Cousin Harley

Western Canada’s
Premier Rockabilly and Roots Band

Cousin Harley is the rocking hillbilly persona of Paul Pigat, an extraordinary guitarist vocalist and songwriter. Hailing from Vancouver, BC, Cousin Harley has a hard- earned reputation for delivering everything from hot rod rockabilly to foot stomping vintage country and Western Swing.

Recorded in Victoria BC after a long summer on the road, the CD Hillbilly Madness is the highly anticipated follow up to 2002 is critically acclaimed Jukin’, and aims to capture the blistering spirit of Cousin Harley’s dynamic live performance. The album showcases the swing, rockabilly, blues and jazz elements that make cousin Harley truly unquie in the roots music world.

Pigat’s Cousin Harley style is deeply rooted in the playing of Les Paul, Charlie Christian and Link Wray with a modern twist to create a style that is exhilarating in its intensity, yet at the same time fluid and precise. Paul’s creative use of tone and dynamics is a hallmark of everything he plays and his sense of rhythm is both sophisticated and dead on.

An extremely versatile artist, with projects ranging from Delta Blues to classical music, Hillbilly Madness is Pigat’s fifth recording. He has also recorded with the likes of Neko Case and Carolyn Mark and has shared the stage with Taj Mahal, Michael Kaeshammer Mae Moore, Lee Aaron, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Joshua Redman , Big Sandy and the Flyrite Boys, Jim Byrnes, Zubot & Dawson
and more.

The backing band is one of the hottest rhythm sections around, Edmonton bassist Pete Turland (Ray Condo & the Riccochets) and Victoria drummer Jesse Cahill
(Fathead Newman).

Pigat’s superb talent as a guitarist is matched by his vocal abilities; a warm baritone equally at home singing flat – out rockers and relaxed country swing.

Hillbilly Madness features 15 stellar tracks comprising 11 orginal tunes which run seamlessly with 4 well chosen covers.

From classical honky tonk like “How My Heart Yearns For You” and “Who Will The Next Fool Be” (kiss off songs of the first order ), to cow punk tinged rippers like “Get that Bastard”, “Whiskey Highway” and “Dust Bowl Devil”, to a helping of western swing to cool the palate, Hillbilly Madness is a direct representation of the band playing hot and heavy slugging it out in the trenches of the live music scene.

"Cousin Harley played at our Edge of the World Music Festival in 2007 and absolutely SMOKED 'EM! They had our largest crowd ever dancing from start to end with their terrific mix of rock-a-billy and country swing. If you want a sure fire closer for any event, you can't go wrong with Cousin Harley. "
-- Keith Alexander, Artistic Director, Edge of the World Music Festival

“Pigat is a ballsy; confident vocalist, at home equally with forceful rockabilly, laid back western swing tunes and slow ballads. His lead guitar is stunning and the generous breaks bristle with invention and at times are lightning fast.”
-- Harry Dodds – “Now Dig This” magazine, UK

FOR BOOKING, CONTACT:
TURNER MUSIC AND EVENTS
Suite 1104 - 207 West Hastings Street,
Vancouver, BC V6B 1H7
Phone (604) 662-4144
Fax (604) 662-4116 or
Email jeff@turnermusic.com