“Backwater Township II” is an exploration of the spirit and sound. June 2022, Backwater Township set out to challenge themselves creating music that is vivacious with energy (Amalgat), experimental timbres blending vocals & horns with a natural chorus (Gesalul), and storytelling (Going Out West, Where The River Widens). Backwater Townships new album sets out to challenge the traditional stylistics of this genre and does so in a musically pleasant way. Enjoy the album and listen with an open mind and open heart.

Composed by Corey Thomas Arranged by Backwater Township 
Emily Reuangrith: Voice (Gesalul) 
Corey Thomas: Bass
Gabi Tome: Electric Guitar
Christina Beaudry-Cardenas: Percussion 
Thomas Daudlin: Tenor Sax
Jeremy Sandfelder: Alto Sax
Recorded at Alchemist Studios, Montreal; 
Engineer: Stratsimir Dimitrov,
Assistant Engineer: Charles Coutu.

Going Out West

Gesalul (Love)

Amalgat (Dance)

The Beginning

Billionaires in Space

Dive into the rhythmic fusion of cultures with Backwater Townships' latest single! Our rendition of Redbone's "Come And Get Your Love" pays homage to the indigenous band's iconic sound. Infused with our own unique twist, blending soulful melodies with the rich tapestry of indigenous classic rock. 

Experience the magic as we breathe new life into this classic, Join us on this musical journey, where tradition meets contemporary resonance.

#Newmusic #Jazz #BackwaterTownships #ComeAndGetYourLove #Indigenousmusic

Come And Get Your Love (Redbone Cover)

SCRUM

Butt Jazz

Butt Jazz Master

Uncle Bob

Gesalul is a Mi’gmaq word meaning love. It’s about the beautiful, passionate, fulfilling, but also ugly and heartbreaking experience one goes through when they truly love something/someone. Backwater Township creates a sound that is a cross between spiritual and secular music. I hope you enjoy our song. Wela’lin (Thank you)

Gesalul (Live)

Featuring Aidan Thorne of Vocals, this piece is an original composition from Jim Pepper, a prolific Kaw-Muscogee Native American jazz saxophonist/singer. Aidan Thorne captures the raw energy of Peppers peyote song and delivers a unique performance to the listener. 

Band
Alto Sax: Julia Warren 
Ten Sax: Daniel Rom 
Guitar: Olivier Turner
Bass: Corey Thomas
Drums: Vitta Morales

This performance was an excerpt from Jazz Nations. An event to promote the music of First Nations people in the Jazz music genre.

Witchi Tai To Ft. Aidan Thorne

Backwater Township is a jazz quartet led by Corey Thomas, a talented Mi'gmaq bassist, composer, arranger, and songwriter. Established in 2018, the band was born out of a desire to challenge the elitism and gatekeeping often associated with jazz music. Rather than just a band, Backwater Township is a collective of misfits and outliers determined to carve out their space in the jazz scene.


Their unique sound features a blend of original compositions and arrangements of music by former Indigenous jazz musicians, all crafted with a deep respect for the music's cultural roots. Backwater Township recorded their first self-titled EP in 2018, and followed up with their newest album, Backwater Township II, released in November 2022.


Their captivating performances have graced the stages of several festivals, including Festival Présence Autochtone (2019, 2020, 2022), Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (2019), Sunset on Somerled (2019), and Festival Jazz et Blues de Saguenay (2023). Band leader Corey Thomas' impressive musicianship earned him a nomination for the Oliver Jones Award in 2019.


Backwater Township's music has been featured on major CBC Radio shows, such as Minotan and the Saturday Night Jazz show, and has been included in prominent Spotify curated playlists, like Fresh Finds Jazz and The Jazz Collection.


With their sights set on their follow-up album, Backwater Township continues to delight audiences with their vibrant, lively performances, honing their skills to deliver not only great music but also a memorable experience.

Backwater Township

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