ROAM BIOGRAPHY
ROAM is a contemporary world artist based in Toronto, Canada. At the crossroads of
song, culture and philosophy ROAM weave haunting melodies and spirited rhythms
through poetic songwriting, taking listeners through sonic territories without
borders.
ROAM is spearheaded by singer/songwriter & multi instrumentalist Lisa Patterson
who, of Roma & Celt heritage, significantly shapes the sound with her rich alto voice
and contribution on duduk (a double-reeded woodwind instrument native to Armenia),
sax, accordion and piano. Lyrics are king – poetry transformed by a distinctive
delivery into something a little more mystical.
This is Patterson's dream project. From her experiences serving as a support player
with many Canadian recording / touring artists (Kathryn Rose, Beau Dixon,
Lorraine Segato, Shade) her aim has been to find exactly the right chemistry for
stage and studio and this has been achieved with topnotch collaborators Justin
Abedin on guitars (Jacksoul, The Wailin' Jennys, Alex Cuba) and Alex McMaster
on cello & vocals (Ron Hawkins, Lily Frost, Chilly Gonzales); it's a rare chemistry
that comes from listening deeply, to each other and the space between the notes. The trio is
currently writing material for their next album due in Spring 2016.
ROAM has performed in Europe, India, Mexico; on Canadian festival stages; garnered radio
airplay; and songs featured in ‘Awaiting Atwood’ (BAMNorth Productions, November 2013)
indie adventure mocumentary featuring cameo appearance by Ms Atwood (executive
producer Genie award-winning Thom Fitzgerald - The Hanging Garden).
Sophomore disc Lumina (2013) was produced and engineered by JUNO awardwinning talent Michael Phillip Wojewoda (Great Big Sea, Ashley MacIsaac,
Barenaked Ladies, Rheostatics). Wojewoda describes ROAM‘s warm timbal
combination of wood, breath, skin and strings as “sumptuous”. Lumina received
accolades from fans & industry, particularly for playful official video for 'Whole World'
and the single 'Silver Lining', a song written about the hidden blessings in loss that
received abundant CBC airplay.
"I chose to work with Michael on this album for his ability to strike that fine balance
between innovative, ambient atmospheres and his consummate understanding of the
elements of a great pop song " says Patterson.
ROAM began as duo of Patterson and McMaster releasing the well-received debut disc
Points of Departure (imaginit music / Phd Canada, 2009). Airplay includes CBC
regional features (including 30min interview feature on Fresh Air), Canadian & U.S.
campus radio; internationally in The Benelux and South India.
Patterson went from side person to solo artist in 2000, touring with a 5 piece backing band
and releasing two albums ‘this is what it sounds like’ (2000) engineered & co-produced
by Nick Blagona (Cat Stevens, Deep Purple, The Police) and ‘Roam’ (2004)
engineered & co-produced by Adam Messinger (Magic!, Shakira, Jully Black, Iggy
Azalea). Her success includes several Top Ten playlisted singles in Holland, a distribution
deal with RoughTrade Records, and two videos charting Top Ten on Bravo! Television.
On stages large or small, ROAM aims to create an intimate exchange with the
audience; via an invitation to collectively participate, a little story -telling or
improvising a song from listener's suggestions.
ROAM‘s social consciousness is exemplified by organizing benefit concerts for Stephen
Lewis Foundation, Amnesty International, women’s shelters and youth arts
programs and performing original songs in French, Spanish and Romanian.
In addition to her solo work, Patterson has collaborated with top world music artists
Maryem Tollar (Arabic vocalist & musician), Cassius Khan (Ghazal & tabla), Persion icon
Soley Vaseghi, and Romanian violin virtuoso Lache Cercel. A producer/engineer,
Patterson operates a coach house studio in Toronto where she has worked on over 10
commercially released albums and scores of demos with artists from distinct genres (Rita
DiGhent, Toronto Tabla Ensemble, Emm Gryner, Brenda MacIntyre) including
creating Melissa Laveaux`s debut disc that launched her European career.
“my travels around the globe from a young age have brought unique insights and
perspectives about culture and human nature; our common ground and our diversity” says
Patterson. “I strive to share this through my music”
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
NATIONAL
– Guest artist for Margaret Atwood birthday tribute, Sudbury, Ontario
– Edge of World Festival, Hadai Gwaii, British Columbia
– Millennium Place, Whistler, British Columbia
– Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto, soiree in honour of Measha Brueggergosman
– Regional tours in British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan
– Residency Concert series: C'est What & Gladstone Hotel, Toronto
INTERNATIONAL
– MEXICO: House of Music, Isla Mujeres (2014 & 2015) ;Jazz Ro ots Club, Cancun (2012 & 2013)
– THE NETHERLANDS: Canadian Connections Festival, Residence of Canadian Ambassador to The
Netherlands
– INDIA: Clubs & Concert Halls, Bangalore, Chennai, Pondicherry; co -sponsored by DFAIT & Alliance
Francaise
SHOWCASES: OCFF, CMW, CINARS Montreal, A2A Media & Music Amsterdam
PRESENTER QUOTES
"A perfect balance of worldly sounds, musical finesse and passion"
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, EDGE OF THE WORLD FESTIVAL, B.C.
“Mysterious and interesting … a story behind each song”
Eric Vermeulen, M-ENT, CANADIAN CONNECTIONS FESTIVAL, HOLLAND
“A wonderful vocal and instrumental tapestry of sound a bit like a magic carpet ride”
J. Iredale, CONCERTS ON CAMBRIDGE, Victoria, B.C.
"Exceptional voice, energy and spontaneous rapport with audience"
DIRECTOR, ALLIANCE FRANCAISE, CHENNAI, INDIA
"Great music and voice, in English and French … lovely and evocative"
S. Hengen LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY, Sudbury
MEDIA QUOTES
“striking new album Lumina … intriguing sonic atmospheres wrapped round
Patterson’s pure voice”
Kerry Doole, NEW CANADIAN MUSIC, October 2013
“some use the elements of European and Indian Folk traditions as ornamentation, but
Patterson brings them together to suggest a harmony that is all too lacking in this world”
INK 19 MAGAZINE, FLORIDA, USA
“strong songwriting evident of a personal vision … fascinating … a bold blend”
☆☆☆☆ stars, VANCOUVER PROVINCE
“poetic lyrics and a strong voice”
OTTAWA CITIZEN
"flamboyant and free-styled music … sensuous, philosophical”
DECCAN CHRONICLE, SOUTH INDIA
“a sound all of her own … wild creativity … songs fly high with emotional power”
PETERBOROUGH EXAMINER
CONTACT:
info@roammusic.net
Tanya Speight Communications: 647-444-0195 mobile
Lisa Patterson: 647.444.7112 mobile ~ 416.466.7112 land
http://roammusic.net/
https://twitter.com/RoamToronto
https://www.facebook.com/RoamToronto
https://www.youtube.com/user/roam3333
https://soundcloud.com/roam-toronto