Lucas Stagg

Lucas Stagg

    

Stagg Rancher:

By Thad Milzner - Photo By Phillip Walker: Courtesy Of K-W Record


http://www.lucasstagg.com

 

 

Since leaving the world of "rock band mayhem" in 2002 and strapping his tobacco burst J-45 to his back, Lucas Stagg has developed into an engaging performer and admirably capable singer/songsmith.

 

In 2005, Stagg made a conscious decision to inundate himself in the local scene when he started throwing "mingles" at his Waterloo, Ontario loft. It was basically an old-fashioned guitar-pull featuring local pros and twenty somethings playing in front of people for the very first time. "I started throwing them with the feeling there needed to be that place where a thriving community of writers could meet, talk, drink, and get a little nuts."

 

Apart from the informal, and following the "mingles", Stagg began booking a roots night called "Stagg Ranch" at Kitchener, Ontario's 'Boathouse' venue. This sparked the opportunity to share the stage with some serious legendary songwriters, including Ray Materick, and, former Plimsouls' front man Peter Case, who also happen to be two of Stagg's personal favourites.

 

In August of 2006, Stagg had the privilege of performing in front of a packed house at 'The Carter Family Fold' in Hiltons,West Virginia. During this, his first US excursion of the year, he wrote, listened and wandered, playing around the Nashville songwriter hubs, including 'The Bluebird', and a three night stint at 'Bobby's Idle Hour' on Music Row. In the fall, his second US jaunt took place, successfully touring through ten states with Brooklyn rockabilly rouser, Guitar Bomb.

 

A solo journey down the two-lane hardtop of roots music, his self titled third album finds Stagg dusting off his old Kris Kristofferson and John Prine LP's for inspiration while still remaining true to his indie rock roots. Not to be missed, however, is the touch of troubadour Townes Van Zant, and even a Steve Earle style political number. "Doin' Time" kicks the CD into high gear and sets an infectious acoustic country romp that showcases the singer's old-time country twang and the songwriter's phrase-turning adeptness. Unknown super slinger Jesse Aultman, current 'Good Brothers' upright bassist Pete Sisk, as well as 'Sue Foley' drummer Tom Bona paint a smoky barroom backdrop with the help of a variety of three part harmony vocals reminiscent of the Burrito Brothers, but with Emmylou and Dolly too.  

 

In the meantime, Stagg continues to write and will be recording his next record in May of this year. You'll be able to catch him at various festivals throughout the summer, he is returning to Nashville in July, and is planning an eastern Canadian tour with Shannon Lyon for the fall.

 

2007 announces Lucas Stagg as a roots rock hopeful to watch.

Neil McDonald - Exclaim! Magazine

 

       Name-checking this material influence-wise would include some fine artists such as Joe Ely, Townes Van Zandt and John 

     Prine. Lucas Stagg measures up well against such vintage stuff while projecting its own clear style, no mean feat in itself.

       Whether it's the James Burton chug of 'Hell Bent' or the straight-up country cautionary tale 'Doin' Time', the order of the

       day is sharp playing, strong clear vocal harmonies and melodies that stick in the mind.

       I just call 'em like I see 'em.

 

       Rod Nicholson - Scene Magazine

 

     Lucas Stagg has refined his craft, (and his new band), into the well-oiled machine thathas been burning down crowds nightly.

 

       Patrick Finch - Echo Magazine

 

     Corb Lund is garnering acclaim with his contemporary cowboy music. But Lucas Stagg proves you don't have to hail from

       the foothills of Alberta to write convincing songs about the Wild West.

 

       Robert Reid - World Press