JJ Shiplett
Wednesday Nov 26
Doors 6:00 Show 7:30
Tickets $ 27.50 at Bozzini’s or call 604 792 0744 to reserve by phone

Bozzini’s and Manofest Music are pleased to bring you the Chilliwack debut of JJ Shiplett

Calling JJ Shiplett a ‘force of nature’ might be considered hyperbole to those
who haven’t heard the singer perform live, but for anyone that has, it fits the bill
just right. Few musicians can capture a person’s attention by way of song as
honestly and effortlessly the way JJ does. The Calgary, Alberta based musician,
singer/songwriter and storyteller has an incredible ability to leave lasting
impressions on anyone within earshot with his gruff, powerful yet dynamic voice.

Shiplett’s musical journey has seen him share the stage with many renowned
acts in both Canada and internationally including Ben Harper, Nitty Gritty Dirt
Band, Dwight Yoakam, The Sheepdogs, Serena Ryder, Michael Bernard
Fitzgerald, Johnny Reid and many more. Using his vast vocal range, relatable lyrics
and well thought out arrangements, the singer first made his mark on the Canadian
music scene with 2017’s Something To Believe In, followed by 2020’s Fingers
Crossed and Crossed Fingers. The albums showcased contemplative songwriting
with emotive performances and have earned multiple Canadian Country Music
Award nominations (CCMA’s) in the Americana/Roots and design categories.

The spring of 2023, Shiplett began to release the first instalments of a new
album called ‘A Way Through Time.’ Containing seven new songs recorded in
picturesque Fort Langley BC at Fort Records with engineer and drummer Jay
Stewart and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Friesen – who was receiving treatment
for stage 4 cancer at the time of the recording. The three were determined to make
the most of the moment and enjoy the music making process knowing it would
never happen again.

‘I got a friend out west staring pretty hard into the future, cross your arms, hold on, we
know that nothing ever stays the same…’

Already There, the first release is a tingly ode to letting go with a classic pulse
that propels JJ’s songwriting into territory previously staked by the likes of the
Kathleen Edwards and Tyler Childers– we hear him opening up to the potential of
not making any rules and challenging himself not to take his powerhouse voice and
his choruses to the obvious places – chasing the desire of a great song over
temporary acknowledgment.

The wistful Oleander, searching for balance in an unknown world where he
recently became a father. Followed by the resigned ballad Modern Drugs and Bad
Feelings (which peaked at #3 on CBC Music’s TOP 20) and the subtle and
understated American Accent and Reckless Heart only serve to further pique one’s
interest in the many places A Way Through Time and its successors will take Shiplett.
Boasting over 10 million global streams, he is not only a distinguished artist
but also recognized as one of Canada’s premier Americana-Roots musicians. And
at this point in his career, the Western Canadian is content to take a backseat and
let his songs lead the way.