Thu 5/9 @ 8PM
Fri 5/10 @ 9PM
Rik Emmett built his reputation as the guitarist and singer in “that other Canadian rock trio,” Triumph, from 1975-1988. The band played hard rock with a radio-friendly edge, enjoying some moderate hits while building a loyal fan base over the course of 16 albums.
But Emmett left the band in the late ’80s to stretch his wings, since his musical interests extended far beyond the preening power metal popular in the ’80s.
He’s covered a lot of ground since then, with blues, jazz, classic music and flamenco all fueling his playing. He’s also done reunion appearances with Triumph since 2008 and formed an acoustic duo Dave Dunlop called the String-Out Troubadours. We’ll try not to hold it against him that the Strung-Out Troubadours won two awards at the 2007 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. Smooth Jazz Awards? Canada, how badly do you want us to mock your music scene?
Hopefully Emmett and Dunlop will put more emphasis on “jazz” than on “smooth” when they perform two nights at the Winchester Music Hall. Tickets are $20.
Lakewood, OH 44107