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Biography
Back in 1990, Jeff Martin, Stuart Chatwood and Jeff Burrows all knew each other and had played together in the close-knit Windsor, Ontario Rock scene. The trio had a marathon jam session in Toronto’s Cherry Beach Rehearsal Studios and decided to keep playing together afterwards.
Once they decided on the name (named for Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs’ legendary has sessions and not that little thing that happened in Boston a couple of hundred years back), they self-released their debut album the year after they formed. Only 3’500 copies of the album were ever made but it was enough to get them a deal with EMI Music Canada, which they signed in 1993.
The album went platinum in its home country the year after its release but it was also their breakthrough hit in Australia, a country where they continue to be very popular to this day. It was with their debut major label album, called “Splendor Solis” that they began experimenting with their trademark Indian music influences.
The band wrote and recorded a lot of the music utilising open tunings and goblet drums to achieve the sound, while still mixing it with their psychedelic blues backing. However, it wasn’t until their third album “The Edges Of Twilight” and specifically the single “Sister Awake” that they truly realized their potential. “The Edges Of Twilight” would be their most commercially succesful album, going double platinum in their home country.
The band would go on releasing albums to great success until 2005, when the band abruptly split due to creative differences. The members would drift into solo careers but they came back together in 2011 for a set of live shows and a new album, 2011’s “The Ocean At The End”. This is a rare act with talent, vision and a desire to create what’s never been heard before, we’re lucky to have them, and they’re a live act to be seen as soon as possible.
Live reviews
The tea party, possibly the only tea that has the effect of coffee! In that it fills you with so much energy you don't know what to do with yourself but move your body!
Fans screaming so loud in admiration, they rivaled the noise of the electric guitar! The energy rippling off these three guys was immense, I have NEVER seen anything like it.
Fans raised their arms in the air and cheered as the band interacted with the passionate crowd as they played 'The River' such an amazing song with an amazing drum pattern! It's one thing to spend many of your nights and evenings listening to a band and learning words to the songs that become your anthems, but to then see them live? that feeling is unrivaled and these men make it fully worth it!
The crowd moved in unison when The Tea Party performed 'waters on fire' this song has such a peaceful and meaningful vibe, it is truly something special. As the group combine rock music with a whole heap of other genres I don't think there is a song they would not dare make, once made it in itself would truly be something terrific!
Live, this trio is something special, they have plenty plenty more years to come and their fan base will only grow.
If they are performing live, buy tickets!
WOW, what a great gig, coming from Australia I had to tick off a show at THe Roxy, and The Téa Party was always going to be a bonus, Jeff and the boys were in fine form, kudos to the sound guy as well, the show interluded with songs from past Greats who've played this magical venue took the show to another level.My only gripe: Where were the American crowd, the place was filled with Canadians and Aussies, these guys are top shelf yet place was only 3/4 full, back home in Australia they regularly fill 4000 seat venues, saying that though, what a treat this gig was, thank you The Téa Party , awesome . America, get off your arses!
I write this with a biased opinion, I've listened to and have seen the Tea Party many times over the last 20+ years. I had a great time at the show, they seemed to be losing steam when I saw them last (about 4 years ago), but last night was one of the best shows I've seen them do in a LONG time!
The price was almost too cheap though. There were alot of people there that brought kids and weren't really there to enjoy the show and we had young kids running all around us during the show. That was a bit distracting, but aside from that it was AMAZING!
It was a great show, I would recommend to any fan of theirs.
But don't expect them to start on time has the show was suppose to start at 7pm and Proud sons started at 8:45 pm and Tea Party finally showed up at 10:35pm.
The sound was terrible but what to expect from a bar?
Good performance and Jeff Martin knows how to perform on stage and how to get to crowd participating into singing with him as he was too wasted to remember most lyrics. We got a sneak peak to a new song not yet release.
Looking forward to next time.
Long live Tea Party.
As awesome as ever. I have to admit I was skeptical of the venue (Valley Drive-in) but it was such a good spot for TTP. It wasn't overcrowded, the weather was perfect for an open-air show, and as always the boys gave a stellar performance with the music enveloping and permeating every part of you.
No band is more humble and appreciative of their Aussie audience, which is why they keep coming back. And why I will never miss a TTP show. This was #6 for me, having seen them play in Montreal, Niagara Falls and 4 times in Brisbane. Looking forward to #7!
It was absolutely fantastic. The venue was great, the crowd of people were truly dedicated fans. The sound was excellent. They started a bit late but didn't mind. The tickets were expensive for location and duration but I could not have missed it for the world. Jeff Martin's voice is so much better hearing him sing live. That man is so darn sexy anyway but his voice makes him The Most Sexiest Man alive. For me anyway!!
Where do you start with The Tea Party; well we all know they have been around for a for a long while. Have seen The Tea Party a few times now, and believe me , they just get better every time !! One of if not the best live band l have ever seen( seen a lot of bands) their performance impeccable. Jeff Martins voice like a fine wine, just gets better with age! A definite must see and hear !! Thanks for the concerts :)
Pretty good show. I'm not a "fan fan" but the people I went with are, as we're a ton of folks there, these guys have a loyal fanbase 20+ years old.
Good rock show, lots of hits and well know tunes and nice looking set. BUT, if I have a criticism it would be the lack of audio front fills. It is a relatively cheap audio augment and would make the experience for the first 3 or 4 rows much better.
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Great show and great venue. The band was in top notch form and put on a great show. This was the first time I've seen them and I was really impressed with their stage presence, very personal and intimate with the crowd.
Oakville place is a great venue. There really isn't a bad seat in the house and it's a very relaxing place for a show. The bar set up is also great if you like a drink at the show.
It was an awesome rock concert performance given by the Tea Party. It was also a great trip down memory lane back to the 90s and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their critically acclaimed album Transmission. The guys were in a great mood and Jeff Martin was as engaging as ever with the crowd. Highly recommend to go see them if you have the chance.