Heavy Sleeper (Live) was recorded on stage at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre in November of 2017.
Matt Carter
Sleepy Driver has to be one of the city’s most underrated bands of the past 20 some odd years. I’ve probably said that before, but I honestly believe it to be true.
After years of inactivity save for the occasional one-off performance, and more than one hint at possible future plans, Sleepy Driver has returned, sort of. The recent release of Heavy Sleeper (Live), an impressive 14 song collection of career spanning material recorded live at Fredericton’s Charlotte Street Arts Centre, documents a moment in time when the band was arguably at its peak. Backed by several musical guests including Juanita Bourque, Kendra Gale, Ross RossCo Beckett, and Gary Morehouse, the album is a testament to the roots rock songwriting of Peter Hicks and the collaborative strength of the band.
Heavy Sleeper (Live) captures the second of two back to back performances the band gave to celebrate the release of their 2017 studio album, Sugar Skull. Both shows, presented by Emma Chevarie and Music Runs Through It, featured completely different setlists and guest performers performing to a sold out audience.
Over the past few years the band has become more comfortable in the studio, happily writing and recording when possible. They have a new album in the works, and although live shows have become a rarity, we now have this album to remind us of what was and what may someday be again.
Make no mistake: Heavy Sleeper (Live) represents an important chapter in our city’s musical lineage, capturing one of Fredericton’s finest ensembles at its strongest. And that’s something we can all be proud of.
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