CANNING

StageIt Chicago, IL

Contact: connect@canningmusic.net

Web: canningmusic.net

Players: Fritz Armstrong, bass, vocals; Tom Miller, drums; Ricky Canning, guitar, vocals

Material: Guitarist Ricky Canning’s name obviously inspired the handle for this modernistic, psychedelic outfit. As such, he’s clearly the group’s mastermind and ultimate decider. Despite this, the contributions from the trio’s remaining two-thirds carry equal heft.

The Hotel Café Hollywood, CA

Contact: Gary Taylor, gary@cmw.net

Web: rebeccasichon.com

Players: Rebecca Sichon, vocals, guitar, piano

Material: Packing out the second stage room at the Hotel Café in Hollywood on a Tuesday night, Rebecca Sichon delivered a fabulous showcase of vocal artistry. With her incredible vocal runs and catchy, melodious hooks, the Vancouver-based artist held the crowd captive with her vocals and seamless guitar and keyboard playing. While the set was a short one, her powerful delivery and presence were undeniably impactful.

Musicianship: Opening number and new release, “Lil Bit of Gasoline,” featured Sichon singing with easy-feeling, catchy vocals as she shared her spicy, honest storytelling and accompanied herself on guitar with fun, syncopated rhythms. Continuing with streaming hit love song, “Together,” she brought along some Adele vibes and vocal inflections, adding gentle vibrato lines and whispered lyrics to create palpable intrigue. Her guitar and keyboard skills were solid and confident, both balancing out her vocals very well.

Performance: Raunchy, torchlight vibrato number, “Stay,” delivered knockout vocal runs and growling accents, and she built restless anticipatory tension with vulnerable lyrics, including “put your emotions on my body.” Sichon rounded out the closing song with a gorgeous vocalizing outro. Between her great use of dynamics to build intrigue

Citing a wide range of influences that includes Phish, Aphex Twin, Black Sabbath, Allman Brothers, Frank Zappa, Tool and Cream, their sound is akin to heavy metal merged with today’s jam band scene set in the ‘60s.

Musicianship: Canning’s members possess considerable style. Watching them plunk away on their instruments remains a pleasure. Neon notes glow with ingenuity and wild abandon. Unfortunately, the group’s songwriting doesn’t rise to the same level as their playing abilities. It’s unlikely that audiences ever leave their shows singing a chorus, even if each and every attendee did, in fact, dance furiously during the set. Also, Ricky Canning’s vocals don’t offer enough heft to serve a meaningful emotional punch.

Performance: Canning excels when performing in front of a crowd. It’s challenging to translate that same electricity over the internet, yet the group did an admirable job compensating for the limits of the medium. Patterned lights swirled across the walls throughout the gig. Miller’s drums were illuminated with shifting colors. Best of all, multiple camera angles allowed viewers a clear perspective on all aspects of their playing. Though they took time to mention social media channels and merch availability, little else was said. They clearly prefer cutting to the chase and jamming out.

Summary: When it comes to virtual shows, presentation is key. In this regard, Canning has a major leg up over its competition. That being said, flash only goes so far. What truly counts is the music. While the band delivers a high-voltage flavor worthy of Mount Olympus, Canning’s material lacks stickiness. Still, the group appears eager to sharpen its voice. They perform online every few weeks and continually release songs on various platforms. In time, their efforts might unearth a unique sonic feel that captures the ears of a forwardthinking tribe. – Andy

Kaufmann