Bourbon Tabernacle Choir
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 in Toronto, Canada |
| Defunct | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
The Bourbon Tabernacle Choir was an alternative rock ensemble from Canada, established in 1985 in Toronto.
History
Initially, the lineup consisted of vocalist Kate Fenner, vocalist and organist Chris Brown, vocalist and guitarist Andrew Whiteman, guitarist Chris Miller, saxophonist and vocalist Chris Plock, bassist Jason Mercer, drummer Gregor Beresford, and guitarist and vocalist Peter Mercier—who were all classmates during high school. Vocalist Dave Wall became part of the group in 1988, followed by vocalist and saxophonist Gene Hardy in 1989.
They self-produced three cassette recordings: First Taste of Bourbon (1987), If Hell Had a Houseband (1989), and Sister Anthony (1990). Their single "Put Your Head On" backed with "As Right as They Want to Be" (1990), produced by Bob Wiseman at Metalworks Studios, attracted filmmaker Bruce McDonald, who included it on the soundtrack for his 1991 movie Highway 61. Both songs were later featured on the 1995 CD re-release of Sister Anthony, with a live rendition substituting the original "As Right as They Want to Be".
Riding this wave of recognition, the band signed with the independent label Yonder Records and launched Superior Cackling Hen in 1992. The singles "Make Amends", "Afterglow", and "Original Grin" found success on college and modern rock radio stations.
Following the release of Superior Cackling Hen, Whiteman departed in 1993 to focus on solo projects and eventually joined bands such as Broken Social Scene. Drummer Beresford left in 1994, contributing to Tom Cochrane's 1995 album Ragged Ass Road before Tom Bona took over drumming duties in 1995. During this time, musicians Howie Beck and Daniel Barnes also collaborated with the group.
In 1995, they unveiled Shy Folk, produced by Michael Phillip Wojewoda with guest appearances from Ani DiFranco. This album included singles like "All Peace" and "Be My Witness" and garnered favorable reviews. Nonetheless, their manager’s approach of limiting touring to create demand initially curtailed their exposure, leading to sales about half those of their prior album and stalling commercial progress. Moreover, their decision not to perform at venues or festivals sponsored by tobacco companies, including Canadian Music Week, further restricted their live performance opportunities.
That same year saw a CD reissue of Sister Anthony.
After releasing Shy Folk, the band moved to New York City seeking wider success but disbanded shortly after.
Post-breakup
Post-disbandment, Brown and Fenner continued their careers as a performing duo. Jason Mercer toured as bassist with Ron Sexsmith and now works as a producer based in Brooklyn, New York. Dave Wall released two solo albums—Lozenge and The Spell I Was Under—performed in a duo with Marilyn Lerner, and joined ensembles such as the Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band. Chris Miller shifted into film post-production work. Hardy, Bona, and Plock established themselves as in-demand session musicians within Canadian rock, pop, jazz, and blues circles, while Beresford joined the band of David Wilcox.
A compilation album titled Simply the Best 1985–1995 was issued in 2000.
The group reunited in 2008 for a headlining appearance at the 25th anniversary of the Hillside Festival in Guelph, featuring Brown, Fenner, Miller, Mercer, Wall, Hardy, Whiteman, and Bona.
Discography
- A First Taste of Bourbon (1985)
- If Hell Had a Houseband (1987)
- Sister Anthony (1990)
- Superior Cackling Hen (1992)
- Shy Folk (1995)
- Simply the Best 1985–1995 (2000)
External links
- Bourbon Tabernacle Choir unofficial site