About
Noises from the Toolshed
since circa 2003
Stephen Franke & Noises From the Toolshed are poised to be Canadas next break-out electric progressive jazz project. From Victoria BC, these west coast musicians are creating a large buzz, playing a blend of gypsy jazz, hard bop, and New Orleans zydeco/funk with occasional politically charged lyrics.Driven forward by virtuosic instrumental performance, lush soundscapes interspersed with intelligent vocals, and infectious grooves and hooks, and after over 150 shows in 2.5 years, the band has built a dedicated and sometimes frenzied fan base, including an email list that tops 2000 people. Their energetic live shows have earned standing ovations throughout numerous national tours while sharing stages with John Scofield, Antibalas, Jim Byrnes, Zubot and Dawson, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jackie Washington, Little Feat, Ritchie Havens and Spearhead.
Well received by audiences, SF & NFTT have also been called upon by promoters as an on-demand staple on the club and festival circuit, repeatedly packing rooms and performing at some of Canadas largest festivals including Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver Jazz festivals, Victoria ICA Folkfest, Islands Folkfest, Sudburys Northern Lights Festival, Evolve Festival, Seattles Northwest Folklife festival, Western Canada Music Awards, CMW 2005 and the National Campus Radio Conference (2004).
Their debut album Songs for a Platinum Blonde Diner Waitress, currently on its second pressing and exceeding sales of 1700 copies, was nominated for Outstanding Instrumental Recording (WCMA 2004) and has been a media favorite, garnering glowing revues, spending months on college radio charts and receiving support and programming from CBC radio.
Beyond categorya thoroughly entertaining collection of original material that brings together elements of Latin, Cuban and Gypsy jazz with some off-the-wall songwriting. Edmonton Journal
Fans of Django Reinhardt-inspired swinging guitar work will undoubtedly groove to this freshman release by longtime player Stephen Franke A jangly, jazzy collection of eight bouncy tracks, [Songs for a Platinum Blonde Diner Waitress] features strong melodies uncluttered by too many vocals and plenty of room to musically move Monday Magazine, Victoria BC
Dont worry. These days, hearing Noises from the Toolshed is a good thing. See Magazine, Edmonton AB
The latest CD from [guitarist] Franke, puts him at the center of a musical maelstrom that is both enriching and utterly nutty. Victoria Times-Colonist
[Songs for a Platinum Blonde Diner Waitress] dances along as though the band is pleased with itself and delighting in its own unpredictability and esoteric taste. Frankes easygoing mannerimpresses as a lightness of touch and an unfussy perspective. The Province, Vancouver BC
Songs for a Platinum Blonde Diner Waitress [has] no skronking sax solos, dissonant blasts or excoriating wank-jams. Rather, a trove of aural pleasures for P.Funk and NAwlins funk junkies, Brazilian baiaoists and gypsy-jazzsters. The Coast, Halifax NS
In 2006 SF & NFTT will return to the studio to lay down tracks for their second recording. With a solid team in place and consistent industry support, Stephen Franke & Noises from the Toolshed are poised to become one of Canadas leading international touring acts.
Career Highlights:
Distribution in Canada: Warner Bros
Showcase at CMW 2005 (March 05)
25 min special on CBCs Fresh Air (March 05)
Showcase and nomination for Outstanding Instrumental Recording at Western Canada Music Awards (Oct 04)
Showcase at Nation Campus Radio Conference (July 04)
Release of debut album Songs for a Platinum Blonde Diner Waitress, 1700 copies sold, spends three months on college charts, peaking at ..8 on college jazz charts, substantial continued CBC airplay.
Tours:
4 national tours, including 3 runs of the Maritimes and 5 runs of western Canada.
Sold out performances in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and more.
Festival Performances:
Bonfire Festival - Sunshine Coast, BC (August 06)
North Country Fair - Edmonton (June 06)
Northwest Folklife Festival - Seattle (May 06)
Canada Music Week 2006 - Toronto (March 06)
Western Canada Music Awards 2005 (October 05)
Cumberland Village Works Music Festival (September 05)
Evolve Festival - Antigonish, Nova Scotia (August 05)
Islands Folk Festival - Vancouver Island (July 05)
Victoria ICA Folkfest (July 05)
Bonfire Festival - BC's Sunshine Coast (June 05)
Northwest Folklife Festival - Seattle (May 05)
Canada Music Week 2005 - Toronto (March 05)
Western Canada Music Awards 2004 - Calgary (October 04)
Evolve Festival - Antigonish, Nova Scotia (Aug 04)
Northern Lights Folk Festival - Sudbury (July 04)
Come Together Music Festival (July 04)
National Campus Radio Conference (July 04)
Vancouver Jazz Festival (June 04)
Edmonton Jazz Festival (June 03)
Calgary Jazz Festival (June 03)
Broken Up
Past Members
