Kick off your boots, pick up your fiddle, and sprint down to the crossroads, because that’s where Blackberry Wood will be waiting for you. With all the catharsis of a travelling tent show, this unsigned Vancouver band routinely rocks the patched jeans and darned socks of its inevitably eclectic and often unsuspecting fan base.
Four years ago, singer Kris Mitchell was a man without a band. But according to legend, and their official website, that all changed the day Mitchell received an unexpected invite to perform a last minute New Years Eve gig. Not one to turn down dance steps from God, Mitchell turned the next four days of frenzied footwork into an eyeful of strange bandmates, and an earful of original material.
Thus, Blackberry Wood was born. And their maniacal mix of gypsy rhythm, ragtime sass, and Vaudevillian ska has been growing ever since. Now tipping the scale at eight intermittent band members, Blackberry Wood’s latest album Travelling Horse Opry is a prime example of their ability to illicit toe-tapping conformity and organized dance moves amongst even the most truculent of audiences.
But studio albums aside, Blackberry Wood understand that their real power lies in their live performances. In fact, their infectious big band presence is what has helped land this undiscovered cast of outcasts a spot at the legendary 177,000-person Glastonbury Festival. What caused this lavishly dressed, and unexpectedly modest, ensemble to land regular gigs throughout the UK was their irreverent energy and their unabashed vibe of unpretentious fun.
Escorted to their rehearsal space, Blackberry Wood drummer Amrit ‘Basmati’ leads the way. On route, he introduces himself as an Indian version of Rocky Balboa. After shaking hands, we walked behind the SkyTrain and through the well-manicured back alleys of Yaletown. With watering eyes caused by faux Chinook winds whipping through the nearby False Creek condominiums, the doors fly open, the warm air rushes out, and the interview officially begins.
Ringmaster Kris Mitch foregoes professional handshakes in favour of an introductory hug. Dressed like a craftsman of some antiquated profession – cobbler, milliner, or typesetter, Mitch stands in stark contrast to the brightly lit storefront displays that flank the nondescript door. Down the industrial rabbit hole, past a maze of crudely numbered wooden storage lockers, Mitch heads to a colourfully decorated converted live/work space.
Incidentally, in addition to being Blackberry Wood’s songwriter and front man, Kris was able to score the space for his band by also standing in as the building’s alarm setter.
For the complete interview with Blackberry Wood, check out the printed version of Lucid Media which may be found on the racks and shelves of your local bookstores.
