https://nowtoronto.com/music/features/ensign-broderick-jason-sniderman-f...

Jason Sniderman started dreaming of rock stardom when he was eight and invented his musical alter ego, Ensign Broderick, when he was 12. Now, 47 years later, he’s finally ready to release his debut record.

Feast Of Panthers (out March 9 on Six Shooter) combines recently written material with songs Sniderman wrote over four decades ago but which haven’t seen the light of day until now.

Seated in a booth at a Vietnamese restaurant on Dundas West, Sniderman explains the origin story of his new wave persona. 

“It’s conceived and cultivated with a certain amount of innocence,” he says

Even the name bears the imprint of youth: “It just was a cooler-sounding name [than my own],” he smiles. “Ensign” rhymed with “Jensen,” the manufacturer of his favourite car.

There are a few contributing factors for the decades-long chasm between writing and releasing the music. One, he says, was that, when he played it for his friends in the 70s, reception was lukewarm at best. “Some of this music was just too weird for people back then.” 

The muted response was discouraging. “Dealing with indifference or negative responses for a long time, you build up some scar tissue,” he says. “That scar tissue isn’t easily worn away.”

http://www.theobserver.ca/2017/11/12/musician-and-her-band-performing-no...

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Musicians in the band playing with Gryner that evening were among those involved in her upcoming album, Only of Earth.

The concept album is the first of a trilogy and based on an original sci-fi story, a style Gryner said she long been interested in.

“It stems back from long boring days in Camlachie, just looking at the space atlas,” she said.

Years later, Gryner began working with now retired Sarnia astronaut Chris Hadfield on musical projects, plus she said there has long been a connection between space and classic rock.

“I really wanted to explore this on this album,” she said.

The story is “semi-autobiographical” but the personal details are disguised in the characters and situations.

“I feel like when you come up with a story in sci-fi or fantasy, it gives you the licence to really be bizarre,” she said.

The project is a new approach for Gryner who has had a long career as a solo artist, recently as a founding member of the folk trio Trent Severn, and work she has done with other artists, including touring years ago as a member of the late David Bowie’s band.

“When Bowie passed away, I felt very compelled to look at why we do anything,” she said.

“It made you think about art and music, and his bravery and curiosity.”

Gryner said the new project also came out of the experience of becoming a mom.

Art's Toronto band includes Chris Wardman (guitar) and Jason Sniderman (keyboards), John Dinsmore (bass) and Sammy Kohn (drums).

ART BERGMAN performs 'THE APOSTATE'
Saturday, June 25, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
The Casbah
Hamilton, ON
'THE APOSTATE' - Official Album Release Show at The Casbah in Hamilton ON
Tickets $40 (DINNER & CONCERT) online: The Casbah

Tickets $15 (CONCERT ONLY) online: The Casbah
Tickets $15 (CONCERT ONLY) retailers: Dr. Disc, Strathcona, Dundurn Market, and Picks And Sticks Music

ART BERGMAN performs 'THE APOSTATE'
Friday, June 24, 2016 at 9:00 PM (doors 9:00 PM; 19+ event)
Call the Office London, ON
'THE APOSTATE' - Official Album Release Show at Call The Office in London ON
Tickets $10 - $12 online: Call the Office

ART BERGMANN plus special guests Ron Hawkins and the Do Good Assassins, and Luxury Bob
Thursday, June 23, 2016 (doors 8:30 PM; 19+ event)
The Horseshoe Tavern Toronto, ON
'THE APOSTATE' - Official Album Release Show at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto ON!!
Tickets $15 online: Ticketfly Ticket retailers: Rotate This and Soundscapes

Art Bergmann performs at The Wavelength Festival
Feb 13, 2015 Toronto
Chris Wardman: Guitar
Glenn Milchem: Drums
John Dinsmore: Bass
Jason Sniderman: Keys

I was very happy to be in the house band for this, backing up Molly Johnson, Tom Wilson, Madison Violet, Josh & Andy (Skydiggers), Kevin Kane (Grapes of Wrath), Royal Wood, Steven Page, Chris Tait (Chalk Circle), and Scarlett Jane.

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