Bahamas

Like Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Page and Owen Pallett before him, Jurvanon cut his teeth as a sideman before setting out on his own at the comparatively late age of 27. His work included collaborations and concerts with the likes of Jack Johnson and the Weather Station before finding his feet with his most frequent collaborator Feist.

However, come 2008 he ensconced himself in a cabin in rural Ontario with a bunch of his friends and set about recording his own material. The songs came out sounding very much like their recording sessions; they’re relaxed, low key jams with friends, but always with a keen sense of melodic nous and a shared musical ability.

The subsequent album, “Pink Strat”, made an almost immediate impact when it was released the year after. Culminating in a Juno Awards nomination for the year’s best Roots and Traditional album and a Polaris Music prize nomination the year after, in 2010. For those not in the know, the former is essentially the Canadian Grammys and the latter is the Canadian Mercury Prize.

Though the music and the circumstances surrounding its creation may be on the fly, just the way that Jurvanon likes it, this is not to say that everyone involved isn’t taking it seriously. His second album, 2012’s “Barchords” garnered him not only a nomination for Adult Alternative Album of the Year but also a nod for Songwriter of the Year.

These are not the kind of accolades you get if you haven’t paid your dues and worked for every scrap of success you’ve got. With his third album released in 2014, and concerts starting to sell out the world over, the only way is up for this most unique talent. One to watch like a hawk!