Paul Reddick, blues singer/harmonica player.Scott Doubt
He's known for his poetic expressions and his band's tight, hypnotic rhythms. We asked Toronto blues singer-harmonicist Paul Reddick, whose new album is Ride The One, what he's grooving to these days.
What he just saw: "The Winding Stream: The Carters, the Cashes and the Course of Country Music, on DVD. This documentary from 2014 by Beth Harrington is fantastic, about the humble founders of country music. It's quirky, awe-inspiring, and filled with great photos, footage and interviews. 'Genius does, talent tries,' Rosanne Cash said."
What he's reading: "It's a beautiful book, called Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock 'n' Roll. Things seem to have long titles these days. Sam Phillips, the founder of Sun Records in Memphis and the discoverer of Elvis Presley and others, willed rock 'n' roll to happen. Author Peter Guralnick tells Phillips's story with both thoroughness and wonder."
What he's enjoying: "I call it the 'avian fireworks.' It's the stunning spring migration of songbirds as they travel north through Toronto. When you own a good pair of binoculars, you'll find birds decorating the trees like Christmas ornaments."
Paul Reddick plays a series of upcoming local dates, including an album release party for Ride The One, on June 15, 8 p.m., $12 to $15, Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W., 416-588-0307 or paulreddick.ca.
Brad Wheeler