The Velvet Olive

4924 50 Street

Red Deer, AB

July 19, 2008, Saturday 8:00 PM

For more information call at 403-340-8288

THE BILLY MANZIK BAND

Click HERE to check them out at MySpace.

Billy's journey began where Highway 61, the 'Blues Highway', ends - in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The soundtrack for his childhood was provided by his guitar-slingin', country-singin' mother, star of Canadian stages, TV and renowned Pasty Cline impersonator. He spent his formative years shyly playing guitar in his bedroom until he finally ventured out to travel the world, ultimately ending up in Calgary, Alberta. With the guidance of such luminaries as Tim Williams, Ronnie Hayward, John Rutherford, Bill Zulak, Charlie Hase, among others, Billy went into the studio to record. His self titled debut album is what he describes as "an honest and hopeful reflection of the human condition, experienced by a musician who has travelled the world embracing different cultures and music."

Recorded in Calgary at Rocky Mountain Recording Studio, produced by Rob Smith and Daniel J Coe (Aerosmith, The Trews), and mastered by Mark Chalecki (Cracker, June Carter Cash) at Capitol Records in Hollywood, this mostly "live off the floor" studio album could be best described as roots music infused with a range of influences as disparate as Wilco, J.S.Bach, Chris Whitley, John Lee Hooker, Bill Frisell and... wait for it... even ABBA. The 13 tracks include guest performances by Canadian greats like country blues singer/songwriter/guitarist Tim Williams, and pedal steel journeyman Charlie Hase."

Since it's release, the album has received extensive radio play across the country, from Northern BC to the heart of downtown Toronto, and into the Maritime Provinces - people are enjoying his music. It has charted well on several Earshot roots charts, as well as being featured on CBC Radio's "Key Of A". Billy is coming up in the Canadian independent music scene as an exceptional and talented musician. He has performed in festivals and workshops with the likes of Juno winner Madagascar Slim, Ndidi Onukwulu, Cara Luft and Ken Hamm. Billy seamlessly melds traditional folk sounds into a rollicking rock show, drawing from such influences as J.J. Cale, Eric Clapton and even Van Halen. He's a unique talent that you don't want to miss.