The Pollyannas
Biography
They were known as one of Toronto's best kept secrets. Another secret:
one of its members was former Blue Rodeo member James Gray! Martin Menard, Al Beardsell
& Julian Brown rounded out the line-up.
The Pollyannas' local success led them to tour Holland, Blegium, and Germany.
They played the side stage at Blue Rodeo's Stardust picnic and
the main stage of Toronto's Taste of Danforth. Following these performances, The Pollyannas contributed to DROG Records' Food Songs compilation CD, and released their own album, Hope To Burn in
1999.
While plans for a second CD were in place, The Pollyannas
broke-up in 2001.
Relationship to Blue Rodeo
Blue Rodeo's James Gray is the primary connection to The Pollyannas. The ties include:
- James was a member of The Pollyannas.
- James contributed to The Pollyannas first DROG compilation CD
on a song called "Burgandy Popsicle".
- James toured Europe with the band.
- The Pollyannas participated in Blue Rodeo's Stardust
Picnic festival.
Quotes
James saw the Pollyannas play at the Rivoli in
1999 when Mary Harmer was on keyboard. James was impressed with the
band's performance that night. "He loved us." - Martin Menard,
Pollyannas
"Slap Pollyannas Hope To Burn on
between Blue Rodeo's Diamond Mine and The Hip's Up to Here and you've got yourself a super set afternoon."
- Howard Druckman, Chart Magazine