ReeVay is a man on the move in his creatively restless new EP New Old Songs — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The B.C. singer-guitarist’s latest release covers a lot of ground — and in more ways then one — over the course of its three songs. Opening cut The Calgary Song finds ReeVay penning a love letter to the “home of The Stampeders, The Hit Man and The Flames,” with the help of a fitting book-chikka country beat, twangy banjo, harmonica and even some Stompin’ Tom-style percussion.
Next up, Nova Scotia Rose switches gears, shifting into jazzy pop fashioned from ringing chords and a Latin-tinged brush-drum groove — all the better for ReeVay to describe the colourful joys of the Maritime sky. Finally, The Fall Of Troy wraps things up with a slab of slow-burning folk-rock bulldozer underpinned by distorto-crunch electric guitars, topped with gently strummed acoustic arpeggios and laced a full-blooded organ. Uniting all the tracks: ReeVay’s sophisticated, understated fretwork and his reedy vocals reminiscent of Weakerthans‘ John K. Samson.
For those who don’t already know, ReeVay is the alter ego of the multi-talented Marc Rivest. The Lower Mainland artist gracefully weaves the finest elements of folk, jazz and pop in his work. His tender-yet0evocative voice poetically delivers his handwritten lyrics. His work is simultaneously soothing, powerful and transformative. It’s easy to get lost in the rich tapestry of sound he has generously created. He combines complex jazz arrangements with simple harmonic structures that are endlessly captivating. ReeVay is inspired by the likes of poetic juggernauts Cat Stevens and Leonard Cohen, which is apparent in his material yet he brings something entirely fresh to the music table.
ReeVay’s evolving material has been recognized by impressive radio and publications across the province. ReeVay has been featured by multiple media outlets. He is the recipient of a 2022 Fraser Valley Music Award for Jazz Artist Of The Year and was nominated for Folk Artist Of The Year at the 2023 FVMAs.
Listen to New Old Songs below and meet ReeVay on his website, Facebook and Instagram.
