Hardly cornered
Steve Baylin
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Teper : a natural metamorphosis
photo: John Davidson
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Ronley Teper makes every second count on her way to Europe
Ronley Teper, Toronto's sweet and sour maven of trip-folk beat pluralism, is a musician on the move. Unfortunately, at times the restless songstress loses track of exactly how fast."I got my first speeding ticket in 10 years going to a gig in Montreal two weeks ago," laughs the genial Teper in transit over a crackling cellphone from Toronto, as she carefully pulls over in an effort to avoid a collision.
"At least I got it out of the way."
For Teper, who tends to work and play (and travel) as though "every second counts," the ticket might just be the first of many to come. In addition to writing, recording and hosting open stages and workshops in and around Toronto, the 31-year-old singer/songwriter (and proprietor of Fly Butta Records) is about to hit the road hard, performing shows across Ontario followed by a tour of Europe that ends in December. It's all in support of her striking sophomore effort, Cornered in the Alley-liquid cool musings from a well-caffeinated soul lounging past closing time in the heart.
"My philosophy these days is that everything has to do with love," laughs Teper, coyly reflecting back on the dark, emotional themes that run through the record.
"My first album, Stories From the Tray, was my undergraduate degree, and this record was my masters. I'm still discovering who I am and what my sound is. I think it's constantly going to be developing and changing."
And it changes quite often. Recorded in fits and starts last year, the eight-track set
finds Teper, whose voice is coiled like a spring, in a reflective mood. She shivers inside and looks for warmth all around as she roams through everything from low-down jazz ("Get it Over With"), and laid-back funk ("Gonna"), to plaintive folk ("Mary's Secret") and novel takes on Hebrew hymns ("Adon 'Olam") with an almost childlike fascination for experimentation. "You gotta have fun with it," says Teper of her approach. "I'm proud of the songs and I think they provoke thought. And I think we need more of that."
RONLEY TEPER
W/ SARAH SHUGARMAN
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6, 9:30 AND 11:30 P.M.
FREE SHOW
THE MANX PUB
Ok, honestly, if I have to tell you that you ~need~ to see this show then you aren't a real music fan. I'll freely admit to Sarah Shugarman being a huge unknown in the equation, I've only vaguely heard of her but never actually had the chance to see her perform live...Ronley Teper however, is another matter entirely. I've heard her perform on two separate occasions and damn if she isn't good! She's got this really relaxing but sexy vibe going for her that you've just got to experience. She's got poise, skill and she's one damn fine looker. If you can do nothing else this weekend watch her and become a convert to her funky siren ways.
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Pedro Eggers
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{18 votes}
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Ronley Teper? Don't know her from Sarah Mclaughlan but I hear good stuff about her so after reading this article I looked her up and yes, lieke everybody else she's got a website (http://www.ronleyteper.com) after reading some of the stuff there I can see why people are starting to take notice of her. Hot and a singer? Tough combo to beat!
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Vladimir Joseph
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{10 votes}
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| Keep your eyes and ears open |
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What a great show that was. It's cold in Ottawa come back and warm us up with your songs Ronley! Sarah Shugarman blew me and my friends away with her jazzy interludes and sweet melodies. What a great musician! I'm so glad I had a chance to see them perform together. We can't wait to see them again.
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Andrew Pierce
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I'm on my way to see her play tonight thanks to a cousin of mine that got me tickets. I owe him big for this one. I know that Ms. Teper is practically invisible as far as the MTV generation is concerned but with any luck that will soon change. I've heard her once before and am surprised she's not bigger than she is already. See you all at the show!
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Sam Truglio
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{13 votes}
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