The Karpinka Brothers are a Saskatoon-based folk/pop group. Fronted by brothers Aaron and Shawn, yes, Karpinka, they’ve released four albums — the latest, Talk is Cheap, in 2017. On Saturday June 29 at 11:30 a.m., The Karpinka Brothers play a lunchtime show at Saskatoon’s Drift Sidewalk Café and Vista Lounge as part of the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Then on July 12, they host the Manitou Boogaloo at Manitou Beach’s Danceland. That show features The Garrys, The Seahags, Snake River and The Denim Daddies, with proceeds to support local cats. Here are six songs Aaron and Shawn consider favourites. /Gregory Beatty
“Ahead Of Myself”
Mo Kenney | Single (2019)
A great new track from Mo Kenny which embodies everything I love about Mo’s writing. Catchy melodies, well-written lyrics, and it really rips! (AK)
“Beats”
Begonia | Single (2019)
I love the song and the beautiful, haunting melody which builds and builds. The lines are lyrically incredible and personal and stay with me. “If there is nothing wrong, why am I down so long?” That line, and this song, came to me at the right time and I’ve played it on repeat. (AK)
“To The Top”
Murray A Lightburn | Hear Me Out (2019)
This album of classic pop by The Dears’ frontman was produced by Howard Bilerman. Lightburn shows here why he’s a melody master, and I find the throwback pop instrumentation/production of this track to be quite heart-warming. (AK)
“In The Night”
Basia Bulat | Oh, My Darling (2007)
Everything Basia does is brilliant, and we’ve been huge fans since first hearing this song on CBC from her debut album. Eventually, we were blessed to share a workshop stage with her at the Regina Folk Festival. She also kindly connected us with her friend Howard Bilerman, who produced her albums, and eventually produced us too. (SK)
“You Want It Darker”
Leonard Cohen | You Want It Darker (2016)
Howard also recorded the choir on this beautiful title song from Leonard Cohen’s final album. Every time I hear it, I need to stop what I’m doing and listen. (SK)
“Manitouna”
The Garrys | Surf Manitou (2017)
I love sibling groups, and this band of three Saskatoon sisters are always amazing and inspiring. (SK)