Creeping out of Vancouver鈥檚 woodwork is the nostalgic sound of the Staggers and Jaggs. The six-person ensemble sells themselves as a curious concoction of characters, dabbling with blues, jazz and punk rock while being inspired by sounds from prohibition-era parties.
Through playful melodies and hypnotic rhythms, the band shares stories of love, loss and madness, said lead singer Sabrina Robson.
鈥淲e鈥檙e a big mix of influences,鈥� Robson said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely something you鈥檝e got to experience first hand to understand, but people usually land up on the dance floor having a good time.鈥�
During the past year the band has kept busy recording new tracks and music videos. By the end of the month they expect to drop their first self-titled EP.
To support its recent labours, the band will be hitting the highway for a summer tour throughout British Columbia and Alberta, including a performance June 16 at the Olive Bistro and Lounge.
鈥淚t鈥檚 our first show in Jasper as a band so we鈥檙e excited to bring this new sound to town,鈥� Robson said. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 going to be great.鈥�
While Staggers and Jaggs has only been together for a couple of years, Robson said the band鈥檚 members are no strangers to the stage鈥攃ollectively they have toured all across Canada playing hundreds of gigs.
鈥淲e鈥檝e all been a part of other bands and projects so this band brings in all our past influences,鈥� Robson said. 鈥淲e have one main songwriter but then everyone does their part to help develop and build the songs.
鈥淲ith everyone鈥檚 collaboration we usually come out with something pretty awesome.鈥�
To provide that old-time swinging sound, the band wails on the stand-up bass, viola, guitar, keys and drums.
For the Jasper show, Robson said due to scheduling conflicts, the band will have to go on without their drummer鈥攃reating a more stripped down sound.
鈥淭he set is sort of a journey. It鈥檚 a good mix of more relaxed and darker sounding tunes, but also a healthy portion of upbeat dancing songs that will get your toes tapping,鈥� Robson. 鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely a fun environment and we鈥檙e all pretty crazy characters, so if anything we鈥檙e entertaining to watch.鈥�
The band鈥檚 show starts at 9 p.m. at the Olive Bistro and Lounge. Advance tickets are $10 and $15 at the door. To buy tickets or to make a reservation call 780-852-5222.
Kayla Byrne [email protected]
