Released 2008!

Faith and Cola are not two words you often see in the same sentence. Faith is often considered a balm for the spirit and Cola an elixir for the body, the two put together, result in a raucous, rejuvenating potion. The Sisters Euclid new CD, Faith Cola dispenses this brew in sonic form, with equal amounts of their legendary group interplay and added ingredients namely, guests like Jane Bunnett, Cellist Matt Brubeck, Sax players Perry White and Alex Dean, accordionist Dennis Keldie, singer Julie Crochetiere and soundscapist Nic Murray.

Recorded over two days, Canterbury Sound Studios in downtown Toronto served as the plant for distilling performance and collaboration into a sound that captures the essence of both.
The CDs opening track, Faith Cola stakes its claim with an anthemic slide guitar intro and muscular groove calling upon invisible legions to raise their fists, not in anger or protest, but for the sake of hope.
In fact hope is the common theme throughout the recording, the cover of Charlie Parker's Donna Lee (as a waltz) featuring the evocative voice and narrative of Julie Crochetiere and Jason Jackson. It casts the listener as audience in an intimate play of a lovers' spat that ends in delicious reconciliation somewhere on the rive gauche. Sunday Best delivers like an inner city church sermon, equal parts fiery grit and elegance.

Faith Cola is the Sisters Euclid subversive prescription against the safe, tried and true.

*To be taken without warning and in large doses.

K e v i n B r e i t / Guitars

Kevin lists recordings and performances with the likes of Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, Susana Baca, Bill Frisell, k.d. lang, Cassandra Wilson, Holly Cole, Jeb Loy Nichols, and Dal Bello, among the varied artists that seek his innovative guitar style. Along with ace Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista, the two are currently signed to the prestigious Blue Note label as Supergenerous . Their debut album garnered critical acclaim internationally. Kevin's tremendous prowess on all things stringed, combined with his knowledge of harmony, give him a unique compositional voice. In 2004, he was honoured with the prestigious ‘Musician of the Year' Award from the Toronto Musician's Union . With the Sisters Euclid, he has recorded six CDs, and maintains a weekly residency at the Orbit Room, one of Toronto Canada 's most prestigious jazz clubs.

I a n d e S o u z a / Bass

Born in Kampala , Uganda Ian has recorded and performed live in almost every musical idiom. His understanding of his instrument informed by the music of Africa with an equal dose of New York City , and over 20 years of experience, makes Ian one of the most sought after bassists in Canada . Besides his 15-year association with Kevin Breit , Ian has worked with Jesse Cook, Melanie Doane, The Toronto Tabla Ensemble, African singers Jean-Christophe Matata and Ali Birra, Jamaican Jazz mainstays, steel-pan player Robbie Greenwich and Guitarist Maurice Gordon. Most recently he has added his compositional and production skills to LAL, in urban electronic music and jazz sprawl singer, Rita di Ghent

R o b G u s e v s / Organ

Rob's mastery of the Hammond B3 Organ has led to his sharing the stage and recording session with Bruce Cockburn, Tom Scott, Martha Reeves, Long John Baldry, Manteca and many others. His knowledge of the B3 has given him mentor status for many younger players, who shortlist Rob's performance on the 2B3 recordings (along with Little Feat's Bill Payne and Ritchie Hayward) as one the exponents of the instrument. An accomplished piano player, his montunos were the driving force behind Toronto 's legendary Salsa/Cumbia outfit Memo Azavedos' Banda Brava.

 

G a r y T a y l o r / Drums

Gary 's experience as a producer and composer has influenced his unique approach to the drum kit. With strong ties to roots music, his playing has graced the recordings and performances of The Downchild Blues Band, Jani Lauzon and Mondo Combo (among others). He has tempered his many influences with a fierce dedication to improvised music, which has led him to start his own record label - Juggling Reality . As producer on over 8 projects on the roster, Gary is a much sought after drummer. He has performed and recorded in all the Sisters Euclid projects since their inception in 1996.