Jon-Rae Fletcher
Background information
OriginKelowna, British Columbia, Canada
GenresRock, soul, Gospel, alt-country
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
LabelsDeerandbird Records, Weewerk

Jon-Rae Fletcher is a Canadian singer-songwriter. He has recorded both as a solo artist and with a back-up band, The River.

Background

Fletcher grew up in Kelowna, British Columbia, where as the son of a minister, he sang in his church's choir. Eventual musical developments included his discovery of Kurt Cobain and the formation of his own garage band.[1] Jon-Rae later moved and founded the original River band with a collective of Vancouver friends, but disbanded the group when he moved east.

The River was reformed with like-minded Toronto musicians in 2003, and they grew into a popular cult band with an ever-expanding audience. Combining country, gospel, rock, and soul, Jon-Rae & The River created a unique blend of music, sometimes complemented by an on-stage choir.[2] In 2006, Exclaim! labeled Fletcher "one of Toronto’s most captivating front-men, thanks to his impassioned performances and his glorious alt-gospel songs. Fuelled by alcohol and a fervent belief in the songs they're playing."[3] Their critically acclaimed album Knows What You Need was released in 2006, but the band broke up soon afterward.

Fletcher moved back out west, settling in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia.[4] He released the full length Oh, Maria on (weewerk) in 2009 and toured to promote the album with a new band lineup.[4] Several of his former backing musicians in The River later re-emerged with the alternative country band One Hundred Dollars.[5]

Discography

  • Now Then (2000), Deerandbird Records
  • Then Again (2001), Deerandbird Records
  • The Road (2003), Hive-Fi Recordings
  • Just A Closer Walk (2004), Blocks Recording Club
  • Jon-Rae Fletcher & The River, Live Series (2005), Deerandbird Records
  • Old Songs for the New Town (2005), Permafrost Records
  • Knows What You Need (2006), We Are Busy Bodies
  • Oh, Maria (2009), Weewerk

References

  1. ↑ Stuart Berman, "Cover Story: Jon-Rae and the River". Eye Weekly, 27 October 2005.
  2. ↑ Love, Noah (6 May 2005). "Jon-Rae And The River Preach The Gospel". Chart. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2009.
  3. ↑ "Smells Like Holy Spirit" Archived 15 July 2007 at the Wayback Machine. Exclaim!, October 2006.
  4. 1 2 Kate Carraway, "Jon-Rae Fletcher". Eye Weekly, 11 March 2009.
  5. ↑ Rayner, Ben, "One Hundred Dollars: Show us the money". Toronto Star, 11 December 2008.


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