Here's an album that, in a good way, sounds like it was recorded in Nashville in the early '70s. Whereas most current roots songstresses mix folk and rock into their country-inflected sound, Howran's style is hardcore honkytonk. The debut release from the Peterborough, ON-raised, Toronto-based Howran is also the first offering from new label Cameron House. It's an auspicious beginning for both. Roots music guru David Baxter produced, engineered and played lead guitar in typically tasteful fashion, while notable players/singers featured include pedal steel guitarist Burke Carroll, Devin Cuddy, Jadea Kelly and Arif Mirabdolbaghi (Protest the Hero). Howran wrote seven of the 12 cuts, ranging from the frivolous ("Rock Bass") to the intense ("The Al-Anon Prayer"). Jack Marks channels Steve Earle on his "I Need Ya Blues" and the spirited duet with Howran is a highlight, as is a sizzling cover of "These Memories Of You." A haunting take on Kasey Chambers' "Pony" does that gem justice. Howran's strong, confident voice evokes Loretta and Tammy, and she sure hits the target with Pistol.
-exclaim magazine
Firing a pistol is one of those things that might seem simple, but comes with a host of complex emotions. Its equal parts energy, skill, and responsibility, all culminating in a whirlwind of catharsis. All of these important elements come together like whiskey and water in a perfect union to comprise Kayla Howran’s debut album “PISTOL” released on Cameron House Records Febuary 3rd, 2012. This marks not only her debut release but also the debut release of Cameron House Records first full length album.
The rock solid sound of Kayla’s Fellas is forged not only out of whiskey and heartache, but a strong musical pedigree that includes the guidance of Toronto music staple David Baxter, who produced, engineered, and played lead guitar on “PISTOL.” Baxter has shared the stage with a number of artists including David Wilcox, Justin Rutledge, and Lori Yates. He has produced the likes of Justin Rutledge, Treasa Levasseur, Catherine MacLellan, Jadea Kelly, Jack Marks, Lynne Hanson, Lori Yates, Corin Raymond, Daniel Sky, and Bob Snider. Other notables featured on the album include: Burke Carroll: pedal steel (The Brothers Cosmoline, Justin Rutledge), Devin Cuddy: piano, Arif Mirabdolbaghi: bass (Protest the Hero), Pat Phillips: drums, Sara Fitzpatrick: fiddle, Jamie Oliver: vocals (Big Tobacco and the Pickers), and Jadea Kelly: vocals.
With a country sensibility that harkens back to the wonderfully idealized days of outlaw country sweethearts such as Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker, George Jones, and Tammy Wynette, Kayla’s Honky Tonk country sound can sonically transport even the most discerning listener to a seedy Texan Honky Tonk.
After moving to Toronto, Kayla found a foothold in the country and rockabilly roots of the Queen Street music scene. She and her band, The Fellas, began playing at The Cameron House in September 2010, and quickly established one of the hottest weekly residences on Queen Street. Every Friday night Kayla’s powerful vocals fill the bar as she and The Fellas spur on a dance floor full of patrons with bourbon-soaked two-steps, meandering tales of love lost, and everything in between.
Kayla has a rare ability to lean on her influences without imitating them, which lends a genuine quality to her music that is often absent from many of her country contemporaries.
She sings with the conviction of someone who has lived every bit of joy, agony, and heartbreak contained within her songs. However, it is Kayla’s voice that truly sets her apart. Powerful enough to rise above the din of a packed hall, yet with a softness that evokes the tender emotions of transfixed onlookers, Kayla controls the mood of the room with the skill of a baton-wielding maestro.
In support of Pistol, Kayla and the Fellas will be undertaking a cross Canada tour this April, tour dates: http://www.kaylahowran.com/shows.html
408 Queen Street West.
contact: kayla.howran@cameronhouserecords.com