In the tradition of the classic ‘Hot Club’ groups, the iSpy quintet evokes the clandestine free-spirited soul of the gypsy jazz era. Their playful and passionate take on the 20s, 30s, and 40s peppered with original songs are performed with pure sensual abandon. iSpy’s torrential acoustic virtuosity and the vocal prowess of Rebecca Everett will enrapture all audiences.
Their EP “The Art of You” is the first in a series of recordings for the Toronto based group and features 3 original gypsy-jazz songs written by Toronto based songstress Rebecca Everett and arranged and performed by her band iSpy. Recorded and produced in Toronto at Bluesound & Music by Russ Mackay (Iron Maiden, Gowan) and mastered by Peter Moore (Bob Dylan, Cowboy Junkies), the three song EP was recorded entirely live off the floor using mostly vintage analog equipment to capture the live, organic sounds that define the gypsy and hot-club genres of music.
Rebecca Everett is the band director, singer and songwriter of iSpy. A life-long performer (singer, violinist, guitar) and award winning published songwriter for television & film (Ole), she has performed in the symphony, at folk festivals, theatre, music clubs, kitchen jams, local community events and toured internationally. Her smoky and playful vocals, sound like a blueprint of the past with the freshness of the future.
Tak Arikushi is the lead guitarist. After enjoying a well established career in the gypsy jazz scene of Vancouver, Tak decided to make a journey to Toronto in search of greater opportunities. Since his arrival, he has quickly established himself as one of the main players in the scene. He brings a virtuosic flair to the sound of iSpy with his arsenal of trademark Gypsy lick.
Dan Mock is the rhythm guitarist in iSpy. Dan splits his time between playing in Toronto and touring international festivals with QuiQue Escamilla (Lula Records), Jerry Leger (Latent recordings/Warner), and his own self-titled solo project. His long list of side-projects, compositions and album credits has Dan Mock circling the globe and back again.
Chris Kettlewell is an accomplished double bass player and Humber Jazz College alumni. He performs regularly with a variety of Canada’s top acts including children’s entertainment veteran Fred Penner, jazz ensembles such as The Rachelle Courtney Quartet and The Cam Britton Collective and has toured extensively in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Steve Frise, iSpy’s banjo player, adds an authentic and unique sound to the gypsy jazz quintet. He is also an accomplished jazz guitarist who studied under Canadian jazz legend Bobby Cairns. A composer and arranger, he is quickly becoming one of Canada’s most sought after guitarists and has gained the reputation of being a highly creative and professional musician, songwriter, producer and instructor.
http://www.rebeccaeverett.ca/ispy
Enjoy “The Art Of You” and follow iSpy on Spotify:
You can also stream/download iSpy’s music on iTunes, GooglePlay and Deezer!
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