Who: Nine Mile
Where: Garfinkel’s
When: Wednesday, Aug. 31
Those that know Nine Mile to be the birthplace of Bob Marley would likely have some preconceived notions about any band that draws its name from that place.
With a laidback groove incorporating elements of folk, funk, reggae and rock with socially aware lyrics, Toronto duo Nine Mile wears their obvious Marley influence well, without resorting to an attempted imitation of the legend’s inimitable roots reggae sound.
The spare roster can sit at a table for two. Acoustic guitar player Dari also provides the wistful vocals and fellow band member Dave Tolley takes care of percussion, primarily with the swishy-sounding cajon box drum.
Formed in 2001, Nine Mile was born at the right time, riding the wave of popularity around the beach groove sound represented by artists such as Jack Johnson, Ben Harper and Xavier Rudd and the roots rock of Dave Matthews.
Rudd is considered a particularly close friend of the duo, having taken them on tour in the summer of 2004 following the spring release of Nine Mile’s most recent album Close To Touch . Tolley also spent some time in the studio with Rudd earlier this summer, recording for Rudd’s upcoming album.
That connection alone wins Nine Mile instant cred in Whistler – a place that can’t seem to get enough of the golden Rudd and his organic, didj-laced surf sounds.
Co-incidentally, Nine Mile has another connection to Whistler this particular week. Those who take in the outdoor screening of the film Saint Ralph at Lost Lake Park on Friday evening can take note of Dari’s contribution of the song ‘3 Words’ to the soundtrack.
Nine Mile has been through Whistler in the past, playing the Boot and Dusty’s. This time around they’ll be setting up at Garfinkel’s, which hosts the duo on Wednesday, Aug. 31, part of a regular Wednesday live music night the club initiated earlier this summer.
For more information on the show call the club at 604-932-2323.
