Prince Albert Band Brings Jazz, Punk, and Progressive Rock to the Spice Trail (Friday, Nov. 14)

By Scott Roos

Band photos by Scott Roos

Live photos by Deanna Roos

Get ready, Prince Albert—this Friday, Nov. 14th, the Spice Trail will host a night of unrestrained musical fun as the infamous fab five known as The Prince Albert Band (yes that is actually the band's name) takes the stage for their very first solo show. Known for blending jazz, progressive rock, alternative, punk, and metal, this five-piece group has carved out a sound that is uniquely their own.

“We have a progressive rock kind of sound, but we also have a nice jazz element,” says trumpeter Cobain Roos, who adds, “Having a trumpet player and a bass clarinet player… adds a unique dynamic between our members and a unique dynamic to our sound.”

Alongside Roos are lead guitarist and vocalist Theodore Enchanh, drummer Tony Ross, bassist Kingston Walker, and bass clarinetist Chord Fehr. Together, they combine technical skill with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor that shines through in their lyrics and performances.

The band got its start in a local high school band room. “It all started with myself, Theodore, and Tony wanting to start a bad punk band… and then it just evolved into a real thing,” Roos recalls. From those early jams in Roos’s garage and more recently Walker’s basement, the group has developed a sound that is both playful and ambitious.

Songwriting is a collaborative affair. “Usually it just starts with Theodore writing a riff on his guitar, Kingston writing a riff on his bass, and then we all kind of just jam until it becomes a thing,” Roos explains. Whether riff-first or lyrics-first, the band thrives on improvisation and experimentation.

Each member brings something essential to the mix: Ross, a highly skilled drummer brings a rock, jazz and bossa nova feel; Enchanh delivers catchy guitar riffs and lyrics; Walked adds a grittier, punk-metal edge; and both Roos and Fehr infuse the music with jazz textures that give the band its signature sound.

While they don’t take themselves too seriously per se, the Prince Albert Band is serious about giving back to their community. Their first gigs included the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library’s “Save Our Seats” benefit and a set at the Prince Albert Exhibition, and this week’s show at the Spice Trail will be free to the public. They also made a pilgrimage to Saskatoon's famed Bud's On Broadway last month to take part in their famed all ages open mic night.

“This (the gig at the Spice Trail) should be a good time,” Roos promises. “It’s a small venue, kind of quaint, but there’s a good space for performing. We want to give back to the community with our sound and our great show.”

Fast, fun, and unpredictable, the Prince Albert Band is five kids having a blast - and they’re inviting you to join in. So come on out this Friday, Nov. 14th to Prince Albert's Spice Trail, sample their fantastic cuisine (their Butter Chicken is delicious), and take in some quirky music. The show is FREE! Music will start at 8 pm.