By James Rose
Special to the Pioneer
The Raven & The Fox, an acoustic duo based out of Canmore, will be performing at Saftas on Sunday January 24th at 6 p.m. and at the Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery on Monday January 25th.
The duo can best be described as a love-inspired folk-pop act. Julie Changs smooth, sultry vocals over Sean Isaacs moody acoustic riffs offer outstanding melodies paired with passionate lyrics.
Hailing from Canmore, the energy of the Rocky Mountain towns alpine environment and mountain lifestyle can be felt in the quality of their songs. The duo plans to play two sets of both covers and original music. We really enjoy the process of song writing but also love covering our favourite artists and influences as well, said Mr. Isaac.
The back-to-back performances will be their first time performing in the Columbia Valley. As a band, we have only been together about a year. We play regularly around Canmore and Banff, and did our first major tour this past fall where we played all through B.C. as well as Calgary, Jasper and New Brunswick, commented Mr. Isaac.
The Raven & The Fox play fairly mellow music, perfect for smaller more intimate venues such Saftas and the Horsethief. We are excited to play these venues and it is always exciting to play our music for new audiences, said Mr. Isaac.
Despite this being their first year as writing and touring musicians, Mr. Isaac and Ms. Chang already have had the privilege of performing at the prestigious Canmore Folk Music Festival, the Calgary Folk Festival Songwriting Competition and the inaugural Bighorn Sound Symposium.
When not playing music, the pair certainly keep busy. Ms. Chang teaches piano and recently completed school to be an herbal practitioner. Mr. Isaacs day job is as an ACMG Alpine Guide. I guide and instruct climbing rock, ice and mountains, said Mr. Isaac. And before becoming a fully certified guide, Mr. Isaac was a professional sponsored climber. Climbing has been a huge influence on my life, so huge in fact that I didnt touch my guitar for years (over a decade) since the climbing lifestyle became monomaniacal and all encompassing.
But as Mr. Isaac grew older, he managed to find a better balance in life. Music is a big part of that balance. It has been a creative outlet to compliment my other active, outdoor side. Mr. Isaac added, even though climbing might sometimes appear intense or maybe even aggressive, it is in fact very calming, centreing and meditative, which I do believe is reflective of our music.
Mountain imagery, he said, can be found laced throughout our lyrics.
Given the recency of their experience playing together in front of an audience, the duo shares simple goals for their musical endeavours. Our goal is simply to be creative, share our passion for music and love, and have fun doing it, said Mr. Isaac.
Both shows have no cover charge. For more information and to listen to one of their recordings, check out the duos Facebook page.
