World Band to Launch CD at Last Show
By John Redmond
Contributing Writer
For many fans of the runner-up in the Stompers Battle of the Bands, Saint John the Gambler, Saturday’s CD launch is the last chance to see this multi-national band perform in Korea before it embarks on a variety of other projects.
Saturday’s CD launch party at DGBD in Hongdae starts at 11 p.m. and features support acts Taxaderby Choo Choo, The Pines and a traditional Russian band.
According to an earlier online review, the band’s new album, ``Trains for the Sea,’’ `` has the raw energy of the live shows with a more avant garde feel. There are a couple of real surprises that even the biggest fans won’t expect. There are 13 people featured on the album bringing in horn and string sections along with the Saint John standard of vocals, guitars, accordion and a pulsating rhythm section.’’
Saint John the Gambler is a collective of musicians who have been playing in Seoul for two-and-a-half years. Fronted by Irish singer-songwriter Mark Baker, the band has seen several member changes.
Original members Sasha Sheykin from Russia on accordion and Canadian Marc Proulx on electric guitar will play the final Saint John the Gambler show with long-term Contra-Bassist Garan Fitzgerald from New York and Brad Wheeler from Canada on Drums.
Many of the guests on the album will appear on stage at DGBD, providing a huge array of sounds and talent.
Having performed outstandingly in the Stompers Battle of The Bands, Sasha and Mark Baker won the Rocky Mountain Tavern Acoustic Showdown.
``We have played the Itaewon festival, Flow Fest, two years of the St. Patrick's Day Parades and we have also been at the Hard Rock Cafe, too,’’ Baker said
``I’ve been in Korea three years and quite frankly the only reason I stayed so long was because I loved playing with this band so much. But all good things come to an end and it’s time for me to go,’’ Baker lamented.
Tickets for the release party cost 10,000 won and include one free drink.
To get to Club DGDB, leave Sangsu station, line 6, exit 1 or Hongik University, line 2, exit 8.