Mike Plum Band

June this year was more than exciting for a local band just now "discovered" south of the 49th parallel. Edmonton's own The Mike Plume Band is "pumped" about having just signed a deal with the same Nashville-based company that has guided the career of Emmylou Harris for years. And this news was announced only a week after the Alberta Recording Industries Association gave the band five awards, including song and music video of the year for Rattle the Cage, and also pop/light rock artist of the year. The band isn't in a rush to cut its style in stone. Says Plume, "When we get to the point when a big label says, 'What are you guys going to be?,' then we'll have to make a choice." In the meantime, Plume likes the idea that the band has something for everyone. In live performances, whether it's lock-down rhythm or acoustic songs you want, it's there. Plume's recordings show the same variety with a vengeance. The band's newest album, Song & Dance, Man, is a bit gritty and on the rock side, while the previous album, Simplify, recorded in one afternoon, is acoustic. But that's not all. In 1996, there was Jump Back Kerouac, described as a stripped-down rock and roll album inspired by asphalt, and, in 1993, Songs From a Northern Town, was a study in isolation which Plume put together after his mother died. Plume lists among his major influences John Hiatt, John Prine, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, The Wallflowers, author Jack Kerouac, the movie The Last Picture Show (from the Larry McMurtry novel) and the Alberta town of Bonnyville. Wouldn't you know it-the rest of the guys in the band also spent time in Bonnyville! They are drummer Ernie Basiliadis, bassist Derek Mazurek and lead guitarist Dave Klym.

  -- AK Mike Plume Band