Mike Biggar at Corked Wine Bar | December 12, 2016
Known for intense, roiling live performance, signature soaring vocals and warm, disarming on-stage humour, New Brunswick’s soulful roots and country artist Mike Biggar is a definitive natural live performer. Add to this a gutsy and bluesy delivery, reflective of his childhood roots in gospel music. Then underline it all with his infectious melodies and compelling, soul-baring lyrics and it becomes clear why Biggar is described as a unique breed of singer-songwriter. His prowess to translate the full potency of his recorded songs in acoustic solo/duo live shows is distinct, effective, and even a bit spiritual. But the deep imprint he leaves on listeners confirms why his music has been marked by acclaim and awards since his entry in 2009.
After receiving the 2011 Music New Brunswick Award and the 2012 East Coast Music Award for ‘Spiritual Recording of the Year’ for his much-loved Christmas album ‘The Season’ Biggar was signed to roots record label Busted Flat Records (Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont.) for distribution of his release ‘Feels Like Now’ (10/13). Featuring a robust collection of songs that showcase his artistic aptitude to weave powerful, punchy anthems with deep, reflective ballads, his sophomore album was awarded the 2014 Music New Brunswick Award for ‘Country Album of the Year’ and was nominated for the 2015 East Coast Music Award in the same category. Since 2011 Biggar has also received Music NB nominations for SOCAN Song of the Year and Video of the Year, and his songs have achieved finalist status in the International Songwriting Competition.
The conviction with which Biggar unfurls his music reveals a life destined to be shared in song. With songs like ‘Hero” and “Better Men” he somehow disappears the distance between stage and listener and draws you in to live the stories he tells. High energy tracks like “If You Catch Hell” steam down the line like a roots-rock inspired freight train. Biggar has been a featured performer on major festival stages across Eastern Canada including the iconic Stan Rogers Folk Festival, the Cavendish Beach Country Music Festival, and the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, while being equally comfortable and compelling in living room house concerts. With his warm, relaxed style, Biggar is ever broadening his musical horizons as a live touring artist with extensive booking through 2016 and 2017, and a drive that is constantly revealing new paths.
Mike Biggar | December 12, 2016 | Corked Wine Bar | Fredericton | 8 p.m. | View Event
