessness felt by so many just trying to get by amidst rising inflation and economic peril. Though the track laments the state of our times, it’s just as upbeat and enjoyable as the rest of the collection.
Road Songs concludes with “The Damage is Done”, a song Pacey has been playing live for over a decade with various combos. To experience his playing on this number is magical, both hands flying lightning fast across the fretboard. It’s no surprise from a man who won a number of local and international guitar championships before he was even 18 years old.
Here, the song gets the full band treatment, expertly recorded at Grant Avenue and Pine Street Studios. Pacey’s production and the band’s playing punches it up that extra notch, as they groove the blues away to wrap up the EP.
For the Hamilton Music Awards nominee, Road Songs is sure to keep the momentum going for the esteemed veteran. Give it a listen now, and if you have a chance to see Kyle Pacey live, don’t miss it. You gotta see him to believe him.
Listen to the new single, “The Damage Is Done” below and learn more about Kyle Pacey via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself?
I’m a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. My writing is inspired by the culture and optimism of the 60s and 70’s along with current events, economic upheavals, ecology, metaphysics, and matters of the heart. These themes continue to challenge us and influence the emerging generation. I am a very expressive musician who likes to push the boundaries with my unorthodox playing style. My music combines pop and funk with an R&B sound and some jazz notes. It’s a contemporary tapestry. Career highlights include a Grammy nomination and having a CD that was nominated for a Hamilton Music Award.
Tell us about the process of writing and recording “The Damage Is Done?”
First, the chord progression came to me, and then the lyrics. It was a whirlwind. I wanted to evoke the highs and lows of a relationship with the music and express the emotions of an unquenched romance with the lyrics. The recording was part of a 5 song EP done with 4 players in a day-long session at Grant Avenue Studio. We recorded guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards along with my vocals. Grant Avenue did a rough mix of the session and then I took that to Pine Street Studio where I did some additional vocal work.
What’s it like being a musician in Hamilton?
It’s a very diverse music community. From major venues to festivals, clubs, and local open mic shows. I have a lot of musical friends in Hamilton. We support each other. It’s a good feeling.
What Canadian artists are you loving right now?
Bruce Cockburn – I can relate to his lyrics and message. He motivates me to tackle social issues and most of all to never give up!
Bahamas – I like the movement and style of his music. His style is unique. He gives me something to think about. “All the Time” and “Lost in the Light” are amazing songs.
Jully Black – She inspires me. She gives me the funk! Her style of music makes me feel that I am on the right musical path.
You’ve been making music for a while now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Stay focused on your work! You have to believe in yourself. Let your true spirit shine in all you do. Think Positive. There will be ups and downs. Nothing is guaranteed. Stick to your roots and be true to what inspires you.