Summer 2013 - Country Roads

TELLINGTALESThe Matthews BrothersThe Stanley Cup playoffs had just begun, and likethousands of others around the country, I foundmyself planted in front of a television screen. Asthe game opened, views of Ottawa Senator andMontreal Canadien players started to flood thescreen before me. I stared intently, and quicklymy ears were in tune with a very familiar sound,a sound that was thick on instrumentation coupledwith voices that did not conform to standards butinstead exceeded parameters of any musical genre.“Hungry Heart” by Hastings County’s The MatthewsBrothers quickly invaded the ears and heartsof all those listening.This was not my first time hearing their work,but certainly one that will resonate with me as anexample of the immense talent that this group possesses.A few years ago two young men walkedinto my place of employment, Sam the RecordMan, one sporting a very unique mustache andthe other exuding a cool and calm demeanor. Whowere these young gentlemen? None other than theMatthews Brothers, Cole and Mike.I have often watched them wander throughoutthe store with sincere curiosity; part of a never-endingmission to discover new and exciting sources ofmusical inspiration. Sam the Record Man has beencarrying their albums since the first release, and inmy capacity as store manager, I have watched thegroup develop and find an ever-growing audiencealong the way.In a small cabin in the woods, these two classicallytrained brothers found their place, one thatquickly was brought to life by the impeccable singer-songwriterabilities that these two house withinthemselves. Deeply rooted in the country wherelife was once simple, you are taken back to a timewhen music was equally simplistic. The music isone that finds a sense of style and integrity with theuse of a variety of instruments and sounds.The core of this band is composed of two brothers,backed by a bass, mandolin and drums, withthe occasional banjo or trumpet riff. That alongwith the clever lyrics of the Matthews Brothersmakes you soon realize that this music is completelyraw and unspoiled by the pressures of themodern music scene.Although many different musicians have playedin the group over the years, one thing has remainedconstant: the unique aura that is expressed throughtheir music. Cole and Mike have not allowed theirgrowing fame to alter themselves, and I honestlyfeel that these two young men are embodied byold souls.In the past few years the brothers have released acouple of albums and performed at various tavernsand festivals throughout the province. Their musichas hit the international spotlight with features intelevision, radio and film. The band plans to finishits current recordings and reach a broader audiencevia television and film spotlights, with hopes to takethe show on the road.As for the moment? “It’s all about writing and recording,”says Cole.For more information please check out:www.TheMatthewsBrothers.com,www.facebook.com/The MatthewsBrothers,www.twitter.com/TheMatthewsBrothersTo pick up your copy today please visit:Sam the Record Man, BellevilleiTunes~ Sheena RowneyMary AylwardBy Paul Kirby$18.00Published byKirby BooksAvailable at Ashlie’sBooks, BancroftOn Dec 9, 1862 Richardand Mary Aylward werehanged publicly in downtownBelleville for the murder of their neighbourearlier that year in North Hastings. In ourSpring 2010 issue, with the assistance of notedHastings County historian Gerry Boyce, CountryRoads attended a re-enactment of the trialby the Renaissance Society at Belleville’s St,Theresa’s Catholic School, using actual courttranscripts from 1862. The exercise confirmedinconsistencies that existed and the differencesbetween justice in the mid-19th century comparedto current practices.Bancroft writer Paul Kirby researched the caseof the Aylward murder and execution extensively,resulting in this book.Paudash PoemsBy Kathy Figueroa$19.95Published by BrianWrixon BooksAvailable at Ashlie’sBooks, BancroftHastings County poet,Kathy Figueroa residesnear Paudash Lake, southof Bancroft. Her poetryhas appeared in numerous print and onlinepublications locally, as well as nationally andinternationally.In 2012, she began producing small collectionsof her work. These booklets contain manyof her poems that were first published in the localnewspapers, ‘The Bancroft Times’ and ‘BancroftThis Week.’ Currently, nine different poetrycompilations and one short play are available.Paudash Poems is thoroughly illustrated withwood engravings by Thomas Bewick.Springtime in PaudashBy Kathy FigueroaSpring bath graced the landWith a golden hueWinter’s ice and snow bath given wayTo gentle dewBright flowers unfurl and bees do humAs I roam about in deliriumOh, mighty GodOh, Mother EarthYour creation is esteemed above all worthYou are so infinitely wondrous,Magnificent and wiseBut tell me: Why black flies?Two billion wings doth beat as oneAs a ghastly shadow darkens the sunThe spectre of frogs and locustsFalling from the skiesWould be a reliefCompared to a billion black flies.Bubonic plague infected ratsSwarms of hungry, rabid batsHornets, slugs and buzzing gnatsWon’t suck your blood until you dieLike the flying piranha knownAs, “Black Fly.”Oh, woe to you, foolish mortalWho would venture throughAn open portalTo mow the lawnOr walk the dog‘Tis better, right now, to be a frog. •26 I Country Roads • Summer 2013