The Sadies showcase vocals on new album, ‘New Seasons’

The Canadian band is returning to Youngstown
for a show at Cedars.

By JOHN BENSON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

To say The Sadies are oozing confidence is probably an overstatement, but something is going on with the Canadian act on its latest album, “New Seasons.”

Known in the underground indie rock circle for its psychedelic country rock, surf, bluegrass and instrumental sounds, the band has unexpectedly turned on its vocal microphones for “New Seasons,” which was produced by The Jayhawks’ Gary Louris.

“We figured having just made a soundtrack record [‘Tales of the Rat Fink’] of entirely instrumental music, we were kind of satisfied in that end,” said singer-guitarist Dallas Good, calling from Toronto, Canada. “I have been writing a lot more lyrics in general.

“So the way the songwriting has matured or evolved, or however you want to look at it, we just thought it was appropriate with Gary, who obviously is melodic and harmonic and harmonious and so forth. It seemed like a good merger.”

Notable new tracks include country rocker “Last Inquisition,” the twang-y “The Trial” and The Byrds-esque “Sunset to Dawn.” Plus, the entire album finds Good and his brother Travis singing more than ever.

“Whereas in the past it was a lot more solo vocals, this one I think pretty much every song my brother [Travis] and I sing together,” Good said. “So it was a different approach.”

Formed by the Goods in the mid-’90s, the band made its debut in 1998 with “Precious Moments.” At first the outfit was firmly under the mainstream radar. It wasn’t until the band backed popular singer/songwriter Neko Case on an American tour a few years ago that The Sadies received some notice.

Other backing band tours included stints with Robyn Hitchcock and Ronnie Hawkins. Actually, Good said he thinks The Sadies are still Ronnie Hawkins’ backing band The Hawks, but he laughs when mentioning he’s waiting for a phone call to confirm this fact.

Whatever brief spotlight of attention it has received from outside of its circle, the band never made the leap into a larger stratosphere.

“Our instrumentation pretty much defines what our sound on stage is going to be,” Good said. “From there, it’s just a matter of taste and talent. We use an upright bass, drum kit, Gretsch and Telecaster guitars and sometimes a fiddle. And my brother and I sing, and with that as the formula, we can’t stray far.”

The Sadies’ latest touring cycle brings the act back to Youngstown for a Sunday show at Cedars Lounge. Even though the outfit has been around for over a decade, Good said the band knows its place in the club scene. However, that doesn’t mean The Sadies aren’t looking for more fans.

“I think that The Sadies are trying to cater to an audience that is looking for a backdrop to their drinking, dancing, carrying on and having a good time,” Good said. “I think we do our best to provide that atmosphere and hopefully there’s something there for everybody, but we pride ourselves on our live show. So by all means come down and judge for yourself.”

One person has been solely responsible for The Sadies’ growing fan base in Youngstown: local musician Joe Shelby.

“A buddy of ours named Joe Shelby has championed us for a long time and brought us to Youngstown over the years,” Good said. “He plays in Bob’s Country Bunker, and well before they were a band, he was hell-bent on bringing us there.

“So we went through there once a long time ago, and every time since it’s been on Shelby’s coattails.”

Not surprisingly, there’s plenty of mutual admiration from Shelby. Bob’s Country Bunker is slated to open the upcoming Cedars Lounge show. 

“Not only has it been a privilege to call these guys my friends, it's an honor every time they come to Youngstown,” said singer-guitarist Shelby. “The Sadies, in my opinion, are one of the greatest bands of our time. They encompass everything that I love about music: genre bending, immense skill in playing their instruments and the interest in expanding their musical direction anyway they please.

“No matter what [people’s] musical references are, I think everybody enjoys sheer talent.”