Mike Fury 4
Saturday, June 15, 9 p.m.
Mikey’s Juke Joint & Eatery (1901 10 Ave. S.W.)
Cover charge: $10
When the Mike Fury 4 takes the stage, newcomers to the band’s shows could be excused for doing a double-take. In time-honoured rock ‘n’ roll tradition, the “4” is actually a trio. And all three are named Mike.
“Yes, we have to make eye contact to determine which one of us is talking to which. And trying to tell a story about something that happened in rehearsal or performance is impossibly confusing,” says Mike Fury, vocalist and drummer.
Fury is joined by Mike Hell on guitar and Mike McCafferty on upright bass.
“We’re a trio, but with a 4 in the name, we get more drink tickets.”
Fury put together the 4 a year ago after taking a bit of time away from music following the dissolution of his previous band, the Smokin’ 45s.
“It’s just unnatural for me not to be playing, so I called up a couple friends and asked if they’d be into backing me up on an original music project. They were both keen, and here we are.”
As if the names and the lineup (especially the acoustic double bass) didn’t provide ample clues, let’s spell it out: You’re going to hear a lot of rockabilly music at a Mike Fury 4 show.
“That’s our centre, but people might be surprised how far we stretch the edges toward straight-up rock ‘n’ roll and traditional country.”
Whatever the genre label, Fury promises there will be “toe tappin’, dancin’, drinkin’, laughin’ – and as honest and organic a performance as I’m able to give. Maybe even a song you’ve never heard before stuck in your head.”
A veteran pro who has played shows everywhere from Western Canada to Las Vegas, Fury is pretty adamant about remaining true to his musical calling. He’s not interested in the star-maker machinery that still churns away under the surface of today’s supposedly DIY-indie music industry.
“I’m pretty much content to try to show folks a good time and have some fun myself. I’m not expecting a record deal anytime soon, and I sure don’t lose sleep over that. It would be cool to sell a song or two, but I don’t write what Nashville wants.
“I will say that I think any young guys who decide to sing roots music, but don’t want to be like Elvis, have missed the point.”
Opening for the Mike Fury 4 will be “countryspeedfolk” trio the Barley Hepcats.