High-energy, diverse trio

Adelle Ellis
Times Reporter

 

Lovers of authentic music are invited to attend a performance by the T. Buckley Trio on April 1 at the Strathmore Golf Course.
The event is being presented by the Strathmore Musical Arts Society (SMAS).
“These guys have been on my radar for a few years now,” said Norman Gavey, vice-president of the SMAS. “(Buckley) is a really strong songwriter; most of his songs are based off a local prairie feeling.”
The SMAS was created by a group of individuals hoping to share their love of music through the promotion of intimate music events that speak to a wide range of tastes. The previous show hosted by SMAS involved a band with louder music and all upbeat covered songs. The T. Buckley Trio is more laid back.
“It’s going to be nice and not too loud,” said Charlotte Wilson of SMAS. “You’ll be able to hear the words and listen to the guitar picking and all that. It will be a quieter night of listening, good food and enjoying it all.”
The T. Buckley Trio was formed by Tim Buckley (lead vocalist and principal songwriter) and Derek Pulliam (stand-up bass and vocals) when they met while at a jam in Calgary. The two ended up playing around town together as a duo and eventually made a record. Their mutual friend Tim Leacock (electric guitar, mandolin and vocals) produced the record. According to Buckley, the trio had so much fun working together they started playing exclusively as a trio and have been doing so for the last seven years under the T. Buckley Trio moniker.
The band has played a broad variety of shows and festivals, including the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Fest, the Calgary Folk Festival, Canmore Folk Festival and the Edmonton Folk Festival. In 2016, the trio played about 120 shows.
“We have a pretty broad repertoire of original and cover material,” said Buckley. “We sort of borrow from rock ’n’ roll, blues (and) country, and fold in our writing and performance. There’s lots of three-part harmony and we share the lead vocals between us quite a bit.”
Buckley said the group is not shy about playing cover tunes.
“We feel like it’s an important part of the craft; learning other people’s tunes and presenting them well,” he said. “It’s also a great way of connecting with an audience and giving them some context as to our musical background and influence as a band.”
Buckley added that the audience can expect a high energy, fun and diverse show, and that the trio’s musical compatibility, respect and admiration for each other comes across on stage during their performances.
Tickets to the T. Buckley Trio show are $35 and can be purchased online at strathmorearts.com, or in person at the Assist Business Centre, Marlin Travel, Pro Water Systems, Chinook Financial and Hob’s Hobbies.
“Ticket sales are going well but as this is one of our smaller venue shows,” said Gavey, who added that only 110 tickets are being sold.
The SMAS is currently looking for local music talent to showcase as an opening act, either at the upcoming performance or at one of the fall performances.