Indie-pop and roots "might be the starting point for The Hearts, but only in an allusive way, almost as if they decided to reconstruct the genre after hearing about it rather than actually hearing it" (Edmonton Journal). Jeff Stuart and The Hearts are six strong willed yet supportive musicians; that rare breed of players, instinctively bowing to the needs of the songs over their own egos, and letting camaraderie and musical inquisitiveness direct their music down a distinctive and memorable path.
There is no doubt that this highly anticipated record, Equal Parts Reason and Moonlight has big shoes to fill in the wake of The Hearts' 2009 debut, Black Dogs Blue Giants, which received significant national acclaim and was credited for “upping the ante for independent Canadian music” (CBC Radio). Although it opened doors to many unique opportunities and helped the band become established, there is no doubt that it was just the beginning.
Equal Parts Reason and Moonlight is a moody rollercoaster ride that tells a very intriguing musical story from start to finish - a story that has never been told quite like this before. These nine remarkable tracks truly become an ‘album’, that is an imaginative, expressive, and vivid portrayal of Jeff Stuart and The Hearts' infectious melodies, charming vocals, and standout arrangements and musicianship. Equal Parts Reason and Moonlight is sure to leave a legacy, but mostly it will leave you wanting more, more, more!
Also revered as a top live act, Jeff Stuart and The Hearts (Gavin Dunn, Dwayne Martineau, Christopher Quesnel, Michelle Sabourin, and Tim Resaul) bring a sophisticated yet subtly arranged company of sounds and vocals well beyond a simple restatement of their recordings. They have performed alongside a legion of distinguished artists including Jakob Dylan, Calexico, Van Morrison, John Prine, Levon Helm, Sarah Harmer, and many others. Jeff Stuart and The Hearts are a bright light in the firmament of Canadian music.
"It's elegant, sophisticated, daring, and brilliantly creative, but more than anything, just as the band's name suggests, this music is indeed from the heart." -CKUA Radio Network