Since the 2023 release of their critically acclaimed debut album, Vol 1, MOONRIIVR has quickly made a name for itself. Respected producer and bandleader, Gavin Gardiner (Wooden Sky, All Day Coconut) and renowned guitarist, “Champagne” James Robertson (Lindi Ortega, Dwayne Gretzkey) have respectively made their mark on Canada’s musical landscape, and together, are eying new frontiers. Their aesthetic is taped together by vintage gear and a deep love for the weirder fringes of ‘60s pop psychedelia. Timeless melodies drift over vintage rhythms - made by drummer Lyle Molzan (Corb Lund, Kathleen Edwards) & bassist Ben Whitely (The Weather Station) - touching on influences from the golden era of Western pop music while maintaining a distinctive and innovative sound.

Following tours across Canada and Europe, MOONRIIVR has embarked on an exciting new recording project: reimagined takes of songs from Vol 1. As an ode to their nostalgic sound and their Toronto roots, they took to a portable analog tape recorder, and brought their performances to community staples around their neighbourhood. They turned to their well loved Tascam 388 to serve as the portable recording studio. “It fits easily in the back of my car and means we leave the computers at home,” says James.

The project features two installments: The Dorval Sessions and Live at Jenny’s Bar. The Dorval Sessions were recorded live at Fabien’s Unisex Hair Salon, Yorgo the Cobbler and Victoria’s Flower Shop - beloved storefronts at the corner of Bloor and Dorval. On ‘Let the World Turn’ Whiteley's double bass and Molzan's snappy hand percussion create a tactile, kinetic underpinning for Robertson's graceful baritone uke playing and Gardiner's winsome lyrics. As the last note decays, a cheer goes up from the crowd of passersby gathered on the sidewalk to listen.

The second installment was recorded at Jenny's Bar, a local favourite on Dundas Street West. Gardiner is quick to point out that “Jenny herself is a big supporter of the community – and of course the band,” The bar’s regulars were encouraging as the band squeezed into the back corner of the room and cheered them on as the band ran through electrifying versions of “Midnight at the Garden Hotel” and “Bachelor Nation”, MOONRIIVR’s tribute to the devoted fan base of the long running reality TV show.

A love letter to their hometown and a perfectly framed snapshot of a well oiled machine, the first installment of the Tascam Series: The Dorval Sessions w/ Live At Jenny's Bar offers a wonderful live compliment to the MOONRIIVR discography.