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Bellflower, fronted by Emilie Pompa, will perform at Medicine Hat JazzFest on June 29 at 10 p.m. at Stir Studio.
cbrown@medicinehatnews.com@MHNBrown
The Netflix show “Stranger Things” isn’t the only place you’ll hear the words “upside down” this summer. At Medicine Hat JazzFest on June 29, Bellflower presents its show and album “Upside Down.” Fewer monsters and death, more music and dancing, probably.
The album won’t be released until September and Medicine Hat will be among the first audiences to hear the songs and see the show created around the album.
Bellflower leader Emilie Pompa can’t wait to get on the road and on stage in Medicine Hat with the show.
“I’ve been writing at home right now for almost a year to prepare this album and just to be able to build the show and have everybody’s input into that has been so exciting,” she said. “To build the show for you guys is super, super exciting. You guys are going to be the first ones to see that show live.”
For Pompa and the rest of the band, “Upside Down” – which Pompa has her fingers crossed they’ll have for sale at the show – is about duality. In short, that there’s no sweet without sour in life. Pompa said she believes life is full of ups and downs and every decision a person makes changes their path, even the scary ones. She said it’s OK to take risks, feel fear and be vulnerable. “Upside Down” is about that critical moment when you have to choose what will happen.
“Either you dwell on this bad feeling or vulnerability at that moment in your life or you can simply turn it around,” she said. “I think that’s what make you stronger and helps you evolve.”
The eight members of the Montreal-based Bellflower are part of an evolving culture of jazz music. Pompa sees the band as little bit jazz, a little bit alternative, and a whole mix of different styles like rock and folk. One classification she has heard and likes is “a pop orchestral cinematic sort of band.”
Whatever you call it, it’s definitely not your father’s or grandfather’s jazz. That’s fine with Pompa, as Bellflower has become something of a bridge between jazz fans and others.
“A lot of people have told us after our shows how it kind of reminded them of the big bands in the old days, the ’60s and ’70s and what they tell us as well is it’s a little more modern,” she said. “It’s a big mix of styles for people who are kind of nostalgic for the old days and also the young who discover a new sound.”
Pompa wants those who come to discover the new sound ready for a party.
“My goal is to reach (the audience) and grab them and kind of bring them on stage with us to have a wonderful time.”
Bellflower is at Stir Studio on June 29 at 10 p.m. Local band 3 West featuring Rhys Parks, Tyler Casat and Abdeil Castillo Guardian will open the show at 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are available online at tixx.ca, by calling 403-502-8777, and in person at the Esplanade box office or the Medicine Hat Mall customer service desk. Full festival passes are also available.
