Limited Edition – Boulevard Live From Gastown – Captured live on February 27th, 2015 at Vancouver’s legendary Warehouse Studio.
I never got into this band until October 2014 in Nottingham, England and 25 years since the break-up, Boulevard from Canada hits the stage. The crowd seemed to really enjoy their performance and I know I sure did. I only remembered a couple of songs from this band from way back in 1988. I am sure glad I got the chance to see them live at Firefest.
Boulevard (Originally called BLVD) was formed in 1983 in Calgary by Mark Holden (Saxophone). Followed up by Andrew Johns Keyboards in 1984. Finally, 1988 saw a record deal with MCA Records who put out BLVD. David Forbes then joined the band on lead vocals. Randall Stoll on drums joined in 1990 and BLVD recorded their 2nd album, Into The Street. Fast forward to 2014, Boulevard was joined by Dave Corman on guitar and Cory Curtis on bass.
A year after that Firefest Festival, Boulevard decided to put out a unique live DVD. After impressing me at Firefest in Nottingham, I decided I wanted to support the band and make the purchase of this new DVD. 12 tracks including not one, but two brand new songs; “Confirmation”, and “Good Enough”, which should be on their new studio album. Since Firefest, I have gotten to know the music of Boulevard.
This is a unique live performance since it is recorded live in the Vancouver studio with a very small audience of what looks like close friends and family. Everyone in the audience is wearing headphones to hear the band, along with the band as they perform for them.
The recording is sharp and the sound is spot on. It has more of a soft rock, jazz feeling due to saxophonist Mark Holden. All the songs flow nicely and with the interaction with the crowd it gives a real personal feeling. Sit back, turn it up, and relax to the sound of Boulevard. Highlights for me would be the single “Never Give Up” and “Rainy Day In London”. David speaks here about playing “Rainy Day In London” which brought me back to the time hearing it live at Firefest.
Shawn “Animalize” Irwin
Buy this limited edition before it sells out at these sites:
