Junestone Album Release “First Try” at the Tabone Academy of Music

Junestone Releases Debut Album “First Try” in a Sold Out Show
December 6, 2024
Tabone Academy of Music

“Fresh, funky as hell, and an undeniable vibe”

[Hamilton, ON] It was an evening of sensationally funky and heartfelt music as Junestone celebrated the release of their debut album, FIRST TRY. A four-piece alternative jazz and pop band from Hamilton, ON, Junestone’s refreshing, original, and delightfully outrageous songs will leave no audience behind.

Named for the sixth month of the year and a semi-precious stone said to protect travelers by night and water, Junestone is the musical outpouring of alt-funk fusion bassist and jazz-pop vocalist Olivia Brown. Grounded in America’s Classical Music and 90s alternative hits alike, Olivia’s take on songwriting is dynamic, refreshing, and as sincere as it is beguiling. As some audience members have put it, Junestone is fresh, funky as hell, and an undeniable vibe.

Final Bow on the Tabone Academy of Music Stage

Olivia brought her natural charm and sense of humour to the show. She is a joy to behold. In her usual fashion she was literally filled with energy by the opportunity to share her original songs, with grooves and arrangements sculpted by her capable bandmates. The night’s show was being recorded by a video crew as part of an upcoming film project, a series about local music, release date TBA.

Junestone features three of Olivia’s favourite friends and musicians, Borys Franiczek (guitar), Ian Aisling (keyboards), and Justin McHugh (drums).

Junestone’s performance experience paid big dividends at their Album Release Show. The band’s album title, First Try, is overly modest, in that Junestone’s stagecraft proves this is not their first time around the block. The band completely owned the venue, maximizing the amazing sound system, lights, and jazzy ambiance of the Tabone Academy Listening Room.

At the sold out show the band was at ease and truly enjoying themselves. Drummer Justin McHugh was a solid as ever. He is the subdivision king. Guitarist Borys Franiczek and Keyboardist Ian Aisling have worked out a unique blend of riffs, pads and tones to create a wide and diverse sonic palette. It was a pleasure to watch each of them purely enjoying their work.

With a sonic palette ranging from Kate Bush to Pink Floyd’s deep guitar cuts to punchy riffs reminiscent of The Tragically Hip, all the way to progressive funk a la UZEB (remember them?) using clipped time signatures–Junestone morphs by the minute in a riveting display of their talent and creative spark.

Recent shows by Junestone: