Album Notes

"If your tastes run to not merely enjoying the music, but appreciating the technical abilities of the musicians too, King Street Healers may be your new favourite 'unknown' band. Of course, that's probably not going to be for long, so track 'em down while its still the hip thing to do." - Splendid E-zine, February 26, 2002


From the Great White North comes sounds of the south. A throwback to when helpings of blues, funk, soul and country made up what was called Rock n' Roll, King Street Healers continue the tradition of melding together various forms of traditional American music to create groove-laden roots music. Hailing from Regina, Canada, 'The Healers' have been playing and creating music together since 1998. The band has recently released their sophomore album, Signs & Wonders, a follow up to 2001's successful Backyard Mind.

"I think we kind of work for the music and we work for the love we have for music," stated guitarist Jason Fiske in a recent interview. Along with singer/guitarist Jeff Mertick, drummer Bob Dreher and bassist Dan Thorson, the band has generated a significant buzz in their local scene as well as the broader indie scene. Critics have compared their sound to diverse acts such as The Black Crowes, James Brown, Ben Harper and Sly & The Family Stone. Whatever their style may be, it's generating noise that critics are calling "alarmingly fresh, organic and vital" (Prairie Dog Magazine), "hip shakin' righteousness" (Jambase) and "really fun" (Indieville.com). The band has opened for numerous national acts, such as The New Meanies, Wide Mouth Mason and David Wilcox to name a few. They've also performed at numerous festivals with both independent and internationally renowned artists.

Fans will agree that the energy and interplay of King Street Healers is best captured during their live performances, which has built the band a loyal following that seems to grow with each show. Reminiscent of Bill Graham's Fillmore Auditorium, the live show of King Street Healers contains spontaneous jamming, crowd involvement and songs that are rarely performed the same way twice. "It's all about the groove," states drummer Bob Dreher.

With the band currently on a promotional blitz to support their new album and a western tour currently in the planning stages, King Street Healers are excited about the new opportunities that are coming their way and look forward to taking the music as far as they can.