 |
   |
"Fables - Rock of The Irish" reprinted from The Cold Lake Sun Feb 28, 2005 by Dan Brisebois
But pegging down the origins of the country’s love for the genre is a daunting task, even to the band’s guitarist and chief songwriter, Glenn Simmons. “It's hard to diagnose what it is that makes people like a particular style, or piece, of music over another. It's like asking why you like carrots. You just do, or you just don't,” he laughed. “Something innate kicks in, or it doesn't. As for why the east coasters play the Celtic thing more authentically, it's because we're closer to the source,” Simmons commented. “Also, there hasn't been the mix of cultures here that you might see somewhere else ... so it hasn't been watered down.” He added, “Also, the fact that so many communities here remained so isolated from the rest of the world. That has contributed to a lot of people playing instruments, I believe. We've been creating our own entertainment for a long time down here, and still do compared to other sections of the country, probably.” Simmons commented it’s that unique persona of being a Newfoundlander that’s been the basis for the band’s inspiration. “Outside of the fact that Newfoundland has a very strong identifiable culture here that comes out of 500 years of history that includes hardships that can rival pretty much anything that has been written since the beginning of humankind, a chilling, ominous powerful ocean in my front yard, a very strong-willed, colourful and quick witted people, it's not without inspiration for sure.” The Fables have become one of the most decorated east coast bands in Canadian history, winning just about every award that’s available. Reflecting on what’s been the driving force behind the band’s popularity, Simmons remarked, "It's hard to be objective when you're in such a subjective position, but I think we tend to rock a little more. We do go the extra mile trying to make the traditional stuff a little spicier. We have originals that people seem to like a lot. Some of those originals fall somewhat into a style that hasn't been written in a few hundred years. That may be a little unique."
|
COLD LAKE -- People looking for the best party in town on St. Patrick’s Day won’t have to go any further than the Cold Lake Agriplex on March 18. Headlining the “Rock of The Irish Lobster Bash” will be The Fables, at the top of Canada’s Celtic rock heap, and generally considered one of the most entertaining bands currently in Canadian music.