ARTS EAST

It is a homecoming of sorts for Toronto-based jazz drummer Ethan Ardelli. The Cape Breton born, Juno Award-winning rhythmatist returns to his roots with shows in Halifax, Sydney and Antigonish over the coming week in support of his debut recording, The Island of Form. Recently we spoke with Ardelli about his passion for his profession. What are your roots? I'm from Sydney, Nova Scotia on beautiful Cape Breton Island. I think of myself as a Cape Bretoner, but I've been living in Toronto since 2003, so it feels like home too.   When and why did you first become interested in music? I've loved music for as long as I can remember. The first song I can ever remember hearing and really liking was the Dire Straits song "Money for Nothing". It has a very long intro section with a really cool drum solo at the end. It's definitely one of the reasons I'm a drummer now! I'm not sure why I loved the drums from the very beginning. I think c...

What could be better than growing up in the 1980s? How about growing up in 1980s Newfoundland, which - as Mark Critch will tell you - was more like the 1960s. Recently we spoke with the author about this funny and warm look back on his formative years. What inspired you to write  Son of a Critch ? The folks at Penguin Canada suggested writing about my childhood after they read a short section that referenced it in a piece I showed them. At first I wasn’t sure there was a book there but once I started down the path, I couldn’t stop.  What was the most challenging aspect of the process?  The most challenging part was keeping motivated. Writing a book can be a bit like swing across a lake. At a certain point you’ve come so far that you either finish or drown. It’s too late to turn back. I was motivated to keep swimming by my son Will who dutifully would read chapters as I went and offer his encouragement.  What was the most rewarding part of the ex...