Bent River Records Official Launch Party!

It’s finally here! After months of planning and preparation, we are thrilled to announce the official launch of Bent River Records. While we already have three artists on our roster who have released albums with us, we have yet to formally celebrate our conception. On April 6, 2017, we are proud to present Kent Sangster’s Obsessions Octet (Edmonton), Mallory Chipman (Edmonton), and Acid Bunny (Montreal) in a showcase of their innovative and original music on the John L. Haar stage. This concert will also act as a farewell to MacEwan University’s beloved Centre for the Arts and Communications campus as we prepare to move downtown to our new home. Now to introduce you to our artists!

Kent Sangster’s Obsessions Octet is an award-winning ensemble that incorporates elements of jazz, classical, and tango music styles. They have toured extensively through Canada and Europe and their latest release, Steppin’ Up, was released on Bent River Records on November 1, 2016. 

Mallory Chipman fuses the improvisational nature of jazz with the honest lyricism of folk and grittiness of rock and roll. She has performed internationally; showcasing her original music to sold out crowds. Her latest release, Nocturnalize, was released on Bent River Records on November 20, 2016.

Acid Bunny is a trio comprised of prodigious musicians, Jean-Nicolas Trottier (trombone, band leader), Remi-Jean LeBlanc (bass), and Richard Irwin (drums). Their music is a combination of rock, jazz, and electronic influences. This launch is also the official release of their upcoming album, High School Fantasy.

Bent River Records representatives will be selling our artists’ albums at the release concert, along with snazzy, new Bent River Records t-shirts. We’ll even be giving away stickers perfect for your laptop, phone, or bumper. So, what are you waiting for? Join us for a night of great music, hip swag, and booze! Yes, it’s licensed! Oh, and did we mention… IT’S FREE! 

Bent River Records Fall Preview 2016

Why hello there! Allow us to introduce ourselves. We are Bent River Records: Canada’s newest university record label. And what does that mean, you ask? It means we are a dedicated artist incubator and student learning lab, bringing you the best in Canadian music. Even though we are new on the scene, we are proud to announce our two upcoming releases happening next month here in YEG. 

On November 1 at the ever-classy Bellamy’s Lounge in the Chateau Lacombe, Kent Sangster’s Obsessions Octet will be celebrating their third album release with a listening party and performance by the Obsessions Quartet. This album, Steppin’ Up, marks the first album in the Bent River Records catalogue. We are so excited to connect with our community at this FREE event. Just a tip – arrive early! This venue fills up quickly, and with a band as hot as the Obsessions Octet, we are sure it will sell out.

On November 20 at Canada’s longest running jazz club, the Yardbird Suite, Bent River Records is proud to support Mallory Chipman with the release of her debut album and the second album in our catalogue, Nocturnalize. Come on out to enjoy Mallory’s contemporary jazz sounds while sipping on a glass of wine and enjoying the Yardbird Suite’s signature popcorn. Yum! Tickets are $24 or $20 for Edmonton Jazz Society members and can be purchased in advance on tixonthesquare.ca. 

That’s all for now! Stay tuned for more posts coming your way!